Aviat Space Envir Md
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Feb 2007
Validation of decompression procedures based on detection of venous gas bubbles: A Bayesian approach.
Verification of new decompression procedures has traditionally been based on observing the occurrence of decompression sickness (DCS) in test dives. Several hundred exposures are required to determine the safety of a procedure with any degree of certainty. The number of venous gas emboli (VGE) corresponds with the risk of getting DCS and detection of VGE has been used as an alternative method for validation of decompression procedures. We propose a new and improved method for validation based on detection of VGE. ⋯ We conclude that, compared with previous methods, the proposed method can greatly reduce the number of dives required to validate or reject new decompression procedures.
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Feb 2007
Bruxism in military pilots and non-pilots: tooth wear and psychological stress.
Bruxism is the diurnal or nocturnal para-functional habit of clenching or grinding the teeth and affects 5-10% of the general western population. Bruxism can cause pain and irreversible damage to the teeth, periodontium, masticatory muscles, and temporo-mandibular joint. Variables such as general stress, work-related stress, and personality traits have been increasingly considered as initiating, predisposing, and perpetuating factors for bruxism. We sought to evaluate the potential of work-related stress and personality factors to induce bruxism among military pilots and non-pilot officers. ⋯ Military aircrews may be relatively vulnerable to deleterious bruxism as well as other signs of chronic stress. Among bruxers, pilots tended to show coping strategies that were significantly more emotional and less task-oriented than non-pilots, whereas non-bruxers showed no significant differences in coping behavior. This study suggest that integrating dental and psychological preventive intervention may be helpful.