Military medicine
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Among Army aviators, the incidence of total hip arthroplasty (THA) is unknown. This study analyzes the incidence and aeromedical disposition of THA among Army aviators. The U. ⋯ THA is a rare medical event among Army aircrew members. Most are able to return to full flying duties with a waiver. Aircrew members younger than 50 years with THA are more likely to be suspended from aviation duties.
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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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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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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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Existing U.S. Army personnel and equipment authorization documents do not recognize the need for optometry services at deployed combat support hospitals (CSHs). The specific hospital tasked with the mission of supporting Operation Joint Endeavor from a support base in Taszar, Hungary, did not have any documentation authorizing the assignment of ophthalmology assets. Current Army doctrine stipulates the presence of an area support medical battalion, with assigned optometry assets, to deploy and operate near a CSH. However, in the winter of 1995, when Operation Joint Endeavor began, there were no area support medical battalions staffed in Europe, and none deployed to the Taszar support base. Therefore, the 67th CSH's mission to provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care on a contingency basis to all personnel in the area of operations did not have a doctrinal means of supporting an eye care requirement. ⋯ Based on the productivity presented by the case load demand of this CSH's area medical support mission, an eye care need was clearly met, adding to the overall mission success of the 67th CSH.