Summa St. Thomas Hospital

Legal redress can play a critical role in interrupting the pattern of domination and control inherent in intimate partner violence (IPV), yet it remains an infrequent strategy among battered women. The current study employed a contextual framework for investigating the correlates for engagement in the criminal justice system for a sample of 227 sheltered battered women. Results indicated that individual, relational, and system-level factors were all associated with two legal help-seeking behaviors: having a civil protection order and criminal prosecution. In particular, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology, social support, and prior experience with police officers were significant correlates for legal help-seeking. Results highlight the need for a coordinated community response to IPV, addressing both legal needs and psychological needs simultaneously.

A series of amphiphilic networks (membranes), consisting of hydrophilic poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PDMAAM) main chains crosslinked by hydrophobic telechelic polyisobutylene di- and trimethacrylates (MA-PIB-MA or ∅︁(PIB-MA)3) have been synthesized and used for the preparation of thin-walled tubules suitable for the immunoisolation of porcine islets. The molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) ranges, insulin and glucose diffusion coefficients and permeabilities of various membranes have been determined. The molecular weight of the PDMAAM moiety between two hydrophobic crosslinking points (Mc,hydrophilic) controls permeability, which in turn can be controlled by synthesis conditions. The strengths and elongations of water-swollen membranes crosslinked with ∅︁(PIB-MA)3 are superior by a factor of about two to those prepared with MA-PIB-MA. Based on the values from these experiments, a well-defined membrane prepared with ∅︁(PIB-MA)3 was selected and used to encapsulate porcine islet cells. Gratifyingly, the encapsulated islet cells remain functional and viable, and cells within the tubule release insulin upon glucose challenge. These in vitro experiments are sufficiently promising to encourage us to continue our studies to develop a bioartificial pancreas.

The authors argue for the extension of mandatory treatment to persons gravely disabled by substance abuse. The problem is examined from ideological, clinical, legal, economic, and ethical perspectives.

Primary malignant melanoma of the lower respiratory tract is a very rare disease (fewer than 15 reported cases). An autopsy-documented case is presented, along with a discussion of endoscopic and pathologic features.