Disinfection for prevention and control of infections on the threshold of the 21 century for the critically ill patient.

In infectious diseases we can discern a cause and effect chain, which in particular offers the practicable perspectives of prophylaxis and treatment. However, to date we have not been able to control them. Apart from new epidemics, such as those caused by HIV and SARS, long-forgotten scourges like TB are enjoying a comeback.

Evaluation of the oesophageal-tracheal double-lumen tube (Combitube) during general anaesthesia.

Objectives: Evaluation of safety and effectiveness of the Combitube during general anaesthesia.

Patients And Methods: 250 patients undergoing general anaesthesia were enrolled in the study. The respective types and duration of surgery, ease of insertion of the Combitube, and potential complications were recorded.

The influence of protocol pain and risk on patients' willingness to consent for clinical studies: a randomized trial.

We tested the hypothesis that the risk or discomfort associated with a clinical trial influence patients' decisions to participate. Simultaneously, we evaluated factors likely to influence patients' decisions such as understanding of the risk and discomfort associated with the study, patient age, educational level, and psychological status. With IRB approval, participants, who believed they were being asked to participate in a real trial, were presented one of three sham protocols: no risk or pain (Control, n = 48), pain but no risk (Pain, n = 51), or risk but no pain (Risk, n = 51).