Gastroesophageal reflux disease: gaining control over heartburn.

GERD is a common disorder. Symptoms of reflux, such as heartburn, are due to a combination of factors: relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, hypersecretion of gastric acid, and resulting burning of the esophageal mucosa. Symptoms are usually classified as classic, atypical, or complicated. Treatment approaches include dietary and lifestyle changes, reduction of acidity with use of H2 receptor antagonists, and reduction of acid secretion with use of proton pump inhibitors. Patient motivation is an important factor in the management of gastroesophageal reflux. In rare instances, patients do not respond to medical treatment and are candidates for antireflux surgery.

Diarrhea in U.S. troops deployed to Thailand.

Ninety-five (28%) of 333 U.S. military personnel deployed to Ubonratchathani, Thailand, for 1 month in February 1993 developed diarrhea. Campylobacter jejuni was identified in 6 (25%), attaching and effacing Escherichia coli was identified in 3 (13%), nontyphoidal Salmonella spp. were identified in 2 (8%), and rotavirus was identified in 1 (4%) of 24 persons who had diarrhea and submitted specimens.

Construction of three-dimensional compensators using a simplified moiré camera.

We describe a simple technique for fabrication of tissue compensators using a simplified moiré contouring camera mounted on a commercial simulator. It is shown that high-quality optical enlargement of moiré photographs can be employed to make tissue compensators quickly using 0.4 mm lead sheets. Phantom measurement shows that this technique accurately compensates an irregularly shaped surface.