Experiences and Perceived Effects of Rosary Praying: A Qualitative Study.

The aim of this study is to explore experiences and perceived effects of the Rosary on issues around health and well-being, as well as on spirituality and religiosity. A qualitative study was conducted interviewing ten Roman Catholic German adults who regularly practiced the Rosary prayer. As a result of using a tangible prayer cord and from the rhythmic repetition of prayers, the participants described experiencing stability, peace and a contemplative connection with the Divine, with Mary as a guide and mediator before God. Praying the Rosary was described as helpful in coping with critical life events and in fostering an attitude of acceptance, humbleness and devotion.

[Quantitative pharmaceutical indicators and reform: do they change when there are no staff changes?]. / Indicadores farmacéuticos cuantitativos y reforma: varían cuando no hay cambios en el personal?

The evolution of three quantitative pharmaceutical indicators before and after the reformation was implemented in three ABS from Girona and in the rest of the province with non-reformed system of care was evaluated. The three investigated ABS, after a period of reformation with similar characteristics, showed a quite different evolution of their pharmaceutical indicators. The comparison of the increments of the indicators among the different centers did not show significant differences in the years preceding the reformation. The differences appeared when the comparison was made after the reformation: amount/prescription (p less than 0.01), amount/inhabitant (p = 0.01), and number of prescriptions/inhabitant (p = 0.01). The three ABS contributed to these differences in a different sense and in unequal degrees. The study did not address the quality of prescription. However, it showed its varied evolution after the reformation, as shown by the three evaluated indicators. Factors other than the characteristics of the system where health care is included appear to have greater importance in the short run.

Assessment of magnesium and aluminum in erythrocytes by the laser microprobe mass analyzer (LAMMA).

The erythrocyte magnesium content was determined using two different analytical systems (atomic absorption spectrometry and the laser microprobe mass analyzer) with specimens from 18 patients with normal renal function and from 10 patients with chronic renal insufficiency. There was a good correlation (r = 0.73) between the two analytical systems. Additionally, the laser microprobe mass analyzer was used to determine the aluminum content of plasma and erythrocytes in specimens from patients who ingested moderate quantities of aluminum hydroxide for several months. Results showed a significant elevation of the plasma aluminum concentration, but a normal erythrocyte aluminum content. The laser microprobe mass analyzer may be useful in studies of mineral metabolism in humans.