Se Asian J Trop Med
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Se Asian J Trop Med · Sep 1999
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialA randomized comparative trial in order to assess the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of a new measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine when given as a first dose at 12-24 months of age.
An open, randomized multi-center trial, involving 700 infants, was conducted in order to compare a new measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine, SB MMR (containing a Jeryl Lynn derived mumps strain RIT 4385) with a widely used vaccine, Merck MMR, when given to children between 12-24 months. Infants were divided between 2 groups; group 1 received SB MMR while group 2 received Merck MMR. Solicited local and general symptoms were recorded using diary cards and antibody levels were measured using ELISA assays. ⋯ The incidence of all other solicited local and general symptoms were comparable between groups. In initially seronegative subjects equivalent seroconversion rates and post-vaccination GMTs were observed between groups. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that SB MMR is safe and well tolerated when given to children at this age range, and has an equivalent immunogenic profile compared to the widely used Merck MMR vaccine.
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The National AIDS Committee was formed in 1985 to develop and support policies that prevent transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In 1990, the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research in the Ministry of Health began sero-surveillance for AIDS/HIV infection. Convenience sampling was conducted among prisoners, sailors, truckers, antenatal attendees, repatriated Bangladeshi workers, and brothel-based prostitutes in Dhaka. ⋯ The rates among men were as high as 28/1,000 tests in 1996 and 21/1,000 tests in 1997. Almost 50% of the reported HIV cases are from cities on the border of India and Myanmar. It is anticipated that HIV transmission will increase further given the high prevalence of risk behaviors, core high-risk groups, and extreme poverty.
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Se Asian J Trop Med · Mar 1999
Case ReportsFatal mushroom poisoning caused by Amanita virosa in Thailand.
Consumption of toxic mushrooms belonging to the genus Amanita frequently leads to severe gastrointestinal distress followed by acute hepatic failure with a fatal outcome. In Thailand, valuable information as to the locally prevalent poisonous species, the preferred habitat and the management of suspected victims of intoxication is basically non-existent. We report here 5 cases of fatal poisoning with Amanita virosa having occurred in a family residing in the northeast of Thailand who as countless others had enjoyed mushroom gathering as a pasttime. ⋯ Treatment modalities exist in the form of penicillin and silibinin, or thioctic acid administration followed by plasmapheresis. In cases taking a lethal course apparent from the results of liver biochemistry, liver transplantation is clearly indicated. In order to prevent mushroom poisoning altogether, educating the general population to that end certainly presents the method of choice.
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Pre-analytical factors should be known and standardized to obtain reliable laboratory test result. If they could not be standardized they should be recognized. ⋯ It is also important to prevent any infection to the patients, the phlebotomists and the environment. The ideal is to get the right sample for the right test at the right time.
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Se Asian J Trop Med · Jan 1999
Effects of non-analytical factors on the quality of laboratory results.
The quality of clinical laboratory measurement is comprised of 2 phases, the analytical and non-analytical phases. Nowadays, a well established quality control system has been applied. However, the non-analytical phase is a state of the art that must be paid attention to. ⋯ The turnaround time was also a main issue. Verification of test results was an important process too. Finally, as a good laboratory practice, one must has the strategies to detect and eliminate the non-analytical errors.