bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of screening methods for anaemia in pregnant women in Awassa, Ethiopia
Authors: Gies S. , Brabin B. J. , Yassin M. A. , Cuevas L. E. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryScreening for anaemia in pregnancy is essential for implementing and monitoring effective antenatal programmes. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of invasive and non‐invasive screening methods in a cross‐sectional survey of 403 pregnant women attending an urban health centre in Awassa, southern Ethiopia. Overall anaemia prevalence [haemoglobin (Hb): <11 g/dl] was 15.1% (95% CI: 12.1–19.9), mild anaemia (Hb: 10–10.9 g/dl) 10.4%, moderate anaemia (Hb: 7–9.9 g/dl) 4.2% and severe anaemia (Hb < 7 g/dl) 0.3%. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of conjunctival pallor and the WHO Hb colour scale were calculated for Hb cut‐off points <11, <10 and <9 g/dl. All methods in combination with the symptoms and complaints reported by the mothers were entered into a predictive scoring system. None of the methods tested or models predicted anaemia with suitable accuracy in this population. The diagnosis of anaemia based on clinical signs and symptoms remains unreliable despite attempts to develop predictive models.
Recognizing childhood illnesses and their traditional explanations: exploring options for care‐seeking interventions in the context of the IMCI strategy in rural Ghana
Authors: Hill Zelee , Kendall Carl , Arthur Paul , Kirkwood Betty , Adjei Eunice 
Published: December 2004

SummaryObjectives Interventions that promote appropriate care‐seeking for severely ill children have the potential to substantially reduce child mortality in developing countries, but little is known about the best approach to address the issue. This paper explores the relative importance of illness recognition as a barrier to care‐seeking and the feasibility and potential impact of improving recognition.Methods The study combined qualitative and quantitative methods including in‐depth interviews exploring the local illness classification system, a Rapid Anthropological Assessment (RAA) recording narratives of recent episodes of child illness and a survey designed to test the hypotheses that emerged from the RAA.Results Several danger symptoms were not recognized by caregivers. There were recognition problems which may not be feasibly addressed in an intervention. Other significant care‐seeking barriers included classifying certain illnesses as ‘not‐for‐hospital’ and untreatable by modern medicine; problems of access; and frequent use of traditional medicines.Conclusion The recognition component of any care‐seeking intervention should identify the type of recognition problem present in the community. Many of the care‐seeking barriers identified in the study revolved around the local illness classification system, which should be explored and built on as part of any care‐seeking intervention.
Anopheles species of the mount Cameroon region: biting habits, feeding behaviour and entomological inoculation rates
Authors: Wanji Samuel , Tanke Theodore , Atanga Sali N. , Ajonina Caroline , Nicholas Tendongfor , Fontenille Didier 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThere is a lack of data on the Anopheles fauna, its biology and the roles played by different vector species in the transmission of malaria in the mount Cameroon region. The biting habits, feeding behaviour and entomological inoculation rates of different Anopheles species during the dry and rainy season were investigated. A total of 2165 Anopheles was collected, 805 in the rainy season and 1360 in the dry season. Five Anopheles species were identified: Anopheles gambiae s.l., An. funestus, An. hancocki, An. moucheti and An. nili. An. gambiae, An. funestus and An. hancocki, recorded during both seasons, were the main vectors of malaria in the region. An. gambiae s.s. was the only member of the An. gambiae (Giles) complex. These three species had their peak activity between 1 and 2 am. A human blood index (HBI) of 98.29% was recorded for fed Anopheles. The sporozoite rate, for all vectors together, was significantly higher in the rainy season (9.4%) than in the dry season (4.2%) with all the species infected by Plasmodium falciparum. The average inoculation rate was 0.44 infective bites per man per night, which adds up to 161 infective bites per year in this study area. Analyses of relative abundance and infection rate of malaria vectors at different sites situated along a transect of 20 km during the dry season showed high heterogeneity in biting and sporozoite rates. No malaria vector was caught at 1200 m a.s.l. The mount Cameroon region should be considered an area of high malaria transmission intensity.
Syndromic management of sexually transmitted diseases in Botswana's primary health care: quality of care aspects
Authors: Boonstra E. , Lindbæk M. , Klouman E. , Ngome E. , Romøren M. , Sundby J. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryObjectives To evaluate the quality of care of the syndromic management of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Botswana's primary health care.Methods Participative observations of 224 consecutive consultations of patients with STDs (135 females and 89 males) by nurses. Twenty‐one cases were excluded because no STD checklist was filled in. Criteria for acceptable history taking, physical examination and correct treatment were agreed upon.Results The quality of history taking and physical examination was acceptable for 25% and 23% of the women and for 54% and 57% of the men, respectively. Approximately, 65% of the women and 81% of the men received appropriate treatment. On average, consultations took 5.4 min for women and 4.6 min for men. STD contacts comprised 11% of STD cases. Advice on partner notification was provided to 66% of the women and 86% of men, and 75% and 89%, respectively, were counselled on the use of condoms. In half of the health facilities the lack of a fixed light source was the main constraint in carrying out a vaginal speculum examination. The availability of antibiotics and condoms was excellent. In 40% of the health facilities, all STD algorithms were displayed in the consultation room.Conclusion One‐third of women and one‐fifth of men did not receive appropriate treatment for their STD, in spite of excellent provision of drugs. Although Botswana health workers perform relatively well on partner notification and counselling, there is considerable scope for improving the quality of medical history and clinical examination, especially in women. Emphasis should be given on training health workers in clinical examinations, in particular in pelvic examinations, and to supervision and in‐service training.
Incidence and risk factors of paediatric rotavirus diarrhoea in northern Ghana
Authors:   The Navrongo Rotavirus Research Group
Published: December 2004

SummaryWe measured the type‐specific incidence of paediatric rotavirus diarrhoea in an area of northern Ghana. Over 1 year, diarrhoea 1717 episodes were identified, of which 677 (39%) were positive for rotavirus. Risk factors for rotavirus infection included old age, wasting, high Vesikari score and the episode occurring in the dry season. Rotavirus‐positive episodes tended to be more acute, causing vomiting and greater dehydration, and were more likely to require hospitalization. The incidence was 0.089 episodes per person‐year for all diarrhoea, and 0.035 for rotavirus diarrhoea. The observed incidence decreased markedly with distance from the nearest health centre, suggesting a large unobserved burden. G2P[6], G3P[4] and G9P[8] made up more than half the genotypes detected, but the remainder were diverse. There is a large burden of rotavirus diarrhoea, but the effectiveness of future vaccines could be diluted by the high polymorphism of the virus, and the difficulty of reaching remote populations.
Changing scenario of malaria in central India, the replacement of Plasmodium vivax by Plasmodium falciparum (1986–2000)
Authors: Singh Neeru , Nagpal A. C. , Saxena Ajay , Singh M. P. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryObjectives  Since 1986, we have been studying the changing epidemiology of malaria in a forest belt of Mandla, which has the highest number of malaria cases in central India (Madhya Pradesh) to define the epidemiological characteristics of the infection with each Plasmodium species in different seasons of the year. Our long‐term objective was to determine the dynamics of Plasmodium vivaxvs.P. falciparum infections.Methods  Five villages underwent fortnightly surveillance of fever cases. Drugs were distributed within 24 h after results of blood smears became available as per Indian National Anti‐Malaria Programme. Indoor resting mosquitoes were also collected fortnightly.Results  The only two Plasmodium species encountered were P. vivax and P. falciparum in both children and adults. Relatively more malaria infections were recorded in children (≤14 years) than adults (>14 years) (χ2 = 89.94, P < 0.00001). However, there were significant falling trends in P. vivax from 1986 to 2000 in both age groups (≤14 years from 63 to 13, P < 0.0001 and >14 years from 84 to 7, P < 0.0001). The indoor resting density of Anopheles culicifacies, an efficient vector resistant to both dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) (4%) and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) (0.4%), was very high throughout this period in all villages (52.35 ± 31.8, range 5–200 per man hour). Anopheles fluviatilis was present in small numbers 0.78 ± 1.24 (range 0–7 per man hour).Conclusion  Major contributors of the changing epidemiology of malaria in this area are changing drug sensitivity along with insecticide sensitivity.
Comparison of serum dexamethasone concentrations in cats after oral or transdermal administration using Pluronic Lecithin Organogel (PLO): A pilot study
Authors: Willis‐Goulet Heather S. , Schmidt Bill A. , Nicklin Constance F. , Marsella Rosanna , Kunkle Gail A. , Tebbett Ian r. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract The objective of this study was to measure and compare the serum concentrations of dexamethasone after oral and transdermal administration using pluronic lecithin organogel in six healthy cats. The study was designed as a crossover, in which the cats were randomly assigned to two groups. The cats received a single dose (0.05 mg kg−1) of dexamethasone either orally or transdermally on the inner pinna. Blood samples were taken at 0, 5, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min, and 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24, 48 and 72 h post dexamethasone administration. A mean peak serum concentration of 30.1 ng mL−1was detected 15 min after oral administration. Serum concentrations were below detection limits by 24 h. In contrast, there was no significant increase in serum concentrations of dexamethasone after transdermal administration. In cats, transdermal administration of a single dose of dexamethasone did not result in significant serum concentrations compared to oral administration.
Amaranthus hybridus populations resistant to triazine and acetolactate synthase‐inhibiting herbicides
Authors: Maertens K D , Sprague C L , Tranel P J , Hines R A 
Published: December 2004

Summary Amaranthus hybridus L. populations (A, B and C) obtained from escapes in Massac County and Pope County fields in southern Illinois, USA were subjected to greenhouse and laboratory experiments to measure multiple resistance to triazine and acetolactate synthase (ALS)‐inhibiting herbicides and cross‐resistance between sulfonylurea and imidazolinone herbicides. Phytotoxicity responses of the three populations revealed that only population B exhibited multiple resistances to triazine and ALS‐inhibiting herbicides. This population was >167‐, >152‐ and >189‐fold resistant to atrazine, imazamox and thifensulfuron, respectively, at the whole plant level compared with the susceptible population. Population A was only resistant to triazines and population C was only resistant to ALS‐inhibiting herbicides. Results from in vivo ALS enzyme and chlorophyll fluorescence assays confirmed these findings and indicated that an altered site‐of‐action mediated resistance to both triazine and ALS‐inhibiting herbicides. Gene sequencing revealed that a glycine for serine substitution at residue 264 of the D1 protein, and a leucine for tryptophan substitution at residue 574 of ALS were the causes of resistance for the three populations.
Fibrin Sealant: Scientific Rationale, Production Methods, Properties, and Current Clinical Use
Authors: Radosevich M. , Goubran H. A. , Burnouf T. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractFibrin sealant is a complex plasma‐derived product which is increasingly used as a biodegradable tissue adhesive or sealant to stop or control bleeding or provide air and fluid tightness in many surgical situations. This review describes the historical development of current fibrin sealant preparations and the scientific rationale behind the alleged physiological benefits of its major plasma‐derived components. A comparison in the extraction methods and viral reduction treatments applied to current commercial products and autologous preparations, and their respective advantages and limits, are discussed. Application devices used for surgical applications are described. A survey of the major clinical applications in various surgical areas is presented. Current issues in terms of viral safety, definition of optimal fibrin sealant composition, and regulatory concerns, especially to demonstrate clinical efficacy, are also included.
Heating Lyophilised Factor VIII Does Not Alter Its Recognition by Specific Antibodies
Authors: Gilles J. G. , di Giambattista M. , Laub R. , Saint‐Remy J. M. R. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Background and objectives: Alterations of factor VIII (FVIII) during preparation procedures can potentially affect its immunogenicity. One method evaluating such alterations could be by determining the reactivity of FVIII with specific antibodies. Materials and methods: Since heat treatment is currently used to reduce the risk of viral transmission, we evaluated the immunoreactivity of plasma‐derived FVIII before and after heating at different temperatures and for different periods. Freeze‐dried FVIII was used for these experiments as part of the validation procedure of a novel FVIII preparation. Results: Heating FVIII for up to 72 h at 80 °C does not alter its reactivity with specific rabbit antibodies or mouse monoclonal antibodies, although some loss of FVIII activity occurred after 72 h. After heating for 2 h at 100 °C, a procedure that reduced FVIII activity by about 50%, there were still no significant effects on FVIII reactivity with monoclonal antibodies. Conclusions: Freeze‐dried preparations of plasma‐derived FVIII seem to be resistant to heat‐induced structural denaturation.
In vitro Evaluation of the Hemostatic Effectiveness of Non Viable Platelet Preparations: Studies with Frozen‐Thawed, Sonicated or Lyophilized Platelets
Authors: Alemany Monica , Hernandez Maria Rosa , Bozzo Jordi , Galan Ana Maria , Reverter Joan Carles , Mazzara Roberto , Ordinas Antonio , Escolar Gines 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjectives:Because of the limited life span of platelets in regular storage systems, we were interested in investigating the effects on hemostasis of nonliving platelet derivatives.Methods:We evaluated the effects of different platelet preparations on primary hemostasis in a well‐established perfusion model. Studies were carried out with blood anticoagulated with low molecular weight heparin. Similar amounts of frozen‐thawed, sonicated or lyophilized platelets were added to normal blood or to blood which had been experimentally depleted of platelets. Platelet interaction with the subendothelium and fibrin deposition were morphometrically evaluated.Results:Addition of nonviable platelet preparations to thrombocytopenic blood always promoted a statistically significant increase in the deposition of fibrin on the subendothelium, but only lyophilized platelets retained some ability to interact with the subendothelium. Flow cytometry studies demonstrated the presence of GPIb, GPIIIa and P‐selectin on lyophilized platelets.Conclusions:Preparations containing nonviable platelets may still retain some hemostatic properties.
Thrombocytopenia Induced by Vancomycin‐Dependent Platelet Antibody
Authors: Mizon P. , Kiefel V. , Mannessier L. , Mueller‐Eckhardt C. , Goudemand J. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Background and objectives: Many drugs are associated with thrombocytopenic purpura through immune‐mediated platelet destruction. The case of a woman who suffered lifethreatening thrombocytopenia during vancomycin treatment for Staphylococcus aureus septicemia is reported. Materials and methods: Conventional clinical and laboratory methods, including flow cytometry. Results: After treatment of septicemia with vancomycin, severe thrombocytopenia and bleeding occurred, without detection of drug‐dependent platelet antibodies (DDPA). This was followed by vegetative endocarditis, whereupon antibiotics were withdrawn so as to isolate the organism. The thrombocytopenia was corrected. On day 34, antibiotics including vancomycin were reinstituted, and three days later thrombocytopenia recurred. With a change in antibiotics, the platelet count corrected itself within four days. Conclusions: Vancomycin may induce potentially severe immunological thrombocytopenia.
Storage of Buffy Coat Preparations at 22°C in Plastic Containers with Different Gas Permeability
Authors: Eriksson L. , Eriksson G. , Högman C.F. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Background: Buffy coats (BCs) are used as an alternative to platelet‐rich plasma in the preparation of platelet concentrates (PCs). For this purpose the BCs have to be stored for some time at 20–24°C which implies cellular metabolic activity. However, little information is available concerning the effects of a number of factors which may influence the suitability of the preparation as the source of PC. Study design and methods:We studied the effects on BCs of a high and low gas permeability of the wall of the plastic containers, PL2209 and PL146, respectively, mixing versus non‐mixing during storage for 48 h at 22°C, and two types of anticoagulant solutions, CPD and half strength citrate CPD (0.5CPD). The buffy coats were prepared by the bottom and top technique. The median values of volume and haematrocrit were 58–64 ml and 39–45%, respectively. A total of 48 BCs were tested. Blood gases, pH, bicarbonate concentration and haemolysis were determined in the blood mixtures and β‐thromboglobulin (β‐TG), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), complement factor 3a, and elastase in the extracellular fluid. Results: The pH decreased in all units but to a lesser extent in PL2209 containers than in PL146 units. In the former the pCO2 decreased slowly in contrast to the latter where it increased by about 50%. Mixing during storage increased the pH and decreased the pCO2 in 0.5CPD‐PL146 and CPD‐PL2209 units, as compared to resting, while no effects of mixing were observed in the other groups. The pO2 decreased to low levels in PL146 units. The haemolysis and LDH release were higher in mixed than in unmixed units. The initial β‐TG levels were lowest in 0.5CPD‐PL146 units which also had the lowest 24‐hour levels. The release of β‐TG during storage was smallest in CPD resting units. The elastase release was significantly higher in 0.5CPD than in CPD units already from the beginning of storage and increased during storage at about the same rate irrespective of mixing. The C3a levels were higher in 0.5CPD‐PL2209 units than in the other units at 2 h. Storage for 24 h caused an increase by 2–3 times of the original level without any clear relation to storage conditions. Conclusions: In BC units accumulation of CO2 occurs in containers with low gas permeability. These also show the most rapid pH decrease during storage. Prolonged holding of BCs puts extra emphasis on the need of satisfactory gas permeability of the container for platelet storage in BC‐derived PCs. Continuous mixing causes red cell damage and does not seem to have any clear benefit. The release of granulocyte elastase was higher in 0.5CPD than in CPD units but there was no indication of an associated increase in platelet activation. Summary: Study of buffy coats stored in various media and containers at 22°C suggests that it is better to restrict storage to 24 h or less to avoid activation or other deleterious effects on the platelets.
Removal of Methylene Blue from Plasma via an Adsorbent Filter
Authors: AuBuchon James P. , Pickard Constance , Herschel Louise , O'Connor James L. , Lee Eric 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Objective: To evaluate adsorbent filtration of methylene blue (MB) and leukocytes from plasma. Methods: Plasma (750 ml) from apheresis of 10 normal subjects was split into three aliquots: control (A), filtration (B) and MB addition (to 1 μM), phototreatment and filtration (C). Biochemical and coagulation tests were performed; units A and B were reinfused. Results: Filtration reduced MB to undetectable (<0.05 μM) levels and leukocytes by 3 log10. Biochemical analytes were unchanged. The partial thromboplastin time was prolonged with MB addition (11±13%) or filtration (26±12%, p < 0.05), but the effects were not additive. Autologous transfusion was well tolerated. Conclusion: Adsorbent filtration can reduce residual MB to undetectable levels and yields a component suitable for transfusion.
Hypotensive Reactions Associated with Platelet Transfusions and Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Authors: Mair B. , Leparc G. F. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Background and Objectives: To determine the cause of hypotensive reactions associated with platelet transfusions in coronary artery bypass surgery patients. Materials and Methods: Platelet transfusion reactions that occurred during a 3‐month period were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Eighteen transfusion reactions occurred in 16 patients. Sixteen of the reactions were hypotensive, and occurred in 14 patients transfused with platelets through negatively charged bedside leukocyte reduction filters. All 14 patients had received angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors prior to transfusion. Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest a new type of transfusion reaction associated with the use of negatively charged leukocyte reduction filters during platelet transfusions to patients on ACE inhibitors.
Fas and Fas Ligand Expression on Human Peripheral Blood Leukocytes
Authors: Mincheff Milcho , Loukinov Dmitri , Zoubak Serguei , Hammett Michael , Meryman Harold 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Objectives: Study of Fas and Fas ligand(Fas‐L) expression, as well as sFas–L release, by fresh human peripheral blood leukocytes. Methods: Flow cytometry, cytotoxicity, immunofluorescence staining of fresh smears, Western blotting, Results: Granulocytes and monocytes express a low level of Fas receptor, but no Fas–L. These cells, as well as NK cells, contain presynthesized depots of Fas–L which they express following activation by brief storage (60 min) at room temperature or during separation from whole blood. Such activation also leads to Fas receptor upregulation. NK cells do not express Fas receptor. Once expressed on blood leukocytes, fully functional Fas–L can be released from the membrane and can be detected in plasma–free cell supernatants. Conclusion: Human peripheral blood granulocytes, monocytes and NK cells contain intracellular presynthesized Fas–L which they readily express following blood anticoagulation, blood storage or cell separation. Soluble Fas–L is released from those cells and can be detected in protein–free supernatants by immunoblotting.