Acta medica Croatica : c̆asopis Hravatske akademije medicinskih znanosti
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Pilocarpine in the prevention of postirradiation xerostomia.
During radiation therapy to the head and neck region, salivary gland hypofunction commonly develops. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether the sialogogue pilocarpine given during radiation therapy may reduce the severity of xerostomia and salivary dysfunction. ⋯ No drug effect was observed in the glands that were completely irradiated. Thus, pilocarpine appeared to stimulate salivary tissues outside the radiation field.
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To obtain data on mesothelioma incidence in Central and Eastern Europe, a short questionnaire was sent to 83 researchers from 19 countries. The questions referred to the approximate number of mesotheliomas diagnosed per year in the country, degree of asbestos consumption, and percentage of lung carcinomas attributable to asbestos. Answers were received from 12 countries. ⋯ Data on the percentage of asbestos-related lung carcinomas are lacking. The knowledge about asbestos related cancer in Central and Eastern Europe remains fragmentary. Further investigations in this relevant area of public health should be encouraged.