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PubMed1994

Prognosis with newly diagnosed mycosis fungoides after total skin electron radiation of 30 or 35 GY.

PURPOSE: To determine the prognosis of new patients with T1-4N0-1B0M0 mycosis fungoides treated with total skin electron beam radiation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: 25 consecutive patients received 30 Gy with 3 or 4 MeV electrons in 1977-1980; 121 received 35 Gy with 4 MeV in 1980-1992. Response rates, relapse-free survival, and overall and cause-specific survivals were assessed by explicit criteria. The relationships of T, N, gender, age, and radiation technique to prognosis were investigated by regression statistics. RESULTS: The average age was 55 years and the male:female ratio was 1:4. Forty-four percent were T1N0 and 34% were T2N0. The overall complete response rate was 82%, and lower T status, more radiation, and female gender were independently and positively associated with response. Median follow-up was 5.2 years. T1 patients who entered remission had a higher relapse-free survival compared to T2 through T4 patients. Thirty-four percent of T1 patients remained relapse-free at 6 years, compared to fewer than 20% of T2-4 patients. For all 146 patients the median overall survival was not reached at 15 years. Only 8 of 29 deaths were related to mycosis fungoides and these were significantly associated with higher T. The 54 T1N0 patients who had 35 Gy had a 10-year mycosis fungoides-specific survival of 100%. CONCLUSION: Total skin electron beam radiation gives good results with T1N0B0M0 disease. T3-4 disease is less likely to respond, it relapses more quickly, and it implies a poorer survival, but radiation offers palliation. T2 responds like T1, but relapses like T3-4. T2 also implies an intermediate survival. These results have implications for staging, informed consent, optimizing radiation treatment, and clinical trials.

Female↗
PubMed1983

Ceftriaxone: a summary of in vitro antibacterial qualities including recommendations for susceptibility tests with 30-micrograms disks.

The new aminothiazoyl-cephalosporin, ceftriaxone (Ro 13-9904), was found to have excellent inhibitory activity against the Enterobacteriaceae (minimum inhibitory concentration needed to inhibit 50% of isolates (MIC50) less than or equal to 0.004-0.5 microgram/ml, Haemophilus influenzae (MIC50 less than or equal to 0.004 micrograms/ml), Neisseria species (MIC50 less than or equal to 0.001 microgram/ml), pneumococci (MIC50 0.25 micrograms/ml), Staphylococcus aureus (MIC50 2.0 micrograms/ml), and Streptococcus pyogenes (MIC50 0.015 micrograms/ml). Ceftriaxone was less effective against Acinetobacter species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other Pseudomonas species (MIC50 8.0-16 micrograms/ml). Methicillin-resistant S. aureus and enterococci were not significantly inhibited by ceftriaxone. Ceftriaxone was very resistant to beta-lactamase hydrolysis, although the type IV cephalosporinase minimally destroyed the compound at 16.4-19.9% of the rates for cephaloridine. Type I cephalosporinases were inhibited by ceftriaxone and related enzyme-stable cephalosporins. Based on analysis of disk-MIC regression statistics, tentative recommendations for the disk test of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards are 21 mm or more = susceptible, 14-20 mm = moderately susceptible, and 13 mm or less = resistant. These criteria produce interpretive accuracy of more than 92%, with very rare major errors. Ceftriaxone was comparable to cefotaxime in spectrum and activity, thus allowing the use of the "spectrum-class" concept (for example, cefotaxime tests in vitro to predict ceftriaxone susceptibility, and vice versa).

Acinetobacter↗
PubMed1995

Reevaluations of disk diffusion susceptibility testing interpretive criteria for lomefloxacin and norfloxacin using fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates.

The current National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards interpretive criteria for disk diffusion susceptibility testing of lomefloxacin and norfloxacin were reevaluated using a test panel of 298 bacteria (200 with ciprofloxacin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) at > or = 4 micrograms/ml). MICs were correlated with the diameter of zones of inhibition by regression statistics and error-rate bounding methods. Modifications of the interpretive criteria for lomefloxacin disk susceptibility testing are proposed as follows: susceptible at > or = 20 mm and resistant at < or = 16 mm, a 2-mm decrease of existing break-point zones. These criteria result in an absolute interpretive agreement of 95.3% with a very major (false susceptible) error rate of only 0.7%. The currently used criteria for norfloxacin (susceptible at > or = 16 mm and resistant at < or = 13 mm) were validated, and these break-points had an absolute interpretive correlation between methods of 91.9%. The change proposed for lomefloxacin disk interpretations would minimize minor and major errors most often reported for Staphylococcus saprophyticus isolates.

Anti-Infective Agents↗
PubMed1988

Anaphylactic shock-induced conditioned taste aversion. II. Correlation between taste aversion and indicators of anaphylactic shock.

Previous studies (V. J. Djurić, B. M. Marković, M. Lazarević, & B. D. Janković, 1987, in B. D. Janković, B. M. Marković, & N. H. Spector (Eds.), Neuroimmune interactions, pp. 561-568, New York: New York Acad. Sci.; B. M. Marković, V. J. Djurić, M. Lazarević, & B. D. Janković, 1988, Brain Behav. Immun. 2, 11-23) have shown that rats learn to associate the taste of saccharin with the induction of anaphylactic shock, thus exhibiting conditioned taste aversion (CTA) toward an otherwise preferred saccharin solution. The present experiment investigates the effect of unconditioned stimulus intensity (the amount of antigen used for the induction of shock) on CTA. Rats were sensitized to ovalbumin and subjected to a conditioning trial in which the conditioned stimulus (CS; saccharin solution given orally) signaled the presentation of the unconditioned stimulus (US; shocking doses of ovalbumin ranging from 0.5 to 3 mg given intraperitoneally). Behavioral signs, hematocrit, and rectal temperature were used for evaluation of anaphylactic shock. Twenty-four hours after the conditioning trial, rats were subjected to a two-bottle preference test between saccharin solution and water. Multiple regression statistical analysis revealed significant correlations among saccharin preference ratio, dose of antigen used for the induction of shock, behavioral signs of shock, rise in hematocrit, and fall in rectal temperature. A dose-dependent relation among saccharin preference ratio and physiological indicators of shock suggests that conditioned anaphylactic shock-induced avoidance behavior is functionally related to homeostatic factors involved in immune reactivity.

Anaphylaxis↗
PubMed2004

Suicide, high-risk behaviors, and coping style in homeless adolescent males' adjustment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association among suicide behaviors, high-risk behaviors, coping style, and psychological adjustment (i.e., depressive symptomatology, internalizing and externalizing behavior problems) in homeless and non-homeless adolescent males (aged 16 to 19 years). METHODS: Data were obtained from 100 homeless youth accessing an emergency shelter (Ottawa, ON). The comparison group was comprised of 70 youth accessing local community drop-in centers that lived with their parent(s)/guardian(s) and had never stayed in a shelter. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Student's t-tests, and regression statistics. RESULTS: Relative to non-homeless youth, homeless youth were more likely to report drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, legal problems, academic difficulties, and mental health problems. Homeless youth presented with a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation, past suicide attempts, depressive symptomatology, and internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. Disengagement coping was a predictor of suicidal ideation, past attempts, depressive symptoms and both internalizing and externalizing behavior problems in homeless youth. CONCLUSIONS: Relative to non-homeless youth, findings indicate that homeless youth reported greater use of a disengaging coping style and are at greater risk for high-risk behaviors, past suicide attempts, and clinically elevated levels of depressive symptoms and behavior problems.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2005

Multi-criteria natural resource management with preferentially dependent decision criteria.

The traditional assumption with multi-criteria natural resource management models is that the values of the decision alternatives with respect to one criterion can be assessed independently of the values of the decision alternatives with respect to other criteria. In practice, however, the assumption of independent decision criteria is not always realistic. For example, the importance of the amount of old forests to biodiversity may depend on the amount of dead wood. This paper shows how multi-criteria natural resource management problems can be analysed in a case involving dependent decision criteria. The proposed models are based on pair-wise comparisons of items in the ratio scale and statistical regression analysis of the pair-wise comparisons data. The basic idea behind the dependent models is to ask the decision maker (e.g. forest owner) to assess the decision alternatives or their characteristics simultaneously with respect to dependent decision criteria. The separate models for discrete and continuous cases are given, which enable the number of potential management alternatives to vary from a few to infinite. The models proposed allow a more realistic description of the decision problem in multi-criteria natural resource management.

Biodiversity↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Validity of compressive leg checking in measuring artificial leg-length inequality.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of instrumented prone compressive leg checking. DESIGN: Repeated measures (n = 26) on single subjects (n = 3). SETTING: Chiropractic college research clinic. METHODS: A pair of surgical boots were modified to permit continuous measurement of leg-length inequality (LLI). Multiple prone leg-check observations of a blinded examiner on 3 subjects were tested against artificial LLI that was created by randomly inserting 0 to 6 1.6-mm shims in either boot. Accuracy was assessed both within observations (observed versus artificial LLI) and between observations (observed versus artificial changes in LLI). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), Bland-Altman limits of agreement, and linear regression statistics were obtained to determine the reliability and validity of compressive leg checking compared to a reference standard. RESULTS: For each shim condition, test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC =.85 and CCC = 0.95). The 95% confidence interval for the limits of agreement for observed versus artificial change in LLI was -5.44 to 5.67. The observed and artificial LLI shared 87% of their variation within observations (n = 78) and 88% between observations (n = 75). The mean examiner error was 1.72 mm and 2.01 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: Compressive leg checking seems highly accurate, detecting artificial changes in leg length +/-1.87 mm, and thus possesses concurrent validity assessed against artificial LLI. Pre-leg-check and post-leg-check differences should exceed 3.74 mm to be confident a real change has occurred. It is unknown whether compressive leg checking is clinically relevant.

Body Composition↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Fit WIC: attitudes, perceptions and practices of WIC staff toward addressing childhood overweight.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the attitudes, perceptions, and practices of staff of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in providing nutrition education on childhood overweight topics with WIC participants. DESIGN: Descriptive and correlational study. SETTING: WIC clinics in Virginia. PARTICIPANTS: 106 employees working in direct contact with WIC participants. MEAN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Demographic information; comfort level and frequency of discussing childhood overweight-related topics with participants; perception of WIC's ability to prevent and help address overweight among children and adults; body mass index (BMI); and attitudes toward personal weight. ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics, regression, and analysis of variance. RESULTS: WIC staff in this study reported a lack of comfort, practice, and confidence in addressing and/or preventing childhood overweight with WIC participants, with differences existing based on job title (P < .05). Barriers to implementing programs included perceived attitudes of participants, transportation, time, cultural issues, and childcare. Staff BMIs were significantly correlated to ethnicity, age, feeling overweight, unhappiness with current weight, and comfort level discussing fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Staff training, health promotion programs, and culturally relevant educational materials are warranted for WIC staff to build a strong knowledge base and promote self-efficacy about childhood overweight-related topics.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Improved analysis of the vascular response to arterial ligation using a multivariate approach.

Ligation of the murine common carotid artery induces a reproducible remodeling response. The contribution of individual genes can be determined by comparison of the phenotypes of genetically modified mice. Although studies have shown the response to carotid artery ligation is influenced by many factors, individual analyses typically only consider a single factor, the presence of a gene of interest. Because of this limitation, measurements of the response to ligation show large variation, making the determination of significant difference between test groups difficult. In this study, we examine the hypothesis that the variation in the response to ligation is due to non-genetic factors in addition to genetic factors. Distance from the ligature, a variable common to all arterial ligation experiments, is an important source of variation and a significant predictor of the remodeling response. We find that the use of statistical regression is an improved analysis technique, as it allows the simultaneous consideration of multiple variables. We demonstrate this by showing improved sensitivity and novel findings in the analysis of the remodeling response in mice genetically mutant for the osteopontin gene. We conclude regression analysis provides a simple way to improve both comparative power and description of vascular remodeling.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Blood volume in human bicuspid periodontal ligament determined by electron microscopy.

The microvascular volume of periodontal ligament is reported to range from 1.63 to 3.5% in man, whereas that of animals varies from 7.5 to 11.5%. This transmission electron-microscopic investigation was undertaken to determine stereologically the volume in human periodontal ligament. The hypothesis tested was that the ligament blood volume in man is similar to that in animals. Left and right segments of mandible containing first and second premolars came from an adult burns' victim who underwent jaw reconstruction. The segments were immersion-fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde, demineralized at 4 degrees C in 0.1 M EDTA and processed for microscopy. Segments of distal periodontal ligament were sectioned at 150-micron intervals from the alveolar crest to the root apex and random tissue quadrats recorded for point counting and data analysis using a generalized linear-regression statistical model. Mean adjusted microvascular luminal volume was 9.52 +/- 2.28% (SEM) and the abluminal volume 12.91 +/- 2.76%; the wall volume was 3.39%. Significant differences existed between the luminal and abluminal volumes of the different vessel type (p < 0.05) and their distribution across the circumferential thirds of the ligament (p < 0.05). Total length density of the blood vessels was 149.84 x 10(3) cm/cm3 and the surface density 330.19 cm2/cm3. Postcapillary-sized venules held 69.1% of the total blood volume and provided 49.3% of the luminal surface area. Venous capillaries were the most common vessel, comprising 48.5%, and they contributed 71.5% of the overall length density. This study confirmed the hypothesis for the blood volume in the periodontal ligament in man. Blood volumes do not reflect the configurations of microvascular beds.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Fuzzy logic model of Langmuir probe discharge data.

Plasma models are crucial to gain physical insights into complex discharges as well as to optimizing plasma-driven processes. As an alternative to physical model, a qualitative model was constructed using adaptive fuzzy logic called adaptive network fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). Prediction performance of ANFIS was evaluated on two sets of experimental discharge data. One referred to as hemispherical inductively coupled plasma (HICP) was characterized with a 2(4) full factorial experiment, in which the factors that were varied include source power, pressure, chuck position, and Cl2 flow rate. The other called multipole ICP was characterized by performing a 3(3) full factorial experiment on the factors, including source power, pressure, and Ar flow rate. Trained ANFIS models were tested on eight and 16 experiments not pertaining to previous training data for HICP and MICP, respectively. Plasma attributes modeled include electron density. electron temperature, and plasma potential. The performance of ANFIS was optimized as a function of a type of membership function, number of membership function, and two learning factors. The number of membership functions was different depending on the type of plasma data and employing too large number of membership functions resulted in a drastic degradation in prediction performances. Optimized ANFIS models were compared to statistical regression models and demonstrated improved predictions in all comparisons.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1989

Vitreous hemorrhage after closed vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

The authors reviewed the medical records of 191 patients (232 eyes) who underwent closed vitrectomy for complications of diabetic retinopathy to evaluate the clinical picture of postvitrectomy hemorrhage (PVH). One hundred thirty-nine eyes (59.9%) had at least one episode of PVH (average, 1.5 per eye) that was variable in onset, not associated with a known cause in four fifths, with no noted source in two thirds, and severe in three fourths of the cases. Using logistic regression statistical analyses, the factors significantly associated with decreased incidence of PVH include older age of patient (P = 0.0004), long duration of surgery (P = 0.0002), and poor preoperative vision (P = 0.05). Of the 139 eyes with PVH, 65 (47%) had spontaneous clearing in an average of 11.3 weeks, 53 (38%) required repeat surgery, and 21 (15%) were inoperable, lost to follow-up, or refused reoperation. Postvitrectomy hemorrhage did not significantly influence the final visual outcome.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Clinical determinants of increased QT dispersion in patients with diabetes mellitus.

AIMS: To compare QT dispersion measurements in diabetic patients to control subjects and assess any associations between QT dispersion and diabetic clinical characteristics. METHODS: A total of 512 diabetics and 50 age and gender matched controls were studied. QT interval was measured manually in 12-lead conventional electrocardiograms, and QT dispersion (QTd), heart rate-corrected QT dispersion (QTcd), number of leads-adjusted QT dispersion (adjuQTd) and adjacent QT dispersion (adjaQTd) were calculated. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and electrocardiographic data were recorded. RESULTS: Diabetics showed increased QT dispersion compared to controls (QTd: P<0.001, QTcd: P<0.001, adjuQTd: P<0.001), even those with recent diagnosis (less than 2 years) and without arterial hypertension, ECG abnormalities or chronic degenerative complications (QTd: P=0.01, QTcd: P<0.001, adjuQTd: P=0.04). Left ventricular hypertrophy (QTd: P<0.001, QTcd: P<0.001, adjuQTd: P<0.001, adjaQTd: P<0.001) and conduction disturbances (QTd: P=0.002, QTcd: P=0.003, adjuQTd: P=0.003) were the electrocardiographic findings associated with increased QT dispersion in bivariate analysis. Clinical variables were the presence of arterial hypertension (QTd: P=0.004, QTcd: P=0.01, adjuQTd: P<0.001), even without left ventricular hypertrophy (QTd: P=0.01, QTcd: P=0.03, adjuQTd: P=0.003), and the presence of diabetic cardiovascular complications (QTd: P=0.02, QTcd: P=0.01, adjuQTd: P=0.008, adjaQTd: P=0.03). No association between QT dispersion and the presence of diabetic microvascular complications, glycaemic control, age and gender, or cardiovascular drugs was observed. Multivariate regressive statistical analysis confirmed the associations noted in bivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic patients have increased QT dispersion compared to non-diabetics even those without arterial hypertension and cardiovascular complications and with recent diagnosis. The presence of arterial hypertension, diabetic cardiovascular complications and electrocardiographic abnormalities of left ventricular hypertrophy and conduction disturbances were associated to increased QT dispersion in diabetes mellitus.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗
PubMed2000

Artificial neural networks: fundamentals, computing, design, and application.

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are relatively new computational tools that have found extensive utilization in solving many complex real-world problems. The attractiveness of ANNs comes from their remarkable information processing characteristics pertinent mainly to nonlinearity, high parallelism, fault and noise tolerance, and learning and generalization capabilities. This paper aims to familiarize the reader with ANN-based computing (neurocomputing) and to serve as a useful companion practical guide and toolkit for the ANNs modeler along the course of ANN project development. The history of the evolution of neurocomputing and its relation to the field of neurobiology is briefly discussed. ANNs are compared to both expert systems and statistical regression and their advantages and limitations are outlined. A bird's eye review of the various types of ANNs and the related learning rules is presented, with special emphasis on backpropagation (BP) ANNs theory and design. A generalized methodology for developing successful ANNs projects from conceptualization, to design, to implementation, is described. The most common problems that BPANNs developers face during training are summarized in conjunction with possible causes and remedies. Finally, as a practical application, BPANNs were used to model the microbial growth curves of S. flexneri. The developed model was reasonably accurate in simulating both training and test time-dependent growth curves as affected by temperature and pH.

Humans↗
PubMed1994

Cerebral blood flow autoregulation is absent in rats with thioacetamide-induced hepatic failure.

Cerebral blood flow normally remains constant within a wide range of mean arterial blood pressure values. In fulminant hepatic failure, however, it is not known whether autoregulation of cerebral blood flow is maintained. In the present study, cerebral blood flow autoregulation was investigated in rats 3 days after induction of fulminant hepatic failure. Wistar rats were given intraperitoneal thioacetamide or saline injections. The mean arterial blood pressure was varied by means of norepinephrine infusion or venesection, respectively. As mean arterial blood pressure declined, repeated cerebral blood flow measurements were performed by the intracarotid 113Xenon injection method. The relation between mean arterial blood pressure and cerebral blood flow was examined by statistical regression analysis, and the lower limit of autoregulation was determined in each rat. Cerebral blood flow baseline values were unaltered in liver failure compared to the control group (73 (36-92) vs. 79 (57-87) ml.100 g-1.min-1, median and range). Baseline mean arterial blood pressure was also similar in the two groups (90 (75-113) vs. 95 (70-112)). Mean arterial blood pressure varied between 40 (35-50) and 110 (90-135) mmHg in the control rats and between 50 (45-68) and 110 (95-126) mmHg in the rats with liver failure. A lower limit of autoregulation was identified in all control rats at a mean arterial blood pressure of 67 (55-78) mmHg. Below this limit, cerebral blood flow declined in parallel with mean arterial blood pressure. None of the rats with liver failure exhibited autoregulation, and cerebral blood flow changed in parallel with mean arterial blood pressure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Maternal psychosocial risks predict preterm birth in a group of women from Appalachia.

OBJECTIVES: To identify and evaluate which psychosocial criteria are associated with preterm birth in a midwifery model of risk in pregnancy. DESIGN: A quantitative study with a prospective correlational research design. SETTING: Women attending three prenatal clinics in East Tennessee. PARTICIPANTS: 120 pregnant women between 16 and 28 weeks gestation. The majority of the clinics' clients were from rural Appalachia. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS: Multiple logistic regression statistical analysis revealed that women with symptoms of depression, lower levels of self-esteem, or a negative perception of pregnancy had significantly higher odds of delivering a preterm baby. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: These findings suggest the importance of screening for psychosocial risk factors in pregnancy. Interventions to address these psychosocial risks could improve maternal psychosocial health, maintain continuity of midwifery care, and reduce the incidence of preterm birth.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Head, neck, and facial injuries as markers of domestic violence in women.

PURPOSE: The diagnosis of domestic violence (DV) is difficult because of a lack of clearly defined signs and symptoms. The goal of this study was to confirm and refine the role of head, neck, and face (HNF) injuries as markers of DV. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study design and a sample of female trauma patients treated in an inner-city hospital emergency room (Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA) were used. The predictor study variable was injury location (HNF or other location). The outcome variable was traumatic origin (DV or other cause). A victim of DV was defined as a patient who gave a history of being injured by her spouse or sexual partner. Other data included age, nature of the injury (blunt or penetrating), and injury severity score (ISS). Descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 100 injured women, with a mean age of 40+/-16.3 years and a mean ISS of 3.3+/-3.0. Thirty-four women were victims of DV. The mean age of the DV victims was 32.5+/-7.3 years, compared with a mean age of 43.9+/-18.2 year in the other-causes group (P = .001). The mean ISS for the DV victims was 3.4+/-3.0, and the mean ISS for the other-causes group was 3.2+/-3.0 (P = .65). DV victims were 7.5 (2.5 < RR < 22.9) times more likely to have HNF injuries than other trauma patients (P < .001). Age was associated with cause and location of injury. After controlling for age, location remained statistically associated with cause (P = .0002). Sensitivity and specificity of HNF injuries and DV were 91% and 59%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that although HNF injuries and age were sensitive predictors of DV, they remain poor in their specificity as markers.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Vitamin B12 levels in pregnancy influence erythropoietin response to anemia.

OBJECTIVE: to discover whether vitamin B12 levels influence erythropoietin (EPO) response during pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: 117 pregnant women after the 27th week were divided into three groups according to log vitamin B12 concentrations. EPO (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), Hemoglobin (Hb) and medium corpuscular Hb concentration (MCHC) were measured in these patients. The tests used were: calculation of simple statistic, regression coefficient and t-independent test with level of significance. An exclusive partitioned cluster method (K-means procedure) was used. RESULTS: For the lowest vitamin B12 levels there is an unexpected lack of difference in plasma EPO levels between anemic and nonanemic patients. In fact EPO levels were high even in nonanemic women. The only parameter of the blood count that seems to change in relation to vitamin B12 concentration is the MCHC. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that low vitamin B12 levels inhibit the suppression of EPO response in nonanemic pregnant women probably through MCHC modifications.

Adolescent↗