Selected Exogenous (Occupational and Environmental) Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases in Military and Aviation.

Cardiovascular diseases are a group of disorders of heart and blood vessels which are the leading cause of death globally. They are also a very important cause of military unsuitability especially among military pilots. Some of the risk factors cannot be modified, but a large group of them can be modified by introducing healthy habits or behaviors, such as regular physical activity, quitting of tobacco smoking, cessation of harmful alcohol consumption, or stress avoidance. Specific occupational and environmental factors, such as acceleration, pressure changes, hypoxia, thermal stress, noise, vibration, prolonged sedentary posture, difficulties in moving the limbs, shifts, work shift irregularities, circadian dysrhythmia, variations in the microclimate, motion sickness, radiation, toxicological threats, occupational stress, emotional tension, highly demanding tasks especially during take-off and landing, predominance of intellectual over physical activity, and forced operation speed against time shortage are considered as characteristic for military personnel, especially military aircrews. They are of special concern as some of them are considered as potential CVD risk factors. The aim of this study was to discuss the influence of selected occupational and environmental factors (noise, altitude, hypoxia, acceleration forces, tobacco smoking, oral health, and stress) regarding their importance for CVD risk in military professionals and military aviators. The performed revision confirmed that they are exposed to certain characteristic conditions, which may influence the CVD risk but the number of solid scientific data regarding this subject are limited. There is a great need to perform complex studies on environmental and occupational risk factors for CVDs in military personnel and military aviators as well as how to minimize their influence to prolong the state of health and military suitability of this professional groups.

Impact of tick-borne pathogens on the health risk of soldiers.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Vector diseases are common in Europe, including Poland. Every year, 77,000 Europeans are infected with transmissive diseases as a result of contact with infected vectors. In Poland, ticks are vectors of great epidemiological importance. The most important etiological factors causing disease in humans and transmitted by ticks include bacteria of the genus Borrelia and the species Francisella tularensis, Anaplasma phagophytophilum and Coxiella burnetii; as well as tick-borne encephalitis viruses. The level of the number of diagnosed cases of vector diseases in humans is influenced by environmental conditions, the most important of which is the COVID-19 pandemic that has been spreading for two years. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the review was to assess knowledge about tick-borne diseases in humans, as well as etiological factors, epidemiology of these diseases in Poland and other European countries. Infection with pathogens can occur both during recreation in nature and during work related to a profession. Professional groups include those particularly exposed to contact with vectors and pathogens - foresters, farmers and soldiers. REVIEW METHODS: A comprehensive assessment was conducted of extant publications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: The results of the literature research revealed that in recent years an increase in the number of people suffering from tick-borne diseases has been recorded, possibly influenced by the changing climate. The vector diseases of the greatest importance for the inhabitants of Poland include Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. SUMMARY: Soldiers, as a professional group who perform their duties in an environment where there is a high risk of exposure to infected ticks, are particularly at risk of acquiring transmission of vector diseases.

Influence of mosquito-borne biological agents on health risks among soldiers and military personnel.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Mosquitoes are the most important vector group for humans, and three genera - Aedes, Anopheles and Culex, are of greatest significance in the transmission of pathogens to humans and animals. The geographical expansion of vectors can lead to the spread diseases into new regions. Soldiers exercise in the field, participate in missions, or are stationed in Military Contingents located in different climatic conditions, which is directly related to exposure to mosquitoborne diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to describe the role of mosquitoes in the transmission of selected pathogens of medical and epidemiological importance, which pose a new threat in Europe, pointing to soldiers and other military personnel as particularly vulnerable occupational groups. REVIEW METHODS: PubMed and other online resources and publications were searched to evaluate scientific relevance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE.: In recent years in Europe, attention has been drawn to emerging infectious diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, including malaria, Dengue fever, West Nile fever and Chikungunya fever. West Nile virus infections were recorded in many European countries, including Greece, Italy, Germany and Austria. Soldiers, due to their tasks, are particularly vulnerable to vector-borne diseases. In order to reduce the exposure of soldiers to mosquito-borne diseases various protection measures are used. SUMMARY: Some of vector-borne diseases belong to emerging infectious diseases and may pose a threat to public health. The burden on soldiers with these diseases can be significant, which is the reason why methods of surveillance and the control of vectors are being developed.

Endogenous Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) in Military Professionals with a Special Emphasis on Military Pilots.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors can be categorized as non-modifiable and modifiable. Modifiable risk factors include some exogenous and behavioral factors that can be easily modified, whereas endogenous modifiable risk factors, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, or obesity may be modified to a limited extend. An increased prevalence of CVDs as well as their risk factors have been observed in military personnel, as specific military-related stressors are highly correlated with acute cardiac disorders. Military pilots are a subpopulation with great CVD risk due to an accumulation of different psychological and physical stressors also considered to be CVD risk factors. This review presents data concerning CVD risk in military professionals, with a special emphasis on military pilots and crew members. We also discuss the usefulness of novel indicators related to oxidative stress, inflammation, or hormonal status as well as genetic factors as markers of CVD risk. For a correct and early estimation of CVD risk in asymptomatic soldiers, especially if no environmental risk factors coexist, the scope of performed tests should be increased with novel biomarkers. An indication of risk group among military professional, especially military pilots, enables the implementation the early preventive activities, which will prolong their state of health and military suitability.

[Metalloproteinases in meningoencephalitis]. / Metaloproteinazy w zapaleniach opon mózgowo-rdzeniowych i mózgu.

Meningoencephalitis remains a devastating disease with high morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in antibiotic treatment and critical care, mortality rate in bacterial meningoencephalitis is close to 25%. Moreover, neurological and neuropsychological sequelae emerge in up to 50% of survivors. Adverse outcome is significantly associated with events secondary to meningitis and damage of the blood-brain barrier. Several studies conducted on animals confirmed that matrix-metalloproteinases (MMP), a family of enzymes with major actions in the remodeling of exracellural matrix components facilitate this process which results in acute neurological complications. Gelatinases (MMP-2, MMP-9), the most complex family member, through degradation of gelatine and collagen IV play an important role in the pathogenesis of brain's inflamatory diseases (e.g. Guillian-Barre syndrom) and contribute to spreading the disease beyond the central nervous system. Infection (bacterial, viral or fungal) can lead to increased concentration and activity of metalloproteinases due to excessive enzyme's secretion or decrease in level of its natural inhibitors. A detailed analysis of those enzymes could help in developing new diagnostic and prognostic markers for meningoencephalitis and could facilitate new treatment approaches.