Military medicine
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The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on physical fitness in previously healthy adults is not well understood. In this study, we assess the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the physical fitness test (PT) scores of Air Force basic trainees. ⋯ SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with an increased risk of PT failure as well as conversion from a passing to failing test score. There were no differences in second test failure rates in symptomatic compared to asymptomatic trainees. A key confounder to the data was the effect deconditioning had on fitness during isolation.
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We report a case of mpox in an active duty male on board a naval warship, who presented with a chancre-like penile lesion and ulcerating lymphadenopathy in the setting of a nonreactive treponemal test. Despite empirical therapy for sexually transmitted infections, he developed a fever and a generalized pustular rash. ⋯ This case highlights the obligation of medical providers who care for our military personnel and veterans to offer JYNNEOS vaccine to high-risk individuals. Additionally, with the rise in clade I mpox cases prompting a recent global health emergency declaration by the World Health Organization, it is essential to implement proper testing methods and treatments when considering mpox in the differential diagnosis because of its association with other sexually transmitted infections.
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Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, stands as a formidable threat with both natural and bioterrorism-related implications. Its ability to afflict a wide range of hosts, including humans and animals, coupled with its potential use as a bioweapon, underscores the critical importance of understanding and advancing our capabilities to combat this infectious disease. In this context, exploring futuristic approaches becomes imperative, as they hold the promise of not only addressing current challenges but also ushering in a new era in anthrax management. This review delves into strategies to mitigate the impact of anthrax on global health and security, envisioning a future where our arsenal against anthrax is characterized by precision and adaptability. ⋯ The upcoming advancements in anthrax research will be based on cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches that demonstrate great potential for prevention, detection, and treatment. These advancements may include the incorporation of synthetic biology techniques such as precise manipulation of biological components, nanoscale diagnostics, and Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-based technologies, which could revolutionize our ability to combat anthrax on a molecular level. As these progressive methodologies continue to evolve, the integration of these technologies has the potential to redefine our strategies against anthrax, providing more accurate, personalized, and adaptable approaches to address the challenges posed by this infectious threat.
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Military medical personnel, including nurses, face a wide array of emotional and psychological issues while deployed. Understanding the challenges military nurses face in the deployed setting may prove useful in effectively preparing nurse leaders for future disaster responses in the military and civilian sectors. The purpose of this metasynthesis is to answer the following research question: What are the experiences of U.S. military and allied nurses deployed to medical facilities in combat operations and support areas since 9/11/2001? ⋯ Military nurses' deployment experiences relate to their multiple role(s) as a clinician, officer, and human being. By better understanding military nurses' past deployment experiences and related themes, nurse leaders and individuals can better prepare for supporting staff in future combat operations. The complexities of "caring," "leading," and "personhood" may contribute to emotional distress among deployed military medical personnel.
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The critical role of emergency physicians in military settings underscores the necessity for a broad and proficient skill set, especially in life-saving procedures such as thoracostomies, endotracheal intubations, and cricothyrotomies, to maintain combat readiness. The current peacetime phase, however, presents challenges in maintaining these skills because of decreased exposure to high-acuity medical scenarios. This decrease in exposure jeopardizes skills retention among military emergency medicine physicians, highlighted by studies showing a significant decline in performance over time because of reduced practice. ⋯ The Military Health System must find avenues to maintain the clinical skills of wartime procedures in the peacetime environment. Although there is no substitute for clinical encounters, alternative modalities are needed to augment skills retention in high-acuity, low-frequency procedures. Self-directed, small-group task trainers and cadaveric labs are a lower maintenance mechanism by which faculty can improve their confidence in certain procedural skills. Further studies should evaluate if this translates to changes in clinically oriented outcomes and how to optimize such training evolutions within the skills retention paradigm.