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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued interim guidelines for use of antiviral medications during the 2004-2005 influenza season. The guidelines are summarized as follows.
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Despite widespread protests from the infection control community, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has not rescinded its controversial requirement for annual respirator fit-testing for workers who may be exposed to tuberculosis patients.
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Age issues cast doubt on intradermal flu shots, SARS transmission requires close contact.
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Measures that increase adiponectin levels might be valuable targets for decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis present in patients with diabetes.
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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.