A Pseudo-Outbreak of Skin Disease in British Troops

When a newspaper report claimed that a serious outbreak of skin disease had occurred in British Army troops stationed at the Bočac Dam, in western Bosnia, all troops at the Bočac Dam location (n=96), followed by a matched control group of troops (n=91) at a nearby location, were examined by two investigators.

14% of the study population and 21% of the control group were found to have skin disorders. Most were complaints that are commonly encountered in general medical practice. There was a striking absence of skin infestations. The historical consultation rate for skin disorders had not increased. It was concluded that an outbreak of skin disease had not occurred in British troops guarding the dam.

This epidemiological study shows that, even under conditions of modern field hygiene, up to one in five soldiers will have skin disease. Skin infestations, however, have become progressively less common during military campaigns this century, probably because of better personal hygiene, good preventive medicine practices and better access to effective health care.

[Hygienists of the Military Medical Academy - participants in the liquidation of the consequences of the Chernobyl accident]

The main task of the military medical service in the area of work to eliminate the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster was to organize and carry out sanitary and hygienic measures aimed at preventing radiation exposure to liquidators-military personnel in excess of the established dose limits and the emergence of mass infectious and non-infectious diseases. The article summarizes the experience of the participation of the employees of the S.M.Kirov Military Medical Academy in the implementation of anti-radiation and other preventive measures in the area of the accident. The entire faculty. of the Department of Naval and Radiation Hygiene and a number of employees of the Department of General and Military Hygiene, who on a rotational basis were continuously in the zone of work to eliminate the consequences of the accident, went through the mill of Chernobyl. Their personal contribution to the solution of urgent scientific and applied problems -of minimization of radiation impact and preservation of health of servicemen-liquidators of the accident were noted.

Protection From Mosquito Biting Provided by Permethrin-Treated Military Fabrics

A study to evaluate the protection provided by permethrin-treated fabric following cold-water washing against biting by mosquitoes is reported. Australian Defense Force (ADF) disruptive pattern combat uniform (DPCU) shirt fabric and entire shirts were treated by dipping in a 0.6% emulsion (Perigen Defense, containing 500 g/liter permethrin), and commercial factory treatment in the United States (Factory A) and Europe (Factory B). Protection was recorded after 1, 3, 5, 10, 30, and 50 washes. The treated fabric provided 100% protection against bites of Anopheles farauti Laveran for at least 50 washes, although only 4.8-19.0% of this species fed through untreated DPCU. The protection provided by each type of permethrin treatment against Aedes aegypti (L.) biting was variable; however, there were no significant differences between the percentage of mosquitoes biting between 1 and 10 washes. A comparison between the two factory treatments for 1-50 washes also showed no statistical difference in Ae. aegypti feeding. Chemical analysis of fabric was conducted using gas chromatography and showed that the initial dose was 0.125 mg/cm(2) for Perigen-treated fabric, which fell to 0.004 mg/cm(2) after 10 washes. By contrast, factory treatments resulted in initial dose rates of 0.20 mg/cm(2) for Factory A and 0.19 mg/cm(2) for Factory B. After 10 washes, Factory A-treated fabric had 0.09 mg/cm(2) and Factory B 0.15 mg/cm(2) of permethrin. Despite the higher concentrations of permethrin in the fabric, there was not a commensurate increase in biting protection provided by the factory-treated fabric, compared with fabric treated by dipping in permethrin emulsion.

Impact of temperature and storage duration on the chemical and odor quality of military packaged water in polyethylene terephthalate bottles

The impact of temperature and storage time on military packaged water (MPW) quality was examined at four temperatures (23.0 °C to 60.0 °C) for 120 days. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles were filled in California and Afghanistan with unbuffered water treated by reverse osmosis. The US military's water pH long-term potability standard was exceeded, and US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) drinking water pH and odor intensity limits were also exceeded. During a 70 day exposure period, Port Hueneme MPW total organic carbon and total trihalomethane levels increased from < 0.25mg/L to 2.0 ± 0.0mg/L and <0.05 μg/L to 51.5 ± 2.1 μg/L, respectively. PET released organic contaminants into MPW and residual disinfectant generated trihalomethane contaminants. After 14 days at 37.7 °C and 60.0 °C, Afghanistan MPW threshold odor number values were 8.0 and 8.6, respectively. Total organic carbon concentration only increased with exposure duration at 60.0 °C. Acetaldehyde and formaldehyde contaminants were not detected likely due to the high method detection limits applied in this study. Phthalate contaminants detected and their maximum levels were butylbenzylphthalate (BBP) 0.43 μg/L, di-n-butylphthalate (DnBP) 0.38 μg/L, di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) 0.6 μg/L, and diethylphthalate (DEP) 0.32 μg/L. Antimony was only detected in 60.0 °C Afghanistan MPW on Day 28 and beyond, and its maximum concentration was 3.6 ± 0.3 μg/L. No antimony was found in bottles exposed to lesser temperatures. Environmental health, PET synthesis and bottle manufacturers, and bottle users can integrate results of this work to improve health protective decisions and doctrine.

[Regulatory supervision and radiation survey in the area of location of former military technical bases]

Activities related to the rehabilitation of areas and facilities of the temporary storage of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste (SNF and RW) at Andreeva Bay and Gremikha on the Kola Peninsula and in the Primorsky Krai in the Russian Far East is an important component of the regulatory functions of the Federal Medical biological Agency (FMBA of Russia). Technical support to the FMBA of Russia in this activity is provided by A.L Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center Main research interests include evaluation of radiological threats to determine the priority directions of regulation, a detailed analysis of the radiation situation at areas, territories and in vicinity of temporary waste storage facilities, radiation control and environmental monitoring, the development of digital maps and geoinformation systems, project expertise in the field of rehabilitation of PVC including the management of SNF and RW Implementation of these natural, practical and theoretical works is completed by development a set of regulatory documents ensuring adherence to radiation safety for the stuff population and the environment, and the also documents governing the management of SNF and RW waste in the territories of PVC.

Prevalence and factors associated with renal dysfunction among HIV-infected patients

Renal dysfunction is an increasingly recognized non-AIDS-defining comorbidity among HIV-infected persons. The role of HIV-related factors in renal dysfunction remains unclear. We performed a cross-sectional study at two military clinics with open access to care to determine the impact of HIV factors, including antiretroviral therapy, on renal function. Renal dysfunction was defined as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2). We evaluated 717 HIV patients with a median age of 41 years; 92% were male, 49% Caucasian, and 38% African American; median CD4 count was 515 cells/mm(3) and 73% were receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Twenty-two patients (3%) had renal dysfunction. Factors associated with renal dysfunction in the multivariate logistic analyses included older age (odds ratio [OR] 2.0 per 10 year increase, p = 0.006), lower CD4 nadir (OR 0.6 per 100 cell change, p = 0.02), and duration of tenofovir use (OR 1.5 per year use, p = 0.01). Among persons initiating tenofovir (n = 241), 50% experienced a reduction in GFR (median -10.5 mL/min/1.73 m(2), 95% CI, -8.9 to -13.3) within 2 years. Among tenofovir users, factors associated with a reduction in GFR included female gender (p < 0.001), African American ethnicity (p = 0.003), and lower CD4 nadir (p = 0.002). In summary, renal dysfunction was relatively uncommon among our HIV-infected patients, perhaps due to their young age, lack of comorbidities, or as a result of our definition that did not include proteinuria. Renal dysfunction was associated with duration of tenofovir use. Factors associated with renal loss among tenofovir users included female gender, African American ethnicity, and CD4 nadir <200 cells/mm(3). Consideration for more frequent monitoring of kidney function among these select HIV patients may be warranted.

[Psychophysiological and social-and-psychological aspects of adaptation to military service in the European North of Russia in the servicemen called from different regions]

The article presents the investigational results of psychophysiological and social-and-psychological adaptation to military service in conditions of the European North of Russia in servicemen called up from different regions. During the first 6 months the positive dynamics concerning the communicative and personal adaptation potential and behavioral regulation was noted in all 239 servicemen. It was established that the representatives from northern region have lower potential possibilities of social-and-psychological adaptation to military service in the European North of Russia than the youths called up from other regions. Social-and-psychological adaptation to military service in the northern conditions was better than in the persons called up from the southern and central regions. The complete adaptation of servicemen at biological level wasn't observed.

[Hemorrhagic fever with the renal syndrome: modern aspects of epidemiology and prophylaxis]

Hemorrhagic fever with the renal syndrome (HFRS) is a typical natural-and-focal virus infection having military-and-epidemiological importance for Armed Forces of most countries. Severe forms of this infection are typical for the Far East of Russia, countries of South-East Asia and especially for the American continent. The lethality from HFRS amounts to 15-50%. The main natural carriers and keepers of HFRS stimulus are various mouse-type rodents. In Russia besides well-studied natural focuses on the Far East, Siberia, Ural, Povolge other active HFRS focuses were determined not long ago (Moscow, Orel, Lipetsk, Tula and Voronezh regions, the territory of Big Sochi). A man is infected by an aerosol, forming during drying up of rodents' urine, feces, saliva containing HFRS virus. Vaccinal prevention of HFRS in Russia hasn't yet been worked out. Ribavirin is the most effective in the treatment for HFRS. The means of prevention of population and servicemen must exclude their contact with rodents both in natural conditions and in populated areas.

A case study of contaminants on military ranges: Camp Edwards, Massachusetts, USA

An extensive investigation at the Camp Edwards, Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR) demonstrates that assessment of groundwater and soil contamination at military ranges can be limited primarily to explosive-related compounds such as RDX, HMX, perchlorate, TNT and their transformation products. A modified analytical method is recommended to expand the list of explosives and to improve the detection limits. Analyses of metals, VOCs, SVOCs, and TICs are unnecessary. Soil samples may require the analyses of PAHs and PCNs for burn areas. Camp Edwards, as one of the few military ranges that have been exhaustively investigated for contaminants, is an ideal point of departure for evaluating other ranges. The permeable site soils promote leaching of contaminants and inhibit biotic and abiotic transformations. Moreover, the site has experienced an unusual extent of activities in its more than ninety years of active use. The recommendations in this report are based on data obtained for more than 200 analytes from more than 15,000 environmental samples.

[Incidence of parasitosis in the troops of Northern-Caucasian military district]

In 2002 the analysis of parasitosis incidence in the servicemen of North-Caucasian military district was conducted in order to evaluate the risk of its spread and to optimize the ways of its prevention at the territory studied. One of the most important directions of prophylactic work is the training of specialists (parasitologists, laboratory physicians, epidemiologists, laboratory assistants) in the field of parasitology and early diagnosis of parasitogenic diseases in servicemen.

[Health situation of the armies in the Crimean war and a document related to this]

Although the Crimean War seems to be a war between the Ottoman and Russian with the support of England an France, in reality, it was a power struggle between the biggest European countries. The cooperation between England - Ottoman Empire and France in the Crimean War meanly determined the result of the war. The Crimean War should not only be evaluated in militarian and political aspect, but also from other perspectives. One of the most important problems for the allied armies in Istanbul and Crimea was related to the health concepts. During the two years long war, problems were the freezing cold and contagious diseases before the Russian soldiers. And thypus, scorbut, cholera and malaria prepears the dead of a large number of soldiers. Although the allied armies won the battle but all the sides fighting in the was lost many people due to contagious diseases. According to the resources, the contagious diseases such as, thypus, cholera and malaria led to the deads of more than ten times of the people who were in the battle field. Thats why, The European armies understood the importance of the treatment diseases in the war and gave importance to the development of military medical services and form this point, the Crimean War became the begining of an important development in military health concept.

The quality of groundwater for certain chemicals in military fields in Ankara

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to determine the quality of groundwater for certain chemicals from all wells for the military units in Ankara (the capital city of Turkey) to evaluate special situations like a nuclear, biological, and chemical attack.

METHOD

The quality of underground water has been evaluated chemically by examining 34 different water specimens. Various chemical parameters and heavy metals have been assessed in these samples by using an ion meter and atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

Nitrate and chloride have been assessed at a higher rate with the levels exceeding maximum contaminant levels. Mercury, arsenic, aluminum, iron, conductivity, and salinity have also had levels exceeding maximum contaminant levels for each of them according to the levels set by the World Health Organization.

CONCLUSION

This study has given us some powerful clues that underground water in Ankara is at a growing risk to be contaminated mainly with nitrate and chloride. Although more detailed investigations are necessary for a better evaluation, it is clear that preventive measures should be implemented or improved.

[A list of health officers of Ottoman Army died during the first World War between 1914-1917]

In this paper, the names of military healther officers martyred during first world war, which were listed in "Emraz-i Akliye ve Asabiye Müsamereleri", the first Turkish Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry published by Mazhar Osman, were reviewed and compared with other lists.

Issues for military women in deployment: an overview

The stresses of deployment affect both sexes, but some are either mildly or markedly different for women. These include certain female health and gynecological issues, nursing, and pregnancy. Separation from small children, isolation, the possibility of sexual assault, and risks of combat or being taken hostage are concerns for both genders. All of these issues should be addressed before and during deployment to ensure optimal individual and unit functioning and improve retention. Gynecological infections, redeployment for abnormal Papanicolaou smears, and pregnancy while on deployment can be avoided with proper hygiene and planning. There are resources available in pamphlet form, electronically, and on CD-ROM to help prepare service members, leaders, and health care personnel. Improvements in the ability to maintain personal hygiene and to communicate home should benefit both sexes.

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Parallel with military physicians in Bulgarian army working and the military orthodox clergy. It is very important factor for success activity soldier's conscious. The author consider, that religious spirit is necessary for soldier and commander. The Moscow's newspaper "Russian world" publish on 23 January, 1913 interview by D-r Socolevsky with military epidemiologist prof. Kraws were the professor said: "The chaplains much help me in the control over the cholera, especially near Chataldga 1912-1913. They saved Bulgaria army from the cholera, this terribly whip." The physicians Sikarsky, Goldmier,Stamatov and others write that the chaplains execute his duty as exemplary hospitals. Command of the military clergy during the period 1912-1918 is Velikoturnovo's bishop losiv (1870-1918). He become ill on the front.