Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and Helicobacter pylori infection

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Helicobacter pylori infection are common conditions that frequently coexist. Controversy continues regarding the role of H. pylori infection in GERD. The results of some studies suggest that eradication of H. pylori may increase the risk for developing GERD, and some experts have suggested that chronic H. pylori infection may be of benefit. This article reviews the data on H. pylori infection and GERD and its treatment.     

Evaluation of non-invasive techniques to assess vasoconstriction in healthy volunteers using methoxamine as a probe drug

Non-invasive methods for assessment of the vascular effects of antimigraine drugs were evaluated with respect to their utility, variability and sensitivity in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-period crossover study in six healthy volunteers using an intravenous vasoconstrictor, methoxamine, as a probe drug. Changes in the internal diameter of the brachial and radial arteries were measured using ultrasound which had low between-day and within-day coefficients of variation. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), time-averaged velocity (TAV), total flow, resistance (RI) and pulsatility indices (PI) were measured by Doppler from one arterial wave form. Whilst PSV and TAV increased with methoxamine, because of bradycardia, changes in PI and RI were difficult to interpret. An automatic oscillametric cuff, a mercury-in-silastic strain gauge method and the "Finapres", finger arterial blood pressure monitor were used to follow changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP). The strain gauge technique underestimated arm SBP compared to the oscillometric method but clearly showed drug-related increases whilst the Finapres did not reflect changes in blood pressure detected by the other methods.     

Haemoccult compliance rates and reasons fornon-compliance

Bowel cancer is the second commonest malignancy in England and Wales. Mortality fromthis condition has remained constant over the last 30 years. At present there is the suggestion that screening will result in fewer deaths. The only practicable method is by use of the Haemoccult test, but compliance to this test is a major problem.This study looked at compliance rates in two G.P. practices. Use of the kit and return of specimens was higher when the kit was sent through the post than when individuals were invited to collect it themselves. Women and individuals in the younger age group were more likely to comply.When non-compliers were interviewed the most frequent reasons given for not usingthe test related to the unpleasant nature of faeces or the lack of time needed to complete the test. Many people also gave reasons which could be described as having little understanding of the principles or value of pre-symptomatic screening.     

五味子中联苯环辛二烯木脂素类化合物的质谱研究

本文通过低分辨和高分辨质谱和亚稳分析,对五味子甲素(schisandrin A,1)等23个从五味子科(Schisandraceae)植物中分离出的联苯环辛二烯木脂素类化合物进行了质谱裂解方式研究,总结了重要的质谱特征,为今后继续研究五味子科植物及类似新化合物的结构测定提供了可靠依据。     

Practical and technical considerations in establishing an intraoperative radiation therapy program in the community practice

The Radiation Oncology Center in Sacramento, California, has developed a procedure for establishing an intraoperative radiation therapy facility in a community practice. The logistics pertaining to personnel, equipment, physical measurements, and quality assurance are presented. Particular emphasis is given to the most effective means of acquiring the large quantity of data needed to ensure a program of acceptable quality.     

Action of L-α-methyldopa-hydrazine on the blood pressure of patients receiving levodopa

The blood pressure and pulse rate have been compared in a 'double blind, cross over' study involving twenty patients with idiopathic Parkinsonism receiving maximum tolerated dosage of levodopa with and without an extracerebral decarboxylase inhibitor, L-alpha-methyldopahydrazine. The supine and erect systolic pressures were significantly higher and the erect pulse rate significantly lower during administration of L-alpha-methyldopahydrazine. The implications of these observations are discussed.     

Hyperlipidemia, hypercoagulability, and accelerated thrombosis: studies in congenitally hyperlipidemic rats and in rats and monkeys with induced hyperlipidemia

Inbred Carworth Farms Nelson (CFN) congenitally hyperlipidemic rats had significantly shorter coagulation and prothrombin times and higher levels of coagulation factors, II, V, VII, VIII, and X than did controls. Conversely, congenitally hypolipidemic rats of the same strain had significantly longer coagulation and prothrombin times and lower levels of factors II, V, VII, X and XII and of blood platelets than did controls. A loop-shaped polyethylene cannula was inserted into the aorta to assess the potential for thrombosis. The hyperlipidemic group obstructed this significantly faster and the hypolipidemic group slower than did the controls. Normal CFN rats made hypertensive by unilateral renal artery clip developed hypertension together with significantly elevated serum cholesterol and factor VII and X levels. Rhesus monkeys with diet-induced hyperlipidemia showed shorter prothrombin times and higher factor X levels than did controls on normal diet. By selective breeding, two groups of squirrel monkeys were obtained. Both groups had similar serum cholesterol levels on a normal diet but one group (hyperresponders) showed higher serum cholesterol levels on a cholesterol-containing diet than did the other (hyporesponder) group. Both groups showed significantly elevated levels of factors II, V, VII, IX and X on a cholesterol-containing diet. There was good correlation between the levels of many coagulation factors and serum cholesterol in both rats and monkeys. If thrombosis is important in the genesis of atherosclerosis, these findings could indicate that elevation of plasma lipids may play a role, via the coagulation pathway, in the production of human vascular disease.