Cleveland Clinic journal of medicine
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Jet lag sleep disorder and shift work sleep disorder are the result of dyssynchrony between the internal clock and the external light-dark cycle, brought on by rapid travel across time zones or by working a nonstandard schedule. Symptoms can be minimized by optimizing the sleep environment, by strategic avoidance of and exposure to light, and also with drug and behavioral therapies.
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Dabigatran (Pradaxa) is a new oral anticoagulant approved in the United States for the primary prevention of stroke and systemic embolization in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. It offers clinicians an alternative to warfarin (Coumadin), and it has received considerable interest because of its convenience of use, clinical efficacy, and safety profile. However, it is more expensive, and this may limit its widespread use.
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During the last 5 years, new randomized trials in critically ill patients have challenged a number of traditional treatment strategies in intensive care. The authors review eight studies that helped change their medical practices.
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Medical care in the United States is plagued by extremely high costs, poor quality, and fragmented delivery. In response, new concepts of integrated health care delivery have developed, including patient-centered medical homes and accountable care organizations (ACOs). This article reviews these concepts and includes a detailed discussion of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' ACO and Shared Savings Proposed Rule.