Fatigue and Pain Severity in Gulf War Illness Is Associated With Changes in Inflammatory Cytokines and Positive Acute Phase Proteins.

Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate relationships between inflammatory analytes and symptoms of pain and fatigue in Gulf War illness (GWI).

Methods: In this preliminary study, 12 male veterans meeting GWI criteria provided daily blood samples and symptom ratings over 25 days. Linear mixed models were used to analyze associations between symptoms and sera concentrations of cytokines, acute phase proteins, insulin, and brain-derived neurotropic factor.

A Placebo-Controlled, Pseudo-Randomized, Crossover Trial of Botanical Agents for Gulf War Illness: Reishi Mushroom (), Stinging Nettle (), and Epimedium ().

This report is third in a three-part clinical trial series screening potential treatments for Gulf War Illness (GWI). The goal of the project was to rapidly identify agents to prioritize for further efficacy research. We used a placebo-controlled, pseudo-randomized, crossover design to test the effects of reishi mushroom (), stinging nettle (), and epimedium () in 29 men with GWI.

A Placebo-Controlled, Pseudo-Randomized, Crossover Trial of Botanical Agents for Gulf War Illness: Resveratrol (), Luteolin, and Fisetin ().

A chronic multi-symptom illness of unknown etiology, Gulf War Illness (GWI) affects 175,000 to 250,000 veterans of the Gulf War. Because inflammation has suspected involvement in the pathophysiology of GWI, botanical treatments that target inflammation may be beneficial in reducing symptoms. No FDA-approved treatments currently exist for GWI, and rapid prioritization of agents for future efficacy testing is important.

A Placebo-Controlled, Pseudo-Randomized, Crossover Trial of Botanical Agents for Gulf War Illness: Curcumin ( Boswellia (), and French Maritime Pine Bark ().

This report is part of a larger study designed to rapidly and efficiently screen potential treatments for Gulf War Illness (GWI) by testing nine different botanicals. In this placebo-controlled, pseudo-randomized, crossover clinical trial of 20 men with GWI, we tested three botanical agents with putative peripheral and central anti-inflammatory actions: curcumin (), boswellia (), and French maritime pine bark extract (). Participants completed 30 +/- 3 days of baseline symptom reports, followed by 30 +/- 3 days of placebo, 30 +/- 3 days of lower-dose botanical, and 30 +/- 3 days of higher-dose botanical.

Differences among cigarette-only smokers compared to dual users of cigarettes and little cigars/cigarillos in the criminal justice population.

Introduction: The FDA has restrictions on cigarettes; however, little cigars and cigarillos (LCCs) remain largely absent from these regulations. Due to their low prices and flavoring, many engage in dual use of both LCCs and cigarettes. Dual use is particularly prevalent among low income racial/ethnic minority groups.

Medical, psychosocial, and treatment predictors of opioid overdose among high risk opioid users.

Introduction: Drug overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. It is imperative to explore predictors of opioid overdose in order to facilitate targeted treatment and prevention efforts. The present study was conducted as an exploratory examination of the factors associated with having a past opioid overdose.