National community health worker programs: how can they be strengthened?

This article is based on a collaborative research study of policy and practice in national community health worker (CHW) programs in developing countries. The study involved a review of the relevant literature, case studies in Botswana, Colombia and Sri Lanka, and an international workshop where the future of such programs was discussed. The findings of this research are discussed under four headings: unrealistic expectations, poor initial planning, problems of sustainability, and the difficulties of maintaining quality.

[Clinical and pharmacokinetic comparison of 2 oral preparations of nifedipine: 10 mg capsules and 20 mg delayed-release tablets].

The effects and pharmacokinetic parameters of two oral formulations of nifedipine, 10 mg capsule (Adaltat) and 20 mg slow release tablet (Adalat a.p.).

Social factors influence haloperidol-induced catalepsy in rat.

This study employed manipulations which presumably influence social interactions in rats: (1) paired housing with a heavier conspecific and (2) exposure to the odors of other rats. The dependent variable was the akinetic state induced by haloperidol, a neuroleptic and dopamine antagonist. In Experiment 1, adult male Long-Evans hooded rats were matched by weight and caged alone or in pairs with one rat 30 g heavier than its cagemate.

Finger ridge count in Basque populations: univariate and multivariate comparison with other Spanish populations.

We have analysed finger ridge counts in the indigenous Spanish Basque population (841 males and 911 females). Bimanual and sexual variation have proved to be statistically significant. The results in the Basque population were compared with those of other Spanish populations.

[Health and the development of a rural health service system].

The first part of this article reviews the interesting experience of the Center for Multidisciplinary Research in Rural Development (CIMDER) of Cali, Colombia, in the application of a model for the integrated development of health services. The strategies used in the model were: services available to all individuals and families in the community, use of accessible technology, community participation, and cooperation between the health sector and other development sectors. The second part briefly reviews the role of the nurse in health and development and takes issue with the traditional narrow view of the sphere of action of nursing as a profession.

Lymphomatoid contact dermatitis: a syndrome produced by epicutaneous hypersensitivity with clinical features and a histopathologic picture similar to that of mycosis fungoides.

Four cases have been studied which were clinically suggestive of mycosis fungoides because of their infiltrated plaque-like lesions, but in which the suspicion of a topical hypersensitivity arose when a positive patch test was obtained with the striker part of a box of matches.