A total of 76 patients (43 males and 33 females) with ascites were investigated for their ascitic fluid LDH levels and its isoenzyme activities. Paracentesis were performed to all of the patients to highlight the underlying etiology of ascites. Biochemical, hematological and microbiological investigations were also performed. Complete blood count, biochemical examinations, ultrasonography and cytologic [...]

INTRODUCTION
The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) molecule is a tetramer composed of four polypeptide chains. There are five component isoenzymes as a result of the five different combinations that are produced by two polypeptide chains encoded by separate genes (M and H). LDH-1 is composed of four H subunits, and LDH-5 of four M subunits. The prevailing [...]

INTRODUCTION
After nearly two hard-fought decades focused on minimizing the spread of HIV among various “at-risk” groups, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), youth and injection-drug users (IDUs), the period from 1999-2001 marked a disturbing increase in HIV infection among MSM and heterosexuals in the United States. In 2003, the Centers for Disease [...]

As seen in Table 3, the differences in responses between our HIV-positive sample and those in Sanders and Reinisch’s study (unknown HIV status) are striking. While the hierarchical order of “yes” responses remains primarily the same in both studies (with deep kissing and breast contact items receiving the fewest “yes” responses followed by genital touching, [...]

The mean age of the sample was 37.5 years, with a range between 19-68 years of age. Seventy-seven percent of the sample was male, 23% female; 25% was white, 52% African-American, 19% Latino, and 4% did not identify with any of the above categories. Additionally, 68.4% of male respondents indicated male sex partners within the [...]

The data were collected from surveys completed between November 2003 and February 2004, among HIV-infected individuals receiving medical and social services from a nonprofit AIDS service organizations in Dallas, TX. Over the three-month period, 279 unduplicated patients presenting for routine medical care completed surveys.

The future looks bright for individuals living with chronic hepatitis B. Only a decade ago there were no treatment options. Although there is still no complete cure for hepatitis B, there are 7 approved drugs for adults (2 for children) and many promising new drugs in development. Current treatments seem to be most effective in [...]