Investigation of Self-Reported Musculoskeletal Injuries on Post-Deployment Health Assessment Forms for Aeromedical Evacuation Personnel.

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) are a concern for the military community because of medical expenses, possible disability, and separation from the military. This study investigated the prevalence of MSIs in deployed aeromedical evacuation (AE) populations reported on Post-Deployment Health Assessment (PDHA) forms. A secondary aim was to examine the relationship between the occurrence of self-reported MSIs on PDHAs and a subsequent medical diagnosis.

Factors Associated with Delayed Ejection in Mishaps Between 1993 and 2013.

Introduction: The purpose of this investigation was to identify factors associated with Air Force aviators delaying ejection during in-flight emergencies.

Methods: The investigator reviewed all reports within the Air Force Safety Automated System describing mishaps that resulted in the destruction of Air Force ejection-seat equipped aircraft between 1993 and 2013. Crewmembers were classified as either timely or delayed ejectors based on altitude at onset of emergency, altitude at ejection, and a determination regarding whether or not the aircraft was controlled during the mishap sequence.

Prevalence of posttraumatic stress symptoms in United States Air Force intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance agency imagery analysts.

Imagery analysts are critical to the intelligence capabilities of the United States Air Force (USAF) and are known as the "eyes" of the USAF. The purpose of this study was to assess for posttraumatic disorder (PTSD) symptoms among this cohort. Of the 498 imagery analysts who participated, a total of 4.

Detection of volatile organic compounds indicative of human presence in the air.

Volatile organic compounds were collected and analyzed from a variety of indoor and outdoor air samples to test whether human-derived compounds can be readily detected in the air and if they can be associated with human occupancy or presence. Compounds were captured with thermal desorption tubes and then analyzed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Isoprene, a major volatile organic compound in exhaled breath, was shown to be the best indicator of human presence.

Reassessment of psychological distress and post-traumatic stress disorder in United States Air Force Distributed Common Ground System operators.

The goal of this study was to assess for the main sources of occupational stress, as well as self-reported symptoms of distress and post-traumatic stress disorder among U.S. Air Force (USAF) Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS) intelligence exploitation and support personnel.

Records review of musculoskeletal injuries in aeromedical evacuation personnel.

Background: Aeromedical evacuation providers care for patients during air transport. By applying standard medical practices, oftentimes developed for ground care, these practitioners perform their mission duties under additional physical stress in this unique medical environment. Awkward postures and excessive forces are common occurrences among personnel operating in this domain.

Rickettsial diseases and ectoparasites from military bases in Japan.

Ectoparasitic arthropods are often vectors of rickettsiosis. We conducted a survey of ectoparasites on U.S.

Evaluation of Bio-VOC Sampler for Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds in Exhaled Breath.

Monitoring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from exhaled breath has been used to determine exposures of humans to chemicals. Prior to analysis of VOCs, breath samples are often collected with canisters or bags and concentrated. The Bio-VOC breath sampler, a commercial sampling device, has been recently introduced to the market with growing use.

Standard of care of erectile dysfunction in U.S. Air Force aircrew and active duty not on flying status.

In 2011, over 3,000 active duty U.S. Air Force (USAF) members were prescribed a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDEI).

Regurgitant valvular disease prevalence and progression found on echocardiogram in military aviators.

Introduction: The prevalence, progression rates, and outcomes affecting aviator valvular heart disease have not been extensively studied.

Methods: The U.S.

Symptoms of psychological distress and post-traumatic stress disorder in United States Air Force "drone" operators.

The goal of this study is to repeat a survey administered in 2010 to assess for changes in mental health among United States Air Force aircrew operating Predator/Reaper remotely piloted aircraft, also commonly referred to as "drones." Participants were assessed for self-reported sources of occupational stress, levels of clinical distress using the Outcome Questionnaire-45.2, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using the PTSD Checklist-Military Version.

An analysis of post-traumatic stress symptoms in United States Air Force drone operators.

Remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), commonly referred to as "drones," have emerged over the past decade as an innovative warfighting tool. Given there is a paucity of empirical research assessing drone operators, the purpose of this study was to assess for the prevalence of PTSD symptoms among this cohort. Of the 1084 United States Air Force (USAF) drone operators that participated, a total of 4.

Automation of an interferon-γ release assay and comparison to the tuberculin skin test for screening basic military trainees for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

We automated portions of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT) and assessed its quality when performed concurrently with the tuberculin skin test (TST) among U.S. Air Force basic military trainees (BMTs).

White matter hyperintensities on MRI in high-altitude U-2 pilots.

Objective: To demonstrate that U-2 pilot occupational exposure to hypobaria leads to increased incidence of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) with a more uniform distribution throughout the brain irrespective of clinical neurologic decompression sickness history.

Methods: We evaluated imaging findings in 102 U-2 pilots and 91 controls matched for age, health, and education levels. Three-dimensional, T2-weighted, high-resolution (1-mm isotropic) imaging data were collected using fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence on a 3-tesla MRI scanner.

Hyperintense white matter lesions in 50 high-altitude pilots with neurologic decompression sickness.

Introduction: Neurologic decompression sickness (NDCS) can affect high-altitude pilots, causing variable central nervous system symptoms. Five recent severe episodes prompted further investigation.

Methods: We report the hyperintense white matter (HWM) lesion imaging findings in 50 U-2 pilot volunteers, and compare 12 U-2 pilots who experienced clinical NDCS to 38 U-2 pilots who did not.

The influence of nontraditional training modalities on physical performance: review of the literature.

The primary purpose of this effort was to review several forms of nontraditional (NT) training programs, including heavy lower extremity strength training, CrossFit training, kettlebell training, and agility training, and discuss the effects of these exercise regimens on physical performance. The secondary purpose was to evaluate NT fitness training programs for evidence that they may provide beneficial options to help airmen improve their fitness scores. A search of the literature for 1980-2010 was performed using the Franzello Aeromedical Library, Public Medicine, and Air Force Institute of Technology search engines.

Stability of laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) at altitude.

Background: The U.S. Air Force approved laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for aircrew in May 2007.

Aeromedical decision making and seizure risk after traumatic brain injury: longitudinal outcome.

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common in young adults and therefore of significant concern to an aircrew population. This paper reports the occurrences of seizures in U.S.

Retrospective case series of five nontraumatic deaths among U.S. Air Force basic military trainees (1997-2007).

Introduction: Basic military training is both physically and mentally demanding. New recruits represent a young and relatively healthy subpopulation of individuals, and premature mortality is rare. The purpose of this retrospective case series is to discuss the causes of nontraumatic deaths among U.

Department of Defense Global Laboratory-Based Influenza Surveillance: 1998-2005.

The Department of Defense (DoD) Global Laboratory-Based Influenza Surveillance Program was initiated in 1997 to formally consolidate and expand existing influenza surveillance programs within the DoD and in areas where DoD was working. Substantial changes in 2008 provided an opportunity to review the operation of the surveillance program as it existed during seven complete influenza seasons (1998-2005); the review was conducted in 2008. A unique aspect of the DoD program was the global reach for specimen collection and the ability to rapidly ship, process, and evaluate specimens from 27 countries.