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CRP values as a continuous variable have independent predictive value for subsequent coronary events in apparently healthy women.
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The 12-lead ECG and accompanying rhythm strip shown in the Figure were obtained from an older man who presented with acute dyspnea from pneumonia. He was on multiple medications, and was in moderate-to-severe respiratory distress at the time this ECG was recorded. Is the rhythm Torsades de Pointes?
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Infection rates in low-risk human bites are exceedingly low. Antibiotic treatment may not be necessary for these patients.
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In a prospective, randomized trial, primary excision of colorectal carcinomas by laparoscopic surgery was compared with laparotomy. Disease recurrence and 5-year survival were not significantly different in the 2 groups. Operative time was greater for those receiving laparoscopic approach but post-operative recovery and hospital stays were shorter.
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The first nonabsorbable, gastrointestinal-selective antibiotic has been approved for the treatment of travelers diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of Escherichia coli.
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Prevention of Disabling and Fatal Strokes by Successful Carotid Endarterectomy in Patients without Recent Neurological Symptoms; Cox-2 Inhibitors vs Nonselective NSAIDs and CHF Outcomes in Elderly Patients; Interventions for the Prevention of Falls in Older Adults
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The British government will soon allow over-the-counter (OTC) sales of Mercks simvastatin (Zocor), marking the first time any country has allowed the OTC sale of a statin.
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Eradication of H. pylori in a large outpatient general practice setting seemed to protect against the subsequent onset of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and there was evidence that eradication of H. pylori neither improved nor worsened pre-existing GERD symptoms.
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The AFFIRM study was a randomized comparison of 2 strategies for management of patients with atrial fibrillation. Patients with atrial fibrillation requiring therapy, who also had one or more risk factors for stroke or death, were randomized to either a rate control strategy of cardioversion and treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs or a rate control strategy using atrioventricular (AV) nodal blocking agents to control ventricular response. Results of this study suggest that if an effective method for maintaining sinus rhythm with fewer adverse effects were available, it might improve survival.
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Enalapril improves effort tolerance and reduces dyspnea in patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis, but may cause hypotension in those with congestive heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction, or systolic blood pressure < 100 mm Hg.
