Military medicine
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Acute gastroenteritis is a potential cause of substantial morbidity in U. S. military personnel during deployment. This study was conducted to evaluate enteric pathogens associated with diarrhea in a U. ⋯ Plasmid profiles of the ETEC strains showed no correlation with toxin production. In vitro susceptibility testing of the ETEC strain showed that 32% of the strains were resistant to three or more antimicrobial agents, whereas 24% showed 100% susceptibility. The enteropathogens tested were susceptible to norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and nalidixic acid, suggesting that the quinolones might be useful for the treatment of diarrheic patients.
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In conflict, military medicine differs greatly from its civilian counterpart. Treatment strategies are designed to manage a potentially large number of severely wounded and function in an often hostile and poorly equipped environment. The most severely injured are stabilized and prepared for transport away from the war zone to a larger, better-equipped facility. ⋯ There is ample evidence in the literature to support the use of nutrition support soon after injury. This article briefly describes the limitations of the military medical system in reference to nutrition support and the role of nutrition support for the civilian trauma patient. The lessons learned from the civilian experience may help formulate a nutrition strategy for the battle wounded that may become included into the standardized care policy.
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Central venous catheter complications are an important nosocomial problem. This report outlines three complications of central line placement and provides some insights that may help physicians and surgeons avoid consequential problems with invasive line placement.
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A mathematical model revealing the relationships between bed capacity, average patient admission rate, average patient length of stay, utilization rate, and overfill rate in intensive care units is developed and explained. Mathematical model predictions are compared to predictions of two kinds of discrete event intensive care unit simulations and to data from a variety of real intensive care units. ⋯ There is no significant (p < 0.05) difference between measured utilization and overfill rates assessed in actual intensive care units, the rates obtained by discrete event simulations, and the rates predicted by the intensive care unit model. The intensive care unit census model can enhance rational determination of intensive care unit bed and staff requirements.
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Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a common dermatologic conditions primarily affecting black men who shave closely on a regular basis. Figures cited in the literature indicate 10 to 83% of black men have some form of it. ⋯ This article will review the pathogenesis of pseudofolliculitis barbae and provide a variety of treatment modalities. Proper treatment is essential to avoid unnecessary scarring, pigmentation, and keloid formation.