Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Nov 2007
Review[New developments in diagnostic and therapy of asymptomatic carotid stenosis].
Stroke is the leading cause of long-term major disability in developed countries, although several improvements could be achieved in acute stroke therapy (e. g. thrombolysis, stroke-unit treatment, optimized early rehabilitation strategies). Therefore, primary prevention is essential to reduce the burden of stroke. 10 -20 % of all cerebral ischemias are caused due to stenosis or occlusion of the extracranial carotid arteries. This review summarizes the indications, diagnostics as well as the actual data for a medical, endovascular or operative treatment of asymptomatic carotid stenosis.
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Nov 2007
Review[Global warming: trailblazer for tropical infections in Germany?].
Since 1850, the CO (2) content of the atmosphere has increased from 280 to 360 ppm, and the average surface temperature has risen from 14.6 to 15.3 C. A further increase between 1.8 and 4.0 C is expected for the 21st century. Temperate and cold climate zones are affected predominantly, but tropical regions are not spared. ⋯ Global warming may lead to the emergence of diseases which at present are not endemic in Germany, like West Nile fever, Dengue fever, or Leishmaniases, and to enhanced transmission of borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis. Malaria and cholera, in contrast, are influenced more strongly by socioeconomic factors. Improved surveillance and intensified research on the relationship between climate change and infectious diseases is needed.