Publications by authors named "D A Helmer"
Objective: Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing healthcare, but less is known about how it may facilitate methodological innovations in research settings. In this manuscript, we describe a novel use of AI in summarizing and reporting qualitative data generated from an expert panel discussion about the role of electronic health records (EHRs) in implementation science.
Materials And Methods: 15 implementation scientists participated in an hour-long expert panel discussion addressing how EHRs can support implementation strategies, measure implementation outcomes, and influence implementation science.
Background: Veterans of the 1990-1991 Gulf War have experienced excess health problems, most prominently the multisymptom condition Gulf War illness (GWI). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Cooperative Studies Program #2006 "Genomics of Gulf War Illness in Veterans" project was established to address important questions concerning pathobiological and genetic aspects of GWI. The current study evaluated patterns of chronic ill health/GWI in the VA Million Veteran Program (MVP) Gulf War veteran cohort in relation to wartime exposures and key features of deployment, 27-30 years after Gulf War service.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMicrostructured hydrogels show promising applications in various engineering fields from micromolds to anisotropic wetting surfaces and microfluidics. Although methods like molding by, e.g.
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- Gulf War veterans often suffer from Gulf War Illness (GWI) with chronic symptoms potentially linked to autonomic nervous system dysfunction and small fiber neuropathy (SFN), raising concerns about environmental toxic exposures during their service.* -
- A study of 51 Gulf War veterans showed that 83% had GWI, and 57% of those with GWI were also diagnosed with SFN; however, no significant differences in ANS symptoms were found between veterans with and without SFN.* -
- The research identified potential causes for SFN in 67% of those affected, and while many cases had identifiable risk factors, about 20% of veterans had idiopathic SFN, suggesting more research is needed for
Article Synopsis
- - The PACT Act of 2022 has spurred interest in studying toxic exposures among military personnel, with a focus on developing epigenomic biomarkers that could reveal health effects linked to these exposures.
- - A study involving 22 Veterans highlighted that many are interested in receiving information about their toxic exposure and its health implications, citing benefits like understanding intergenerational health and early interventions.
- - Despite the positive attitudes towards epigenomic research, Veterans expressed concerns about potential risks, including psychological distress and issues of privacy, indicating a complex sentiment towards this type of testing.