Objectives: Thiamine is thought to modify sleeping patterns, while alcohol use diminishes internal thiamine levels. We investigated the association between thiamine intake and sleep duration and explored possible heterogeneity in the effect according to alcohol use. Methods: In total, 15 384 participants aged 19-64 were obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2012-2016. Nutrient intake, including thiamine, was measured using a food frequency questionnaire. Sleep duration was measured by a self-reported questionnaire. The highest thiamine intake quartile was set as the reference group. Participants were divided into 3 groups, with 7-8 hours of daily sleep as a reference group and those who slept more or less than that as “oversleeping” and “insufficient sleeping,” respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was used, adjusting for socioeconomic, medical, and nutritional factors. Additionally, participants were stratified according to high-risk alcohol use defined by the World Health Organization standards on alcohol use. Results: Low thiamine intake was associated with oversleeping (Q3: odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86 to 1.32; Q2: OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.55; Q1: OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.91) and showed a significant trend for higher ORs at lower intake levels (p-trend<0.001). The effect was stronger in the high-risk alcohol use group (Q1: OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.28 to 2.49). Conclusions Low thiamine intake was associated with oversleeping, and alcohol use intensified that association. These results were found in a context where overt clinical symptoms due to thiamine deficiency are considered rare. More awareness of the potential relationship of thiamine intake with oversleeping and its related risks should be considered.

We investigated the effect of scapular stabilization exercise on shoulder joints mobilization and pain release in youth baseball players. Total 15 youth baseball players were voluntarily participated, and randomly divided into one of two experimental groups: either stabilization exercise group (EXE, n=7) or control group (NonE, n=8). Stabilization exercises (i.e., punching, scapular retraction, scapular fold, shrug, pull over, seated press, scaption with retraction, body blade, rotator cuff) were administered to EXE (8 weeks, 3 times.wk(-1), 60-100 min.session(-1)). Muscular power using Biodex system 3, full range of motion (ROM) with a goniometer, and the degree of pain with the Visual Analogue Scale was assessed at both baseline and the time point of completion of 8 weeks training program. Twoway ANOVA (group vs. time) was adopted to observe any interactive effects between factors. The statistical significance level was set at alpha=.05. There was an improvement in muscular power at both slow (i.e., 60degrees/sec) and medium (i.e., 180degrees/sec) speed setting in isokinetic instrument during internal and external rotation on dominant shoulder, and internal rotation only (not with external rotation) on non-dominant shoulder. There was no change in ROM in NonE, but total ROM was significantly expanded in EXE, revealing only degree of internal rotation increased. VAS significantly decreased in EXE. In conclusion, scapular stabilization exercise exerted positive effect on muscular power output, full range of motion and pain release on shoulder joint in youth baseball players. This indicates that scapular stabilization exercise possibly exert meaningful effect in injury prevention and sport performance.
Adolescent* ; Baseball* ; Education ; Exercise ; Humans ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Shoulder Joint* ; Shoulder* ; Sports

Objectives: This study investigated associations between perceptions of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in workers at hospitals designated to treat COVID-19, as well as the difference in the magnitude of these associations by occupational type and previous Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) experience. Methods: The participants were workers at hospitals designated to treat COVID-19 who completed a questionnaire about their perceptions related to COVID-19, work experience during the previous MERS-CoV outbreak, and symptoms of PTSD ascertained by the PTSD Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Participants’ characteristics were compared using the chi-square test. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate the associations between perceptions and the prevalence of PTSD, stratified by occupational type and previous MERS-CoV experience. Results: Non-medical personnel showed stronger associations with PTSD than medical personnel according to general fear (odds ratio [OR], 6.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.92 to 23.20), shortages of supplies (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.56), and issue-specific fear (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.59). Those with prior MERS-CoV quarantine experience were more prone to PTSD than those without such experience in terms of general fear (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.22 to 2.37), shortages of supplies (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.40), and issue-specific fear (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.38). Conclusions During the COVID-19 pandemic, non-medical personnel tended to have higher odds of being categorized as having PTSD. Workers with prior MERS-CoV experience were more susceptible than those without such experience. These findings suggest the need for timely interventions to manage human resources for a sustainable quarantine system.

Objectives: This study investigated associations between perceptions of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in workers at hospitals designated to treat COVID-19, as well as the difference in the magnitude of these associations by occupational type and previous Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) experience. Methods: The participants were workers at hospitals designated to treat COVID-19 who completed a questionnaire about their perceptions related to COVID-19, work experience during the previous MERS-CoV outbreak, and symptoms of PTSD ascertained by the PTSD Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Participants’ characteristics were compared using the chi-square test. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate the associations between perceptions and the prevalence of PTSD, stratified by occupational type and previous MERS-CoV experience. Results: Non-medical personnel showed stronger associations with PTSD than medical personnel according to general fear (odds ratio [OR], 6.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.92 to 23.20), shortages of supplies (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.56), and issue-specific fear (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.59). Those with prior MERS-CoV quarantine experience were more prone to PTSD than those without such experience in terms of general fear (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.22 to 2.37), shortages of supplies (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.40), and issue-specific fear (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.38). Conclusions During the COVID-19 pandemic, non-medical personnel tended to have higher odds of being categorized as having PTSD. Workers with prior MERS-CoV experience were more susceptible than those without such experience. These findings suggest the need for timely interventions to manage human resources for a sustainable quarantine system.

PURPOSE: We investigated the correlations between optical quality parameters obtained from the double-pass system and ocular aberrations obtained from the ray-tracing aberrometer in multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implanted eyes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty eyes from 20 patients were enrolled in this study. Modulation transfer function cutoff frequency, The Strehl ratio, objective scatter index, and objective pseudo-accommodation obtained from the double-pass system were compared with root mean square (RMS) total aberration, RMS higher-order aberration, and spherical aberration obtained from the ray-tracing aberrometer. Additionally, parameters of the double-pass system and ray-tracing aberrometer were compared with manifested refraction values and subjective visual acuity, respectively. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant correlation between optical quality parameters obtained from the double-pass system and ocular aberrations, except between the Strehl ratio and RMS total aberration (r=-0.566, p=0.018). No significant correlations were found between the parameters of both devices, and manifested refraction values or subjective visual acuity. CONCLUSION: Optical quality parameters, especially the Strehl ratio, in multifocal IOL implanted eyes were affected by RMS total aberration. Further studies based on accurate measurements of ocular aberrations and additional optical quality parameters are needed to delineate relationships between optical quality parameters and ocular aberrations in multifocal IOL implanted eyes.
Adult ; Aged ; Cataract Extraction ; Female ; Humans ; Lens Implantation, Intraocular ; *Lenses, Intraocular ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Refraction, Ocular ; *Visual Acuity

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of preservative-free (PF) latanoprost in glaucoma patients. Methods: In this prospective, open-label, observational study, a total of 27 primary open-angle glaucoma patients who used benzalkonium chloride-preserved prostaglandin analogues for at least 6 months were enrolled. After changing the eye drops to PF lataprost, the intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular surface symptoms and signs were evaluated in all patients on days 0 (first visit, D0), 45 (D45), and 90 (D90). Results: Mean IOP remained stable during the study period (14.0 ± 2.4 mmHg at D0, 13.9 ± 2.0 mmHg at D45, 13.7 ± 2.2 mmHg at D90; p = 0.603). Mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, and best-corrected visual acuity were similar before and after eye drops replacement. Bulbar conjunctival hyperemia, corneal staining, and conjunctival staining were significantly decreased over 90 days (p = 0.025, p < 0.001, p = 0.020, respectively). The ocular surface disease index score showed a statistically significant improvement from 26.4 ± 18.5 at D0 to 19.8 ± 17.0 at D45 and 15.7 ± 15.6 at D90 (p < 0.001). In the evaluation of ocular tolerability, burning symptoms and dryness were significantly decreased (p = 0.001, p = 0.040). Conclusions The effects of PF latanoprost on reducing IOP were comparable with those of benzalkonium chloride-preserved prostaglandin analogues, but side effects on the ocular surface were much less pronounced when PF latanoprost was used. With this efficacy, PF latanoprost could slow the progression of glaucoma by increasing patient compliance.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of preservative-free (PF) latanoprost in glaucoma patients. Methods: In this prospective, open-label, observational study, a total of 27 primary open-angle glaucoma patients who used benzalkonium chloride-preserved prostaglandin analogues for at least 6 months were enrolled. After changing the eye drops to PF lataprost, the intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular surface symptoms and signs were evaluated in all patients on days 0 (first visit, D0), 45 (D45), and 90 (D90). Results: Mean IOP remained stable during the study period (14.0 ± 2.4 mmHg at D0, 13.9 ± 2.0 mmHg at D45, 13.7 ± 2.2 mmHg at D90; p = 0.603). Mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, and best-corrected visual acuity were similar before and after eye drops replacement. Bulbar conjunctival hyperemia, corneal staining, and conjunctival staining were significantly decreased over 90 days (p = 0.025, p < 0.001, p = 0.020, respectively). The ocular surface disease index score showed a statistically significant improvement from 26.4 ± 18.5 at D0 to 19.8 ± 17.0 at D45 and 15.7 ± 15.6 at D90 (p < 0.001). In the evaluation of ocular tolerability, burning symptoms and dryness were significantly decreased (p = 0.001, p = 0.040). Conclusions The effects of PF latanoprost on reducing IOP were comparable with those of benzalkonium chloride-preserved prostaglandin analogues, but side effects on the ocular surface were much less pronounced when PF latanoprost was used. With this efficacy, PF latanoprost could slow the progression of glaucoma by increasing patient compliance.

Purpose: This study investigated the changes in gene expression in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) following ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) treatment to elucidate the underlying mechanisms contributing to its neuroprotective effects. Methods: RGCs isolated from Sprague-Dawley rat pups were treated with recombinant CNTF. Gene expression was analyzed via microarray. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were defined as those with a fold change greater than 2 or less than –2. The DEGs were further explored using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. Results: Our analysis identified 71 upregulated and 58 downregulated genes. A2m exhibited the highest increase, with a fold change of 4.97, whereas Rho displayed the most significant decrease in expression, with a fold change of –6.38. GO and KEGG pathway analyses revealed substantial involvement in sensory organ development and the phototransduction pathway. Conclusions This study provides new insights into the impact of CNTF on gene expression in RGCs, suggesting broader neuroprotective mechanisms that could inform future therapeutic strategies for retinal degenerative diseases. Our findings emphasize the importance of further investigation into the complex gene network responses to CNTF treatment.

Purpose: This study investigated the changes in gene expression in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) following ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) treatment to elucidate the underlying mechanisms contributing to its neuroprotective effects. Methods: RGCs isolated from Sprague-Dawley rat pups were treated with recombinant CNTF. Gene expression was analyzed via microarray. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were defined as those with a fold change greater than 2 or less than –2. The DEGs were further explored using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. Results: Our analysis identified 71 upregulated and 58 downregulated genes. A2m exhibited the highest increase, with a fold change of 4.97, whereas Rho displayed the most significant decrease in expression, with a fold change of –6.38. GO and KEGG pathway analyses revealed substantial involvement in sensory organ development and the phototransduction pathway. Conclusions This study provides new insights into the impact of CNTF on gene expression in RGCs, suggesting broader neuroprotective mechanisms that could inform future therapeutic strategies for retinal degenerative diseases. Our findings emphasize the importance of further investigation into the complex gene network responses to CNTF treatment.

Purpose: This study investigated the changes in gene expression in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) following ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) treatment to elucidate the underlying mechanisms contributing to its neuroprotective effects. Methods: RGCs isolated from Sprague-Dawley rat pups were treated with recombinant CNTF. Gene expression was analyzed via microarray. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were defined as those with a fold change greater than 2 or less than –2. The DEGs were further explored using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. Results: Our analysis identified 71 upregulated and 58 downregulated genes. A2m exhibited the highest increase, with a fold change of 4.97, whereas Rho displayed the most significant decrease in expression, with a fold change of –6.38. GO and KEGG pathway analyses revealed substantial involvement in sensory organ development and the phototransduction pathway. Conclusions This study provides new insights into the impact of CNTF on gene expression in RGCs, suggesting broader neuroprotective mechanisms that could inform future therapeutic strategies for retinal degenerative diseases. Our findings emphasize the importance of further investigation into the complex gene network responses to CNTF treatment.