The Relationship Between Pre-Pandemic Comorbidities With SARS-CoV-2 Infections and Hospitalizations in Black Versus White Military Service Members: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction: Comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions have been reported to worsen the clinical progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and related hospitalizations. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected the historically marginalized groups, i.e.

Evaluation of Detection and Efficacy of Decontamination of Respiratory Pathogens Including SARS-CoV-2 on Basic Military Trainee Gas Masks.

Introduction: Basic military trainee (BMT) gas mask training poses a potential mechanism of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission. After training, gas masks are decontaminated. Insufficient decontamination can lead to viral transmission in the next training class.

A Military Community Cohort Study Reveals Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Inflammation Mediator Genes That Associate With Type 2 Diabetes.

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia of varying degrees. Genetic and lifestyle variations are known to influence the onset and severity of T2DM. Among the genetic variations reported to confer susceptibility to the disease are certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Evaluating sensitivity and specificity of the Biomeme Franklin™ three9 real-time PCR device and SARS-CoV-2 go-strips assay using clinical samples.

We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the Biomeme Franklin™ three9 Real-Time PCR Thermocycler and Biomeme SARS-CoV-2 Go-Strips in the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The Biomeme Franklin™ three9 platform is a portable, battery-operated system that could be used in remote settings. We assessed performance of the Biomeme SARS-CoV-2 detection system at a wide range of viral concentrations, examined cross-reactivity of the SARS-CoV-2 Go-Strips against several near-neighbor respiratory pathogens, and evaluated agreement against the BioFire® Respiratory Panel 2.

An Analysis of the Effectiveness of High-level Disinfection for Surgical Instruments Used by Department of Defense Austere Surgical Teams.

Introduction: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of currently employed commercial disinfectants in a simulated austere surgical environment similarly faced by ground surgical teams in forward deployed positions. Severe contamination of traumatic combat wounds along with limitations of operations in austere environments may result in available disinfectants providing inadequate surgical instrument decontamination.

Materials And Methods: The study consisted of nine experimental groups and two control groups evaluating hemostatic forceps found in kits of ground surgical teams.

Aortic Mycetoma From Disseminated Cunninghamella Species Infection.

Cunninghamella species are aggressive, opportunistic fungi that are becoming more commonly reported in immunocompromised patients. We present a case of disseminated Cunninghamella sp. infection after stem cell transplant for refractory multiple myeloma with formation of bilateral pleural effusions and an aortic mycetoma.

Adenovirus-Associated Acute Appendicitis: An Under-Recognized Relationship?

Objective: Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the most common causes of a surgical abdomen worldwide, occurring most frequently in those age 10 to 29 years. Adenovirus (ADV) is a rare but reported cause of AA in children and a well-recognized cause of intussusception in infants and young children. Annually, about 36,000 basic military trainees (BMTs) undergo initial training at Joint Base San Antonio Lackland, Texas.

Comparison of Clinical Features in a Population of Basic Military Trainees Versus the General Department of Defense Beneficiary Population Presenting With Influenza.

Introduction: Upper respiratory tract infection (URI) is a well-documented cause of morbidity, extra expense, and lost training time among basic military trainees (BMTs). The goal of this study was to characterize the clinical presentation of influenza in the BMT population and to better understand how this presentation differs from that of the general Department of Defense (DoD) beneficiary population (non-BMTs).

Materials And Methods: Clinical and demographic data were collected in a prospective study that enrolled DoD beneficiaries presenting to medical treatment facilities in San Antonio, Texas, with URI symptoms between January 2005 and March 2011.

Comparison of diagnostic test performance in a population of high risk young adults versus a general population presenting with influenza.

Background: Upper respiratory tract infection (URI) is a well-documented cause of morbidity, extra expense and lost training time among basic military trainees (BMTs).

Objectives: The goal of this study is to better understand how influenza diagnostic tests perform in the BMT population, and how this performance differs from the general population.

Study Design: Laboratory test data was collected in a prospective study that enrolled Department of Defense beneficiaries presenting to medical facilities in San Antonio, TX with URI symptoms between January 2005 and March 2011.

Pandemic influenza virus 2009 H1N1 and adenovirus in a high risk population of young adults: epidemiology, comparison of clinical presentations, and coinfection.

Background: In 2009, pandemic H1N1 influenza virus (2009 H1N1) emerged worldwide, causing morbidity and mortality that disproportionately affected young adults. Upper respiratory infection (URI), largely due to adenovirus, is an endemic cause of morbidity in military training. Whether clinical presentations differ or excess morbidity results from coinfection is unclear.