Military medicine
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The Army dental care system has seen significant improvements since the Dental Reform Bill of 1977-1978. This bill initiated changes that improved the management and the productivity of the dental care system. Among the many improvements initiated by these reforms was the addition of a Medical Service Corps (MSC) officer as the executive officer. ⋯ The job of DENTAC executive officer has become very prestigious and one of the best assignments an MSC officer can receive during his military career. The alliance between the Dental Corps and the MSC officer has been highly successful and rewarding to both parties. The object of this paper is threefold: (a) to review how the dental organization operated before the Reform Bill; (b) to discuss the present role of the dental Executive Officer; and (c) to provide recommendations for the future role of the MSC officer within the Dental Corps.
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A study was conducted of travelers' diarrhea in a United States military population on deployment in Cairo, Egypt, during July and August 1987. Acute diarrhea requiring medical attention developed in 183 (4%) of 4,500 troops. A possible etiologic agent was identified in 49% of all diarrhea cases. ⋯ A survey of military personnel not requesting medical care indicated that up to 40% of troops may have had diarrhea during this deployment. Acute gastroenteritis is a potential cause of substantial morbidity in U. S. military personnel deployed to Egypt.
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A case report is presented of a young male who sustained a second-degree frostbite injury to the oral cavity, to include lower lip, hard palate, tongue, and buccal mucosa. This unusual injury occurred as a result of substance abuse: an attempt to inhale an aerosolized propane propellant as a means to achieve euphoria.
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A case of a benign cementoblastoma involving the maxillary right first, second, and impacted third molars is presented. A review of the literature reveals the lesion is relatively rare in the maxilla, with only 13 previously reported cases.
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Case Reports
Treatment of methylene chloride induced carbon monoxide poisoning with hyperbaric oxygenation.
Methylene chloride is an organic solvent with many industrial uses. Inhalation of methylene chloride fumes can result in toxicity, caused by hepatic biotransformation of methylene chloride to carbon monoxide. A case of acute methylene chloride poisoning is presented, including successful treatment of this patient with the use of hyperbaric oxygenation. The rationale for the use of hyperbaric oxygenation in the treatment of methylene chloride poisoning is discussed.