Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · May 2004
Biography Historical ArticleJ. Marion Sims, the father of gynecology: hero or villain?
J. Marion Sims (1813-1884) has been called the "Father of Gynecology" for his revolutionary approach to treating the diseases of women. He rose from humble origins to become a successful surgeon, teacher, and writer. ⋯ His powerful personality and messianic attitude led him to minimize moral problems, and to bristle against opposition. Ethical principles of autonomy and beneficence are important criteria for evaluating Sims' research. An exploration of the nature of Sims' work and the atmosphere in which he practiced will illuminate the critical ethical questions surrounding Sims' use of slave women as experimental subjects.
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Southern medical journal · Apr 2004
Biography Historical ArticleSmallpox vaccination in the early 19th century using live carriers: the travels of Francisco Xavier de Balmis.
Realizing that the Spanish colonies were being devastated by epidemics of smallpox resulting in thousands of deaths, Charles IV, King of Spain, sent one of his court's physicians to apply the recently discovered vaccine. Without refrigeration, the vaccine was passed from one child to another (boys taken out of orphanages). ⋯ During his journey, Balmis instructed local physicians on how to prepare, preserve, and apply the vaccine, while collecting rare biologic specimens. On the 200th anniversary of their sailing, recognition is given to this group for conducting what was the first global vaccination campaign that reached Texas and California.
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Southern medical journal · Apr 2004
Review Case ReportsLeukemoid reaction due to Clostridium dificile infection in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: two case reports and a review of the literature.
The clinical presentation of colitis associated with Clostridium difficile infection in immunosuppressed patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has not been completely characterized. Previous reports suggest that these patients present with low blood leukocyte counts, consistent with the impaired myelopoiesis that can occur with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. ⋯ To the best of our knowledge, these are the first described cases of leukemoid reaction associated with C difficile or other bacterial infection in AIDS patients. We review the literature on C difficile colitis in patients infected with HIV and suggest that severe C difficile infection should be considered in such patients presenting with leukemoid reaction and diarrhea.
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Southern medical journal · Apr 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialIncidence of postdural puncture headache and backache, and success rate of dural puncture: comparison of two spinal needle designs.
The goal of this randomized study was to compare the incidence of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) and postdural puncture backache (PDPB), and the success rate between two small-gauge spinal needle designs used in women undergoing subarachnoid block anesthesia. ⋯ The low complication and failure rates make these two types of smaller size spinal needle design good candidates for dural puncture procedures, such as spinal anesthesia, diagnostic lumbar punctures, and myelograms.
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Southern medical journal · Apr 2004
Gender differences in knowledge and perceptions of HIV resources among individuals living with HIV in the Southeast.
Ancillary services have been associated with beneficial health utilization outcomes among individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), including greater retention in medical care and greater likelihood of antiretroviral use. Our primary objectives were to examine gender differences in barriers to ancillary services among people living with HIV in the Southeastern United States. ⋯ These findings indicate a need for outreach services that are designed to address the specific needs of older African-American women, and women in general.