[The nitrates are one of our oldest medicine. This article summarizes the general and the cardiovascular effect of the nitrates, the question of the nitrate tolerance and the ways of avoiding this. On the basis of the clinical studies the article describes the theoretical and practical results of the nitrate therapy in myocardial infarct and post-MI patients. It also summarizes the cardiac and extracardiac indications of the nitrates with special regard to acute cardiac conditions (acute heart failure, pulmonary edema) and analyses the side effects and the contrindications of the drug.]

[Conservative treatment - lifestyle interventions, physical therapies, bladder retraining and devices - should be included in the counselling of incontinent women regarding treatment options. Obesity is an independent risk factor for the prevalence of urinary incontinence and weight loss would appear to be an acceptable treatment option for morbidly obese women. Chronic straining may also be risk factor for the development of urinary incontinence. Further research is needed to evaluate the effect of heavy exertion/exercise, smoking, caffeine and fluid intake on incontinence and whether their cessation can alleviate or prevent this condition. Specific pelvic floor muscle training targeted at women with genuine stress incontinence may optimise effectiveness and for those women with mixed and urge incontinence, it may be appropriate to offer pelvic floor muscle training in combination with bladder retraining. There is insufficient evidence to determine whether electrostimulation is better than no treatment for women with stress, mixed, or urge incontinence while bladder retraining is an effective treatment in these cases. The anti-incontinence extraurethral or intraurethral occlusive, and intravaginal supportive devices may be employed for initial and/or long term management and be used prior to or simultaneously with other forms of conservative therapy and if after other forms have failed in order to postpone or avoid surgery or following unsuccessful surgical intervention.]

[There has been a very significant reduction in morbidity and mortality associated with the use of antibiotics since they were first introduced, but, there has also been a concomitant rise in resistance among pathogens over the past 50 years. Moreover, antibiotics are sometimes associated with adverse events and their use can account for a significant proportion of the cost of treatment of some conditions. To ensure the optimal use of antibiotics doctors should use the most appropriate antibiotics to stop the spread of infection. In choosing the appropriate antimicrobial agent for the therapy of a certain infection several key factors must be considered: the most likely identity of the infecting organism, the potential antimicrobial susceptibility of the infecting organism and the host factors that influence the response to therapy. This publication is designed to introduce the concept of appropriate antibiotic therapy and how it can minimise the emergence of antimicrobial resistance while ensuring optimal patient management.]