TO THE EDITOR: Hakim et al. (3) examined the passive mechanical properties of fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles from young and old mdx dystrophic mice. They elegantly showed that by increasing passive strain on the dystrophic muscle from 110% of optimal length (Lo) to 160% of Lo, the muscle physically ruptured in a manner that got progressively worse with age. At the oldest ag...

79 disease: Cochrane systemic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2003; 326: 185. 21. Morietti M, Cilione C, Tampieri A et al. Incidence and causes of non-invasive mechanical ventilation failure after initial success. Thorax 2000; 55: 819–25. 22. Nunn JF, Milledge JS, Singaraya J. Survival of patients ventilated in an intensive therapy unit. BMJ 1979; 1: 1525–7. 23. Witek TJ Jr, Schachter EN, Dean NL...

Background: Acute poisoning has been reported to be the most common reason for hospitalization in Iran. This study was designed to delineate the toxic agents responsible for acute poisonings in Iran by reviewing poisoning cases treated at four major referral hospitals for treatment of poisoning across the country. Methods: This was a descriptive retrospective study on poisoned patients treated...