JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
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International and Mexican human rights organizations have documented torture of detainees (ie, those held and indicted but not sentenced) in all 31 states and the Federal District of Mexico, but little is known about the attitudes and experiences of forensic physicians examining detainees. ⋯ Torture and ill treatment of detainees is a major problem in Mexico facilitated by multiple medical and legal factors. Mexican forensic physicians support measures to improve forensic documentation of torture and ill treatment of detainees.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Principal results of the Controlled Onset Verapamil Investigation of Cardiovascular End Points (CONVINCE) trial.
Hypertensive patients are often given a calcium antagonist to reduce cardiovascular disease risk, but the benefit compared with other drug classes is controversial. ⋯ The CONVINCE trial did not demonstrate equivalence of a COER verapamil-based antihypertensive regimen compared with a regimen beginning with a diuretic or beta-blocker. When considered in the context of other trials of calcium antagonists, these data indicate that the effectiveness of calcium-channel therapy in reducing cardiovascular disease is similar but not better than diuretic or beta-blocker treatment.
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Of the several factors implicated in causing QT interval prolongation and torsades de pointes, errors in the use of medications that may prolong this interval deserve special attention. ⋯ Although the use of QT-prolonging medications can predispose to torsades de pointes, there is a relative paucity of information that can help clinicians and patients make optimal informed decisions about how best to minimize the risk of this serious complication.