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In 1957, my uncle Henry broadened my musical horizons by dropping a 78 on the turntable, smiling at me, and saying, 'Get ready.' Five seconds in and I'm transfixed, goose-bumped [...]

The media is creating the false impression that African Americans will vote only for an African American to replace Mayor Daley. African Americans voted for the late Mayor Harold Washington because of his broad vision and quality as a politician.

A single-blind multicentre crossover study was carried out in general practice of 47 patients with symptoms due to hyperacidity. Patients were allocated at random to receive treatment either with Gastrils® for the first 2 weeks followed by Aludrox® tablets for the second 2 weeks, or with Aludrox tablets for the first 2 weeks followed by Gastrils for the second 2 weeks. Clinical evaluation took place initially, after the first 2 weeks treatment and after the second 2 weeks treatment. The efficacy and acceptability of both preparations were compared, likewise the flavours of different Gastrils packs. Analysis of the results showed that peppermint flavoured Gastrils were significantly preferred to Aludrox tablets, and a peppermint flavour to a banana flavour. Side-effects were significantly more prevalent with Aludrox tablets. Differences in antacid response were similar, but numerically, if not statistically significantly, Gastrils had a more beneficial effect.

Fifteen general practitioners conducted a randomized, double-blind comparative trial of two cerumenolytics, namely, Otocerol® and Cerumol®. A total of 106 patients were entered into the study (fifty-three in each group). Otocerol was shown to be marginally better than Cerumol in all parameters evaluated.

SummaryAn open parallel study was carried out in general practice on 70 patients with uncomplicated mild to moderate hypertension to compare the hypotensive efficacy of hydrochlorothiazide/amiloride with that of cyclopenthiazide/potassium. After a 2-week baseline period on placebo, patients were allocated at random to receive treatment with one or other of the diuretics starting with 1 tablet per day and increasing up to a maximum of 4 tablets per day or until their supine diastolic blood pressure was 90 mmHg or less. They were then continued at their optimum dose for a further 4 weeks. Analysis of the results from 62 patients showed that the hydrochlorothiazide/amiloride preparation produced both a greater decrease and better control of blood pressure in a greater percentage of patients than did the comparison diuretic. In addition, the beneficial effects were attained with fewer tablets, of importance for patient compliance.

SummaryTwo hundred and seventeen patients between 6 and 12 years of age suffering from acute cough took part in a randomized, single-blind study comparing ‘Pholcolix’ and ‘Actifed' Compound. No significant difference in efficacy was demonstrated but analysis of palatability components (taste, smell, aftertaste and feeling in the mouth) showed numerical superiority for ‘Pholcolix’ for all parameters, with a high degree of significance for overall taste. ‘Pholcolix’ caused significantly fewer side-effects, with ‘Actifed' Compound causing markedly more drowsiness after daytime dosage.