Military medicine
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This study aimed to examine the relationships between dissociative and somatic symptoms and how they might contribute to PTSD severity among ex-soldiers who sought help from the IDF Combat Stress Reaction Unit (CSRU). ⋯ While there is direct reference to dissociation in the clinical assessment by PCL or CAPS, there is no such reference to somatization. Highly functioning combatants sometimes express their distress somatically. Our findings suggest regarding severe somatic symptoms as diagnostic criteria for PTSD.
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The National Guard (NG) served as a critical component of the U.S. response to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Understanding the impact of types of pandemic-related disaster work on mental health responses can aid in sustaining NG service members' health and preparation for subsequent activations and future pandemics. ⋯ Identifying work tasks associated with high levels of stress can help detect individuals at risk for adverse mental health responses post-exposure. Distinguishing features of high-stress work conditions can be generalized to other types of work conditions and disaster response and are important targets for planning and preventive efforts.
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The purpose of the study was to determine whether performing ultrasound-guided, bilateral stellate ganglion blocks (SGBs; performed on subsequent days) improved traumatic brain injury (TBI) symptoms. ⋯ The use of bilateral, 2-level SGBs may be indicated in treating patients with PTSD symptoms with concomitant diagnoses of mild-to-moderate TBI.
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Deployed military personnel may be at risk for developing acute and chronic lung disease. Prior studies of this patient population have revealed that unexplained exertional dyspnea is the most common diagnosis despite an extensive evaluation. There is a concern that an occult disorder may be affecting this population. This study evaluated the role for bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid analysis in the evaluation of chronic deployment-associated dyspnea. ⋯ The addition of BAL cytology did not help differentiate those patients with unexplained dyspnea from other etiologies.
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As reported in the 2022 Biden-Harris National Security Strategy, China is perceived as the primary U. S. competitor with the intent and means to become the world's greatest superpower. China's efforts, which are at odds with America's ambition to maintain its global influence, are complemented by ostensibly harmless "gray zone tactics," defined as coercive geopolitical, economic, military, and cyber activities below the use of kinetic military force. ⋯ As a result, U. S. Military leaders should act now to incorporate these strategies into their irregular warfare, low-intensity conflict, and large-scale combat operation toolkits.