Military medicine
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Comparative Study
Proposed technique for evaluation of endotracheal tube fixation and comparison of four fixation methods.
The fixation of an endotracheal tube must be rapid in conditions involving numerous casualties, such as a chemical warfare (CW) situation. The tube also should be fixed and strong to prevent unplanned extubations. ⋯ With this technique, a good estimation of the time and quality of fixation can be achieved.
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Periodontal diseases are oral disorders characterized by inflammation of the supporting tissues of the teeth. Usually, periodontitis is a progressively destructive loss of bone and periodontal ligament (loss of the attachment apparatus of the teeth). Periodontitis has documented risk factors, including but not limited to specific plaque bacteria, smoking, and diabetes mellitus. ⋯ Additionally, these studies support the central hypothesis that periodontal disease involves both a local and a systemic host inflammatory response. This knowledge of disease interrelationships may prove vital in intervention strategies to reduce patient risks and prevent systemic disease outcomes. Based on the current evidence of the periodontal-systemic disease connection, the purpose of this report is to help establish the groundwork for closer communication between physicians and periodontists in the military health care setting.
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Research and scientific observations indicate that, in the armed forces, some individuals tend to experience strong feelings of solitude and harm and do not always have opportunities to receive help. The inability to solve and successfully cope with problems may lead to adaptive difficulties and provoke reckless reactions, including suicide attempts. The aim of this project was a retrospective analysis of the origins and factors leading to successful suicide attempts undertaken by soldiers from 1989 to 1998, with special emphasis on psychopathological determinants. ⋯ The most common reason for suicides in the analyzed group was the combination of psychiatric disorders and psychosocial factors. Among privates, most of the suicides occurred during the first 12 months of service, whereas professional soldiers committed most suicides between their 11th and 15th years of service. The results suggest the urgent introduction of a suicide prevention program.
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Sulfur mustard has been used as a vesicant chemical warfare agent. To investigate the ocular damage it causes, we studied the effects on chemical casualties in the Iran-Iraq War. The patient population consisted of more than 5,000 chemical casualties, both military and civilian. ⋯ Ocular injuries generally heal completely. In severe cases, blindness may occur. The need for corneal transplantation is rare.
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Comparative Study
A comparison of morbidity in the Australian Defence Force with Australian general practice.
This study was designed to examine morbidity patterns among Australian Defence Forces members and to compare them with civilian general practice. The study was conducted in the outpatient departments of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) No. 6 Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. The patients studied were male and female members of the RAAF (66%), Army (25%), and Navy (9%). ⋯ In the 6 Hospital study, 21,910 problems were managed at 19,909 consultations. The main differences found between the two studies were that service personnel had more medical examinations, more musculoskeletal and respiratory problems, and fewer psychological and cardiovascular problems. Most of the differences observed may reflect the Defence Force's recruitment selection criteria and the emphasis on physical fitness and diet.