Emerging evidence suggests that repeated blast exposure (RBE) is associated with brain injury in military personnel. United States (U.S.) Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel experience high rates of blast exposure during training and combat, but the effects of low-level RBE on brain structure and function in SOF have not been comprehensively characterized. Further, the pathophysiological link between RBE-related brain injuries and cognitive, behavioral, and physical symptoms has not been fully elucidated. We present a protocol for an observational pilot study, Long-Term Effects of Repeated Blast Exposure in U.S. SOF Personnel (ReBlast). In this exploratory study, 30 active-duty SOF personnel with RBE will participate in a comprehensive evaluation of: 1) brain network structure and function using Connectome magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 7 Tesla MRI; 2) neuroinflammation and tau deposition using positron emission tomography; 3) blood proteomics and metabolomics; 4) behavioral and physical symptoms using self-report measures; and 5) cognition using a battery of conventional and digitized assessments designed to detect subtle deficits in otherwise high-performing individuals. We will identify clinical, neuroimaging, and blood-based phenotypes that are associated with level of RBE, as measured by the Generalized Blast Exposure Value. Candidate biomarkers of RBE-related brain injury will inform the design of a subsequent study that will test a diagnostic assessment battery for detecting RBE-related brain injury. Ultimately, we anticipate that the ReBlast study will facilitate the development of interventions to optimize the brain health, quality of life, and battle readiness of U.S. SOF personnel.
Maritime built heritage (e.g., historic harbors, breakwaters, etc.) is found widely along the coastlines of Europe. Due to its age and traditional construction, built heritage may represent important and largely unidentified hotspots of biodiversity in marine and coastal environments. At the same time, marine growth (e.g., seaweed, mussels, barnacles, etc.) found on these structures may provide both deteriorative and protective functions. To ensure future research focusing on the two-way interactions between marine growth and built heritage addresses the concerns of those responsible for their management, attitudes towards the colonization and growth of marine wildlife must first be evaluated. Such attitudes will shape how marine growth is managed at these sites, which in turn may influence biodiversity and built heritage conservation and any associated values. This study assesses how the growth of sessile species and other surface-colonizing organisms is currently perceived and managed by those responsible for maintaining maritime built heritage, with a particular focus on historic structures constructed of natural stone. Responses from a semi-quantitative online questionnaire of harbormasters, coastal engineers, environmental officers, and heritage managers from around the UK (n = 132) were analyzed alongside a series of semi-structured interviews (n = 29). Our results demonstrate that attitudes towards marine growth are generally in agreement among practitioners irrespective of their occupation or the historic maritime structures they are responsible for managing. Perceptions of marine growth are mostly positive, but concerns exist regarding its impacts on maintenance regimes, the condition of mortar, and health and safety. As well as highlighting opportunities for a more integrated approach to biodiversity and built heritage conservation, the concerns identified require further research attention to help address potential barriers and conflicts that may arise in practice.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.