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All of the currently available non-invasive techniques for carotid artery imaging give accurate results when there is a high-grade stenosis (70-99%), but contrast-enhanced MRA is slightly more sensitive.
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The FDA has approved a new agent for smoking cessation. Varenicline blocks the action of nicotine but provides a lower level of stimulation of dopamine release to reduce craving and withdrawal symptoms.
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The TNT study (Treat to New Targets) demonstrated that intensive lipid lowering (ILL) with atorvastatin 80 mg/d in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) provided more benefit than simply achieving an LDL of 100 mg/dL with atorvastatin 10 mg/d.
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An MRI is often used to assist in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. This systematic review of 29 studies shows that an MRI will result in an overdiagnosis of MS when used after one episode of neurologic dysfunction.
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A 12-lead ECG was obtained from a 66 year old man with heart failure. How would you interpret this ECG? Does the patient have RBBB (right bundle branch block)? Is there "a twist" to answering this question?
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Do long-acting beta agonist inhalers increase the severity of asthma? Yes, according to the results from a large meta-analysis recently published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Oral appliances are effective in the treatment of snoring and mild-to-moderate sleep apnea.
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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the community was the cause of the majority of skin and soft tissue infections, and was predominantly of one strain different from MRSA of hospital origin.
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Exercise capacity and fitness measurements have been successfully used to predict cardiovascular and total mortality in middle-aged adults.
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Most exacerbations of asthma are related to viral infection; Erectile dysfunction (ed) most commonly reflects endothelial dysfunction; and the relationship between iron status and hair loss is complex.
