Inhibition of human platelet aggregation by eosinophils.

Aims: The relationship between the activity of eosinophils and platelets has been observed in recent decades by many scientists. These observations include increased numbers of eosinophils associated with platelet disorders, including changes in the coagulation cascade and platelet aggregation. Based on these observations, the interaction between eosinophils and platelets in platelet aggregation was analyze.

Spare post-exposure prophylaxis with round-the-clock HIV testing of the source patient.

After occupational exposures, immediate HIV testing of source patients may avoid the unnecessary use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Two time periods were compared. Before the availability of 24 h a day immediate testing, PEP was initiated after 12.

The occurrence of percutaneous injuries to health care workers: a cross sectional survey in seven Swiss hospitals.

Objectives: In 1995, a cross sectional survey was conducted in 7 Swiss hospitals to estimate the incidence of percutaneous injuries among nurses, surgeons, anesthetists and domestic personnel, and to describe the circumstances of these injuries and the reporting process within the hospital.

Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was distributed and filled out on-site in the case of nursing staff and domestic personnel, and was sent by post to physicians (anesthetists and surgeons). Participants were asked to report in detail on percutaneous injuries of the last workday and the last working month (nurses and physicians), and of the last month and the last year for domestic personnel.

[HIV infection: feasibility of a seroprevalence study with consent of hospitalized patients].

A pilot study was carried out in order to evaluate the feasibility of determining the seroprevalence rate of HIV infection and the prevalence of risk factors among selected hospital patients at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV). Consent was obtained and only blood already obtained for other purposes was used for testing. Among 850 patients between 16 and 65 years of age and residing in Switzerland who were originally selected at random, only 200 patients were accessible for an interview and for whom blood was available in order to be included in the study.

[364 anonymous screening tests for AIDS at the Vaudois University Hospital Center: who? why?].

From 1 July to 31 December 1988 risk factors for HIV infection were systematically recorded for all individuals tested anonymously at our institution and compared with similar data observed when anonymous testing was introduced (1985-1986). The absolute number of homosexuals and intravenous drug abusers remained stable but their ratio decreased because most tests are now performed in persons with multiple heterosexual partners. More than half of heterosexuals said they used condoms.