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Background: Regimens with ranitidine bismuth citrate (RBC) or omeprazole (O) are effective in eradicating Helicobacter pylori. This randomized, open, multicentre trial compares three different regimens with these drugs. Methods: Consecutive H. pylori +ve outpatients were included. The alternative regimens were: 1) O 20 mg, clarithromycin (C) 250 mg and metronidazole (M) 500 mg (O·C·M), 2) RBC 400 mg, C 250 mg and M 500 mg (RBC·C·M), 3) RBC 400 mg, tetracycline (T) 1000 mg and M 500 mg [RBC·T·M]. All drugs were given twice daily for 7 days. H. pylori infection was assessed with H. pylori urea breath tests. Results: 426 H. pylori +ve patients were included (mean age 58 years [range 18-88], male/female: 244/182). The eradication rates (intention to treat) in the O·C·M, RBC·C·M and RBC·T·M groups were 117/137 (85%), 141/146 (97%) and 117/143 (82%), respectively (P < 0.001, overall assessment). There were no significant differences in side effects between the alternatives. Conclusion: In this trial, RBC·C·M was the most effective one, it was well tolerated and compliance was satisfactory. RBC·T·M is an alternative to regimens with clarithromycin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explores a molecular means of determining the initial cortical sites of beta-Amyloid deposition in Down syndrome by using an affinity-purified polyclonal antibody recognizing racemized, chronobiologically older, senile plaques. Immunosustaining characteristics of the antibody; Use of antibodies to modified forms of the beta-Amyloid protein.

Background: The effect of acid secretion inhibitors in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) is equivocal. One previous trial showed an effect in patients with a characteristic gastro-oesophageal reflux pattern. This double-blind trial compares the number of reflux episodes in responders and non-responders to omeprazole. Methods: Twenty-four patients (men/women, 11:13; mean age, 49 years) with FD were included; those with reflux as the main symptom were excluded. An upper endoscopy and a 24-h oesophageal pH measurement were performed before randomization to treatment with 10-20 mg omeprazole or placebo for 4 weeks. Patients who at questioning considered themselves to have achieved sufficient relief of dyspeptic symptoms after 4 weeks were characterized as responders. Results: The number of responders in the omeprazole and placebo groups was 8 of 14 (57%) and 2 of 10 (20%), respectively (P = 0.07). The mean number of reflux episodes at the 24-h oesophageal pH measurement in responders and non-responders to omeprazole was 57 and 25, respectively (P < 0.003). In the omeprazole group the number of responders was 0 of 5 (0%) in those with ≤ 32 reflux episodes and 8 of 9 (89%) in those with > 32 reflux episodes (P < 0.003). Conclusion: Patients with FD responding to omeprazole were characterized by many reflux episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]