Daily Contact Research Articles

Effect of a single-session mindfulness-based intervention for reducing stress in family caregivers of people with dementia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCaregiver stress can pose serious health and psychological concerns, highlighting the importance of timely interventions for family caregivers of people with dementia. Single-session mindfulness-based interventions could be a promising yet under-researched approach to enhancing their mental well-being within their unpredictable, time-constrained contexts. This trial will evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of a blended mindfulness-based intervention consisting of a single session and app-based follow-up in reducing caregiver stress.Methods/DesignThe study is a single-blinded randomized controlled trial with two arms (intervention versus an education session on dementia care) and assessments at baseline, 8 weeks, and 6 months. The eligibility criteria include: family caregivers aged 18 years or older; providing care for an individual with a confirmed medical diagnosis of dementia for at least 3 months prior to recruitment, with a minimum of 4 hours of daily contact; and exhibiting a high level of caregiver stress. The intervention comprises a 90-minute group-based session with various mindfulness practices and psychoeducation. Participants will receive a self-practice toolkit to guide their practice over a duration of 8 weeks. Sharing activities will be implemented through an online social media platform. The primary outcome is perceived caregiving stress. The secondary outcomes include depressive symptoms, positive aspects of caregiving, dyadic relationship, trait mindfulness, and neuropsychiatric symptoms of care recipients. The feasibility outcomes include eligibility and enrollment, attendance, adherence to self-practice, and retention, assessed using mixed methods.DiscussionThe study will contribute to the evidence base by investigating whether a single-session mindfulness intervention is effective and feasible for reducing caregiver stress among family caregivers of people with dementia.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06346223. Registered on April 3, 2024.

Revealing caprine schistosomiasis and its One Health importance in Malawi: A molecular epidemiological investigation augmented with a praziquantel treatment and GPS animal tracking pilot sub-study

To shed first light on caprine schistosomiasis and its zoonotic potential in Malawi, we conducted a molecular epidemiological investigation, sampling goats (n = 230) across three districts, using faecal miracidia hatching test. Molecular genotyping of miracidia later revealed the prevalence of Schistosoma mattheei to be 0.0 % in Nsanje District (n = 30), 16.7 % in Chikwawa District (n = 30) and 25.3 % in Mangochi District (n = 170). Notably, a miracidium of Schistosoma haematobium was observed from a single goat in Chikwawa. Inspection of carcasses (n = 51) at two local abattoirs in Mangochi District did not find any evidence of caprine schistosomiasis where only a single herd, at Mangochi 3, was infected. Here, despite sampling several other herds nearby, the prevalence was 87.7 % (n = 49), with an animal found excreting 1000 miracidia per 5 g of faeces. At this location, our praziquantel treatment (n = 14) and GPS animal tracking (n = 2) pilot sub-study compared two local goat herds over a three-month period. The daily foraging ranges across a 10 km2 area were recorded, alongside targeted schistosome surveillance within local freshwater intermediate snail hosts. Analysis of GPS data revealed only one herd (infected) to have regular daily water contact with Lake Malawi whereas the other herd (not infected) totally avoided the lake. One week after praziquantel treatment administered at 40 mg/kg, anthelminthic cure rate was 92.3 % while at three months approximately a third of treated animals were shedding schistosome miracidia. Cercariae from several field-caught snails locally were genotyped, inclusive of finding a Schistosoma haematobium-mattheei hybrid. Our findings reveal the focalized nature of caprine schistosomiasis, signposting a novel alert for S. haematobium transmission, and highlight where zoonotic transmission can be intense. To better address zoonotic spill-over from S. mattheei (and/or S. haematobium), the national control programme for schistosomiasis should formally develop targeted surveillance of caprine schistosomiasis and where appropriate, attempt an integrated One Health intervention in future.

International trends in prescribing silicone hydrogel contact lenses for daily wear (2000–2023): An update

PurposeIntroduced around the turn of the 21st century, silicone hydrogel contact lenses alleviated hypoxic anterior eye complications due to their high oxygen transmissibility. The purpose of this work is to update earlier surveys by describing international trends in silicone hydrogel daily wear contact lens fitting between 2000 and 2023. MethodAn annual contact lens prescribing survey was sent to eye care practitioners in up to 71 countries between 2000 and 2023. Data relating to 260,144 daily wear soft contact lens fits undertaken in 20 countries returning reliable longitudinal data were analysed in respect of silicone hydrogel daily wear contact lens fitting. ResultsThere has been a dramatic increase in silicone hydrogel daily wear lens fits (p < 0.0001), increasing from 2.8 % of all daily wear soft lens fits in 2000 to 73.7 % in 2023. Of all daily wear soft contact lenses prescribed to males, 44.6 % were silicone hydrogel lenses, compared with 43.5 % for females (p = 0.0146). The mean age of those wearing silicone hydrogel daily wear lenses was 32.0 ± 14.5 years, compared to 30.4 ± 13.6 years for those wearing daily wear hydrogel lenses (p < 0.0001). Between 2019–2023, the average percentage of fits was – (a) material type: silicone hydrogel – 73 %; mid-water content hydrogels – 13 %; high water content hydrogels – 9 %; and low water content hydrogels – 5 %, and (b) lens design: spherical – 44 %, toric – 32 %, multifocal – 17 %, monovision – 4 %, and ‘other’ – 3 %. ConclusionThe dramatic increase in silicone hydrogel contact lens prescribing for daily wear has been commensurate with the introduction of multiple lens brands and an ongoing expansion of lens designs, parameters and replacement frequency options. The balance between silicone hydrogel and hydrogel lens prescribing is perhaps starting to approach an equilibrium.

The analysis of tear meniscus parameters during daily soft contact lens wear using optical coherence tomography.

To evaluate tear meniscus parameters in soft contact lens wearers (SCL) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ImageJ software. This prospective study included 50 soft contact lens wearers (group 1: 25 symptomatic SCL wearers (SCLW), group 2: 25 asymptomatic SCL wearers (ASCW)) and 25 healthy non-CL wearers (group 3 (NCLW)). SCLs were fitted on each eye of CL wearers, and the lower tear meniscus was imaged using OCT before CL insertion, immediately afterward, and reimaged 2, 5 and 10h after insertion. Tear meniscus parameters, including tear meniscus height (TMH), depth (TMD), turbidity, and percentage area occupied by particles (PAOP) were measured in all groups. Turbidity and PAOP measurements at baseline in SCLW were significantly higher than in other groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between TMH, TMD, turbidity, and PAOP parameters calculated at baseline visit and two hours after SCL insertion in all groups (p > 0.05 for 2 comparisons). The symptomatic SCL users had a significant decrease in TMH and TMD in the fifth hour. The turbidity and PAOP measurements of SCLW and ASCW at the fifth and tenth hours were significantly higher than those of NCLW (p < 0.05). TMD and height TMH decrease throughout the day in all participants; however, a significant decrease in these parameters was observed only in symptomatic SCL users at the fifth hour, at the earliest. As the duration of CL wear increases, turbidity and PAOP even in asymptomatic SCL wearers become significantly higher than those in healthy non-CL wearers. What Is Known • Contact lens wear is associated with an increased risk of dry eye. • Tear volume decreases gradually during contact lens wear. What Is New • Tear meniscus turbidity and particle area occupied by particles (PAOP) were higher in symptomatic contact lens wearers and they increase gradually during contact lens wear. • Tear meniscus turbidity and PAOP may be measures of how well the tear film and meniscus are functioning in contact lens wearers.

Characterization of tear film and wettability dynamics over two daily disposable soft contact lenses

Characterization of tear film and wettability dynamics over two daily disposable soft contact lenses

Clinical performance evaluation of two daily disposable toric soft contact lenses – Verofilcon A versus etafilcon A

Clinical performance evaluation of two daily disposable toric soft contact lenses – Verofilcon A versus etafilcon A

Knowledge and Attitude of the Waste Handlers on Healthcare Waste in Bo Government Hospital Southern Sierra Leone

Hospital waste poses risks to patients and waste disposal personnel and poses a threat to public health and the environment. Medical waste management is a new issue that is made worse by a lack of funding, knowledge and training to support solutions. Since these wastes have the potential to directly affect environmental health risks as well as public health risks, their collection and treatment are crucial. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the knowledge and attitude of the waste handlers on healthcare waste generated in Bo Government Hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the health impact of medical waste management at Bo Government Hospital in Sierra Leone. The author used mixed methods to combine semi-structured and self-administered quantitative questionnaires with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians, cleaners, and residents. Near the hospital. A sample of 100 medical staff and residents living near the hospital was taken from Bo Government Hospital using a simple random sampling technique to collect data. Raw data come in a variety of forms, including measurements, questionnaire responses, and observations, and results are presented in tables, graphs, and verbatim using the Statistical Package for Science (SPSS) to present and analyze the collected data. All units participated in data collection, with Human Resources (HR) and laboratories identified as generating more waste, followed by Nursing and Main Theater, where nurses accounted for the majority (n = 27) of respondents participating in the survey. research, followed by cleaners. (n = 13) and CHO (10), the majority of whom were between the ages of 40 and 50 (35%). Some cleaners reported placing their hands on what were identified as major risk factors, endangering workers, despite significant efforts being made to ensure bags were securely tied (81.5%) and carts were washed and disinfected (66.2%). Garbage is not emptied during the day with trolleys (58.5%) being the common means of transportation, while 29.2% handle garbage directly, which can pose a risk. However, 62% of respondents had received formal training in medical waste management. It was recommended that the Ministry of Health continues to organize training courses, especially for cleaning personnel and lower-level employees who have direct daily contact with this waste.

Frequency of SARS-CoV-2 Infections among Healthcare Workers in Germany: 3-Year Follow-Up Study.

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in 2019 led to a global pandemic with a significant impact on healthcare systems. Healthcare workers were particularly vulnerable due to frequent contact with COVID-19 patients. Despite vaccination, they remained at higher risk as the vaccines provided limited protection against infection with viral variants, like Delta or Omicron BA.1 and BA.5. Three years after the onset of the pandemic, we evaluated SARS-CoV-2 infection frequencies among healthcare workers with varying levels of patient contact: high-risk (frequent COVID-19 patient contact), intermediate-risk (non-COVID-19 patient contact), and low-risk (no patient contact). We assessed their cellular and humoral immune responses based on their vaccination status and number of prior infections. SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies were measured by immunoglobulin ELISA, and neutralizing antibody titers were determined against the viral variants D614G, Delta, and Omicron BA.1 and BA.5. Cellular immune responses were analyzed using an interferon-γ ELISpot. Notably, three years into the pandemic, healthcare workers in daily contact with COVID-19 patients did not have higher infection rates compared to healthcare workers with non-COVID-19 patient contact or no patient contact. Immune responses were similar across all groups, highlighting the effectiveness of vaccination and current hygiene standards in preventing virus transmission from patients to staff.

International trends in prescribing toric soft contact lenses to correct astigmatism (2000–2023): An update

PurposeThere have been significant advancements in toric soft contact lens design and manufacturing technology, and increased product availability, over the past half a century. The purpose of this work is to update earlier surveys by describing international trends in toric soft lens fitting between 2000 and 2023, inclusive. MethodAn annual contact lens prescribing survey was sent to eye care practitioners in up to 71 countries between 2000 and 2023, inclusive. Data relating to 220,934 standard soft daily wear single vision lens fits undertaken in 20 countries returning reliable longitudinal data were analysed in respect of toric soft lens fitting. ResultsOverall, toric soft lens prescribing almost doubled over the time-course of this survey, from 24.4 % of standard soft daily wear single vision lens fits in 2000 to 46.2 % in 2023 (p < 0.0001). There were significant differences between countries in toric soft lens prescribing (p < 0.0001). Of all standard soft daily wear single vision contact lenses prescribed to males, 32.0 % were toric soft lenses, compared with 28.7 % for females (p < 0.0001). The mean age of toric soft lens wearers was 30.5 ± 12.5 years, compared to 27.9. ± 12.1 years for spherical soft lens wearers (p < 0.0001). Analysis of 13,582 recent toric soft lens fits (2019–2023, inclusive), in terms of material type and replacement frequency, revealed the following proportions: reusable silicone hydrogel – 51 %; daily disposable silicone hydrogel – 27 %; daily disposable hydrogel – 12 %; and reusable hydrogel – 10 %. ConclusionThere has been a substantial increase in toric soft lens fitting throughout the 24 years of this survey, to a point whereby almost all clinically significant astigmatism is being corrected among those wearing standard soft daily wear single vision lenses.

Σχολική βία και πολιτισμική ετερότητα των μαθητών. Απόψεις και πρακτικές εκπαιδευτικών της πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης

School violence is a socially complex phenomenon that manifests itself in aggressive behaviors and incidents that unfold within the school environment. The phenomena are more and more intense over the years and affect students in all their fields of action. Also, due to population movements, many people with cultural heterogeneity live in Greece in recent years. Their daily contact leads to possible conflicts that carry over to school. For this qualitative research, the semi-structured interview tool was used for data collection. The sample was 10 primary school teachers, who were teachers of classes with cultural heterogeneity. According to the results of the survey, the occurrence of school violence phenomena is influenced by the existence of pupils with different cultural backgrounds, due to various factors such as fear and insecurity, perceptions and attitudes of parents and teachers, as well as the number of pupils with cultural heterogeneity attending a class, the prestige of the country of origin of foreign pupils, the area where the school is housed and due to issues of intercultural competence.

A Retrospective Study of COVID-19 Based on A Dual-Stage Model

This study proposed initial stage SEI1I2I3RD and final stage SEQ I1I2I3RD models to deeply analyze the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 at different stages and propose scientific prevention and control strategies. The initial stage SE I1I2I3RD model divides infected individuals into mild, moderate, and severe cases during the early stage of the epidemic, effectively predicting the number of new infections and cumulative recoveries. The final stage SEQ I1I2I3RD model builds on the initial stage SE I1I2I3RD model by adding a quarantine compartment, which reflects the impact of nucleic acid testing and quarantine measures on epidemic control. By introducing dynamic parameters and nonlinear processing, the final stage SEQ I1I2I3RD model significantly improves prediction accuracy. The study demonstrates that increasing the isolation rate, reducing the daily contact rate of infected persons, and improving the recovery rate of mildly infected persons are effective control strategies. Based on the model's predictions, policy recommendations such as enhancing public health education, strictly implementing isolation measures, restricting population movement, and optimizing medical resource allocation are proposed to effectively control the spread of the epidemic, reduce the burden on the healthcare system, and create favorable conditions for economic recovery.

Effect of antihistamine-releasing contact lenses on ocular symptoms and treatment behavior in patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis: A retrospective study

PurposeThis study aimed to compare subjective allergic conjunctivitis symptoms and anti-allergic eye drop use patterns between antihistamine-releasing contact lens users and daily disposable soft contact lens users during Japan's hay fever season. MethodsThis web-based retrospective cohort study included daily disposable soft contact lens or antihistamine-releasing contact lens users with a history of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis who regularly used daily disposable soft contact lenses since the previous year. The total ocular symptom score (range 0–20) based on 5-item questionnaire scores and time from the start of the hay fever season to the initiation of anti-allergic eye drop treatment were compared between antihistamine-releasing contact lens users and daily disposable soft contact lens users. ResultsThe study included 24 participants: 17 using daily disposable soft contact lenses and 7 using antihistamine-releasing contact lenses. Antihistamine-releasing contact lens users experienced a greater reduction in total ocular symptom score from 2021 to 2022 compared with daily disposable soft contact lens users (mean total ocular symptom score [standard deviation]: daily disposable soft contact lens: −0.65 [1.4], antihistamine-releasing contact lens: −4.7 [3.6]; n = 24; Mann–Whitney U test, P = 0.010). Fourteen daily disposable soft contact lens users and five antihistamine-releasing contact lens users eventually required anti-allergic eye drops. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a significant delay in the initiation of anti-allergic eye drop treatment among those using antihistamine-releasing contact lenses compared with those using daily disposable soft contact lenses (median days, daily disposable soft contact lenses: 19 days, antihistamine-releasing contact lens: 57 days; n = 24; log-rank test, P = 0.045). ConclusionsAntihistamine-releasing contact lenses can potentially mitigate worsening ocular allergic responses during the hay fever season when used appropriately as a preventive measure.

Dairy cows’ motivation to nurse their calves

When weaning offspring, female mammals limit nursing opportunities. This study aimed to investigate whether imposing a gradual reduction in daily contact time, by separating cows from their calves as an attempt to stimulate weaning, reduced dairy cows’ motivation to nurse their calves. For seven weeks, 84 Holstein–Friesian cow-calf pairs were housed with either full-time (23 h contact/d), part-time (10 h contact/d), or no contact. In the following two weeks, half of full- and part-time pairs were subjected to reduced contact (50% of initial contact in week 8, 25% of initial contact in week 9), while the other half continued with unchanged contact. In weeks 8 and 9, cows’ motivation to obtain full contact to and opportunity to nurse their calves was measured using weighted push gates using a novel maximum price paid method providing an alternative choice to the cows to reduce frustration. Cows with reduced calf contact were more motivated than cows with unchanged contact; however, cows used the alternative choice less than expected. The results show that cows’ motivation for full calf contact and opportunity to nurse increases when daily calf contact is reduced, illustrating that dairy cows are motivated to continue nursing their 9- to 10-week-old calves.

Screening of Tuberculosis Infection through Acid-Fast Bacilli Tests among Waste Workers in Gresik, Indonesia

Highlights: 1. This study was the first in Gresik, Indonesia, to conduct mass screening of tuberculosis among waste workers, comprising various demographic profiles.2. Although the tuberculosis screening of the waste workers showed negative results, mass examination using an acid-fast bacilli smear remains crucial to detect latent infections and prevent transmissions. Abstract Tuberculosis is a major source of illness and mortality worldwide. Therefore, tuberculosis screening is important to increase the number of active case-finding in a community. Bacteriological examinations can be used to initiate community-based active case-finding. Waste workers face a high risk of contracting Mycobacterium tuberculosis due to their constant exposure to waste. This study aimed to conduct bacteriological examinations to identify tuberculosis infections among waste workers in Gresik, Indonesia, who were considered a high-risk group. An analytical observational study was carried out throughout September 2023 in the Ngipik subdistrict, Gresik, East Java, Indonesia. The primary study was conducted using a cross-sectional design using interviews, measurements, and sputum examinations for all samples. The screening involved a total of 72 waste workers who had daily contact with various types of sewage and waste, including medical waste. The data were analyzed descriptively because of the constant variable. Following the analysis, the data were presented using a table and a figure. According to the acid-fast bacilli examinations, all of the samples yielded negative results. Nevertheless, this study concludes that it is imperative to carry out mass tuberculosis screening in various settings, specifically among those with a high risk. Mass screening can uncover the potential of latent tuberculosis and, thus, reduce its transmission.

Mental Well -Being of Medical Students (Interns) During COVID-19 Lockdown and Coping Methods

The heath care crisis under COVID-19 had unparalleled consequences. The whole personnel involved in the management of COVID infected persons suffered a lot in term of burnout, stress, financial hardship, sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, and suicide in addition to risk of infection while treating such patients. Isolation and self-neglect may eventually result in anger, irritability and mood instability. Further, the daily contact with patients and the scarcity of resources are factors that contribute to the overall stress that healthcare workers undergo during this time. The present study highlights the major psychological crisis faced by the undergraduate MBBS student (Intern) who has to undergo compulsory clinical rotational postings in management of COVID19 infected patients. Keywords: COVID19, health professional-Intern, psychological crisis, career outcome

Effect of Light Sources on Transmittance of Commercially Available Contact Lenses.

Previous studies have suggested that light rays may interact with contact lenses, potentially affecting their transmittance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of visible and ultraviolet (UV)-A light sources on the transmittance of some commercially available daily, weekly, and monthly contact lenses. Nine commercially available soft contact lenses were irradiated with a solar simulator, light-emitting diode (LED) source, laser source, and UV-A source. The average transmittance of the tested lenses before and after irradiation in the UV, visible, and infrared light wavelength ranges was determined using an Agilent UV-visible spectrophotometer, model 8453. The results showed a partial or complete block of UV transmission at the UV-B region (300 nm) and the UV-A region (355 nm) by the Bio true daily contact lens, as well as the Acuvue Oasys, Avaira, and Biomedics 55 weekly lenses. At the visible region (555 nm), irradiation of the contact lenses by different light sources resulted in reduced light transmittance. At the infrared region (900 nm), the weekly and monthly contact lenses partially blocked infrared transmission, while the daily lenses showed either increased or decreased infrared transmission. Solar and artificial lighting, as well as high-powered lasers, constitute a major concern on the contact lenses' light transmission and optical properties. It is essential to develop soft contact lenses that have photoprotective properties while maintaining visible light transmittance.

Subjective Symptoms of First-Time Wearers of Verofilcon A Silicone Hydrogel One-Day Disposable Contact Lenses: A First Time Use of Verofilcon A (FTVeA) Study.

Purpose: Verofilcon A, a new daily disposable silicone hydrogel soft contact lens (SCL), is expected to be more comfortable to wear due to its smooth surface. This study aims to compare the comfort level of verofilcon A with eyeglasses in first-time SCL wearers. Methods: A total of 58 new SCL wearers participated in this study. Participants' comfort scores while wearing glasses or verofilcon A were examined at baseline (glasses) and one and four weeks after starting to wear the SCLs. Results: At the end of the one-month study period, no participants had abandoned wearing the SCLs due to discomfort. The vision scores (1-10) for glasses (baseline) and SCLs (week one, week four) were better withSCLs than glasses in the morning (7.9 ± 1.9 vs 8.9 ± 1.3, 9.0 ± 1.2, p<0.01), during the day (8.0 ± 1.6 vs 9.0 ± 1.1, 8.9 ± 1.2, p<0.01), at the end of the day (7.2 ± 2.1 vs 8.5 ± 1.5, 8.7 ± 1.4, p<0.01), and the entire day (7.7 ± 1.7 vs 8.9 ± 1.2, 8.7 ± 1.3, p<0.01). The percentages of participants who agreed that wearing SCLs at week four was as good as or better than glasses in terms of overall vision, peripheral vision, vision at the end of the day, comfort during the day, comfort at the end of the day, less fatigue during the day, and less fatigue at the end of the day were 91.4%, 100.0%, 91.4%, 89.7%, 82.8%, 87.9%, and 89.7%, respectively. Of the participants, 93.1%, 100.0%, and 93.1% felt that the SCLs were easy to wear, more comfortable than expected, and would like to purchase the same lenses in the future, respectively. Conclusion: These findings suggest that verofilcon A is more comfortable than glasses and is effective as an introductory lens for first-time SCL wearers.

Isolation of a CTX-M-55 (ESBL)-Producing Escherichia coli Strain of the Global ST6448 Clone from a Captive Orangutan in the USA.

The purpose of this study was to determine if orangutans (Pongo spp.) living in captivity at a zoo in Wisconsin were colonized with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and, if found, to identify underlying genetic mechanisms contributing to their resistant phenotypes. We hypothesize that since antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are so prevalent within humans, the animals could also be carriers of such strains given the daily contact between the animals and the zoo staff that care for them. To test this theory, fecal samples from two orangutans were examined for resistant bacteria by inoculation on HardyCHROM™ ESBL and HardyCHROM™ CRE agars. Isolates were identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using a Microscan autoSCAN-4 System. An isolate was selected for additional characterization, including whole genome sequencing (WGS). Using the Type (Strain) Genome Server (TYGS) the bacterium was identified as Escherichia coli. The sequence type identified was (ST/phylogenetic group/β-lactamase): ST6448/B1/CTX-M-55.

Assessing neophyte response to daily disposable silicone hydrogel contact lenses: A randomised clinical trial investigation over one month.

This randomised clinical trial assessed the impact on symptoms, tear film dynamics and ocular surface integrity of daily disposable silicone-hydrogel contact lenses (CLs) over a month, paying special attention to lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) and its implications for CL discomfort. Neophyte CL wearers (n = 44, 21.09 ± 5.00 years old) were randomly assigned to either the experimental (n = 24) or control group (n = 20). Participants assigned to the experimental group were required to wear daily disposable CLs for 1 month for at least 8 h/day and 6 days/week. All participants were healthy subjects (no history of ocular surgery or active ocular disease) with spherical refractive errors between -8.00 and +5.00 D and cylindrical power <0.75 D. At the baseline and 1-month sessions, the Dry Eye Questionnaire 5 (DEQ-5) was completed, together with the measurement of tear film osmolarity with the TearLab osmometer, tear meniscus height (TMH) and lipid layer pattern (LLP) using a slit-lamp with Tearscope Plus attached, fluorescein break-up time (FBUT), maximum blink interval (MBI), corneal staining with fluorescein under cobalt blue light and LWE with lissamine green under slit lamp and halogen white light. At the baseline session, LWE showed a negative correlation with DEQ-5 (r = -0.37, p = 0.02). Significant differences in FBUT and LWE (p = 0.04) and a positive correlation between LWE and DEQ-5 (r = 0.49, p = 0.007) were observed at 1 month. Intrasession analysis at 1 month showed significant differences between the experimental and control groups in DEQ-5, FBUT and LWE (all p ≤ 0.02). Intersession analysis in the experimental group showed variations in DEQ-5, FBUT and LWE (all p ≤ 0.02) but no significant variation in the control group (all p ≥ 0.11). The presence of LWE was significantly correlated with higher symptom values in the DEQ-5. Also, participants in the experimental group presented higher values of LWE after 1 month of CL wear, in comparison with the control group.

Low Contact Strategy to Measure Flutamide’s Effects on Territorial Aggression in C57BL/6J Male Mice

While numerous factors contribute to mouse behavior, biological drivers are paramount to many regulatory processes that undergird behavior. In particular, the sex hormone testosterone plays a key role in the regulation of aggression, physical activity, mating, and other behaviors known to be influenced by the presence of an experimenter. Due to this experimenter bias, strategies that minimize direct and frequent contact with research animals are needed to reduce any undesirable effects. The purpose of this research was to explore the effects of an androgen receptor antagonist (Flutamide) on territorial aggression in male C57BL/6J mice utilizing a low contact technique for chemical delivery. It was hypothesized that the introduction of an androgen receptor inhibiting substance under a low contact delivery strategy would result in effective reduction of the territorial aggression response in mice introduced to an unknown male mouse in the home cage environment, mimicking similar blunting responses characterized in previous work evaluating aggression in rodents. Silastic (Dow Corning, Midland, MI) implants were used as the lower contact delivery strategy for drug administration. This strategy allowed minimal contact with the experimental technician and eliminated the need for daily contact required for the commonly used injection strategies employed elsewhere. A series of aggression trials before, 24, 96, and 192 hours after Flutamide implantation were conducted in three groups of mice. Control mice (n=4) received 100% Cholesterol-containing implants, low exposure mice (n=5) received 80% Cholesterol/20% Flutamide-containing implants, and high exposure mice (n=5) received 100% Flutamide-containing implants. Each aggression trial consisted of introducing a foreign mouse to an experimental mouse’s home cage for an 8-minute period. The time to initial aggression and the total number of aggressions over the 8 minutes was quantified. The time to initial aggression was unaffected by flutamide administration throughout the study [F(26,91) =0.37, p=0.864]. The total number of aggressions were significantly affected by flutamide exposure [F(28,82) = 2.90, p=0.029]. Follow-up post hoc testing indicated a significant reduction in aggression in both the low and high dose groups 24 (low: p = 0.001; high = 0.001) and 96 (low: p = 0.009; high = 0.012) hours after implantation compared to the control at the same time points. The use of Silastic implants to deliver the anti-androgenic compound was a valuable technique that reduced research animal contact with experimental technicians. This technique can be modified for prolonged exposure by lengthening the implant or increasing the diameter of the Silastic tubing. This anti-androgen exposure methodology requiring less interaction reduces the confounding variables that impact mouse behavior and could prove beneficial to observe and study other androgen-related behaviors including physical activity and mating. All funding for this research was provided by the Union University Department of Biology. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.