Dystrophin analysis in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterised by ventricular dilatation and impaired systolic function resulting in congestive heart failure and frequently death. A dilated cardiomyopathy is common in patients with symptomatic Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy, a disease caused by dystrophin gene defects. However, cardiomyopathy is rarely the predominant clinical feature of this form of muscular dystrophy. To determine whether dystrophin gene defects might account for a significant number of patients with apparently isolated idiopathic DCM, we performed dystrophin gene analysis in 27 DCM patients, who were ascertained as part of a prospective study on idiopathic DCM. No dystrophin gene defects were found in our patients, whose average age was 50 years. These data suggest that dystrophin defects are not a common cause of idiopathic DCM in this age group in the absence of skeletal muscle cramps or weakness.     

A combined measuring system for industrial environmental monitoring of air

In creating an industrial environmental monitoring (IEM) system, it is important to optimally position the gas load monitoring posts (GMP). We will examine one approach to placement of these posts with respect to the Moscow Refinery Open Joint-Stock Company. Translated fromKhimiya i Tekhnologiya Topliv i Masel, No. 4, pp. 49 – 52, July – August, 2000.     

Creation of additional left ventricular tract in female patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]

We report a case of Guillain-Barré syndrome and associated cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy. A 15-year-old black adolescent had progressive ascending paralysis and vague sensory symptoms during week 10 of her first pregnancy. Diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome was confirmed by electrophysiologic findings consistent with acute demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. A mild elevation of anti-GM1 antibodies was also detected. The patient improved with plasmapheresis treatment; however, fetal death occurred 10 weeks later. Cytomegalovirus placentitis was confirmed histologically. Acute demyelinating polyneuropathy during pregnancy warrants consideration of a concomitant, primary maternal and fetal cytomegalovirus infection.     

Reactive arthritis and its treatment with physical factors

Breast carcinoma is a condition characterized by an ever increasing incidence. Young women too are ever more frequently involved. Currently a modern tendency is observed of young women to postpone conception for a later period of life on account of a number of socioeconomical reasons, which tendency tangibly augments the number of women affected with breast cancer during the pregnancy period. Most of the pregnant women are in the age group 34 to 35 years. Breast cancer during pregnancy is a malignant disease ranking second by incidence rate. The latter amounts to 10-30 per 100,000 of pregnant women.     

The intraoperative diagnosis of functional disorders of the major duodenal papilla in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis]

Tertian malaria is endemic in south-eastern Anatolia. As in Europe and America, in south-eastern Anatolia, an etiological agent is seldom identified in nephrotic syndrome. Two patients with Plasmodium vivax and nephrotic syndrome are described here. The possible relationship between Plasmodium vivax and nephrotic syndrome should be explored in children in endemic malarial regions.