Military medicine
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Midshipmen at the U. S. Naval Academy have recently suffered epidemics of upper respiratory tract infections. ⋯ Additionally, 873 (81%) the 1,077 plebes who completed an end-of-year questionnaire complained of having one or more respiratory symptoms (> 12 hours) during their first year of school. Of these, 132 (15%) reported that the symptoms significantly affected their performance. Study results suggest that respiratory infections were frequent, had a significant adverse impact on training, and were often attributable to bacterial pathogens.
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Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo represents one type of military operation that the United States and other nations could be engaged in during the next 25 years. These military operations also carry unique challenges to a senior medical officer (or medical task force commander). In Kosovo, the senior medical officer had to help shape the medical environment as the military coalition sought to restore a safe and secure environment. ⋯ N. health care strategy is one of the key elements of U. N. success and the military coalition's exit from Kosovo. The goal of this report is to form a template for medical engagement strategies that a future senior medical officer may use in other similar military operations.
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Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome is an uncommon condition manifested by gastrointestinal and skin hemangiomas that lead to gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia. The purpose of this report is to present a case with long-term follow-up. The patient is a 37-year-old female with a life-long history of blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome. ⋯ In addition, she has iron-deficiency anemia, nephrolithiasis, major depression, and malnutrition despite vitamin and caloric supplements. There are no other reports showing these complications of blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome or with this length of follow-up. Therapy for blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome should be conservative if possible, because operative therapy may lead to significant long-term complications.
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Historical Article
History of respiratory illness at the U.S. Naval Academy.
Throughout history, respiratory diseases have been a frequent cause of morbidity in U. S. populations. Because of stress, crowding, and naïve immune systems, military training populations are particularly prone to acute respiratory disease epidemics. ⋯ Enhanced surveillance and rapid diagnostic capabilities, placed in military settings, will increase knowledge of the epidemiology of many respiratory diseases. These strategies can lead to earlier treatment and prevention measures, thus halting the further transmission of disease and decreasing both morbidity and mortality. During the most recent history of the Naval Academy, acute respiratory infections have remained a primary cause of medical morbidity.
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The USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) is a unique environment for its staff and patients. Several environmental influences distinctively affect health, medical, and nursing care. Six main areas of environmental concern for operational nursing were examined. ⋯ Findings indicate that the USNS Mercy meets or exceeds many environmental standards. However, there is significant room for improvement and nursing involvement in issues related to the management of infectious diseases, patient transport, care of patients with nuclear, biological, or chemical agents, and management of wastes aboard the ship. Nursing implications for research and practice are proposed.