Performances of SD Bioline Malaria Ag-P.F/Pan RDT for the Diagnosis of Malaria in Febrile Patients Living In Gabon, Central Africa

The Test-Treat-Track (T3) initiative, launched in 2012 by the WHO, is a clear indication that malaria management should be based on evidences. Performing an accurate diagnosis of malaria before treatment, through parasitological confirmation with either microscopy or rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Although several evaluations of existing RDTs are already available, field and operational data which take into account the local epidemiology of malaria, the heterogeneity of these tests performance variability and comparative results of the different tests are required to select the suitable ones for routine use within a country. The Gabonese Ministry of Health recently included RDTs in national guidelines as essential tools for malaria diagnosis; and their performance evaluation was recommended. To date, none is recommended in public health centers.  Read more>>>>>>>>>>>>

Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Lung Cancer

Throughout the history of medicine, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has played a significant role in the treatment of cancer patients. In 1999, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) created the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) in recognition of this growing field. Research funding to the NCCAM has risen from $ 2 million in 1992 to $50 million by 2000 and is expected to be more than $110 million by the mid-2000’. 

A survey conducted in 2005 indicated that approximately 35.9% of cancer patients attempted use of CAM during their treatment course. In fact, that percentage may be even higher as studies have shown that many patients do not disclose the use of CAM therapy unless asked specifically. Physicians poorly communicate with their patients regarding the potential benefits or harms of CAM because they have minimal understanding of CAM therapy and its physiological role in managing diseases. Patients are often dissatisfied with their physicians’ lack of knowledge regarding CAM therapy. Patients who have a history of incorporating CAM into their management plan are generally driven by personal beliefs and principles regarding life and health.  Read more>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary high blood pressure affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart. Pulmonary hypertension starts when pulmonary arteries and capillaries become narrowed, blocked or destroyed. This makes harder for blood to flow through lungs, and raisespressure within pulmonary arteries. Pulmonary hypertension is a serious illness that becomes progressively worse and is sometimes fatal. Pulmonary hypertension is not curable it is only treatable.

Pulmonary hypertension occurs in individuals of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds, although it is much more common in young adults and is approximately twice as common in women as in men.The first symptom of pulmonary hypertension is usually shortness of breath with everyday activities, such as climbing stairs. Fatigue, dizziness, and fainting spells also can be symptoms. Swelling in the ankles, abdomen or legs, bluish lips and skin, and chest pain may occur as strain on the heart increases.

Related Journals of Pulmonary Hypertension:

Pulmonary & Respiratory Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, Pulmonary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, BMC Pulmonary Medicine, Clinical Pulmonary Medicine, COPD: Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine.