[Ouabain: from an arrow poison to a new steroidal hormone]. / Ouabaín--od sípového jedu k novému steroidnému hormónu.

For more than 200 years, cardiotonic glycosides have been used for the treatment of congestive heart failure. Ouabain is a well-known arrow poison obtained from different Acokanthera or Strophanthus species. Much information has now accumulated that this plant toxin and its congeners are mammalian steroid hormones involved in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. There is an interesting fact that 50% patients with essential hypertension have elevated levels of endogenous ouabain. A better knowledge of the interactions of these compounds with the hormones of salt and water metabolism might help to improve the diagnosis and therapy of hypertension.

Microsatellite and HLA class II oligonucleotide typing in a population of Yanomami Indians.

We have used three different microsatellites (on chromosome 12 and Y) together with HLA class II oligonucleotide typing (DQA and DQB) to analyze families of Yanomami indians settling in villages in Southern Venezuela. There exist complex networks of biological relationship between villages as a result of wife exchange, village fissioning and changing patterns of alliances associated with inter-village warfare. Social status in this society is largely determined by the kinship system. Polygyny is common, especially among headmen, with additional wives, frequently being chosen among the sisters of the first wife. Our preliminary results mainly obtained from inhabitants of the village HAP show the expected allele distribution in populations with a high degree of consanguinity: (i) deficiency of observed heterozygotes at the autosomal loci and (ii) almost all men carry the same Y chromosomal allele. Nevertheless in the Yanomami village two thirds of the described autosomal microsatellite alleles were identified. Several paternities were clarified.

Salary discrepancies between male and female foodservice directors in JCAHO-accredited hospitals.

This study profiles foodservice directors employed in US hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and examines the effect of gender and work-related characteristics on salary. A 37-item questionnaire was sent to 1,002 randomly selected directors of foodservice programs at JCAHO-accredited hospitals in the United States and Puerto Rico. Usable data were received from 663 directors, a response rate of 66%. Foodservice directors answered questions on background information, work-related information, academic and professional certification, and salary range. Findings indicate that foodservice directors are predominantly white, female, college graduates, and more than half are registered dietitians. On the average, foodservice directors had 16 years of experience in foodservice, had spent 9 years with their current employer and 6 years in their present position, and worked a mean of 48 hours each week; more than two thirds earned greater than $30,000. Salaries, however, were significantly higher for men than for women. When controlling for experience (employment in foodservice, years with present employer and in present position), size of hospital, academic preparation, and professional certification, salaries remained consistently higher for men. Although the dietetics profession is predominantly female, gender appears to be the major factor accounting for inequalities in salaries. These findings may alert hospital administrators of the need to review hiring practices and establish standards that promote equitable salary opportunities for persons most qualified for positions, regardless of gender.