Original Article

Comparison of Color Doppler US and CT Portography in Evaluating Portal Hypertension in Children

Objectives: To compare grayscale and color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) findings to that of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) portography in the evaluation of portal hypertension in children. Methods: Thirty children (mean age, 11.4 years) with definitive clinical and laboratory diagnoses of portal hypertension were included in the study. Liver parenchymal changes,…

Review

Clinical Application of Treating Biofilms-Associated Infections in Family Medicine

Abstract: The management of common infections in family medicine may be complicated by poor treatment response or infection recurrence. In many cases, difficulty in treating these infections can be explained by the important role of biofilms, complex microbial communities with unique survival properties that promote infection resistance, recurrence, and persistence….

Original Article

How We Didn’t Clean Up Until We Washed Our Hands: Shigellosis in an Elementary and Middle School in North Texas

Background: Shigella outbreaks often continue for months and are linked frequently to poor hygiene and hand washing. Such outbreaks are found often in day care facilities, but rarely are reported in schools. We present the investigation of an outbreak in autumn 2007 at a building that housed an elementary school…

Invited Commentary

Importance of Personal Hygiene Techniques in Public Health

In this issue, Dr. Schulte and her colleagues from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and the Texas Department of State Health Services describe a public health intervention at a small school in North Texas during an unusual outbreak of shigellosis among 10% of its students.1 The…

Original Article

An Approach to Identify Rural Women Aged 60 to 64 for Osteoporosis Treatment

Objectives: The US Preventive Services Task Force recently recommended that women younger than 65 years undergo a bone mineral density screening if clinical risk factors (CRFs) of a major osteoporotic fracture are ≥9.3% for a period of 10 years. We sought the most cost-effective approach to identify older, rural women…

Original Article

Where Are My Patients? It Is Time to Automate Notification of Hospital Use to Primary Care Practices

Abstract: The hospital-to-community transition is fraught with risks for patients, with 30-day readmission rates of 20% for Medicare patients. Poorly coordinated transitions of care translate to unplanned readmission costs to Medicare of more than $17 billion/year. Calls for better physician communication to improve care coordination abound; however, primary care physicians…

Review

Introduction to Biofilms in Family Medicine

Abstract: The management of common infections in family medicine can be complicated by poor treatment response or infection recurrence. Bacteria can grow as free-floating, planktonic bacteria or complex communities called biofilms. Biofilms promote bacterial growth and diversity and offer unique environments, including both aerobic and anaerobic layers, to bacteria. Although…

Review

Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: Benign Bystander or Culpable Contributor to Adverse Health Outcomes?

Abstract: Elevation in serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) often accompanies vitamin D deficiency and renal impairment. PTH elevation in renal failure is viewed as an unfavorable development. Evidence is increasing that PTH elevation may be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In many instances these PTH effects appear to be independent…

Review

Abnormal Urine Color

Abstract: A change in urine color can be distressing for patients and physicians alike. Many of the causes of abnormal urine color are benign effects of medications and foods; however, a change in urine color may be a sign of an underlying pathological condition. The good news is that in…

Review

Role of Aggressive LDL Reduction in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to integrate research evidence with the care of the patient with coronary heart disease (CHD) and place into perspective the importance of intensive statin therapy. We reviewed five major trials and select related post hoc analyses that examined the beneficial effects from…

Review

Lung Volume Reduction for Advanced Emphysema: Surgical and Bronchoscopic Approaches

Abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the third leading cause of death in the United States, affecting more than 24 million people. Inhaled bronchodilators are the mainstay of therapy; they improve symptoms and quality of life and reduce exacerbations. These and smoking cessation and long-term oxygen therapy for hypoxemic patients…

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