Military medicine
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Improving the dietary behaviors of personnel can result in positive impact beyond the individual, creating benefits for their organization and wider society. Military personnel endure extended periods of physical and cognitive activity. Healthful dietary behaviors by military personnel support preparedness; yet poor diet behaviors remain common and persistent, and adversely impact health and physical and cognitive performance. Urgent and effective action is needed to improve diet behaviors, but this action has not been prioritized. This study aimed to estimate the value that could be realized from improved diet behaviors to support prioritization of investment in this area for policy and program change. ⋯ These estimates were constructed using the best available data and transparency within the calculations, but they remain estimates. The collection of additional data would enable the calculation of further outcomes and increase the usefulness of Social Return on Investment estimation in this area. Militaries should invest greater effort and funding in achieving, maintaining, and optimizing personnel health and performance. Promoting healthy diet behaviors should be prioritized as a cost-effective preventive action that supports productivity and performance, in comparison with the costs of remediating treatment. Conceptualizing the value of improving diet behaviors in monetary terms may refocus efforts on prevention rather than treatment.
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Transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBC) or low-titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) has become standard practice in trauma patients with significant blood loss. As blood ages, it undergoes metabolic and structural changes. This study aimed to test the association between age of PRBC/LTOWB and mortality among adult trauma patients. ⋯ The mean age of LTOWB or PRBC units transfused during the first 24 hours after presenting to the ED for a traumatic injury was not found to be associated with in-hospital mortality.
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The rapid advancement and adoption of large language models (LLMs) in various academic domains necessitate an examination of their role in scholarly works by medical learners.This paper seeks to discern the implications of LLM use by medical learners when preparing works for publication. While LLMs possess great potential to revolutionize the academic writing process, they can detract from the learning process when used by students and residents who are still learning how to research, formulate ideas, and write cohesive arguments. ⋯ Although LLMs offer potential efficiencies in academic writing, unchecked use can jeopardize the development of essential critical thinking and analytical skills in medical learners. Ultimately, mentors and primary investigators are responsible for ensuring learners are advancing and appropriately utilizing new and emerging technology. This study provides a foundational framework for educators in both responsible use of generative AI and best practices.
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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common among Veterans but overlapping symptoms with other prevalent psychiatric disorders (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]) complicate diagnosis. This study aims to (1) assess the prevalence of ADHD, (2) evaluate the correspondence between ADHD self-report measures, and (3) examine the association between ADHD and PTSD in a sample of combat-deployed post-9/11 Veterans. ⋯ Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is prevalent in this sample of Veterans and is associated with an increased risk of current and lifetime PTSD. The low correspondence across self-report ADHD measures illustrates the complexity of assessing ADHD in this highly comorbid population. When evaluating ADHD in Veterans, clinicians should carefully consider alternative and contributory symptom etiologies, such as PTSD, to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.