Thirds Of Study Participants Research Articles

Effect of a Guaiazulene-Containing Ointment on Nipple and Areola Area Health of Women

Guaiazulene-containing ointments are routinely used for breast care during breastfeeding. It has also been proposed that nipple and areola area of non-breastfeeding women might benefit from use of this azulene. In a study with 51 women, it was investigated whether the use of a guaiazulene-containing ointment (Garmastan?) would improve look, elasticity and sensitivity of nipple and areola area within 4 month daily application. About one third of study participants reported improvement in sensitivity, elasticity and look of the investigated area of the breast. Assessment of doctors revealed a clear improvement in elasticity and sensitivity of the nipple and areola area over study period. Nearly all women wished to continue the use of the ointment after end of the study. In conclusion, the use of Garmastan? ointment is able to improve sensitivity and elasticity of the nipple and areola area of the breasts of non-breastfeeding women.

Does caring for trauma patients lead to psychological stress in surgeons?

Symptoms identical to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been shown to occur in caregivers of trauma patients. Secondary traumatic stress (STS) characterizes those who exhibit PTSD symptoms related to indirect exposure to a stressor. We hypothesized that caring for trauma patients is associated with symptoms of PTSD/STS. Surgeons in various specialties (n = 133) were surveyed from January to May 2012 at two regional surgical conferences. Symptoms of PTSD were identified using the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS) using specific diagnostic criteria to measure the psychological impact of exposure to trauma patients. Resilience was measured using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 10 items. The amount of time caring for trauma patients was used as a measure of risk exposure. The relationship between STSS, resilience, and exposure to trauma patients was measured with p < 0.05 considered significant. Twenty-eight surgeons (22%) met diagnostic symptom criteria for PTSD as measured by the STSS. Approximately two thirds of the surgeons (86 of 133, 65%) exhibited at least one symptom of STS. However, the magnitude of exposure to trauma patients was similar between surgeons with and without PTSD symptoms (p = 0.2177). Higher resilience scores were associated with lower STS scores (r = -0.369, p < 0.0001). Most importantly, surgeons who met symptom criteria for PTSD exhibited significantly lower resilience scores (31 [3.4] vs. 34 [3.9], p < 0.0001). Symptoms of PTSD as measured by the STSS were reported in two thirds of study participants but did not correlate with time spent for caring for trauma patients. One in five reported symptoms consistent with a PTSD. Lower resilience scores correlated with risk of symptoms and may be used to identify those surgeons most at risk. Efforts to better identify, address, and moderate these psychological consequences of surgical care may improve both the emotional well-being and the vocational performance of surgeons.

Pygmy Populations Seronegative for Marburg Virus

Pygmy Populations Seronegative for Marburg Virus

Sexually Transmitted Disease/HIV Transmission Risk Behaviors and Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevalence Among HIV-Positive Men Receiving Continuing Care

HIV primary care clinics offer an environment in which to deliver prevention messages and to conduct sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening. Determination of the prevalence and factors associated with risk-taking behaviors among HIV clinic attendees is needed. The goal of this study was to describe risk behaviors and STD prevalence in males receiving HIV primary care. Participants underwent an interviewer-administered survey and STD testing during this cross-sectional study. Over two thirds of study participants reported sexual activity within the prior 6 months of which 6% were infected with gonorrhea or chlamydia. Men performing insertive rectal sex were 5 times less likely to use condoms when the partner was HIV-positive (odds ratio [OR], 5.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.90-13.91), whereas patients with higher CD4 counts were more likely to engage in unprotected receptive rectal sex (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.02-1.42). HIV primary care clinics provide access to patients in need of HIV prevention intervention and are appropriate sites for these activities.