Short Communication: Combining Ethics With Efficiency-Israel Defense Forces' Experience in Clinical Trials During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, first reported in China, soon spread worldwide, has evolved into one of the most complex global public health crises the world has encountered in the last several decades. Conducting military medical research is vital to study the unique influences of military service conditions on soldiers' health and to improve the medical response in various emergency periods. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Medical Corps maintains an Institutional Review Board (IRB) which reviews clinical studies conducted within the IDF.

Ethical standards for medical research in the Israeli military - review of the changes in the last decade.

Background: The Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps (IDF MC) institutional review board (IRB) is one of approximately 50 IRBs active in Israel. In addition to routine IRB considerations it must also address in its deliberations specific safeguards in place in the IDF to protect research volunteers in the military environment. In this report, we present the characteristics of the IDF IRB, including the unique circumstances that led to a 2008 change in the pre-IRB advisory and preparatory process (APP).

Neglect of skin wounds and the risk of becoming a Staphylococcus aureus nasal carrier: a cohort study.

Background: Nasal carriers of Staphylococcus aureus have an increased risk of acquiring skin and soft tissue infections, which could manifest as outbreaks, especially in crowded settings. Current prevention programs are ineffective, antibiotic resistance is rising and risk factors for becoming a carrier are incompletely understood. We aimed to examine whether a behavior, the neglect of skin wounds, is a risk factor for becoming a Staphylococcus aureus carrier during training.

Seroprevalence of anti-HBs antibodies at young adulthood, before and after a booster vaccine dose, among medical personnel vaccinated in infancy.

Background: Questions remain regarding the long-term protection provided by childhood HBV vaccination. The goals of this study were to assess HBV seroprevalence among medical personnel purportedly vaccinated in infancy; to investigate the immune response after a booster dose given in young adulthood; and to identify predictors of non-responders.

Methods: Between 2011 and 2013 we studied Israeli male military recruits purportedly vaccinated in infancy.

Dynamics of pneumococcal acquisition and carriage in young adults during training in confined settings in Israel.

Background: Outbreaks and sporadic cases of pneumococcal illness occur among young adults in confined settings. Our aim was to characterize pneumococcal acquisition and carriage among healthy young adults in Israel during military training in confined settings.

Methods: During the years 2007-2008, an observational longitudinal study was conducted in three cohorts of healthy soldiers, during a 7-month basic training period.