To simplify the reading of acid eluted blood smears for fetal hemoglobin, positive and negative controls are placed side by side on a single slide. Red blood cells having high Hb F content are stained a bright pink in contrast to cells devoid of Hb F which appear as ghost cells with a faint pink outline. A method for preparing, fixing, and short-term storing of control slides with their subsequent room temperature acid elution and staining is given.

Acids↗

PubMed1969

Localization of hydrogen ion and chloride ion fluxes in Nitella.

Alternating bands of acid and base formation have been detected along the length of the internodal cell of Nitella clavata when it is illuminated, while in the dark this phenomenon is minimal. Chloride influx occurs only or largely in the acid-extruding regions, and this is also a light-dependent ion movement. Chloride efflux is slightly dependent on illumination and is not localized as are H(+) efflux and Cl(-) influx. The results obtained support Kitasato's (1968) proposal that a large passive H(+) influx is balanced by an active efflux of this ion. Transport mechanisms suggested by the correlations of Cl(-) and HCO(3) (-) influxes with H(+) extrusion are discussed.

Biological Transport↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Risk-rated health insurance programs: a review of designs and important issues.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW. The purpose of this review is to assist those who work in the field of health promotion when considering the implementation of an individually risk-rated health insurance plan. It does so by introducing the reader to the concept of individually risk-rating health insurance; uncritically reviewing selected risk-rated health insurance plans; and exploring several issues related to plan implementation, administration, and appropriateness. SEARCH METHODS USED. The review is based on the authors' awareness of the literature in the fields of preventive medicine, health promotion, and employee benefits. The six individually risk-rated health insurance programs that are reviewed were chosen because they demonstrate how aspects of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Model have been implemented using various combinations of administrative procedures, verification strategies, and types of economic incentives or disincentives. This review is not intended to be a comprehensive review of the literature. SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT FINDINGS. Individually risk-rated health insurance programs have been established using a variety of administrative procedures, verification strategies, and types of economic incentives or disincentives. The frequency with which these programs are being established is increasing. As the number of risk-rated programs grows, it will be increasingly important to address the many issues that implementing such plans generate: How should lifestyle behaviors be verified? Will healthy lifestyles save money? Can employees fully control their risk factors? Is risk-rating socially responsible? MAJOR CONCLUSIONS. As risk-rating becomes more widespread, there will be a continuing need to address the business, medical, ethical, and legal issues these programs create and to refine them accordingly. The health promotion community has both an opportunity and obligation to see to it that individually risk-rated health insurance programs are implemented in a socially acceptable manner and that the outcomes they generate are cost-beneficial.

Employee Incentive Plans↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Physician decision making: effects of HMO model type and characteristics of medical practice on utilization.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Data Collection↗