The use of systemic corticosteroids in debilitating sycosis barbae, sycosis barbae fulminans.

Submitted as: (mark with X) X_Case Report _Case Presentation _Photo Vignette _Letter Authors declare that the contents of this article are their own original unpublished findings. Title: The use of systemic corticosteroids in debilitating sycosis barbae, sycosis barbae fulminans Authors: Kathleen R Krivda MD, Uzoamaka J Okoro MD, Nicholas F Logemann DO Affiliations: Department of Dermatology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Bethesda, Maryland, USA Corresponding Author: Kathleen Krivda MD, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Rockville Pike, Bethesda MD 20889, Tel: 240-751-3823, Email: kathleenkrivda@gmail.com Abstract (no more than 200 words).

Military Grooming Standards and Black Hairstyling Practices.

INTRODUCTION: Throughout history, armies of the world have codified grooming standards for their members. In the USA, the Department of Defense (DoD) provides overall guidance for grooming standards and each uniformed military service develops, promulgates, and enforces its own grooming standards. The specific details of each service's grooming standards are revised regularly to conform to contemporaneous notions of professionalism and operational necessity. In light of growing recognition of and respect for the diversity of people serving in the military, specific language used to describe certain hairstyles and hair textures as well as associated grooming policies have gained attention. Efforts have been made to modify the policy and language to be more inclusive, especially of minority groups with physiologic and cultural differences that influence grooming practices. Initial efforts in the DoD toward this endeavor were made possible with advocacy from members of the Congressional Black Caucus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained service-specific documents, current and former, from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps that regulate the grooming standards for military personnel. We then examined the documents for text that addressed hair and hairstyles, specifically noting language describing and regulations regarding traditionally Black or African American hairstyles (i.e., afros, dreadlocks/locks/locs, braids, twists, etc.) for female and male soldiers. We also examined recently introduced legislation which seeks to end discrimination based on a person's hair texture or hairstyle, "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act," abbreviated as the CROWN Act in the context of current grooming standards. RESULTS: Our examination of the grooming regulations of four branches of the U.S. Military shows recent modifications of the language governing female hairstyles, particularly natural hairstyles seen among African American women, such as cornrows, braids, and locs (or locks). Changes made to grooming standards demonstrate a shift in language used to describe natural hairstyles. Words with negative connotations (i.e., "matted," "unkempt," and "dreadlock") have been removed. These have been replaced with more descriptive language that provides a more objective definition of certain hairstyles. While these hairstyles have some level of regulation as to exact dimensions and styling rules to fit with the goal of uniformity in appearance and do not extend to male service members, recent updates in grooming standards have expanded to be inclusive of these natural hairstyles. Recent changes in language and policy in the military have been noted as positive examples in the CROWN Act. CONCLUSIONS: The DoD has recognized that former grooming standards, specifically regarding hair and hairstyles, may have introduced inequities in the treatment of military personnel. The DoD and its component military services have long been engaged in programs to ensure equal protections among its workforces. The re-examination and clarification of grooming standards related to hair and hairstyles is another effort to ensure equity and inclusion. The military services are working with great sincerity to implement policies that promote inclusiveness broadly. Steps to remove discrimination on the basis of hair and hairstyle can make the overall work environment more inclusive for people of color. Passage of a federal CROWN Act will promote similar or parallel changes for federal employees outside the military services.

Alcohol Consumption, Risky Sexual Behaviors, and HIV in Nigeria: A Meta-Analytic Review.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption is associated with risky sex, which increases the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV. OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of, and associations among alcohol, risky sex, and HIV, in Nigeria. METHODS: We searched electronic databases and reviewed reference sections of relevant papers to locate studies that sampled people living in Nigeria and assessed both alcohol and sexual risk behavior. We calculated effect sizes to determine (a) prevalence of alcohol and sex behaviors and (b) associations between alcohol consumption and risky sex, and examined moderators to determine if sample characteristics predicted behavioral or biological outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 696 unique records identified, 35 manuscripts reporting on 42 separate studies met the inclusion criteria. Participants in these studies (N = 83,350; M age = 26 years; 48% women; 10% HIV-infected) reported high rates of heavy drinking (63%) and low rates of consistent condom use (24%). One-third of participants (30%) also reported using alcohol before sexual activity. Participants who consumed alcohol were more likely to report sexual activity (OR = 3.66, 95% CI = 3.09, 4.33), multiple partners (OR = 3.22, 95% CI = 2.38, 4.36), and condomless sex or inconsistent use of condoms (OR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.54, 3.43). CONCLUSION: High rates of heavy drinking and low rates of condom use have been well-documented in Nigeria. Results from this meta-analysis can be used to inform critically needed alcohol-related HIV interventions.