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Triathlon´s popularity is rapidly increasing, and epidemiological data relating to its related medical conditions is crucial to the development of proper medical plans and safety guidelines for it. This study examined the data from the medical reports collected during three consecutive editions of Ironman Italy, from 2017 to 2019. Out of 10,653 race-starters, 3.3% required medical attention sustaining 472 medical conditions. A significantly higher injury risk was found for females versus males (χ2 = 9.78, p = 0.02) and in long-distance (IR: 4.09/1,000hours) rather than in Olympic/middle distance races (IR: 1.75/1,000hours). Most (68.4%) conditions (including muscular exhaustion, hypothermia, and dehydration) were systemic, whilst only 10.2% were acute traumatic injuries. Of a total of 357 triathletes requiring medical assistance, 8.1% were a candidate for hospitalisation. The equipment and personnel that are required for the medical assistance in future triathlon events were estimated based on Maurer's algorithm, and ten practical recommendations for triathlon medical support were formulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To profile the spectrum of injuries and management of casualities treated in forward treatment centre (FTC) Wana over a period of one year by optimizing the available resources of a Field Hospital. Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Forward treatment center Wana South Waziristan Agency, from 21 Jan 2014 to 08 Dec 2014. Material and Methods: A total of 62 cases brought in FTC were included in the study. Cases were managed according to Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocol. A policy of aggressive resuscitation, early primary repair of injuries and evacuation was followed at our setup. Results: All patients were male with a mean age of 28.1 ± 4.443 yrs. The majority of casualties were military (52 cases, 83.9%) and the major cause of injury was found to be improvised explosive device (33 cases, 53.2%). Extremities were involved in majority of casualties (38 cases, 50.7%). A total number of 91 operations were performed in 62 cases which included 14 laparotomies (15.4%), 21 chest intubations (23%), 9 amputations (9.9%), 19 cases of debridement (20.9%), 10 fasciotomies (11%), 1 tendon repair (1.1%), 10 closed reduction of fractures (11%), 5 closed reduction of dislocations (5.5%) and 2 cases of extremity vascular repair (2.2%). Conclusion: Optimal utilization of limited resources warrants a responsible approach of surgeons towards injured brought at FTCs. A variety of injuries may be encountered by the forward surgical team who can significantly contribute by providing life and limb saving surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The microcirculatory response of intact human skin to exposure with di CAP for different durations with a focus on the effect of implied mechanical pressure during plasma treatment was investigated. Methods Local relative hemoglobin, blood flow velocity, tissue oxygen saturation, and blood flow were monitored noninvasively for up to 1 hour in 1-2 mm depth by optical techniques, as well as temperature, pH values, and moisture before and after skin stimulation. The experimental protocol (N = 10) was set up to differentiate between pressure- and plasma-induced effects. Results Significant increases in microcirculation were only observed after plasma stimulation but not after pressure stimulus alone. For a period of 1 h after stimulation, local relative hemoglobin was increased by 5.1% after 270 seconds diCAP treatment. Tissue oxygen saturation increased by up to 9.4%, whereas blood flow was doubled (+106%). Skin pH decreased by 0.3 after 180 seconds and 270 seconds diCAP treatment, whereas skin temperature and moisture were not affected. Conclusions diCAP treatment of intact skin notably enhances microcirculation for a therapeutically relevant period. This effect is specific to the plasma treatment and not an effect of the applied pressure. Prolonged treatment durations lead to more pronounced effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wound contact layer of UrgoTul Absorb Border (Urgo Medical) foam dressing contains a Technology Lipido Colloid (TLC) Healing Matrix, which includes hydrocolloid and lipophilic substances designed to stimulate fibroblast proliferation and thus promote granulation tissue formation. A multicentre, noncomparative, clinical evaluation of UrgoTul Absorb Border investigated whether use of the dressing promoted granulation tissue formation and the management of wound exudate. Other parameters evaluated included: pain-free dressing changes, protection and improvement of surrounding tissue, ease of application, conformability, ability to remain in place, wear time, effect on peri-wound skin, durability, ease of removal, and patient comfort. There were 43 patients recruited into the evaluation. Results show that 8 wounds (19%) achieved full epithelialisation and 34 (81%) improved. All participating clinicians rated the dressing's overall performance, including its ability to manage exudate, as excellent, very good, or good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic oedema is a common problem in the UK and, given the country's ageing population, the numbers are predicted to rise. In an epidemiological study carried out in Derby, England, researchers found the prevalence of chronic oedema to be 3.99 in every 1000 people, with the prevalence increasing to 10.31 in those aged 65-74 years. Often, patients with untreated chronic oedema will develop an ulceration that can lead to further costs and hospital admissions. The cost of treating chronic wounds has been estimated at £2.3 billion-£3.1 billion a year. It is therefore surprising that given the number of patients living with these problems, there is still a lack of knowledge and skill among nurses when assessing patients with chronic oedema and associated ulceration. This article offers advice for nurses when assessing leg ulcers in patients with chronic oedema, detailing the visual skin changes most frequently seen in these patients. The article also discusses some of the treatment options available, briefly covering the advantages and disadvantages of each option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managing chronic wounds has progressed from merely assessing the wound to understanding the underlying cellular abnormalities and associated clinical problems. The concept of wound bed preparation offers a systematic approach to removing barriers to healing such as tissue (non-viable), infection/inflammation, moisture (imbalance) and edge (non-advancing or undermining). The principles of wound bed preparation as outlined in the tissue, infection, moisture, edge (TIME) table are explained in this article, with examples and recommended treatment interventions. The TIME table is recommended for use at the bedside when assessing patients with wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]