Military medicine
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Military trauma registries can identify broad epidemiological trends from neck wounds but cannot reliably demonstrate temporal casualty from clinical interventions or differentiate penetrating neck injuries (PNI) from those that do not breach platysma. ⋯ Hemodynamically unstable patients in Zones 1 and 2 generally underwent surgery before CT, confirming that the low threshold for exploration in such patients remains. Only 25% (2/8) of Zone 3 PNI were explored, with the high negative predictive value of CT angiography providing confidence that it was capable of excluding major injury in the majority of cases. No deaths from PNI that survived to treatment at Role 3 were identified, lending evidence to the current management protocols being utilized in Afghanistan.
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Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), also known as ingrown hairs commonly results from adherence to military grooming standards in those who have curly facial hair. Many patients respond to specific grooming techniques or topical medications but severe cases often warrant restrictions on shaving or laser therapy. The treatment of PFB is challenged not only by grooming standards but also evolving readiness requirements. More recently, the Navy discontinued permanent restrictions on shaving because of concerns for poor gas mask fitting. The goal of this review is to outline the history of PFB in the military, describe current policies, and offer a more uniform approach to treating PFB in the military. We also discuss challenges that surround the management of PFB in the Armed Forces. ⋯ Pseudofolliculitis Barbae is a prevalent skin disease in the Armed Forces. A better understanding of the disease and patients' individual needs by the health care provider and commander is paramount.
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Individuals with substance use disorders and/or mental health (MH) conditions have higher rates of cigarette smoking than the general population. Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) while gaining popularity pose health risks. Herein we investigate risk perceptions and attitudes toward e-cigarettes in military Veterans with MH conditions. ⋯ Proportion of e-cigarette use in this Veteran sample is greater than the general population. We observed high risk perception about e-cigarettes among all respondents and differences in perceived helpfulness of e-cigarettes for quitting in ever-users versus never-users in this sample. More consistent assessment of tobacco use among Veterans, with inclusion of ENDS use, would help inform prevention and treatment priorities, especially as information on health impacts of ENDS surfaces.