bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A transfection model for weak rhesus D expression
Authors: Hemker M. B. , Berger L. , Van Der Schoot C. E. , Van Rhenen D. J. , Maaskant‐van wijk P. A. 
Published: March 2003

Weak D is recently reported to be encoded by 14 different weak D genotypes. The amount of RHD mRNA in donors expressing weak D was measured in previous studies. By semiquantitative RT‐PCR analysis Rouillac et al. (Blood 1996) found lower RHD mRNA levels in donors expressing weak D compared to normal RhD donors, whereas Beckers et al. (Transfusion 1997) described equal mRNA levels.The aim of the present study is to explore whether the pointmutations found in donors carrying the weak D phenotype can be responsible for weak D expression. Real‐time quantitative PCR analysis showed that levels of RHD mRNA from donors expressing different weak D genotypes (type 1, 2 and 3) did not differ from RHD mRNA levels from normal heterozygous RhD donors. This indicates that the mutations found in weak D genotypes do not affect RhD expression on transcription level.To investigate whether the described mutations influence translation of mRNA into RhD protein or the configuration of the RhD protein, weak D type 1 cDNA (T809G) and weak D type 3 cDNA (C8G) was transfected in K562 cells. Preliminary results indicate that the ratios between RhD expression and RHD mRNA level (RhD expression/RHD mRNA level) do not differ between weak D type 1 and normal D K562 cells, but are reduced in weak D type 3 transfectants compared to normal D K562 cells. This suggests that in K562 neither the translation nor the configuration of RhD is influenced by the mutation T809G. There might be a missing or limited factor in the K562 model involved in the expression of RhD, hampering the interpretation of the weak D type 1. However, the lower expression of RhD with the mutation C8G might be caused by changed configuration or changed intracellular transport to the membrane.
The changes of cardiac ejection fraction up to 72 h after transfusion in patients with chronic anaemia
Authors: Ho C.‐H. 
Published: March 2003

. The objective was to assess the serial change of the cardiac function after blood transfusion in patients with chronic anaemia. According to a previous study, transfusion would adjust the ejection fraction to the advantage of cardiac function in chronic anaemia patients, and thus the serial change of the cardiac function in a certain period should be evaluated after transfusion in patients with chronic anaemia.In a prospective study, ejection fraction (EF) was determined before and ≤ 6 h, 24 h and 72 h after transfusion in 32 patients with chronic anaemia, and the results were compared and analysed.In the left ventricle (LV), the four EFs noted before and ≤ 6 h, 24 h and 72 h after transfusion did not significantly differ between one another. In the right ventricle (RV), the EF 72 h after transfusion significantly increased in comparison with the pretransfusion value (P = 0·043).Transfusion of small amounts of RBC did not significantly change the LVEF up to 72 h in patients with transfusion‐dependent chronic anaemia; whether it might change the RVEF 72 h after transfusion deserves further investigation.
Harvesting of CD34 antigen‐expressing cells with a new programme for the collection of mononuclear cells with use of the Amicus (Baxter) blood cell separator
Authors: Moog R. 
Published: March 2003

Summary A study was performed to evaluate a new programme for peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection with the use of the Amicus (Baxter) blood cell separator. Healthy donors (n = 9) and oncology patients (n = 21) scheduled for PBSC transplant were studied. Ten PBSC harvests were performed in the donors and 30 in the patients. A median of 6·37 × 106 CD34+ cells per kg recipient body weight (range 3·08–11·06 × 106) were collected from the donors in a product weight of 169·5 g (118–186). From the patients, 6·26 × 106 CD34+ cells per kg body weight(range 0·2–53·6 × 106) were harvested in a product weighing 121·5 g (range 92–190). The median platelet contamination was 0·93 × 1011 (range 0·45–1·23 × 1011) per donor product and 0·2 × 1011 (range 0·05–0·86 × 1011) per patient product. No severe side effects were observed during or after the PBSC collection procedures.
Survey of autologous blood transfusion activity in England (2001)
Authors: Hill J. , James V. 
Published: March 2003

Summary. ‘ Better Blood Transfusion’ (Department of Health (1998) HSC 1998/224) stressed the need for National Health Service Trusts to explore the feasibility of autologous blood transfusions and raise patient awareness of these techniques. The development of an appropriate strategy to promote autologous transfusion requires an understanding of current use, along with constraints to increasing practice. Past surveys have shown unchanging attitudes to autologous transfusion (Torrella et al. (2001) Transfusion Medicine, 11, 15–19), but detailed information regarding the extent of autologous transfusion in England and North Wales was not available.This survey, carried out in 2001, considered autologous transfusion under four headings: predeposit autologous donation, acute normovolaemic haemodilution, intra‐operative cell salvage and postoperative cell salvage. Questionnaires were returned from 265/310 (85·4%) hospitals served by the National Blood Service.Sixty per cent of respondents performed at least one autologous technique, although practice was limited to a few clinicians within each hospital. Predeposit donation was the most widespread technique but involved very few patients. Intra‐ and postoperative cell salvage techniques were practised in fewer hospitals but on many more patients. The main constraints to increasing use of autologous techniques were perceived to be logistical, but removal of constraints may only result in small increases in individual practice. More clinicians need to be encouraged to utilize appropriate, evidence‐based autologous techniques.
Quantitative assessment of circulating antigens in human lymphatic filariasis: a field evaluation of monoclonal antibody‐based ELISA using blood collected on filter strips
Authors: Lalitha P. , Ravichandran M. , Suba S. , Kaliraj P. , Narayanan R. B. , Jayaraman Kunthala 
Published: March 2003

objective

To quantify circulating antigens in individuals with lymphatic filariasis by means of an ELISA using blood on filter strips.method  Circulating antigens in filarial patients and normal individuals living in an area endemic for W. bancrofti infection in Madras, India were estimated using a monoclonal antibody‐based ELISA. results  All microfilaraemics showed positivity to circulating antigens whereas people with chronic pathology and 80% of the endemic normals tested negative. The antigen levels in the blood collected in the night and during day time showed positivity and there was no difference in the antigen concentration. The results of the antigen levels collected onto filter strips correlated with their corresponding plasma antigen levels (r= 0.83). In microfilaraemics, DEC treatment did not alter the levels of circulating antigens for up to one month. conclusions  We conclude that this monoclonal antibody‐based ELISA using filter strips may be used in day time and replace the existing routine night blood surveys in our endemic area in India.
Distinction of recrudescences from new infections by pcr‐rflp analysis in a comparative trial of cgp 56 697 and chloroquine in Tanzanian children.
Authors: Irion Andrea , Felger Ingrid , Abdulla Salim , Smith Tom , Mull Robert , Tanner Marcel , Christoph Hatz  , Beck Hans‐Peter 
Published: March 2003

Summary
objective To test the efficacy of a new compound drug (CGP 56 697) against acute, uncomplicated falciparum malaria. method Reappearing parasites were analysed by PCR‐RFLP within a randomized controlled trial. 130 patients received chloroquine and 130 patients were treated with CGP 56 697. Samples from 96 patients with parasitological failure were tested by PCR‐RFLP for MSP2 of Plasmodium falciparum. Seven days after treatment 32 patients of the chloroquine control group with reappearing parasites were tested by PCR and one infection was unequivocally determined as a new infection. After 7 days, in the CGP 56 697 group, 6 samples were tested in which one new infection was identified. Similar observations were made one and three weeks later in both groups. results Although a high multiplicity of infections on admission was observed, there was no significant correlation between multiplicity and either recrudescence or new infection. Patients in both treatment groups with subsequent recrudescent parasites had higher initial mean parasite densities than patients who cleared. Those of the patients with recrudescent parasites who were treated with CGP 56 697 had higher initial parasite densities than those treated with chloroquine. The rate of re‐infection increased with time as expected in holoendemic areas and appeared to be higher in chloroquine patients. Generally, CGP 56 697 showed a superior clearance rate, successfully cleared higher parasite densities and suppressed new infections over a longer period of time. conclusion The PCR analysis confirmed that reinfections beyond day 7 are significant in areas highly endemic for malaria and showed the necessity of excluding these when estimating 14 day clearance rates. Provided new infections are excluded, the 28‐day clearance rate can also be used to determine the efficacy of antimalarial drugs in highly endemic areas, and adds to our knowledge of drug resistance and dynamics of infections in people living in such areas.
Multi‐centre evaluation of repeatability and reproducibility of the direct agglutination test for visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Boelaert M. , El Safi S. , Mousa H. , Mbati J. , Gurubacharya V. L. , Shrestha J. , Jacquet D. , De Muynck A. , Le Ray D. , Boelaert M. , Van der Stuyft P. 
Published: March 2003

Summary objective  To evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of the serological direct agglutination test (DAT) for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) with aqueous antigen in a multi‐centre study in VL‐endemic areas in Sudan, Kenya and Nepal. methods  Repeatability within each centre and reproducibility between the centres' results and an external reference laboratory (Belgium) was assessed on 1596 triplicate plain blood samples collected on filter paper. results  High kappa values (range 0.86–0.97) indicated excellent DAT repeatability within the centres. The means of the titre differences between the reference laboratory and the centres in Sudan, Kenya and Nepal (2.3, 2.4 and 1.1, respectively, all significantly different from 0) showed weak reproducibility across centres. 95% of the titre differences between the reference laboratory and the respective centres were accounted for by large intervals: 0.6–9 fold titre variation for Sudan, 0.7–8 fold for Kenya and 0.26–4 fold for Nepal. conclusion  High repeatability of DAT confirms its potential, but reproducibility problems remain an obstacle to its routine use in the field. Reproducibility was hindered by alteration of the antigen through temperature and shaking, especially in Kenya and Sudan, and by nonstandardization of the test reading. DAT handling procedures and antigen quality must be carefully standardized and monitored when introducing this test into routine practice.
Comparative clinical trial of four regimens of dihydroartemisinin‐mefloquine in multidrug‐resistant falciparum malaria
Authors: Na‐Bangchang K. , Tippanangkosol P. , Ubalee R. , Chaovanakawee S. , Saenglertsilapachai S. , Karbwang J. 
Published: March 2003

Summary We conducted a randomized, comparative trial at the Bangkok Hospital for Tropical Diseases during 1996–98 to evaluate the clinical efficacy and tolerability of four combination regimens of dihydroartemisinin‐mefloquine. 207 male patients aged 18–25 years, weighing 49.3–55.1 kg were randomized to receive a single oral dose of 300 mg dihydroartemisinin plus one or two doses of mefloquine as follows: regimen I (n = 26): 750 mg mefloquine concurrently, or regimen II (n = 22): 750 mg mefloquine 24 h later, or regimen III (n = 78): 750 and 500 mg mefloquine at 24 and 30 h, or regimen IV (n = 81): 750 and 500 mg mefloquine (at 0 and 24 h). All patients improved clinically within 24 h of initiation of treatment. The initial therapeutic response was rapid and identical in all treatment groups (median PCT vs. FCT: 36 vs. 24, 36 vs. 28, 36 vs. 26, and 34 vs. 26 h, for regimen I, II, III and IV, respectively). All combination regimens generally showed acceptable tolerability profiles. Compliance with follow‐up (42 days) was achieved by 86.5% (179 cases). Recrudescent parasitaemia was significantly higher in patients treated with low‐dose mefloquine combinations (regimens I, II:8/23, 9/16) than in those who received high‐dose mefloquine (regimens III, IV: 2/70, 3/70). No RII or RIII type of response was observed. There were no significant differences in susceptibility to mefloquine between primary and recrudescent isolates. Dose‐adjusted whole blood mefloquine concentrations were significantly higher in high‐dose mefloquine regimens (III and IV). Patients who vomited within the first hour of mefloquine administration had markedly lower whole blood mefloquine concentrations than those who did not vomit.
Treating neurocysticercosis medically: a systematic review of randomized, controlled trials
Authors: Salinas R. , Counsell C. , Prasad K. , Gelband H. , Garner P. 
Published: March 2003

Summary objective To summarize the evidence from randomized controlled trials on the effects of cysticidal therapy used for treating human cysticercosis. methods Published and unpublished studies in any language identified through MEDLINE (1966 – June 1999) specialized databases, abstracts, proceedings and contact with experts were analysed. Those which compared, using randomized or quasi‐randomized methods, any cysticidal drug with placebo or symptomatic therapy were entered in the study. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers and trial quality assessed. Meta‐analysis using fixed effects models calculated provided there was no significant heterogeneity, expressed as relative risk. results Four trials met the inclusion criteria, treating intraparenchymatous neurocysticercosis with either albendazole or praziquantel compared to placebo or no treatment. In the two trials reporting clinical outcomes, treatment was not associated with a reduction in the risk of seizures, although numbers were small (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.59–1.51). Four trials reported radiological outcomes, and cysticidal treatment was associated with a lower risk of cyst persistence of scans taken within six months of start of treatment (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70–0.99). Subsidiary analysis assuming different outcomes in patients lost to follow‐up did not alter the findings of the main analysis. conclusions There is insufficient evidence to determine whether cysticidal therapy is of any clinical benefit to patients with neurocysticercosis. The review does not exclude the possibility that more patients remain seizure‐free when treated with cysticidal drugs. Further testing through placebo‐controlled trials is required.
Protection from cholera by adding lime juice to food – results from community and laboratory studies in Guinea‐Bissau, West Africa
Authors: Rodrigues Amabélia , Sandström Anita , Cá Tomé , Steinsland Hans , Jensen Henrik , Aaby Peter 
Published: March 2003

Summary Epidemiological studies have shown that food plays an important role in the transmission of Vibrio cholerae, and different foods have been incriminated in many epidemic outbreaks of cholera. Storing contaminated meals at ambient temperatures allows growth of V. cholerae. Some ingredients such as lime juice may inhibit the survival of V. cholerae in foods. During an epidemic caused by V. cholerae O1 in Guinea‐Bissau in 1996, a case control study was conducted in the capital Bissau, the main affected region with an attack rate of 7.4%. Cases were hospitalized patients and controls were matched for area, gender and age. Lime juice in the sauce eaten with rice gave a strong protective effect (odds ratio [OR] = 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.17–0.56), and tomato sauce was also protective (OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.24–0.54). On the other hand, use of a bucket for storage of water in the house was associated with increased risk (OR = 4.4, CI = 2.21–8.74). Laboratory experiments to elucidate the inhibitory effect of different concentrations of lime juice on survival of V. cholerae in meals showed that V. cholerae thrives in rice with peanut sauce, but lime juice inhibited its growth. Since lime juice is a common ingredient of sauces, its use should be further encouraged to prevent foodborne transmission in the household during cholera outbreaks.
Inhibitory effects of 9‐anilinoacridines on Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes
Authors: Chavalitshewinkoon‐Petmitr P. , Pongvilairat G. , Ralph R. K. , Denny W. A. , Wilairat P. 
Published: March 2003

Summary Two gametocyte‐producing isolates of Plasmodium falciparum, KT1 and KT3, were cultivated in vitro. On day 11 of cultivation, pure gametocytes containing stage II, III and IV were used to test the gametocytocidal activity of 9‐anilinoacridines that had previously demonstrated their activity against the asexual stage of the parasite. After drug exposure for 48 h, gametocytes were maintained without drugs for another 2 days before thin films were prepared for parasite counting. Gametocytocidal activities of 13 analogs of 9‐anilinoacridine were observed with 50% inhibitory concentrations in the range of 0.6 μm to > 100 μm. The most active compound was 1′‐CH2NMe2‐9‐anilinoacridine. Anilinoacridine derivatives with 3,6‐diamino substitution had reduced gametocytocidal activity in contrast to their enhancing effect against the asexual forms. Morphological abnormalities of gametocytes were observed following drug exposure.
How many patients with a sexually transmitted infection are cured by health services? A study from Mwanza region, Tanzania
Authors: Buvé Anne , Changalucha John , Mayaud Philippe , Gavyole Awene , Mugeye Kokungoza , Todd James , Clayton Tim , Mosha Frank , Grosskurth Heiner , Mabey David , Laga Marie , Van Lerberghe Wim , Hayes Richard J. 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES To estimate the proportion of symptomatic patients with a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) cured by primary health care services in Mwanza Region, Tanzania, and to compare the cure rate achieved by health centres before and after the introduction of improved STI treatment services.METHODS A model was used that describes the different hurdles patients with an STI take before they can be considered cured by the health services. The values for the input parameters for the model were taken from different studies. Data from an intervention trial as well as from a population‐based study on male urethritis were used to estimate the proportion of symptomatic patients with an STI who seek care from a health centre. An observational study in four health centres where improved STI treatment services had been introduced provided estimates of the proportions of patients with an STI correctly diagnosed and treated. Patients who returned to the health centres after 1 week were interviewed about compliance. An estimate of the efficacy of treatments prescribed for STIs in health centres before the introduction of improved STI services was obtained from a study on prescription patterns for genital discharge syndrome (GDS) and genital ulcer disease (GUD).RESULTS It was estimated that in the catchment area of health centres offering improved STI services, 51–72% of patients with STI symptoms sought care from those health centres. About 76–85% of cases were correctly diagnosed, and of these 69–80% received efficacious treatment. Compliance with full treatment was estimated at 84%. The estimated overall cure rate achieved by the health centres offering improved STI services ranged between 23 and 41%. The proportion of symptomatic STI patients who attended a health centre before improved STI services were introduced was estimated at 39%. The estimated efficacy of the treatments prescribed was 28%. The overall cure rate achieved by these health centres was less than 10%.CONCLUSIONS When assessing the performance of STI case detection and management all steps have to be taken into account that are taken by patients with an STI before they can be considered cured by the health services. The intervention to improve STI services in Mwanza Region has resulted in an improvement of the cure rate of STIs achieved by primary health care centres.
Supply‐level measures to increase uptake of family planning services in Niger: the effectiveness of improving responsiveness
Authors: Bossyns P. , Miyé H. , VLerberghe W. 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE To show that low‐cost attitudinal, structural and procedural changes aimed at improving responsiveness to patients have the potential to increase uptake of family planning (FP) even among populations considered reluctant to do so by health personnel. METHODS Intervention study with before–after comparison of contraceptive acceptance, couple‐years of protection (CYP) and an `index of contraceptive uptake' (IUC) in rural health centres in Niger. The intervention consists of a package of instructions to actively propose family planning, integrated within curative and under‐fives consultations, coupled with measures to increase the health centres' responsiveness to their clients. RESULTS Implementation of the intervention package was followed by marked increases in family planning uptake. CONCLUSION Health services in Niger present an untapped potential for improving family planning through low‐cost supply‐side measures.
Comparison of nasopharyngeal aspirate and nasal swab specimens for detection of respiratory syncytial virus in different settings in a developing country
Authors: Stensballe L. G. , Trautner S. , Kofoed P.‐E. , Nante E. , Hedegaard K. , Jensen I. P. , Aaby P. 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE To compare detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for diagnostic purposes using nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) and nasal swabs (NS) in different clinical settings in a community study in Guinea‐Bissau. METHOD During 1996–98 paired specimens were obtained from 635 children under 5 years of age (median: 274 days; interquartile range: 144–453 days) with symptoms of lower respiratory infections (LRI). The specimens were analysed by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for RSV antigen in Guinea‐Bissau and re‐analysed in Denmark using the same assay. The gold standard for RSV antigen detection was defined as any test being positive. RESULTS RSV antigen was detected in 84 (13%) children, the prevalence being 19% (41/219) among infants aged < 6 months, 12% (22/184) in infants aged 6–11 months, and 9% (21/230) in older children. Sensitivity of antigen detection was higher in NPA (92% in analyses in Guinea‐Bissau and 98% in Denmark) than in NS (63% in analyses in Guinea‐Bissau, 71% in Denmark). Specificity of RSV antigen detection was equally high in NPA and NS (99–100%). Time since onset of symptoms was significantly shorter in RSV antigen positive than negative samples. Sensitivity did not depend on clinical setting or age of the child. CONCLUSION Using NS samples was associated with a 27–31% reduction in sensitivity compared with NPA specimens. As NPAs are costly and considered a nuisance by the population, it might be cost‐effective in larger epidemiological studies to lose 25–30% in sensitivity but be able to collect samples from a much larger population.