Toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae Infections in Low-Risk Patients, Switzerland, 2023.

We report a cluster of infections with genetically related toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae linked to an outbreak among asylum seekers in Switzerland that subsequently affected patients without known exposure. This discovery highlights the importance of rapid, interdisciplinary outbreak investigations and regular vaccination status assessment, especially in elderly populations with waning immunity.

Implications of early respiratory support strategies on disease progression in critical COVID-19: a matched subanalysis of the prospective RISC-19-ICU cohort.

Background: Uncertainty about the optimal respiratory support strategies in critically ill COVID-19 patients is widespread. While the risks and benefits of noninvasive techniques versus early invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) are intensely debated, actual evidence is lacking. We sought to assess the risks and benefits of different respiratory support strategies, employed in intensive care units during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic on intubation and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality rates.

Desogestrel-only contraception may reduce headache frequency and improve quality of life in women suffering from migraine.

Objective: To analyse the effects of a three-month course of progestogen-only contraception with desogestrel 75 μg on disability, headache frequency and headache intensity in migraineurs.

Materials And Methods: Migraine disability headache questionnaires (MIDAS) were collected from 37 migraineurs during counselling, and at the end of three months treatment with desogestrel. Another ten women initiated but did not complete treatment.

Students' knowledge of symptoms and risk factors of potential life-threatening medical conditions.

Aim: In order to assess medical students' knowledge of Basic Life Support (BLS) principles, we defined a minimal knowledge (MK) of three life-threatening medical conditions that should be universally known: cardiac arrest, heart attack and stroke, and compared the results with those of laypersons.

Methods: Before participating in a BLS course, 406 medical students and 101 laypersons completed an MK questionnaire. Additional data were collected on participants' gender, age, education, medical education, personal experience with the condition and successful completion of a BLS course.

[Postcholecystectomy complaints one year after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Results of a prospective study of 253 patients].

Aims: We studied the nature and frequency of symptoms 1 year after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in order to define pre- and perioperative factors that influence the long-term outcome.

Method: Between September 1994 and August 1995 we prospectively evaluated 268 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a standard questionnaire. After an average of 16 months (12-25 months) the patients were asked about their symptoms using a similar questionnaire by telephone or were followed up clinically if necessary.