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Bad news: Results of the first large-scale effectiveness trial for a microbicide indicate that while the candidate, Carraguard, is safe, it was not shown to be effective in preventing male-to-female transmission of HIV.
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An experimental anti-HIV tenofovir gel is safe for women to use on a daily basis, according to research conducted by the scientists at the University of Pittsburgh (PA) School of Medicine and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
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Several strides have been made when it comes to cervical cancer prevention. Research has identified high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) as causal agents, a test has been developed to detect HPV infection (Digene HPV Test, Digene Corp.; Gaithersburg, MD), and a vaccine (Gardasil, Merck & Co.; Whitehouse Station, NJ) is now marketed to prevent infection of the most common types of HPV.
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In 1998, the United States was on the verge of eliminating syphilis, one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Today, the national syphilis rate has increased for the seventh consecutive year, according to preliminary data presented at the March 2008 National STD Prevention Conference.
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Disruptive behaviors are a poor prognostic sign in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
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Wyeth Pharmaceuticals has received approval to market desvenlafaxine for the treatment of depression. The drug is the major active metabolite of venlafaxine (Effexor ). Wyeth has formulated the drug in a once-daily extended-release tablet. It will be marketed under the trade name Pristiq.
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Lower serum testosterone in men aged 60 and over was associated with increased fracture risk (especially hip and nonvertebral), even after adjusting for other major risk factors for fracture.
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Neither training in working techniques nor use of lifting equipment appears to prevent back pain or back-related disability.
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This single center prospective observational study finds that the utility of a routine daily chest x-ray (CXR) for an ICU patient is quite limited. A change in practice to ordering CXR only when clinically indicated did not adversely impact patient outcome but reduced CXR volume and overall costs.
