Assessment of a commercial pH electrode used with blood

Haemocompatibility of invasive sensors

In recent years the importance and utilisation of invasive chemical sensors have increased, especially in respect to their function and behaviour in a biological environment. This review aims to highlight the development of various sensors and reflect on the problems which can occur when the sensors come into contact with blood. Thus their haemocompatibility is a key area of importance. A clear understanding of their interaction with plasma proteins at the point of interface is fundamental as this determines their ultimate capability to function safely and effectively. There is also an overview of various techniques that have been developed, together with a broad summary of inherent problems which may arise when aiming to improve the haemocompatibility of invasive sensors for in vivo applications.

European multicentre studies in the field of obstetrics

Within Europe a number of multinational, multicentre studies are performed in the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Many of these are funded by the European Community. Unfortunately, concise information on currently ongoing European multicentre studies is not easily obtainable. There is no particular central information point. The current overview aims to provide insight in obstetrical EC/European multicentre studies which recently have been finished, are ongoing or have been planned for the near future. The various projects are described, and information on the number of participants, the research period, the responsible project leader and framework of each project is summarized in tables. A list with the addresses of the project leaders and/or contact persons in the EC member states is added. The paper hopes to facilitate researchers and institutes involved in Obstetrics within Europe to make easier contacts and to promote collaboration on the international level.