Myths of tuberculosis
Article Abstract:
The treatment and control of tuberculosis (TB) is confounded by many myths and misconceptions, which must be eliminated if success is to be achieved in controlling this disease. The current increase in TB cases is due more to the reactivation of old cases than to the development of new cases, AIDS, and the arrival of immigrants with the disease. The control of latent infection is essential in the effort to eliminate TB. The highest risk of TB infection is in poor, immigrant, homeless and minority populations. The following myths inhibit control efforts: never repeat a tuberculin test on someone who has had a positive skin test; do not perform a TB skin test on persons immunized with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG); preventive therapy is dangerous; TB is not an occupational disease; and X-ray screening is effective. High risk occupations and certain occupational settings attract persons at high risk of disease. Miners, foundry workers, stone and quarry workers have increased susceptibility to developing active TB. Laborers, custodial personnel, migrant field workers, food handlers and laundry workers are occupations that are usually held by high-risk individuals. People at high risk for TB are also more likely to seek employment in institutions and health care facilities, prisons, animal facilities, nursing homes and other settings where there is increased risk of infection. Closed work environments suggest the need for adequate screening efforts. Current therapeutic efforts associated with other diseases frequently increase the risk of infection for health care providers. Understanding the TB, its epidemiology, therapy and control are essential to the eradication of the disease. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1991
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Canadian free trade: a strong beginning
Article Abstract:
The US-Canada free trade agreement of 1988 could mark the beginning of more overt international trade, which both Pres Bush and Canadian Prime Minister Mulroney espouse. The trade agreement, involving the world's largest trading partnership, promises annual trade of $150 billion between the two countries. It is likely to raise the living standards in Canada and the US, and raise both countries' gross national products (GNPs). Canadian tariffs, which average nine to 10%, will be eliminated, and US companies will be a stronger competitor in Canada against companies from Japan, Korea, Germany, and France.
Publication Name: Credit World
Subject: Banking, finance and accounting industries
ISSN: 0011-1074
Year: 1989
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Cutting a dash
Article Abstract:
RNA research has long taken second place to that involving DNA. Increasing understanding of the functions of ribozymes has refocused the intellectual and economic energies of the biotechnology industry in the direction of RNA research. Ribozymes are fragments of RNA that act as catalysts.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1998
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