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Biomedical subjects

A J Rahe

Publications and source records attributed to A J Rahe.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

Paternal serum dioxin and reproductive outcomes among veterans of Operation Ranch Hand.

We studied whether paternal exposure to Agent Orange and its dioxin contaminant (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) during the Vietnam War is related to adverse reproductive outcomes after service in Southeast Asia. The index cohort comprises conceptions and children of veterans of Operation Ranch Hand, the unit responsible for aerial spraying of herbicides in Vietnam from 1962 to 1971. The comparison cohort comprises conceptions and children of Air Force veterans who served in Southeast Asia during the same period but who were not involved with spraying herbicides. We found no meaningful elevation in risk for spontaneous abortion or stillbirth. In analyses of birth defects, we found elevations in risk in some organ system categories, which, after review of the clinical descriptions, were found to be not biologically meaningful. There was an increase in nervous system defects in Ranch Hand children with increased paternal dioxin, but it was based on sparse data. We found no indication of increased birth defect severity, delays in development, or hyperkinetic syndrome with paternal dioxin. These data provide little or no support for the theory that paternal exposure to Agent Orange and its dioxin contaminant is associated with adverse reproductive outcomes.

2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic Acid

Yellow lens effects upon visual acquisition performance.

Twenty subjects made a total of 400 threshold visual acquisitions of T-38 aircraft approaching from 9 miles out. Half of the acquisitions were made with the subjects wearing yellow ophthalmic filters, and the other half without filters. No overall statistically significant difference in acquisition performance due to the use of yellow filters was found.

Adolescent

The incidence of refractive anomalies in the USAF rated population.

A field survey was conducted to determine the percentage of U.S. Air Force pilots and navigators required to wear corrective lenses. A random sample survey stratified by major air commands (MAJCOMS) was designed to retrieve the data. Data requested included initial (entry) visual acuity and refractive error, and current visual acuity and prescription if glasses were required. Of 2,383 forms sent, 2,183 were returned completed. Analysis indicated that almost 20% of pilots and 50% of navigators are required to wear corrective lenses while flying. The percentages are rather consistent among MAJCOMS. Aircrew members who enter undergraduate pilot training with minus or plano refractive values are much more susceptible to develop myopia during their flying careers than those with plus refractive values.

Adult

The relationship of palato-gingival grooves to localized periodontal disease.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the prevalence of the palato-gingival groove in maxillary incisor teeth and the health status of the lingual periodontal tissues adjacent to maxillary incisor teeth with and without the grooves. A total of 531 individuals aged 17 to 35 years were examined for the presence or absence of palato-gingival grooves in their maxillary incisor teeth. A Plaque Index (PII), Gingival Index (GI), and Periodontal Disease Index (PDI) were recorded for the lingual aspect of the four maxillary incisors. Tooth mobility was also recorded. The prevalence of the palato-gingival grooves in the 531 individuals examined was 8.5%. Of the 2,099 maxillary incisor teeth examined, 2.33% had a palato-gingival groove. Most of the palato-gingival grooves (93.8%) were in maxillary lateral incisor teeth. Statistical analyses revealed no differences in groove prevalence on the basis of sex or race. Results of the study also indicate that the palato-gingival groove is associated with poorer periodontal health as measured by the GI and PDI and more plaque accumulation as measured with the PII.

Adolescent

Pure follicular thyroid carcinoma: impact of therapy in 214 patients.

Records of 214 patients with pure follicular thyroid carcinoma were reviewed in detail to evaluate the circumstances of initial presentation and therapy on ultimate outcome. Mean followup was 8.8 yr. The only deaths directly attributable to the thyroid carcinoma occurred in patients with distant metastases at the time of presentation. There were 20 recurrences in the 182 patients considered free of disease after initial therapy. Overall recurrence rate was not affected by the presence of positive cervical nodes or extent of thyroid surgery. Postoperative recurrence rate was decreased by both radioiodine and thyroid-hormone therapy. Extensive histologic invasion of the capsule of the nodule and thyroid appeared to be associated with an increase in recurrence rate. Postoperative thyroid-hormone is required therapy in all patients with pure follicular thyroid carcinoma. Radioiodine therapy is indicated in patients with extensive invasion and we favor its use in all patients.

Adenocarcinoma

United States Air Force survey of dental needs, 1977: methodology and summary of findings.

This study represents the first, comprehensive baseline survey of dental needs conducted in the US Air Force. The air force population was stratified by command, base, and grade, and 5,805 active duty air force members, aged 17 to 57 years (mean, 27.83), were examined at random to determine their overall oral health status. Data were collected from 42 air force bases, representing 11 worldwide commands, which comprised 90% of all active duty members. This article presents the methodology for the study, a summary of the findings, and a comparison of dental needs among recruits and all other grades of active duty air force personnel. Results indicate a significant level of unmet dental needs in the US Air Force. For example, the average active duty individual presently serving in the air force would require eight hours and 48 minutes of chairside care to provide comprehensive treatment. Each entry level recruit would need an average of ten hours and 23 minutes of dental treatment.

Adolescent