Riluzole for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Article Abstract:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved limited access to riluzole (Rilutek), a new drug used in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS patients die several years after this progressive degeneration of motor neurons is diagnosed. Until riluzole becomes commercially available, the drug will treat 3,000 patients selected by a lottery. Riluzole blocks glutamate release, since excessive glutamate accumulation in the brain may cause toxic injury. More patients who took riluzole survived a median of 19 months compared to a control group. Maximum benefit to date may occur in the first 9 to 12 months of drug therapy followed by less therapeutic success in the second year. Riluzole causes few side effects, but nausea and vomiting have been reported. Although the effectiveness of riluzole remains uncertain, no alternative therapy for ALS exists as yet.

Evaluation, Product/Service Evaluation, Drug therapy, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Rilutek (Medication)

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Opening up the markets in US telecoms

Article Abstract:

The telecommunications law recently passed in the US will permit long-distance carriers, cable television operators and local phone concerns to move into new market areas, thus introducing a much strong element of competition into the telecommunications industry. The legislation also allows cross-ownership between cable and phone concerns in small communities, and permits media concerns to purchase more television and radio stations. This is likely to prompt a considerable number of mergers between media groups.

Laws, regulations and rules, Telecommunications services industry, Telecommunications industry, Cable television

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A Greek tragedy

Article Abstract:

A Greek ferry, Express Samina, in a bad weather, carrying 538 passengers sank as it hit rocks causing a big hole in its hull and Margarita and Annito were sent as rescue boats. The sunken ferry did not have any safety equipment on board to handle such emergency, due to which the sailor in the Margarita and his crew faced difficulties while trying to save the passengers of the ill-fated ferry.

Mediterranean Sea, Personal narratives, Aegean Sea, Ferryboat disasters

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