Quinolones and macrolides: roles in respiratory infections.

Newer agents in these classes can be useful when standard antibiotics may be contraindicated or ineffective. They are well tolerated gastrointestinally and have excellent tissue penetration when given orally, allowing shorter courses at lower dosages. Quinolones are especially effective against nosocomial infections, macrolides against community-acquired infections.

When is surgery necessary for a groin hernia?

Hernias are one of the most common causes of symptoms in the groin. Surgery is needed for all femoral and indirect inguinal hernias to prevent incarceration and strangulation. Asymptomatic direct hernias can be observed if they are not enlarging.

Current status of external counterpulsation.

This article traces the development of external counterpulsation from its beginnings to the present. Initially, counterpulsation was carried out by cannulating the femoral artery. The hemodynamic goals were to reduce the afterload of the left ventricle, and to raise or augment the diastolic pressure.