Military medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A comparison of the effects of a high carbohydrate vs. a higher protein milk supplement following simulated mountain skirmishes.
This study compared the effects of a higher protein supplement manufactured from milk vs. a commercially available higher carbohydrate supplement on serum markers of muscle damage, anaerobic exercise, choice reaction time, and body composition during 2 weekends of vigorous hikes with simulated mountain skirmishes. Thirty-five university students, including Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets and athletes, carried 25% of their body weight (up to 26.4 kg) on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday hikes. Supplementation and Wingate tests followed each hike, and choice reaction testing preceded and followed each hike. ⋯ Body compositions did not change significantly during this study. Choice reaction times decreased following hikes and were significantly faster following consumption of the carbohydrate supplement (p < 0.04). Supplements including milk proteins and carbohydrates may improve endurance exercise and decision-making abilities of military personnel and endurance athletes.
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Research has yet to examine the relationship between financial well-being and community reintegration of veterans. To address this, we analyzed data from n = 1,388 Iraq and Afghanistan War Era Veterans who completed a national survey on postdeployment adjustment. ⋯ Statistical analyses also indicated that poor money management (e.g., incurring significant debt or writing bad checks) was related to maladjustment, even among veterans at higher income levels. Given these findings, efforts aimed at enhancing financial literacy and promoting meaningful employment may have promise to enhance outcomes and improve quality of life among returning veterans.
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A case is described where recombinant activated factor VII was used to control pulmonary hemorrhage in a patient who had sustained a high-velocity gunshot wound to the chest, in the deployed medical setting, allowing onward transfer of the patient to the United Kingdom for further management.
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Comparative Study
Temporary disability retirement cases: variations in time to final disposition and disability rating by service and medical condition.
Service members undergoing disability evaluation are placed on the temporary disability retirement list (TDRL) when their disabling medical condition(s) may change in severity over time. Information is sparse on the epidemiology of the TDRL population and factors influencing time spent on the TDRL or changes in compensation ratings before final disability outcome. ⋯ Most cases retained the same disability rating and were permanently retired by the first re-evaluation. Important areas of future research include cost-benefit analyses to determine if length of time currently allowable on the TDRL can be shortened or if repeated evaluations are necessary and exploration of specific medical conditions likely to change in severity over time.