Remote access to an expert system for infectious diseases.

An expert-system antibiotic information database was developed in order to help non-specialist doctors to choose the appropriate treatment for patients with infectious diseases. Fifty doctors conducted a pilot trial of the database, using modern access and the telephone network. During an eight-month study period, 1053 queries were received.

Glucose disturbances and regulation with glibenclamide in thalassemia.

Specific laboratory and clinical characteristics indicate that the pathogenesis of diabetes in patients with thalassemia resembles the pathogenesis of maturity-onset diabetes (type II). Thus oral hypoglycemic agents may be used to regulate blood glucose levels by induction of insulin secretion and reduction of insulin resistance. The efficacy of glibenclamide administration in the management of glucose disturbances was evaluated in 33 patients with thalassemia, aged 12-30 years (mean 17.

Health reform in Greece: planning and implementation of a national health system.

The health system in Greece has for many years been in a state of continuous crisis. The basic aspects of this crisis involve: a fragmented administrative framework; low level of public expenditure; a significant private sector; inadequate hospitals; skewed manpower; and, a low level of primary care. In 1983, the National Health System (ESY) was established, as an effort to improve the above situation.