Routine quantitation of white cells as low as 0.001 per microL in platelet components

A method is described for routine quantitation of very low numbers of white cells (WBCs) in platelet components, using flow cytometry and dual nucleic acid stains. The WBC quantitation is based on the detection of nucleated cells labeled with propidium iodide and thiazole orange, with chicken red cells added as an internal counting standard. Platelet concentrates containing 0.001 to 1500 WBCs per microL (2 × 10(2)-3 × 10(8) WBCs/component) and 600 to 2800 × 10(3) platelets per microL were analyzed for the number of contaminating WBCs. The method was found to be linear throughout the 7 log10 range and to have sufficient reproducibility and sensitivity for routine analysis of WBC- reduced platelet concentrates.     

Minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer

Background: Esophageal cancer is among the most deadly cancers worldwide, and esophagectomy remains the standard of care in trying to cure this. Efforts to decrease the incidence of complications in esophagectomy without compromising the efficacy of the procedure have stimulated interest in minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE), and a wide variety of MIE techniques have been refined by surgeons at specialized centers worldwide. Data sources: Systematic PubMed searches identified articles related to MIE technique, complications, and outcomes. Conclusions: Several techniques have been developed for MIE, none of which has been deemed superior, but as a whole, they represent a safe alternative to open surgery. Available results from case series and comparative studies suggest trends towards improved short‐term outcomes with equivalent efficacy but without definitive advantages.     

在印度献血者中真正的HIV血清阳性率

在1992年印度政府筹建了国家AIDS病控制署(NACO),它从属于卫生部,作为国家预防AIDS传播的一个关键机构。NACO近期报告表明在一些人群中HIV感染已经到了非常高的警戒水平。如异性性乱者中HIV阳性率38.2％,献血者中8.2％,疑似AIDS病例17.5％,静脉注射毒品者4.9％和其他27.7％。这些数据来源于国内55个HIV血清监测中心。印度一般人群中HIV总血清阳性率,1995年为7/1000,1996年16.5/1000,1997年21.1/1000。HIV感染的增长趋势表明该疾病在社会上迅速传播。然而上面有此数据多和难以置信。例如献血员中达到8.2％。但这些献血者可能不是真正的自愿献血者。由于仅作HIV EIA一次检测,就可能出现假阳性。但是,HIV感染率存     

In Vitro Synergy of Caspofungin and Amphotericin B against Aspergillus and Fusarium spp.

We investigated the in vitro interaction of caspofungin and amphotericin B for clinical isolates of Aspergillus and FUSARIUM: Synergy tests were performed using the checkerboard method and following the NCCLS M38-P guidelines in Antibiotic Medium 3 broth supplemented to 2% glucose. Antagonism was not observed for any of the isolates tested. Caspofungin and amphotericin B were synergistic or synergistic to additive for at least half of the isolates.     

Patient satisfaction with the management of infertility

The objective of this study was to assess patient satisfaction with the investigation and initial management of infertility. A postal questionnaire survey was carried out of 1366 women attending outpatient clinics for the investigation and initial management of infertility at 12 hospitals throughout Scotland. The response rate to the questionnaire was 59% (806/1366). Overall, 87% of responders were satisfied or very satisfied with their care but a number of deficiencies were identified. Thirty-nine per cent had never been asked to bring their partner to the clinic and 86% felt they had not been given enough help with the emotional aspects of infertility. Forty- seven per cent felt they were not given a clear plan for the future and 23% of those who had been given drug treatments reported receiving little or no information about the treatment or possible side-effects. Overall, only a third had been given any written information and 78% expressed a wish for more written information. Women ranked 'the information and explanation given' and the 'attitude of the doctor at the clinic' highly in comparison to other aspects of their care, including 'help with the emotional aspects of infertility'. In general women were satisfied with their care but improvements may be made by giving more explanation and written information and by adopting a more couple-centred approach. Where resources allow, clinics should take steps to address the emotional aspects of infertility.