1/3. Cement burns: a review 1960-2000.We review the literature on cement burns of the skin published during the last 4 decades. 51 case reports were analyzed with special regard to common modes of injury, localization of cement exposure, preventive measures taken and treatment. Cement burns are injuries concerning professionals at the workplace as well as amateurs during do-it-yourself work. In 49% of the cases, no attempt to protect the skin had been made. The majority of injuries were located on the lower legs and knees. Full-thickness burns were reported in 66% of cases. Surgery had to be performed in 34%. Cement burns can be avoided by adequate skin protection. Although acute cement injuries may seem rare, prospective studies should be carried out for correct estimation of prevalence. The need for information on the harmful properties of cement in the occupational as well as the domestic environment is emphasized.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/3. aeromonas primary wound infection of a diver in polluted waters.Two separate species of aeromonas, A. sobria (not listed as a species in Bergey's Manual of Determinative bacteriology, 8th ed.) and A. hydrophila, were primary pathogens isolated from the leg wound of a diver conducting operations in polluted waters. This is the first recorded instance of a primary infection of soft tissue in a human caused by two species of aeromonas, one of which was resistant to tetracycline. Because of the very rapid development of this wound infection, cytotoxicity of these organisms was examined in several biological systems. A. sobria was hemolytic for sheep erythrocytes, cytotoxic for Y-1 adrenal cells, and enterotoxic in rabbit ligated intestinal loops, whereas A. hydrophila was hemolytic and cytotoxic. Pertinent clinical, bacteriological, and environmental features of the case are presented.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/3. Controlled environment treatment for limb surgery and trauma (a preliminary report).This paper demonstrates a new approach to postsurgical and post-traumatic wound management in the lower limbs. Our own results of 20 below-knee amputations are documented. A less detailed report is then given of experience with an additional 20 amputees: this second group includes experience not only here at Seattle but at five other centers in the united states. The same method for wound management and for control of edema was employed in all cases. The method, Controlled environment Treatment (CET), uses filtered air as a dressing medium, with a control console to maintain the pressure, constant or varying, according to a preset program. temperature and humidity are also controllable, as is gas composition. The limb, together with its controlled environment, is contained with a pliable, transparent, treatment bag, which permits inspection and palpation of the wound site without disturbing the bacteriologically sterile air within the chamber. A special seal reduces air leakage yet avoids constriction of the limb. This CET system was originally developed by the Department of health and social security, Biomechanical research and Development Unit, Roehampton, england. Subsequent developments are also noted of an improved Mark II CET Unit and of simpler, related, management systems for conditions not requiring sterile environments.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 6keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |