Journal of Military and Veteran’s Health - JMVH

"The Menstrual Cycle and Vision: The Eye is a Gender Specific and Hormonally Sensitive Target Organ," both co-authored by John C. Newlands and Paul R. Bates. The JMVH article examines the relationship between the menstrual cycle, fluctuating hormone levels, and various aspects of female visual function. It discusses historical research, changes in visual acuity, detection, discrimination, and the impact on the cornea, conjunctiva, saccadic system, and intraocular pressure. Ultimately, the authors conclude that the eye is a gender- and hormone-sensitive organ, with optimal visual performance often aligning with the mid-cycle phase when estrogen levels peak.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/the-menstrual-cycle-and-vision-the-eye-is-a-gender-specific-and-hormonally-sensitive-target-organ/

"History of Tuberculosis. Part 1 – Phthisis, consumption and the White Plague" by John Frith provides an extensive historical overview of tuberculosis, tracing its presence from ancient times to the 19th century. It details the evolution of terminology for the disease, from ancient Greek "phthisis" and "consumption" to its recognition as "the white plague" and eventually "tuberculosis." The text highlights key medical figures and their contributions, such as Hippocrates' early descriptions, Galen's understanding of its infectious nature, and Laennec's invention of the stethoscope, which revolutionized diagnosis and understanding of the disease's pathology. Furthermore, it addresses historical treatments and societal perceptions, including the romanticization of the illness and the debate surrounding its infectious versus hereditary nature, which was ultimately resolved by Koch's discovery of the tubercle bacillus. The document also touches upon the military significance of tuberculosis and the enduring public health challenge it presents today.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/history-of-tuberculosis-part-1-phthisis-consumption-and-the-white-plague/

"MUNITIONS - Thermobaric Munitions and their Medical Effects!" by David Andrew, provides an in-depth analysis of thermobaric munitions. It begins by defining these weapons as designed to produce enhanced heat and overpressure compared to conventional explosives. The article traces their historical development from World War II to modern usage by various nations. Furthermore, it details the design principles of thermobaric munitions, explaining how they disperse an aerosol cloud that generates extreme temperatures and prolonged blast waves. Finally, the text thoroughly examines the primary blast injuries resulting from these weapons, outlining their effects on the pulmonary, cardiovascular, auditory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems, along with associated diagnostic and treatment considerations.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/munitions-thermobaric-munitions-and-their-medical-effects/

"Stalingrad: The Hinge of History—How Hitler’s hubris led to the defeat of the Sixth Army - JMVH" by Robert M Kaplan, offers a detailed analysis of the Battle of Stalingrad during World War II. It explores the strategic decisions and fatal errors, particularly Hitler's overconfidence and refusal to retreat, that led to the German Sixth Army's catastrophic defeat. The article contrasts Hitler's hubris with Stalin's paranoia, noting how Stalin eventually trusted his generals, contributing to the Soviet victory. Furthermore, it examines the brutal urban warfare tactics, the immense casualties on both sides, and the ultimate significance of Stalingrad as the turning point of the war on the Eastern Front. The author also reflects on the lasting consequences of the battle, including the immense human cost for both combatants and civilians, and its impact on the post-war geopolitical landscape.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/stalingrad-the-hinge-of-history-how-hitlers-hubris-led-to-the-defeat-of-the-sixth-army/

This article, "Experiences of a Prisoner of War: World War 2 in Germany," chronicles the personal account of Eric Stephenson, a navigator in a Lancaster bomber shot down over Berlin in December 1943. It details his capture, initial interrogation, and transfer to Dulag Luft, a holding camp. Stephenson then describes his time at Stalag Luft 3, specifically the Belaria compound, which housed Allied flying officers. The narrative provides a vivid picture of daily life in the POW camp, including living conditions, medical care available at the Lazaret (sick-quarters), and the German staff. It also highlights the importance of morale-boosting activities, escape attempts, and the crucial role of Red Cross parcels in supplementing meager German rations. Finally, the account culminates with Stephenson's forced participation in the "Long March" as the Russians advanced, and his arrival at Luckenwalde camp.

You can view the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/experiences-of-a-prisoner-of-a-war-world-war-2-in-germany/ 

This article, "Syphilis – Its early history and Treatment until Penicillin - JMVH", provides a comprehensive overview of the history of syphilis, including its origins, spread, symptoms, and various treatments throughout different periods. It discusses the debate surrounding whether syphilis originated in the Old World or was brought from the New World by Christopher Columbus, presenting arguments and evidence for both "Columbian" and "pre-Columbian" hypotheses, along with the "Unitarian" theory. The article also highlights the impact of the disease on military personnel and details the evolution of treatments from mercury and arsenic compounds to the revolutionary introduction of penicillin in 1943. Finally, the text explores the social ramifications of syphilis and how medical understanding of the disease advanced over centuries.

You can view the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/syphilis-its-early-history-and-treatment-until-penicillin-and-the-debate-on-its-origins/ 

The article discusses the controversial practice of Live Tissue Trauma Training (LTTT), which involves using animals, primarily pigs and goats, to train military medical personnel in treating severe combat injuries. It highlights the necessity of LTTT for providing realistic experience, especially given the prevalence of massive hemorrhage in modern warfare. The text presents arguments for continuing LTTT, emphasizing the inadequacy of simulators and civilian trauma centers for this specific training. It also addresses criticisms from animal welfare groups, acknowledging their concerns while explaining the protocols in place to ensure humane treatment of animals and the perceived irreplaceable value of live tissue training for saving human lives. Finally, the source touches upon military medical research (MMR) and its role in developing life-saving interventions, further justifying the use of animals in specific contexts.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/military-live-tissue-trauma-training-using-animals-in-the-us-its-purpose-importance-and-commentary-on-military-medcal-research-and-the-debate-on-use-of-animals-in-military-training/ 

This article explores the interconnected development of warfare, ships, and medicine in ancient Rome from its foundation to its decline in Western Europe. It details the evolution of Roman military organisation, weaponry, and tactics, highlighting their disciplined approach and logistical prowess. The text also examines the progression of Roman naval power, from early triremes to the larger quinqueremes equipped with innovative boarding mechanisms, crucial for controlling Mediterranean trade. Finally, it discusses Roman medical practices, tracing influences from Greek traditions, the contributions of notable physicians like Celsus and Galen, and the establishment of military healthcare systems, despite some enduring misconceptions and limitations

As this podcast was produced using Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is not suitable for research, policy development or similar purposes. The original article upon which it is based is at: https://jmvh.org/article/roman-warfare-ships-and-medicine/ 

This case study explores the application of Tension/Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) as a self-care intervention for a former Australian soldier experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following a brain injury. The report details the soldier's experience and measured improvements in perceived stress and comfort levels after learning and consistently practicing TRE. It highlights TRE's potential as an innovative, somatic approach to trauma recovery that encourages the body's natural tremor mechanism to release tension. The study also suggests that the suppression of natural shaking responses in traditional treatments may inadvertently hinder recovery, advocating for further investigation into TRE's role in addressing the neurobiology of stress and trauma.

You can read the full article here: https://jmvh.org/article/case-report-of-a-former-soldier-using-tre-tension-trauma-releasing-exercises-for-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-self-care/

This text presents an overview of the history of plague, focusing on three major global pandemics. It describes Yersinia pestis as the causative bacterium, transmitted primarily by fleas from rats, and explains its various forms, including bubonic, septicaemic, and pneumonic plague. The document outlines the Justinian Plague (6th century), the Black Death (14th century), and the Third Pandemic (19th-20th centuries), detailing their origins, spread, and significant social and economic impacts. It also touches upon the discovery of the bacillus and the development of public health measures like quarantine.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/the-history-of-plague-part-1-the-three-great-pandemics/