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[Progress in the study of lyophilization of human red blood cells--review].

Now the clinical preservation methods of human red blood cells mainly include hypothermic storage (4 degrees C) and cryopreservation (-80 degrees C or -196 degrees C). The preservation time of hypothermic storage of red blood cells is relatively short and it is easy to be contaminated by microbes. Cryopreservation greatly prolongs the storage time, but it needs heavy storage equipments. Because the protective solutions in cryopreservation contain glycerol, red blood cells need complicated washing in order to remove glycerol. These shortage methods limit their application to some special conditions, such as war or natural disasters. Compared with conventional preservation methods of red blood cells, lyophilization has many advantages such as less weight, convenient transportation, room temperature preservation, prone to be rehydrated. In this review, the progress and challenge in the development of lyophilization of red blood cells, especially application of trehalose and its mechanism in the lyophilization of red blood cells were systematically discussed. This review can provide some theoretic guidance for developing a safe, simple and efficient preservation approach of red blood cells by lyophilization.

Blood Preservation↗

Recovery after the tsunami: timeline for rehabilitation.

In the aftermath of the Asian tsunami, there is potentially a large, traumatized population in need of psychosocial support, but determining which individuals require psychological intervention and knowing how and when to treat them may be the key to positive long-term outcomes. The early identification of people at high risk of developing subsequent psychiatric disorders from among those experiencing a transient stress reaction following trauma is often the initial step in the recovery process. Clinical instruments for screening and/or predicting those most at risk are available and require validating for cultural and linguistic sensitivity. Timely treatment is essential, since inappropriately targeted therapy can compromise recovery and may even exacerbate posttraumatic stress symptoms, particularly if treatment is initiated before grief reactions have subsided. Finally, appropriate treatment interventions, which incorporate cognitive-behavioral therapy and prolonged exposure, offer the best current therapeutic options for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder and associated comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression, and grief. However, since most of the supportive data for the psychosocial consequences of trauma were obtained from small-scale studies of discrete trauma events in Western countries, it may not be possible to extrapolate these findings to a large-scale natural disaster in Asia, such as the Asian tsunami. More data are required to assist in the development of strategies for the effective management of the psychological consequences of trauma worldwide, with emphasis on creating mental health strategies that are culturally sensitive and valid for various trauma events and disaster scenarios.

Anxiety Disorders↗

Managing America's schools in an age of terrorism, war, and civil unrest.

When terrorism and natural disasters strike it is extremely important to be able to effectively manage America's schools. From the crises of Columbine, to Red Lake Minnesota, the World Trade Center and Katrina, we are reminded that schools are not immune from such disasters. It is essential that schools and communities review and augment their safe school plans and partnerships so that they can respond effectively in times of crisis. It is critically important to assess local preparedness, to update, train and practice crisis response. School officials should have specific plans in place that focus on crisis prevention, crisis preparation, crisis response and crisis recovery. This article addresses those key concerns that every school system should place on their educational agenda. Additional resources and strategies are also suggested that will promote safe and welcoming schools for all ofAmerica's children.

Adolescent↗

Physician roles in aeromedical evacuation: current practices in USAF operations.

Physicians play an increasingly important role in the critical medical process of aeromedical evacuation (AE). Incomplete or inappropriate preparation for AE can result in increased patient discomfort, and in the worst cases, potentially serious or insurmountable in-flight medical problems. During military operations and in response to natural disasters, physicians are responsible for four processes necessary for a successful AE mission. These include: 1) AE screening, including determination of appropriate classification, precedence, and special medical requirements; 2) validation; 3) medical preparation; and 4) clearance. Physicians responsible for preparing patients for AE need to understand both the patient evacuation system and the unique medical aspects associated with AE. The U.S. military patient evacuation system is comprised of three principal transportation phases: casualty evacuation; inter-theater AE; and intra-theater AE. Important elements of the USAF AE system are patient movement requirements centers, the validating flight surgeon, aeromedical staging facilities, AE liaison teams, aeromedical crews, and critical care air transport (CCAT) teams. Important medical aspects unique to AE include the effects of flight physiology on medical conditions, oxygen limitations, and distinctive medication and supplies requirements.

Aerospace Medicine↗

The national incident management system: a multi-agency approach to emergency response in the United States of America.

This paper outlines the development of a universal incident management system across all of government in the United States of America called the National Incident Management System. The system has been incorporated into the National Response Plan and the procedures of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies, using the United States Forest Service's National Interagency Incident Management System as a model. This model has enhanced USDA's effectiveness in a wide range of emergencies that might affect American agriculture, including natural disasters (e.g. earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, pest and disease outbreaks, and wilderness and other types of fires), nuclear and conventional events, or the accidental or deliberate introduction of a biological, chemical or radiological agent threatening the United States food supply, critical infrastructure or economy.

Animals↗

Can it get any worse?

THE TWO FEATURE articles presented in this issue of Frontiers of Health Services Management speak to the challenges of Hurricane Katrina. The Tulane experience lists a multitude of problems, solutions, and successes, whereas the article by Drs. Rodriguez and Aguirre speaks to the impact on the infrastructure following the hurricane. In the federal report, "The Federal Response to Hurricane Katrina," the White House (2006) has labeled Katrina as "the most destructive natural disaster in U.S. history." Dr. E. L. Quarantelli (2006) might call Katrina a catastrophe. Regardless of what one calls the event, Hurricane Katrina has shown that the challenges leading up to and following a disaster/catastrophe will overwhelm everyone. People must understand that they cannot wait for a government, any government, to help them. We must be prepared to help ourselves.

Delivery of Health Care↗

[The future of Croatian military medicine].

Health care quality in military forces in peacetime is a major national interest. Military health care organization together with civil health care should be the carrier of health protection through the integrated health service system during war and other emergency situations. Answer to the question of the need of military medicine maintaining and further development in Croatia should be searched through a few elements. These are health service experiences from the war in Croatia and their expert scientific evaluation. The development of the Croatian state and Croatian Army as member of international military integrations is an undisputable element which speaks for further development of military medicine. The pending danger from not only natural disasters but terrorism as well calls for an appropriate answer by all countries, including Croatia, considering the position of military medicine. The importance of further military medicine strengthening through an integrated health system, the role of which especially increases in emergency situations, is indicated in all these reasons. The integration is needed to achieve a more economical use of all health service potentials, which means unique planning and coordinated action based on the unique principles. Integrated health care system does not mean organizational joining of civilian and military health care service into one service but each of these has a distinct working area, responsibilities and command.

Croatia↗

An Australian perspective of the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic.

The 1918-1919 influenza pandemic stands as one of the greatest natural disasters of all time. In a little over a year the disease affected hundreds of millions of people and killed between 50 and 100 million. When the disease finally reached Australia in 1919 it caused more than 12,000 deaths. While the death rate was lower than in many other countries, the pandemic was a major demographic and social tragedy, affecting the lives of millions of Australians. This paper briefly assesses the impact of the pandemic on Australia and NSW with particular reference to the demographic and social impact and the measures advanced to contain it.

Adolescent↗

[A systematic analysis of the Ottoman Red Crescent periodical (Part III)].

Founded in 1877, the Ottoman Red Crescent Society rendered a lot of important services in military and civil areas in the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Red Crescent Society not only gave health services for the soldiers, but it also attempted to obey the international acts signed for the war captives and to rescue them together with the countries involved under the supervision of the international Red Cross. In the civilian area, the Ottoman Red Crescent Society also played an active role to meet the casualties' needs, such as food, clothes, and accommodation following natural disasters like earthquake, flood, fire etc. The Ottoman Red Crescent Society published a monthly newsletter called Osmanli Hilâl-i Ahmer Mecmuasi to announce its services more effectively to the public since 15 September 1921 (12 Muharrem 1340). The publication of the newsletter continued as Türkiye Hilâl-i Ahmer Mecmuas' after the 15th issue. Starting with the 85th issue on September 15th, 1928 (30 Rebiülevvel 1347) it was printed with Latin alphabet instead of Arabic letters. A brief translation in French and in English exist in the end of each issue. In the second part of this research, news about the Red Crescent Society's organization; financial supports for the Society and, in return, material and financial aids by the Society; local organizations providing aid to the Society; money collected during Bairams; plays and balls arranged by the Society; and the activities of the womens' branch of the Red Crescent Society, are introduced. The third and last part of the study deals with the comments of visitors about the Red Crescent Society; and news and activities of the European Red Cross Societies.

History, 19th Century↗

At risk with the Red Cross. Interview by Craig Little.

The founding of the International Red Cross drew its inspiration from a single, bloody battle in northern Italy. The multicomponent organization is more than 125 years old and still very active where there are war wounds to bind and natural disasters to relieve.

Humans↗

War trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a delayed reaction to an abnormal, traumatic life experience, such as combat, terrorism, an automobile or aircraft accident, a natural disaster, and physical, sexual or psychologic abuse. Major concerns exist about the use of medication in treating post-traumatic stress disorder. Patients suffering from the disorder appear to benefit from psychosocial therapy and spiritual support, in conjunction with medication.

Combat Disorders↗

[Disputable problems of providing medical services in extreme situations].

The paper considers the conceptual approaches to medical provision of emergency relief operations. The author doubts the rightfulness of some theses in special publications and states his views on issues related to the organization of medical care in the zone of catastrophes, its amount and the training of personnel. It is suggested to conduct an open discussion on the problem of medical provision during liquidation of consequences of accidents, natural disasters, catastrophes and other emergency situations.

Accidents↗

Report on the International Conference on Emergency Health Care Development.

Emergency medical services (EMS) provide rescue, field stabilization, transportation to medical facilities, and definitive care for persons experiencing medical emergencies. In order to advance worldwide development and refinement of EMS systems, and their integration with emergency preparedness and response programs, the International Conference on Emergency Health Care Development was held in Crystal City, Arlington, VA, August 15-19, 1989. The conference was supported by the Department of Health and Human Services and its Health Resources and Services Administration; the Department of Transportation and its National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration; and the Pan American Health Organization. Objectives of the conference were to clarify linkages between various levels of emergency response, to present methods for developing or improving EMS systems within societies with different resources, to demonstrate processes by which EMS systems have been developed, and to propose international emergency health care development goals. Topics included development of services in developing nations, case studies of underdeveloped countries' responses to natural disasters, and a method for updating disaster response through use of available medical resources.

Congresses as Topic↗

New approaches in the pharmacotherapy of posttraumatic stress disorder.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may develop after exposure to severe stress, such as combat, accidents, assaults, and natural disasters. Pharmacotherapy can be a useful adjunct in the comprehensive treatment of these patients. The presence of comorbid conditions, including depression, panic disorder, substance abuse, and traumatic brain injury, should be carefully evaluated. Symptoms of PTSD that are associated with central nervous system hyperarousal or reexperiencing of the traumatic event appear to be the most responsive to pharmacotherapy. Social withdrawal and dulled responsiveness have not been shown to be alleviated through standard pharmacologic interventions. A therapeutic strategy is proposed that is based on the patient's symptoms and initial response to medication.

Alprazolam↗

[Use of pervomur in surgery].

The authors show the results of 15-year use of Pervomur solutions for sterilization of surgical material and treatment of the hands of surgeons in medical institutions of the country. Due to the high bactericidal properties of the agent its disinfectant effect is produced within a short time, which is of particular importance in mass admission of casualties in field conditions, in remote and mountainous wilderness, during natural disasters , and in performing surgical interventions on ships under conditions of prolonged autonomous cruises. The absence of an unfavourable effect of solutions of the agent on live tissue allows it to be considered a very promising antiseptic not only for sterilization but also for topical treatment of purulent wounds and cavities, particularly in contamination by polyinfection.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

Psychogenic amnesia.

Psychogenic amnesia is a psychiatric disorder characterized by sudden loss of memory in the absence of organic lesion or disease. The disorder most frequently occurs in association with a severe stressor, such as a natural disaster or military conflict. To facilitate effective treatment and an accurate prognosis, psychogenic amnesia must be differentiated from amnesia of structural or pharmacologic origin. Treatment may involve supportive psychotherapy, behavioral modification or pharmacotherapy. Prognosis for complete recovery is generally good.

Adult↗

Military medicine: trauma anesthesia and critical care on the battlefield.

This article presents a few of the basic guidelines that must be considered once a decision is made to provide anesthesia and advanced surgical care in the battlefield--or in civilian catastrophes (for example, terrorist incidents, and man-made or natural disasters) that resemble the battlefield. However, it must be stressed that the most central consideration in battlefield anesthesia is the selection, training, and experience of the battlefield anesthesiologist. There are strict guidelines for providing safe anesthesia under the dire circumstances of war or similar civilian circumstances; the properly trained and experienced TA/CCS, however, will be best able to deliver battlefield anesthesia and to improvise equipment and agents for its safest delivery in those circumstances.

Anesthesia↗

[Medicolegal identification by the dental system].

Bodies found in acts of war or natural disasters are sometimes impossible to identify for police or legal purposes, notably because of calcination or putrefaction. Teeth, which are particularly resistant to destruction by fire, bacteria or other agents, can be used to evaluate the victim's dental age by the Gustafson method with a margin of error of plus or minus 4,6 years. Blood group has also been established with more than 85% concordant results by determination of the A. B. O antigens which are present in dental tissue and pulp. These techniques were tested on 257 teeth from subjects of known dental age and blood group. They provide additional evidence of the identity of deceased persons.

Accidents, Aviation↗