Albumin versus hydroxyethyl starch in cardiopulmonary bypass surgery: a meta-analysis of postoperative bleeding.

Background: This meta-analysis tested the hypothesis that cumulative blood loss during the first 24 hours after cardiopulmonary bypass is lower in patients exposed to albumin than hydroxyethyl starch (HES).

Methods: Randomized controlled trials comparing albumin and HES in cardiopulmonary bypass patients were identified by bibliographic database searches and other methods.

Results: Sixteen trials involving 653 randomized patients were included.

Patient survival after human albumin administration. A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials.

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that albumin administration is not associated with excess mortality.

Data Sources: Computer searches of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, the Cochrane Library, and Internet documents; hand searching of medical journals; inquiries to investigators and medical directors; and review of reference lists.

Study Selection: Randomized, controlled trials comparing albumin therapy with crystalloid therapy, no albumin, or lower doses of albumin.

Antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody-induced neutrophil nitric oxide production is nitric oxide synthase independent.

Background: Antineutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCAs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic vasculitis. We asked whether ANCA could induce nitric oxide (NO) release from human neutrophils and, if so, whether this NO production was dependent on NO synthase (NOS) activity.

Methods: Neutrophil NO production was measured using a chemiluminescence assay, and NOS activity was determined by the conversion of [(14)C] L-arginine to [(14)C] L-citrulline and NOS mRNA expression by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

The educational value of consumer-targeted prescription drug print advertising.

Background: The case for direct-to-consumer (DTC) prescription drug advertising has often been based on the argument that such promotions can educate the public about medical conditions and associated treatments. Our content analysis of DTC advertising assessed the extent to which such educational efforts have been attempted.

Methods: We collected advertisements appearing in 18 popular magazines from 1989 through 1998.

Possible interactions between angiotensin II and insulin: effects on glucose and lipid metabolism in vivo and in vitro.

Angiotensin II (ANGII) increases insulin sensitivity in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects, even at subpressor doses, and because there is 'crosstalk' between ANGII and insulin-signaling pathways the underlying mechanism may not be due solely to changes in regional blood flow. A series of experimental studies was undertaken to evaluate the effects of ANGII on glucose and lipid metabolism in vivo and in vitro. Groups of fructose-fed, insulin-resistant Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were pre-treated with 0.

A comparative study of measures to evaluate medical students' performance.

Purpose: To assess how new National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) performance examinations--computerbased case simulations (CBX) and standardized patient exams (SPX)-compare with each other and with traditional internal and external measures of medical students' performances. Secondary objectives examined attitudes of students toward new and traditional evaluation modalities.

Method: Fourth-year students (n = 155) at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine (including joint programs at Charles R.

Direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising, 1989-1998. A content analysis of conditions, targets, inducements, and appeals.

Background: We conducted a content analysis of consumer-targeted prescription drug advertisements to explore trends in prevalence, shifts in the medical conditions for which drugs are promoted, reliance on financial and nonmonetary inducements, and appeals used to attract public interest.

Methods: We collected the drug advertisements appearing in 18 consumer magazines from 1989 through 1998. Two judges independently coded each advertisement and placed it in a category pertaining to the target audience, use of inducements, and product benefits (mean kappa=0.

What students bring to medical school: attitudes toward health promotion and prevention.

Introduction: Health care providers' positive attitudes toward prevention and health promotion are important in achieving national health care goals. Limited studies of incoming medical students have been conducted that measure predictors of positive attitudes toward health promotion and prevention.

Methods: Data were obtained from a 1993 curriculum evaluation survey of first-year students at five different medical schools in California.

Direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising: trends, impact, and implications.

We provide an overview of what is known about the impact of direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising of prescription drugs. Specifically, we explore the historical trends that led to the industry's increasing use of this form of promotion. Then, using the published literature to date, we review the impact of DTC advertising on the consumer, the medical profession, and the health care system.