The negative correlation between thyrotropin receptor-stimulating antibodies and bone mineral density in postmenopausal patients with Graves' disease.

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder with various clinical manifestations. Thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAbs), the circulating autoantibodies specific to Graves' disease, are the cause for hyperthyroidism, the most prevalent abnormality. Hyperthyroidism leads to increased bone turnover and a negative bone balance.

[Purposefulness of using fuzzy logic approaches in the rare disease clinical trials].

Different methods being used in the rare diseases clinical trials are examined. There is shown the purposefulness of using fuzzy approaches for such studies. Some advantages of Fuzzy logic methods in comparison with Baysian approach are substantiated.

Management options for rare diseases in children and adolescents in Georgia (experience of the country with transitional economy).

We present the results of our research and organizational work aimed at the management optimization for the rare diseases in Georgia (the Country with Transitional Economy). We compiled a list of the rare diseases actual for Georgia; elaborated algorythms and expert systems supporting the diagnosis making process for various clusters of the rare diseases; translated into Georgian and adapted textual materials regarding the management of various rare disorders; assessed the awareness level for the rare diseases of the pediatricians and general practioners in Georgia and attempted to raise it by organizing seminars and conferences, including international ones, in various regions of Georgia; elaborated a model of the expert system (based on the fuzzy logic principles) for unmasking the cases suspicious for the rare disease; laid the foundation for the national register of the rare diseases in children and adolescents; elaborated the module for post-graduate education regarding rare diseases; organized the center for the rare diseases.

[Screening of single doses of the main antihypertensive drugs at rest and during various exercise tests in patients with hypertension].

The single doses of three reference antihypertensive drugs: corinfar (20 mg), anapriline (80 mg), and hypothiazide (50 mg) were screened on day 5 of drug administration at rest and during paired isometric and dynamic exercises in comparison to placebo. There was a significant decrease in blood pressures: systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and mean (MBP) (p less than 0.01-0.

[Value of isometric and dynamic exercise tests with standard drug doses for selecting long-term antihypertensive treatment with vasodilators, adrenergic beta blockaders and diuretics].

The paper presents the results of the study into the efficacy of single routine doses of essential antihypertensive agents (nifedipine, propranolol, and hydrochlorothiazide) versus its course treatment at rest and during isometric and dynamic exercise tests. The efficacy was assessed by using the Dixon criterion. The routine drug dose tests performed at rest and during isometric and dynamic exercise were shown to have a varying informative value in the prediction of long-term treatment with the above drugs.