South Dakota medicine : the journal of the South Dakota State Medical Association
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Neisseria subflava is generally regarded as commensal flora of the oropharyngeal tract and usually non-pathogenic. There are, however, reports of invasive disease such as bacteremia, endocarditis, sepsis, meningitis, septic arthritis and discitis caused by this organism. This paper presents the first reported case of an epidural abscess caused by Neiserria subflava.
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LifeCircle South Dakota: Partners Improving End-of-Life Care is an interdisciplinary group committed to quality end-of-life care for residents of the state. Strengthening local coalitions and building a collaborative network among palliative care providers were goals of recent educational efforts. This article presents a profile of South Dakota palliative care teams. ⋯ Survey data generated a profile of palliative care teams in the state-their composition, self-reported levels of palliative care expertise, resources utilized for consultation, and perceived challenges and opportunities facing them in providing end-of-life care. Having this understanding, along with knowing the perceived challenges and opportunities these teams face, will strengthen our ability to further enhance end-of-life care for South Dakotans.
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(1) Cash payments should not be accepted from any health-related industry, which might create a conflict of interest, unless it is payment for legitimate research purposes, and the cash is not for purposes of marketing. (2) Marketing gifts, which benefit the patient, are acceptable as long as they are not of substantial value...like equal or less than $100. (3) Conferences (including a "mo dest" meal) sponsored by industry are acceptable when they serve a genuine educational function, and promote objective and scientific activity. (4) Professional people should understand and appreciate the marketing forces, which are endeavoring to influence our behavior. To interact with marketing people is appropriate, not unethical. However we must not be influenced in any way that would disadvantage our patients.