Ocular and inflammatory markers associated with Gulf War illness symptoms.

To examine the utility of ocular coherence tomography (OCT) metrics, in conjunction with systemic markers of inflammation, in identifying individuals with Gulf War Illness (GWI) symptoms. Prospective case-control study of 108 Gulf War Era veterans, split into 2 groups based on the presence of GWI symptoms, defined by the Kansas criteria. Information on demographics, deployment history, and co-morbidities were captured.

Case-Control Study Examining the Composition of the Gut Microbiome in Individuals With and Without Immune-Mediated Dry Eye.

Purpose: Gut microbiome alterations have been associated with various autoimmune diseases. There are limited data, however, on relationships between gut dysbiosis and immune-related dry eye (DE). Our aim was to compare the gut microbiome composition of individuals with early and late markers of Sjögren syndrome (SS) with controls without DE.

Novel Treatments for Chronic Ocular Surface Pain.

Several etiologies can contribute to ocular surface pain including nociceptive, peripheral neuropathic, and central neuropathic mechanisms. Clinical clues can help identify contributors to ocular surface pain in a patient. In individuals whose pain persists despite targeting nociceptive contributors, neuropathic mechanisms should be considered and addressed using oral, topical, and/or adjuvant agents.

Outcomes of Secondary Intraocular Lens Implantation and Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty-Comparing Staged Versus Combined Surgical Approach.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of staged versus combined surgical approach for secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK).

Methods: This is a retrospective review of 124 eyes from 124 patients who underwent either staged or combined secondary IOL implantation in addition to DSEK over a 5-year period at 2 academic tertiary referral centers, between January 1, 2014, and October 1, 2019. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), presence of graft detachment, primary graft failure (PGF), and cystoid macular edema were documented and analyzed.

Utilization of Online Resources by Patients in an Ophthalmic Emergency Department.

 To describe the utilization of online resources by patients prior to presentation to an ophthalmic emergency department (ED) and to assess the accuracy of online resources for ophthalmic diagnoses.  This is a prospective survey of patients presenting to an ophthalmic ED for initial evaluation of ocular symptoms. Prior to evaluation, patients completed surveys assessing ocular symptoms, Internet usage, and presumed self-diagnoses.

Improvement of postinpatient psychiatric follow-up for veterans using telehealth.

Purpose: To describe the implementation and initial outcomes of a pilot interdisciplinary telehealth clinic, Allied Transitional Telehealth Encounters post-iNpatient Discharge (ATTEND), providing clinical pharmacy specialist follow-up for veterans transitioning from inpatient to outpatient mental healthcare in a Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) hospital.

Summary: The ATTEND clinic's primary intervention was providing medication management appointments through clinical video telehealth (CVT) to patient discharge locations through a DVA-provided tablet. An interdisciplinary team supported care through on-unit inpatient training, secure messaging, and self-help applications.

Effectiveness of a direct-to-consumer written health education program in the reduction of benzodiazepine and sedative-hypnotic use in an elderly population at a single Veterans Affairs medical center.

Introduction: The use of benzodiazepines and sedative-hypnotics in the elderly is associated with a significant risk of delirium, falls, fractures, cognitive impairment, and motor vehicle accidents. This quality improvement project applies a direct-to-consumer intervention to an elderly veteran population to reduce the use of these medications.

Methods: Patients aged 75 and older currently taking a benzodiazepine and/or a sedative-hypnotic were included in the project.

A survey of pharmacists' perceptions of the adequacy of their training for addressing mental health-related medication issues.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to conduct a survey of North Carolina pharmacists' perceptions of their pharmacy training in mental health-related medication issues and how this influenced their perceived ability to address these issues in the provision of pharmaceutical care to their patients.

Methods: A survey consisting of 17 questions was developed and emailed to licensed pharmacists in North Carolina. Surveys that were returned were analyzed to see if conclusions could be made regarding the pharmacists' perceptions about their mental health-related medication training and its influence on their practice.

Influence of 2-Weeks Ingestion of High Chlorogenic Acid Coffee on Mood State, Performance, and Postexercise Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

This study measured the influence of 2-weeks ingestion of high chlorogenic acid (CQA) coffee on postexercise inflammation and oxidative stress, with secondary outcomes including performance and mood state. Cyclists (N = 15) were randomized to CQA coffee or placebo (300 ml/day) for 2 weeks, participated in a 50-km cycling time trial, and then crossed over to the opposite condition with a 2-week washout period. Blood samples were collected pre- and postsupplementation, and immediately postexercise.

Influence of Ingesting a Flavonoid-Rich Supplement on the Metabolome and Concentration of Urine Phenolics in Overweight/Obese Women.

This study evaluated the effect of ingesting a flavonoid-rich supplement (329 mg/d) on total urine phenolics and shifts in plasma metabolites in overweight/obese female adults using untargeted metabolomics procedures. Participants (N = 103, 18-65 y, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m) were randomized to flavonoid (F) or placebo (P) groups for 12 weeks with blood and 24 h urine samples collected prestudy and after 4 and 12 weeks in a parallel design. Supplements were prepared as chewable tablets and included vitamin C, wild bilberry fruit extract, green tea leaf extract, quercetin, caffeine, and omega 3 fatty acids.

Force- and power-time curve comparison during jumping between strength-matched male and female basketball players.

The purpose of this study was to compare force- and power-time curve variables during jumping between Division I strength-matched male and female basketball athletes. Males (n = 8) and females (n = 8) were strength matched by testing a one-repetition maximum (1RM) back squat. 1RM back squat values were normalised to body mass in order to demonstrate that strength differences were a function of body mass alone.

Short-term Resistance and Plyometric Training Improves Eccentric Phase Kinetics in Jumping.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of an abbreviated resistance and plyometric training program on force- and power-time curve variables during jumping. Nineteen male subjects were assigned to either a training (n = 9) or control group (n = 10). Training consisted of performing 3 sets of 3 repetition squats (90% of 1 repetition maximum [RM]) and 5 sets of 6 repetition drop jumps from 40 cm twice per week for 4 weeks.

Index of mechanical efficiency in competitive and recreational long distance runners.

The purpose of this investigation was to compare external work and net energy expenditure during a bout of repetitive stretch-shortening cycles between competitive and recreational long-distance runners. Participants were divided into either competitive or recreational runners based on their maximal oxygen consumption and self-reported 1600 m times. The stretch-shortening cycle involved a repetitive hopping protocol on a force plate while measuring oxygen consumption and lactate accumulation for a total of 10 min.

Effect of Load on Peak Power of the Bar, Body and System during the Deadlift.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine how load would affect peak power (PP) of the bar, body and system (bar + body) during the deadlift. Eight healthy males (age = 22.00 ± 2.

Effect of resistance exercise performed to volitional failure on ratings of perceived exertion.

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effect of resistance exercise performed to volitional failure on ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) using power as an indication of fatigue. 12 male participants (M age = 21.9 yr.