Morphological and morphometric features of scaphoid bone in north eastern population, India.

A study was performed to analyse the morphometry and morphological variants of adult scaphoid bone in Sikkimese population of North Eastern India. The study included 100 dry human scaphoid bones. The bones which had previous signs of fracture were excluded. The morphometric parameters were measured with vernier caliper of 0.02 mm accuracy; the circumferences were measured by placing a thread around them and measuring its length. A magnifying lens was used to observe the number of foramina. From our observations, 22 (44%) of the left scaphoid were having conical shape and 28 (56%) were pyramidal in shape. On the right side, 36 (72%) had conical shape and 14 (28%) were pyramidal. All the bones had waist, except one right sided scaphoid (2%) in which the waist was absent. The scaphoid had main dorsal sulcus in 63% of cases, 29% had two dorsal sulci and 6% had Y shaped sulci. The dorsal sulcus was absent in 3 cases (1 on left side and 2 on the right side). All the scaphoids had a minimum of one foramen in the main dorsal sulcus and 92% had more than one foramen. The present study has provided the additional information on morphology and morphometry of adult human scaphoid bones in north eastern population, India. We believe that the data obtained from the present study are important for the hand surgeons and radiologists. The details obtained will also be helpful for the morphologists and clinical anatomists.

Haematuria and proteinuria in urinary schistosomiasis: response to therapy with praziquantel in Tanzanian children.

In order to assess the efficacy of praziquantel against Schistosoma haematobium and its effect on the morbidity indices, haematuria and proteinuria, a study was carried out using school receiving praziquantel at 40 mg/kg body weight. Twenty-four weeks after treatment, the percentage of cure was high and reached 100% among the 'light' and 'moderate' infection groups. In the 'heavy' infection group, a cure rate of 50% and a 69.3% egg reduction was observed. An overall cure rate of 94% was achieved at 24 weeks. Microhaematuria and proteinuria were reduced by 96.6% and 92.5%, respectively.

Further observations on the use of gross haematuria as an indirect screening technique for the detection of Schistosoma haematobium infection in school children in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The reliability of using visible haematuria as an indirect screening technique to detect Schistosoma haematobium was investigated in 418 school children from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The sensitivity of the test varied significantly with the time of urine collection and the portion of the micturition stream examined. Whereas sensitivity was 50% and accuracy 73% in the morning, in the afternoon sensitivity and accuracy had increased to 75% and 97% respectively if terminal urine samples were examined. It is concluded that visible haematuria is a sensitive, highly accurate and reliable indirect screening test for urinary schistosomiasis provided that the method of collection and examination of the urine samples is standardized.

Evaluation of indirect screening techniques for the detection of Schistosoma haematobium infection in an urban area, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

393 primary school children were screened for Schistosoma haematobium using four indirect techniques (a) history of haematuria, (b) visual appearance of urine and use of chemical reagent strips to detect presence of (c) blood and (d) protein in urine. Results showed that the use of chemical reagent strips for the detection of blood was the most specific and sensitive method, even in areas of lower prevalence and intensity. History of haematuria, protein in urine and visual appearance were respectively next in order in terms of specificity and sensitivity. The implications of these findings for further studies have been made.

Urban transmission of urinary schistosomiasis in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

A cross sectional survey for Schistosoma haematobium infections was undertaken in 12 primary schools in the city of Dar es Salaam. The prevalence in the schools ranged from 5.3 to 55.1%, with an overall prevalence of 19.3%. More males (23.5%) than females (15.0%) were infected, and the highest prevalence was recorded in the 11-16 year age group. Intensity of infection was high, ranging from 12 to 96 eggs/10 ml urine in individual schools. 26% of the infected excreted more than 50 eggs/10 ml urine, and high rates of haematuria and proteinuria were observed in infected children. Interviews indicated that the majority of the children had acquired their infection in the city. Malacological surveys showed two potential vectors, Bulinus (Physopsis) globosus and B. (Ph.) nasutus, to be common in Dar es Salaam. Laboratory and field findings confirmed that these two species were vectors of S. haematobium. Factors responsible for continued transmission in this urban environment are discussed.