Outpatient Rehabilitation Utilization Following Major Limb Loss in Adults Receiving Care in the Military Health System from 2001 to 2017.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate exposures associated with outpatient rehabilitation encounters among Military Health System (MHS) beneficiaries with major limb loss. DESIGN: Retrospective, cohort study. SETTING: American military treatment facilities and civilian healthcare facilities that accept TRICARE benefits. PARTICIPANTS: Adult MHS beneficiaries with major limb amputation(s) acquired between January 2001 and September 2017 (N=5,161). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): This exploratory analysis investigated associations between outpatient rehabilitation care and demographic and amputation characteristics in MHS beneficiaries with major limb loss. RESULTS: Of 5,161 military beneficiaries with major limb amputation(s), most were aged 55-64 (36%), male (73%), retirees/dependents (60%), with enlisted sponsor rank (88%), and single limb loss (89%). The active/reserve beneficiaries were younger, majority male, and more likely to be diagnosed with incident behavioral health conditions. Unadjusted negative binomial regression models revealed increased rates of outpatient rehabilitation encounters in ADSMs compared to retirees/dependents (rate ratio (RR): 10.02, 95% confidence interval (CI): 9.30, 10.80). The rate ratios for sex, sponsor rank, limb(s) lost, incident behavioral health condition, incident TBI, incident PTSD, and outpatient care setting were attenuated following stratification by beneficiary category. Enlisted ADSMs had increased rates of outpatient rehabilitation encounter days compared to officers, whereas retirees/dependents with enlisted sponsors had decreased rates compared to those with officer sponsors. ADSMs who accessed outpatient care in DC and PC settings demonstrated high rates of outpatient rehabilitation encounters compared to those who only sought care from PC settings (RR: 4.60, 95% CI: 2.95, 6.81). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that MHS beneficiaries with major limb loss utilize outpatient rehabilitation services differently, based on active/reserve duty or retiree/dependent status. This study is the first of its kind to quantify outpatient rehabilitation utilization for military beneficiaries with all cause major limb loss and may inform MHS policymakers on the rehabilitation needs for combat- and non-combat-related amputee populations.

Wastewater Surveillance Pilot at US Military Installations: Cost Model Analysis.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for pathogen surveillance systems to augment both early warning and outbreak monitoring/control efforts. Community wastewater samples provide a rapid and accurate source of environmental surveillance data to complement direct patient sampling. Due to its global presence and critical missions, the US military is a leader in global pandemic preparedness efforts. Clinical testing for COVID-19 on US Air Force (USAF) bases (AFBs) was effective but costly with respect to direct monetary costs and indirect costs due to lost time. To remain operating at peak capacity, such bases sought a more passive surveillance option and piloted wastewater surveillance (WWS) at 17 AFBs to demonstrate feasibility, safety, utility, and cost-effectiveness from May 2021 to January 2022. Objective: We model the costs of a wastewater program for pathogens of public health concern within the specific context of US military installations using assumptions based on the results of the USAF and Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense pilot program. The objective was to determine the cost of deploying WWS to all AFBs relative to clinical swab testing surveillance regimes. Methods: A WWS cost projection model was built based on subject matter expert input and actual costs incurred during the WWS pilot program at USAF AFBs. Several SARS-CoV-2 circulation scenarios were considered, and the costs of both WWS and clinical swab testing were projected. Analysis was conducted to determine the break-even point and how a reduction in swab testing could unlock funds to enable WWS to occur in parallel. Results: Our model confirmed that WWS is complementary and highly cost-effective when compared to existing alternative forms of biosurveillance. We found that the cost of WWS was between US $10.5-$18.5 million less expensive annually in direct costs as compared to clinical swab testing surveillance. When the indirect cost of lost work was incorporated, including lost work associated with required clinical swab testing, we estimated that over two-thirds of clinical swab testing could be maintained with no additional costs upon implementation of WWS. Conclusions: Our results support the adoption of WWS across US military installations as part of a more comprehensive and early warning system that will enable adaptive monitoring during disease outbreaks in a more cost-effective manner than swab testing alone.

Filling the gaps in the COVID-19 pandemic response: medical personnel in the US military health system.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented public health emergency that heavily affected the healthcare workforce. Although the Military Health System (MHS) has robust capabilities and was able to deploy medical staff to support civilian hospitals during the crisis, it too was adversely impacted by personnel issues. We aimed to identify and address gaps in understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare personnel in the MHS. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured key informant interviews with 28 MHS stakeholders, including policymakers, program managers, and healthcare providers. We recruited respondents using purposive and snowball sampling until we reached thematic saturation. Interviews were conducted virtually from December 2022 to March 2023 and coded by deductive thematic analysis using NVivo. RESULTS: Burnout and mental health concerns across the workforce increased during the pandemic, although some felt military culture facilitated resilience. Reduction in personnel was noted and slow hiring processes and noncompetitive wages hindered hiring, contributing to staffing shortages. Initial disruptions occurred in training and skills readiness, although these issues were reduced over time. Concerns remain about newer trainees' preparedness and teaching staff's availability in the MHS. CONCLUSION: This study uniquely assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic response on the MHS healthcare workforce through in-depth key informant interviews. Multi-pronged strategies are needed to promote personnel well-being in complex healthcare systems like the MHS.

Decision and economic evaluation of abortion availability in the United States military.

BACKGROUND: Active-duty service women rely on the civilian sector for most abortion care due to limits on federal funding for abortion. Abortion is now banned in many states with large military presences. The Department of Defense has implemented policies to assist active-duty service women in accessing abortion, but there is debate to reverse this support. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to compare the cost-effectiveness and incidence of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes of a hypothetical cohort of active-duty service women living in abortion-restricted states comparing restricted abortion access (abortion not available cohort) to abortion available with Department of Defense travel support (abortion available cohort). STUDY DESIGN: We developed a decision tree model to compare abortion not available and abortion available cohorts for active-duty service women living in abortion-restricted states. Our cohorts were subdivided into normal pregnancies and those with a major fetal anomaly. Cost estimates, probabilities, and disability weights of various health conditions associated with abortion and pregnancy were obtained and derived from the literature. Effectiveness was expressed in disability-adjusted life years and the willingness-to-pay threshold was set to $100,000 per disability-adjusted life year gained or averted. We completed probabilistic sensitivity analyses with 10,000 simulations to test the robustness of our results. Secondary outcomes included numbers of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, maternal deaths, severe maternal morbidities, and first and second trimester abortions. RESULTS: The abortion not available cohort had a higher annual cost to the military ($299.1 million, 95% confidence interval 239.2-386.6, vs $226.0 million, 95% confidence interval 181.9-288.5) and was associated with 203 more disability-adjusted life years compared to the abortion available cohort. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was dominant for abortion available. Abortion not available resulted in an annual additional 7 stillbirths, 1 neonatal death, 112 neonatal intensive care unit admissions, 0.016 maternal deaths, 24 severe maternal morbidities, 27 less second trimester abortions, and 602 less first trimester abortions. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis revealed that the chance of the abortion available cohort being the more cost-effective strategy was greater than 95%. CONCLUSION: Limiting active-duty service women's access to abortion care increases costs to the military, even with costs of travel support, and increases adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This analysis provides important information for policymakers about economic and health burdens associated with barriers to abortion care in the military.

All-cause mortality among United States military personnel: Findings from the Millennium Cohort Study, 2001-2021.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to estimate all-cause mortality among Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn era service members and veterans and to identify protective and risk factors for mortality. METHODS: Using 20 years of longitudinal data from the Millennium Cohort Study (2001-2021), sequential Cox proportional hazard models were conducted to examine demographic, military, and health-related characteristics associated with all-cause mortality among service members and veterans. RESULTS: Among 201,619 participants, 3806 (1.9 %) were deceased by the end of the observation period, with an age- and sex-adjusted incidence of 37.6 deaths per 100,000 person-years. Deployed service members had lower all-cause mortality risk than those who did not deploy. Personnel who experienced combat had higher mortality risk compared with those who did not in unadjusted models; this association was nonsignificant after accounting for health-related factors. Enlisted and Army personnel both had a higher mortality risk, while women and Hispanic individuals had a lower risk. Stressful life events, lower physical health related quality of life, problem drinking, and smoking were also associated with greater mortality risk. CONCLUSION: These profiles may be useful for developing preventive education and intervention efforts in military and veteran populations to reduce premature mortality.

Why are we doing this Staff? Justification and implications of aerobic fitness testing in the military.

BACKGROUND: Physical fitness is a key tenet of military organisations worldwide. Specifically, many consider aerobic fitness (AF) an essential physical attribute for ensuring optimal military performance and readiness. However, the intricate relationship between AF and various facets of military job performance necessitates comprehensive review to ascertain the appropriateness and effectiveness of its assessment. OBJECTIVE: This narrative review aims to describe the relationship between AF and factors influencing individual military performance and readiness, and explores the implications of the enforcement of in-service, generic AF test standards in military populations. METHODS: Databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) were searched for all relevant published peer-reviewed literature as at August 2023. RESULTS: Inconsistent associations were found between AF and outcomes influencing individual military performance (physical capabilities, cognitive capabilities, presenteeism and productivity, resilience, and technical/tactical capabilities) and readiness (mental health and wellbeing and physical health). Consequently, the level of AF needed for acceptable or optimal military performance remains uncertain. CONCLUSIONS: AF is a cornerstone of health and performance, yet linking generic AF test standards to job performance is complex, with multiple factors interacting to influence outcomes. From existing literatures, there does not appear to be a specific level of AF at, and/or above, which acceptable military performance is achieved. As such, the enforcement of and emphasis on in-service, pass/fail, generic AF test standards in military populations is questionable and requires thoughtful re-evaluation. Role/task-specific AF should be assessed through evidence-based PES and the use of generic AF tests limited to the monitoring and benchmarking of health-related fitness.

Absolute and relative morbidity burdens attributable to various illnesses and injuries among non-service member beneficiaries of the Military Health System, 2023.

The Military Health System (MHS) is a global, integrated health delivery system tasked with ensuring the medical readiness of the U.S. Armed Forces while fulfilling the individual health care needs of eligible military personnel and their dependents. The MHS network comprises military hospitals and clinics that ensure the medical readiness of the force, which are complemented by programs that enable beneficiary care in the private sector through the TRICARE insurance program. Mental health disorders accounted for the largest proportions of the morbidity and health care burdens that affected the pediatric and younger adult beneficiary age groups of nonservice member beneficiaries of the Military Health System in 2023. Among adults aged 45-64 years and adults aged 65 years and older, musculoskeletal diseases accounted for the most morbidity and health care burdens. With almost all health care for Medicare-eligible beneficiaries aged 65 years and older at private sector medical facilities, over 91% of health care encounters among non-service member beneficiaries (TRICARE-eligible and Medicare-eligible) occurred at non-military medical facilities.

Supporting the nation in crisis: the military health system's role in enhancing public health capacity through public-private partnerships.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused significant global disruptions to the healthcare system, which was forced to make rapid changes in healthcare delivery. The pandemic necessitated closer collaboration between the US civilian healthcare sector and the military health system (MHS), resulting in new and strengthened partnerships that can ultimately benefit public health and healthcare for the nation. In this study, we sought to understand the full range of partnerships in which the MHS engaged with the civilian sector during the COVID-19 pandemic and to elicit lessons for the future. METHODS: We conducted key informant interviews with MHS policymakers and advisers, program managers and providers who were affiliated with the MHS from March 2020 through December 2022. Key themes were derived using thematic analysis and open coding methods. RESULTS: We conducted 28 interviews between December 2022 and March 2023. During the pandemic, the MHS collaborated with federal and local healthcare authorities and private sector entities through endeavours such as Operation Warp Speed. Lessons and recommendations for future pandemics were also identified, including investment in biosurveillance systems and integration of behavioural and social sciences. CONCLUSIONS: The MHS rapidly established and fostered key partnerships with the public and private sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic experience showed that while the MHS is a useful resource for the nation, it also benefits from partnering with a variety of organizations, agencies and private companies. Continuing to develop these partnerships will be crucial for coordinated, effective responses to future pandemics.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders prevention and clinical guidelines research - workshop report.

It is estimated that up to 1 in 20 people in the United States may have a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), or the array of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social disorders caused by exposure to alcohol during prenatal development (May et al., JAMA 319:474-82, 2018). While this condition is present in a broad range of individuals and families, it has not previously been examined in the military community, where cultural factors including an increased prevalence of alcohol misuse may pose a unique set of challenges (Health.mil, Alcohol misuse, 2024).The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), in conjunction with FASD United, hosted the second annual Workshop on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Prevention and Clinical Guidelines Research on 20 September 2023 in Washington, DC. Organized as part of a four-year, federally-funded health services research initiative on FASD in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Military Health System (MHS), the workshop provided a forum for exploring the initiative's focus and progress; examining current knowledge and practice in the research and clinical spheres; and identifying potential strategies to further improve prevention, screening, diagnosis, interventions, and family support. Building off of the 2022 workshop that covered the state of the science surrounding prenatal alcohol exposure and FASD, the 2023 focused primarily on FASD and efforts aimed at identification and management (Koehlmoos et al., BMC Proc 17 Suppl 12:19, 2023). One hundred and thirty attendees from academia, healthcare, federal agencies, and patient advocacy organizations gathered to share research findings; learn from lived experiences; and discuss initiatives to advance research, screening, and services for at-risk pregnant women as well as families and caregivers supporting individuals with FASD.

Impact of Race-Free Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimations on CKD Prevalence in the US Military Health System: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Rationale & Objective: The 2021 CKD-EPI removes Black race as a factor in calculating the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). We assessed its effect on CKD prevalence in the demographically-diverse US Military Health System. Study Design: A retrospective calculation of the eGFR from serum creatinine measured over 2016-2019 using both the 2009 and 2021 CKD-EPI equations. Setting & Population: Multicenter health care network with data from 1,502,607 adults in the complete case analysis and from 1,970,433 adults in an imputed race analysis. Predictors: Serum creatinine, age, sex, and race. Outcome: CKD stages 3-5, defined as the last eGFR persistently < 60 mL/min/1.73m2 for ≥90 days. Analytical Approach: The t test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for continuous variables and Χ2 for categorical data. Results: The population in the complete case analysis had a median age of 40 years and was 18.8% Black race and 35.4% female. With the 2021 equation, the number of Black adults with CKD stages 3-5 increased by 58.1% from 4,147 to 6,556, a change in the crude prevalence from 1.47% to 2.32%. The number of non-Black adults with CKD stages 3-5 decreased by 30.4% from 27,596 to 19,213, a crude prevalence change from 2.26% to 1.58%. Similar results were seen with race imputation. Cumulatively, among adults with CKD stages 3-5 by at least one equation, 45.8% of Black adults were reclassified to more advanced stages of CKD and 44.0% of non-Black adults were reclassified to less severe stages across eGFR thresholds that could change clinical management. Limitations: Potential underestimation of CKD in individuals with only 1 measurement. Conclusions: Adoption of the 2021 CKD-EPI equation in the Military Health System reclassifies many Black adults into new CKD stages 3-5 or into more advanced CKD stages, with the opposite effect on non-Black adults. This may have an effect on CKD treatment and outcomes in ways that are yet unknown.

Until recently, kidney function level was calculated from equations that adjusted the result if the individual was of Black race. Because this may contribute to racial disparities in kidney disease care, a new equation was developed in 2021 that excludes race as a factor. We assessed the possible effects of this equation using data from adults in the US Military Health System from 2016 to 2019. With the new equation, the number of Black adults classified with kidney disease increased while that of non-Black adults decreased. There were similar trends seen in the more severe levels of kidney disease, which could affect decisions in clinical care. These results emphasize the potential positive and negative outcomes to be monitored with the new equation.

Caracterización de las lesiones ocasionadas en combate y su tratamiento / Characterization of injuries during combat and their treatment

Introducción. Colombia es un país que ha tenido el conflicto armado como parte de su historia. Durante más de 50 años, diferentes tipos de armas han sido empleados en la guerra interna. Desde el año 1999 hasta 2010, en el Hospital Militar Central, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, se atendieron más de 15.000 personas heridas en combate. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir los abordajes quirúrgicos realizados para el tratamiento de lesiones generadas en combate militar, por el servicio de Cirugía general en el Hospital Militar Central, entre los años 2016 y 2021. Métodos. Se condujo un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal, en donde se recolectó información de la base de datos del grupo de Trauma del Hospital Militar Central, sobre los pacientes con lesiones generadas en combate, atendidos por el servicio de cirugía general. Resultados. En total ingresaron 203 pacientes, 99 % de sexo masculino, 87 % pertenecientes al ejército. El departamento de donde más se recibieron heridos fue Arauca (20,7 %). Las armas de fuego de alta velocidad fueron los artefactos relacionados con las heridas en más de la mitad de los casos. Las intervenciones quirúrgicas más frecuentes fueron extracción de cuerpo extraño (28 %), exploración vascular (25,5 %) y toracostomía o toracoscopia (20,6 %). Conclusión. Los procedimientos quirúrgicos para el manejo del trauma militar siguen siendo variados con respecto a la ubicación y el abordaje, razón por la cual el conocimiento del cirujano general debe ser amplio, para estar capacitado para su manejo.

Introduction. Colombia is a country that has had armed conflict as part of its history. For more than 50 years, different types of weapons have been used in internal warfare. From 1999 to 2010, more than 15,000 people injured in combat were treated at the Central Military Hospital, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia. The objective of this study was to describe the surgical approaches carried out for the treatment of injuries generated in military combat, by the General Surgery service at the Central Military Hospital, between 2016 and 2021. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was conducted, where information was collected from the database of the Trauma group of the Central Military Hospital on patients with injuries during combat treated by the General Surgery service. Results. A total of 203 patients were admitted, 99% were male, 87% belonged to the Army. The department from which the most wounded were received was Arauca (20.7%). High-velocity firearms were the injury-related weapons in more than half of the cases. The most common surgical interventions performed were foreign body extraction (28%), vascular exploration (25.5%), and thoracostomy or thoracoscopy (20.6%). Conclusion. Surgical procedures for the management of military trauma continue to be varied with respect to location and approach, which is why the general surgeon's knowledge must be extensive to be qualified for its management.

Deployed at sea amidst the pandemic: Insights from 30 United States Navy nurses.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presented unique challenges to the United States Navy given that the major components of controlling an infectious disease outbreak are not easily achieved on ships. PURPOSE: To understand shipboard Navy nurses' activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Virtual semistructured interviews were conducted in 2021 with 30 Navy nurses who deployed to sea during the pandemic. Data were coded using directed content analyses whereby remarks were categorized according to 16 public health interventions (PHIs) of the Minnesota Department of Health Intervention Wheel. Data were also coded via conventional content analysis. DISCUSSION: Multiple PHIs were utilized to improve the public health of those on Navy ships during the height of the pandemic. Also, four themes were constructed via conventional content analysis. CONCLUSION: Shipboard Navy nurses overcame unprecedented challenges to protect the health of their crew, all the while preserving operational readiness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Optimizing clinical outcomes with stellate ganglion block and trauma-informed care: A review article.

BACKGROUND: For decades, thousands of active-duty service members have sought treatment for trauma exposure. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is a fast-acting nerve block documented in medical literature for nearly a century that has shown promise as a potentially life-altering treatment for post-traumatic stress (PTS). OBJECTIVE: This review aims to answer the practical questions of those who support individuals suffering from trauma: (1) SGB's safety profile (2) efficacy data (3) potential advantages and limitations, (4) a cross-cultural application example, (5) and the use of SGB in combination with talk therapy to optimize clinical outcomes. METHODS: The current body of literature, to include several large case series, meta-analyses, and a sufficiently powered randomized controlled trial, were reviewed, and presented to describe the history of SGB for emotional trauma symptoms and address the objectives of this review. RESULTS: Critical consideration is given to the safety and efficacy data on SGB and the evolution in safety-related technologies. Advantages such as decreased barriers to care, rapid onset, and decreased dropout and limitations such as treatment non-response, potential adverse effects, and misconceptions about the treatment are then described. Finally, the cross-cultural application of SGB is explored based on the deployment of SGB in Israel. CONCLUSION: SGB is associated with level 1B evidence and a reassuring safety profile. Evolving the model of care through the combined use of effective biological treatments like SGB with trauma informed talk therapy offers a hopeful path forward for supporting those who suffer from post-traumatic stress.

SleepSync: Early Testing of a Personalised Sleep-Wake Management Smartphone Application for Improving Sleep and Cognitive Fitness in Defence Shift Workers.

Shift work, long work hours, and operational tasks contribute to sleep and circadian disruption in defence personnel, with profound impacts on cognition. To address this, a digital technology, the SleepSync app, was designed for use in defence. A pre-post design study was undertaken to examine whether four weeks app use improved sleep and cognitive fitness (high performance neurocognition) in a cohort of shift workers from the Royal Australian Air Force. In total, 13 of approximately 20 shift-working personnel from one base volunteered for the study. Sleep outcomes were assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), Sleep Disturbance and Sleep-Related Impairment Scales, the Glasgow Sleep Effort Scale, the Sleep Hygiene Index, and mental health was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. Sustained attention was measured using the 3-min Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) and controlled response using the NBack. Results showed significant improvements in insomnia (ISI scores 10.31 at baseline and 7.50 after app use), sleep-related impairments (SRI T-scores 53.03 at baseline to 46.75 post-app use), and healthy sleep practices (SHI scores 21.61 at baseline to 18.83 post-app use; all p < 0.001). Trends for improvement were recorded for depression. NBack incorrect responses reduced significantly (9.36 at baseline; reduced by -3.87 at last week of app use, p < 0.001), but no other objective measures improved. These findings suggest that SleepSync may improve sleep and positively enhance cognitive fitness but warrants further investigation in large samples. Randomised control trials with other cohorts of defence personnel are needed to confirm the utility of this intervention in defence settings.

On the utility of using the All of Us Research Program as a resource to study military service members and veterans.

OBJECTIVES: To illustrate the utility of the All of Us Research Program for studying military and veteran health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Results were derived from the All of Us Researcher Workbench Controlled Tier v7. Specific variables examined were family history of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), medical encounters, and body mass index/body size. RESULTS: There are 37 363 military and veteran participants enrolled in the All of Us Research Program. The population is older (M = 63.3 years), White (71.3%), and male (83.2%), consistent with military and veteran populations. Participants reported a high prevalence of PTSD (13.4%), obesity (40.2%), and abdominal obesity (77.1%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The breadth and depth of health data from service members and veterans enrolled in the All of Us Research Program allow researchers to address pressing health questions in these populations. Future enrollment and data releases will make this an increasingly powerful and useful study for understanding military and veteran health.

Characterization of wound infections among patients injured during the Ruso-Ukrainian war in a Role 4 hospital.

INTRODUCTION: The management of infections in war wounds is a problem aggravated by the presence of multiresistant bacteria and requires a combined approach with surgery. Literature has identified the risks and patterns of antibiotic resistance in previous armed conflicts, but the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has required the study of specific bacterial resistance patterns. METHODS: We included war-injured patients from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict transferred for treatment to the General Defense Hospital of Zaragoza from May 2022 to October 2023. Epidemiological data, factors related to the injury, presence of infection and microbiological results were collected; These data were subsequently analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 35.6 years; 83% were injured by an explosive mechanism and all received antibiotic therapy prior to transfer. Seventeen patients had skin, soft tissue or joint infection. Correlation was demonstrated with the presence of bone lesion (p 0.03), skin coverage defect (p 0.000) and presence of foreign bodies (p 0.006). Nine patients had monomicrobial cultures, and the most frequently isolated microorganisms were Gram negative bacilli (GNB) and Staphylococcus aureus. Virtually all GNB presented some resistance mechanism. CONCLUSION: Our work shows the correlation of war wound infection with the presence of foreign bodies and affected tissues. Likewise, the presence of polymicrobial wounds is emphasized, with a predominance of GNB and multidrug-resistant S. aureus.

Evaluation Design for the Department of the Air Force's True North Program: Development of a Logic Model and Program Measures.

Developing strong resiliency and care solutions for airmen and guardians is key to human capital development and force readiness. The True North program is one of the Department of the Air Force's (DAF's) most significant recent investments in promoting the resiliency of its people. Assessing the program's level of success, justifying funding, and informing decisions about the program's future will require a rigorous evaluation. The authors of this study (1) identify desired outcomes for members participating in the program, (2) define appropriate measures of effectiveness that could be used in evaluating the True North program, and (3) make recommendations for ongoing internal evaluation of the program. The True North program encompasses selected installation welcome centers, embedded religious support teams (RSTs), and embedded mental health (EMH) teams. To determine how DAF might evaluate this program and its components, the authors reviewed relevant policies and procedures and literature relevant to the program components and conducted interviews with 17 True North program personnel and 21 group and squadron commanders. They present a program logic model to determine potential evaluation measures.

Associations between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Diabetes in Vietnam-Era Women Veterans in the HealthViEWS Study.

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with incident diabetes. However, past studies have often included predominantly male samples, despite important sex and gender differences in diabetes. To address this limitation, this study examined the association between PTSD and diabetes in older Veteran women, a population with a high burden of PTSD. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from 4,105 women (Mage = 67.4 years), participating in the Health of Vietnam-Era Veteran Women's Study (HealthViEWS; Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Program #579). Participants completed self-report measures of demographics, health conditions, and health behaviors. Information on military service was obtained through service records. A structured clinical interview was conducted by telephone to assess current and lifetime PTSD and other mental health disorders. Weighted descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between PTSD and diabetes. Results: The prevalence of diabetes was 28.4% among women with current full PTSD compared to 23.4%, 17.6%, and 17.5% for current subthreshold, remitted, and no PTSD. In unadjusted analyses, women with current full and subthreshold PTSD were 1.87 [1.49; 2.33] and 1.44 [1.11; 1.85] times more likely to have diabetes compared to women with no PTSD. Remitted PTSD was not associated with increased odds of diabetes. Effects were attenuated but remained significant after adjustment for relevant covariates. Conclusions: Vietnam-era women with current PTSD, including subthreshold symptoms, had a greater likelihood of diabetes compared to women without PTSD. These findings suggest that women with PTSD may benefit from increased diabetes prevention efforts.

The effect of Ashtanga-Vinyasa Yoga method on air force pilots' operational performance.

Introduction: In today's military landscape, optimizing performance and bolstering physical health and mental resilience are critical objectives. Introducing a 12-week Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Supta Method (AVYSM) to the training protocol of military trained Airforce pilots, we aim to assesses the feasibility and impact of the method. Materials and equipment: Borg Scale assesses the intensity level of physical activity during the intervention. Flight simulator data gauges operational performance responses. Postural control responses are measured using a force platform, stress responses are monitored via heart monitor, and handgrip dynamometry will measure strength. Respiratory capacity is assessed using a spirometer, body composition is evaluated using impedance balance, and aviation-related questionnaires are administered before and after the intervention period. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, the totality of pilots from the "Masters in Military Aeronautics: aviator pilot specialist" course at the Portuguese Air Force Academy (PAA) were randomly assigned to the yoga intervention or the waiting list control groups, with participants providing written informed consent. The control group followed protocolized course classes for 12 weeks, while the intervention group integrated two weekly one-hour yoga sessions into their course. Results: The PAA has approved the implementation of this intervention protocol at Airbase 11 in Beja, highlighting its significance for the organization's policy makers. We hypothesize that this method will enhance operational performance and, subsequently, elevate flight safety. Discussion: This research's potential extends beyond the PAA, as it can be adapted for use in Airforce departments of other nations and various military contexts. Clinical trial registration: Évora University research ethics committee-approval number 21050. Study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT05821270, registered on April 19, 2023.