Alpha blockaders--first or second line antihypertensive agents?

Alpha-receptor blockers reduce blood pressure by blocking of the alpha 1-receptors in the smooth muscle cells in the arteriolar walls. The heart pump function is not disturbed. Most studies have shown that the alpha-receptor blockers induce a reduction in plasma-triglycerides and an increase in the ratio between HDL- and LDL-cholesterol. They do not interfere with the metabolism of electrolytes, glucose or uric acid and have no negative effect on pulmonary function. Although long-term use does not induce a permanent increase in heart rate, some patients respond to initial therapy with faster heart rate and palpitations. The alpha-receptor blockers should not be used in patients with coronary heart disease if the patient is not on chronic beta-blockade. When these precautions are followed, the alpha-blockers can be used as first-line treatment--just like ACE-inhibitors and calcium-antagonists.     

A rectangular finite element for analysing composite multilayered shallow shells in statics,vibration and buckling

This paper presents a new 32-degree-of-freedom finite element of multilayered composite, moderately thick, shallow shells. The element is a four-node C¹ rectangular element and is built from standard interpolations but with a new kind of kinematics which allows us to exactly ensure the continuity conditions for displacements and stresses at the interfaces between the layers of a laminated structure and the boundary conditions at the upper and lower surfaces of the shell. The transverse shear deformation which is represented by cosine functions is of a higher order and allows us to avoid shear correction factors. The element is evaluated on standard problems and in comparison with exact three-dimensional and analytical solutions for multilayered plates and shells in statics, vibrations and stability.     

Drug resistance of Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from patients with inflammation of stomach mucous membrane and peptic ulcer of stomach and duodenum

Twelve strains of H. pylori were tested. They were isolated from biosamples from 23 patients with stomach inflammation (16 persons) and stomach (3) and duodenum peptic ulcer. By application of solid medium dilution of MIC50 and MIC90-16 antibiotics and antimicrobials were tested. Values of MIC50 and MIC90 for antibiotics from the tetracycline group were, respectively 0.25-0.5 microgram/ml and 0.12-1.0 microgram/ml. Similar results were obtained with macrolide antibiotics. All strains were sensitive to penicillin (MIC 0.03-0.12 microgram/ml, ampicillin (MIC 0.06-0.5 microgram/ml) and amoxicillin and rifampicin (MIC 0.07-0.3 microgram/ml). Ten out of 12 investigated strains were resistant to metronidazole (MIC90 = 30 micrograms/ml). Results of this study may be important for etiotropic treatment of infections with H. pylori.     

Unrelated bone marrow transplantation in a Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome patient sharing two HLA-extended haplotypes with the donor

OBJECTIVE: To determine the distribution and amount of elastic fibers in the dermis of clinically normal dogs and dogs with dermatoses, particularly solar dermatitis. DESIGN: Skin specimens from 7 anatomic sites were obtained from 19 clinically normal dogs after euthanasia to evaluate the normal distribution of elastic fibers. Biopsy specimens also were obtained from 34 dogs with dermatoses, including 16 with solar dermatitis. Tissue sections were stained with H&E, Verhoeff-van Gieson, and periodic acid-Schiff. ANIMALS: 19 clinically normal dogs and 34 dogs with dermatoses. PROCEDURE: Numbers of elastic fibers were graded subjectively. Comparisons between clinically normal dogs and dogs with dermatoses were made. RESULTS: Normal elastic fibers were present in low numbers in the dermis of adult dogs, regardless of anatomic site or presence or severity of dermatitis. Condensed elastotic material was visualized in only 2 dogs with solar dermatitis. In both dogs, the elastotic material was Verhoeff-van Gieson and periodic acid-Schiff stain positive but was not visible with H&E stain. The most frequent histopathologic finding in the dermis of dogs with solar dermatitis was superficial dermal fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The dermis of clinically normal dogs does not contain abundant elastic fibers. Alterations of elastic fibers in dogs with solar dermatitis are rare. Superficial dermal fibrosis may be a better indicator of solar damage.     

Mass hysteria: one syndrome or two?

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that mass hysteria can be divided into two syndromes; one with predominant features of anxiety and the other with predominant abnormalities of motor behaviour. In the former condition, prior tension is absent and spread is by visual contact. In the latter, prior tension is present, initial cases can be identified and spread is gradual. METHOD: The development and resolution of neurological symptoms in 156 Nigerian school girls were studied and a diagnosis of 'mass hysteria' made. RESULTS: The signs and symptoms manifested by the school girls during the outbreak of illness had features of both 'anxiety' and 'motor' predominant forms of mass hysteria. CONCLUSIONS: Although there may be two patterns of symptom presentation in mass hysteria, other supposedly discrete features overlap. This weakens the argument that there are two separate syndromes.     

Crystallization mechanism and characteristics of silicomanganese slag melts used to make glass ceramics (Review)

Translated from Steklo i Keramica, No. 3, pp. 2–5, March, 1993.     

Pneumothorax. A complication of fine needle aspiration of breast tumors

Of 1,666 patients who underwent fine needle aspiration for breast lumps, 4 developed pneumothorax as a complication. The incidence of this complication in our patients is 1:417. The clinical manifestations were immediate chest pain, shoulder pain and, occasionally, dyspnea that developed later. Observation is sufficient treatment in most patients, and rarely is drainage of the pneumothorax required.     

Contour path FDTD method for analysis of pyramidal horns withcomposite inner E-plane walls

The contour path finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is used for modeling pyramidal horn antennas with or without composite E-plane inner walls. To model the pyramidal horn surface, a locally distorted grid is used. Modified equations are obtained based on the locally distorted grid and the assumptions of the contour path method. The developed algorithm is validated by comparing computed antenna gain patterns, with and without the presence of composite material, with available measurements