Schistosomiasis in African infants and preschool children: let them now be treated!

The occurrence of schistosomiasis within African infants and preschool children has been much better documented in recent years, revealing an important burden of disease previously overlooked. Despite mounting evidence showing that treatment with praziquantel is safe, beneficial, and could be delivered within ongoing public health interventions, young children still do not have satisfactory access to this drug, and a significant treatment gap exists. Progress towards resolution of this unfortunate health inequity is highlighted, including the development of an appropriate paediatric praziquantel formulation, and present blocks are identified on securing this issue within the international health agenda

Effects of oil and dispersed-oil on mature mangroves in field trials at Gladstone

In late 1996, oil and dispersed-oil treatments were released into six experimental plots of mature mangroves near Gladstone, Queensland. Local stands of mangroves are dominated by Rhizophora stylosa up to 10 m tall. Each plot enclosed approximately 20 trees in plots of approximately 40m2. The object of the experiment was to simulate a large oil spill flooding mangroves at high tide, and to ascertain the relative effects of treatments on sediments, trees and animals, and to monitor short term recovery over one year. The oil used was weathered Gippsland Light, a waxy crude oil. This was applied on its own and in combination with the dispersant, Corexit 9527, at the same dosage of 5L/m2. A large proportion, if not all, crustaceans in the mangrove plots died within two days of oiling. Trees died in some plots after 2-3 months. In this preliminary assessment, there was no simple reason why trees died in some plots and not in others. For example, the amount of hydrocarbon in sediments was not correlated with effect. However, there were indications of synergistically-related factors, including presence of dispersant, sediment porosity, the number of burrowing crabs, and the presence of the mud lobster, Thalassina squamifera. Furthermore, after one month, the treated plots were partially recolonised by leaf-eating crabs. We present a preliminary assessment of results and observations using current data on hydrocarbon levels in sediments, growth and canopy condition of mangrove trees, and the presence and quantity of leaf-eating crabs

In Vitro Evaluation of Fluid Reflux after Flushing Different Types of Needleless Connectors

Purpose To evaluate fluid reflux, when disconnecting syringe, for different needleless connectors. Materials Nine connectors were tested; 540 measurements were carried out. Results The connectors tested showed very different performances, about reflux, on disconnection of the syringe used for flushing. The calculated reflux volumes are: Max Zero® - BD: 6.90 (±2.47) mm3; MicroClave Clear® - ICU Medical: 6.14 (±1.46) mm3; Bionecteur® - Vygon: 1.24(±0.73) mm3; Neutron® - ICU Medical: 0.12 (±0.15) mm3; SmartSite® Carefusion: 33.51 (±11.50) mm3; Safe Plus® - Cremascoli: 23.54 (±3.56) mm3; NeutraClear® - Cair: 9.36 (±1.87) mm3; NeutroX® - Cair: 0.33 (±0.31) mm3; Dasa® BTC: 2.38 (±1.67) mm3. Differences between investigated devices were statistically significant (p<0.001). Discussion It is difficult to establish the best quality-price ratio for needleless connectors. It is important to consider several variable factors: continuous or discontinuous infusion, catheter type, usage environment and caliber of catheter used. It would therefore be useful to have an indication of the intraluminal space potentially affected by blood reflux in relation to a specific device. Conclusions Needleless connector is one of the main factors involved in keeping catheter patency. It is important to perform the best choice among the connectors available. An empirical reflux measurement, relative to the needleless connector and the catheter in use, can be obtained using an 18G cannula