A neural network ActiveX based integrated image processing environment.

The paper outlines an integrated image processing environment that uses neural networks ActiveX technology for object recognition and classification. The image processing environment which is Windows based, encapsulates a Multiple-Document Interface (MDI) and is menu driven. Object (shape) parameter extraction is focused on features that are invariant in terms of translation, rotation and scale transformations. The neural network models that can be incorporated as ActiveX components into the environment allow both clustering and classification of objects from the analysed image. Mapping neural networks perform an input sensitivity analysis on the extracted feature measurements and thus facilitate the removal of irrelevant features and improvements in the degree of generalisation. The program has been used to evaluate the dimensions of the hydrocephalus in a study for calculating the Evans index and the angle of the frontal horns of the ventricular system modifications.

Acetazolamide therapy evaluation in haemorrhagic stroke.

The influence of acetazolamide in patients with hemorrhagic stroke was assessed in 54 patients in comparison with the influence of other therapies in 68 patients included in a control group. Modified Rankin Scale and mortality rate were evaluated at three different moments: onset, 72 hours and control (3 weeks-one month from the onset). A better outcome was seen when acetazolamide was given. Mortality rate was significantly lower in the group of acetazolamide. This therapy may be safely used in haemorrhagic stroke, especially when hydrocephalus is associated.

Option for surgical management of cerebral haematoma: case report.

A 48-year-old male patient, a surgeon, displayed a right temporo-occipital cerebral haematoma (5 x 7 cm). He had a history of chronic left occipital migraine-like cephalalgia from the age of 16 and hypertension was diagnosed when he was 42 years old. As therapy, he used ACE inhibitors, nifedipine and clonidine for hypertension and for cephalalgia a combination of aspirin, phenacetin and caffeine. During the last 2-3 months before the detection of cerebral haematoma, injections with piritramide were made when severe headaches were unbearable. The patient was operated on the 7th day since the onset of cerebral haematoma after a "wait and see" period of repeated clinical and CT-scan assessment. The initial option of the patient was surgical. We consider that the patient's profession (medical/surgical profile) may have played a positive motivation for the surgical option.

The continuous decrease in the number of SSPE annual cases ten years after compulsory anti-measles immunization.

The record of SSPE cases diagnosed immunochemically and serologically in our laboratory, standing for about 60% of the total new cases reported in our country, shows a significant decrease in the incidence in 1988-89 (from 5.21 new cases per year per million total population in 1987 to 1.82 cases in 1988). In 85% of the patients, SSPE onset occurred at the age of 10 years or more, suggesting the possibility of a primary measles infection before anti-measles immunization became compulsory. High serum and CSF anti-measles antibody titres in recently diagnosed patients show subclinical long-term courses. Further serologic tests for viruses inducing persistent infections (herpes viruses, AgHBs and HIV) do not show any difference when compared to a control group excepting an increased incidence of anti-cytomegalic titres.