Physiological Symptoms Research Articles

The relationship between neuroticism as a personality trait and mindfulness skills: a scoping review

IntroductionIn recent decades, researchers have assessed the relationship between mindfulness and personality traits, including neuroticism, a known target in mental health associated with the development of mental health disorders and physical illnesses. The main aim of mindfulness practice is to help individuals develop the ability to regulate and accept their experiences, emotions, and thoughts. Therefore, it could be suggested that mindfulness may be useful in reducing the expression and negative experience of neuroticism. The aim of our review was to assess the relationship between neuroticism and mindfulness.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review of the literature in December 2023, using the databases PubMed and PsycINFO.ResultsForty-nine studies were included in the review, with four common themes identified: (i) mental health, (ii) cognitive outcomes, (iii) physiological symptoms, and (iv) mindfulness-based interventions. Across most of the studies, mindfulness negatively correlated with neuroticism, supporting the idea that mindfulness may be useful in reducing neuroticism and its negative effects on mental and physical health.DiscussionWhile several limitations were identified, the overall results are promising. Future research in this area should focus on overcoming the current limitations to provide a better understanding of the relationship between mindfulness and neuroticism.

Reducing Pain on A Severe Scale After Caesarean Section Surgery With LI 4 and HT 7 Acupressure

Pain after caesarean section surgery is a physiological symptom that is usually experienced by postpartum mothers. This pain can be treated in various ways, including acupressure. The combination of giving acupressure at points LI 4 and HT 7 can reduce the pain scale of post-operative and post-operative mothers. Objective: To determine the effect of LI 4 and HT 7 acupressure on reducing the pain scale after SC. Method: This research is a quasi-experimental research with a one-group pretest and posttest design. The sample for this research is 23 postpartum mothers with a consecutive sampling technique. The data collection technique uses a list of questions or a questionnaire with NRS. The accumulated data will be analyzed using the paired T-test. The results of the paired T-testshowed a p-value = 0.000, meaning that there was a significant difference in the reduction in pain scale before and after the intervention. There is an effect of giving acupressure points LI 4 and HT 7 on reducing the pain scale after SectioCesarea surgery.

A Framework to Design Engaging Interactions in Socially Assistive Robots to Mitigate Dementia-related Symptoms

People with dementia (PwD) often exhibit behavioral, physiological and social symptoms that affect their relationships and reduce their quality of life. Socially assistive robots (SARs) have proven effective in reducing some of these symptoms. However, the design of SARs for dementia care remains a challenging task. In this paper, we present a human-centered design framework to assist researchers, designers, and roboticist from the conceptualization of engaging prototypes of SARs until the assessment of their efficacy at producing dementia-relevant health outcomes. The framework incorporates several key principles of a Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HCAI) approach. It incorporates the needs and perspectives of the different stakeholders into the design and evaluation of the interactions. It fosters accessibility and inclusion thru personalization and encourages human-robot collaboration by facilitating natural and engaging interactions that build trust and rapport. We illustrate the use of the framework with the design of a SAR to support a Cognitive Stimulation Therapy. From this case study we derive a set of design insights for the development of SARs behaviors and interactions for dementia care.

Too much or not enough? Self-reported experiences of relational distress based on level of sexual desire

ABSTRACT The diagnostic of sexual desire disorders is based on not only physiological and psychological symptoms but also on the extent of distress about these symptoms. Using data from a 2022 national survey of 3,000 respondents in Austria, this paper explores the range of relational distress individuals experience about their level of sexual desire. Participants were asked, ‘Have you ever been ostracised or ridiculed in your life for feeling too much (not enough) sexual desire? If yes, in what way?’ Gender and sexual minorities were more likely than cisgender and heterosexual participants to report negative reactions to their level of desire. The paper presents the results of a thematic analysis of the 341 written answers to the latter question. The analysis identified three themes: a) harassment, such as mocking, bullying, or public humiliation; b) the pathologization of desire as a sexual disorder; and c) negative social classification with respect to gender, age, or sexual orientation. By investigating different types of negative social reactions that individuals experience with respect to their level of sexual desire, the paper critically questions an individualised notion of sexual distress that has often been the basis for biomedical and psychological interventions by highlighting social factors that produce distress in the first place.

Validity, Reliability and Psychometric Properties of the Exercise Dependence Questionnaire among Physically Active Young Adults

Background: Exercise Dependence (ED) is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable exercise behaviors leading to physiological and psychological symptoms. Valid assessment tools are crucial for identifying ED in understudied populations. The present study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Exercise Dependence Questionnaire (EDQ) among physically active young adults in Iran. Methods: This psychometric validation study used a cross-sectional design with 200 participants aged 18-35 years (49% male, 51% female) recruited through clustered random sampling from sports clubs in Tabriz, Iran. The EDQ was administered between May-July, 2021. Validity was assessed through forward backward translation, content validity analysis, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Reliability was evaluated using internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and testretest (intraclass correlation, ICC) methods. Ceiling and floor effects, Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable change (SDC) were also determined. Results: The EDQ demonstrated good content validity (CVI=0.88, CVR=0.73). EFA yielded a 7-factor model explaining 59.45% of variance. Key factors were withdrawal symptoms, exercise for health/social reasons, positive reward, interference with life, insight into problems, and stereotyped behavior. CFA showed moderate fit. Internal consistency was adequate overall (α=0.8) but lower for some subscales. The ICC confirmed good test-retest reliability (0.80, 95% CI 0.76-0.84). No ceiling and floor effects were detected. SEM and SDC were 0.52 and 1.03, respectively. Conclusion: The results indicated that the Persian version of the EDQ is a valid and reliable scale for assessing ED.

Predictive Value of Physiological Values and Symptom Scores for Exacerbations in Bronchiectasis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease With Frequent Exacerbations: Longitudinal Observational Cohort Study.

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and bronchiectasis are common, and exacerbations contribute to their morbidity and mortality. Predictive factors for the frequency of future exacerbations include previous exacerbation frequency and airway colonization. Earlier treatment of exacerbations is likely to reduce severity. This study tested the hypothesis that, in a population with bronchiectasis, COPD, or both who have frequent exacerbations and airway colonization, changes in symptom scores or physiological variables within 10 days prior to an exacerbation would allow the prediction of the event. We performed a 6-month, longitudinal, observational, cohort study among 30 participants with bronchiectasis, COPD, or both; at least 2 exacerbations per year; and colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Haemophilus influenzae. Daily symptom and physiological data were collected, comprising pulse rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, peak flow rate, step count, weight, and temperature. Exacerbations (defined as the onset of new antibiotic use for respiratory symptoms) were collected, and predictive values for abnormal values in the 10 days prior to an exacerbation were calculated. A total of 30 participants were recruited, collecting a total of 39,534 physiological and 25,334 symptom data points across 5358 participant-days; these included 78 exacerbations across 27 participants, with the remaining 3 participants not having exacerbations within the 6-month observation period. Peak flow rate, oxygen saturation, and weight were significantly different at the point of exacerbation (all P<.001), but no significant trends around exacerbation were noted and no clinically beneficial predictive value was found in the overall or individually adjusted model. Symptom scores tended to worsen for 10 days on either side of an exacerbation but were of insufficient magnitude for prediction, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of ranging from 0.4 to 0.6. Within this small cohort with bronchiectasis, COPD, or both and airway colonization, physiological and symptom variables did not show sufficient predictive value for exacerbations to be of clinical utility. The self-management education provided as standard of care may be superior to either of these approaches, but benefit in another or larger cohort cannot be excluded. RR2-10.2196/resprot.6636.

Design and Development of an Immersive Virtual Reality Serious Game With Biofeedback for Physiological Regulation: Alice, Beyond Reality

The adolescence period is characterized by significant changes in individuals' lives, which can lead to various emotional and behavioural problems. Therefore, it is important for young adults to have tools for self-regulation, understanding, and controlling their physiological symptoms. Integrating these tools as gamified elements into new technologies is a way to engage a younger audience. In recent years, the effectiveness of immersive Virtual Reality has been repeatedly demonstrated in fields such as Psychology and Education. The combination of this technology with biosensors enables individuals to be aware of their real-time physiological states. This physiological monitoring can lead to adaptations in applications based on the individual's emotional state, for example. This work describes the design and development of an immersive Virtual Reality game whose main interaction is through biofeedback. The game is called "Alice, Beyond Reality", and its objective is to help young adults learn to self-regulate their physiological responses. The game draws inspiration from the well-known story of "Alice in Wonderland". In this story, the Queen of Hearts has transformed all the characters into cards, and the players must help them escape before it's too late. To achieve this, the players are guided by the White Rabbit through different levels where interaction through physiology is key. For instance, the players must learn to increase and decrease their heart rate to solve puzzles that allow them to progress to the next level. Throughout the game, gamification elements such as points, progressive difficulty, and various challenges are included to motivate the players to continue advancing in the game. Through the biofeedback system, the players become aware of their physiological changes to control them voluntarily. In the final screen, the players are shown their progression throughout the game so they can recognize their evolution. In the near future, an initial validation with users will be conducted to assess the usability and functionality of the game.

Network analysis of misophonia symptoms using the Duke Misophonia Questionnaire

BackgroundMisophonia is a complex disorder characterized by a strong aversion to specific sounds, leading to significant distress and impairment. While the Duke Misophonia Questionnaire (DMQ) is one of the most comprehensive and validated measures for assessing misophonia, the relative importance of specific subscales and items within the DMQ remains unclear. Network analysis enables an understanding of the interconnections among subscales, providing insights into which parts of the measure are most central to the others. This study employed network analysis to examine the interconnections among DMQ subscales and identify the most central components of misophonia symptomatology. MethodsNetwork analysis was conducted on DMQ data from 144 adults with varying levels of misophonia symptoms. Four network models were examined: overall misophonia, symptoms, beliefs, and impairment. Sex differences were also explored. ResultsThe Impairment subscale emerged as the most central in the overall network for both males and females. Key items included cognitive reactions (“I need to get away from the sound,” “I thought about physically hurting the person making the sound”) as well as affective reactions (panic, anger) in the symptom sub-network, non-acceptance of misophonia beliefs (“I hate being like this”) in the belief sub-network, and deterioration of self-esteem due to misophonia in the impairment sub-network. Females reported more severe cognitive and physiological symptoms than males. ConclusionsThe DMQ Impairment subscale and specific items identified as most central in each network may represent key aspects of misophonia symptomatology. Prioritizing these components in assessment and intervention efforts may be beneficial when appropriate.

Rating pome fruit quality traits using deep learning and image processing.

Quality assessment of pome fruits (i.e. apples and pears) is used not only for determining the optimal harvest time but also for the progression of fruit-quality attributes during storage. Therefore, it is typical to repeatedly evaluate fruits during the course of a postharvest experiment. This evaluation often includes careful visual assessments of fruit for apparent defects and physiological symptoms. A general best practice for quality assessment is to rate fruit using the same individual rater or group of individual raters to reduce bias. However, such consistency across labs, facilities, and experiments is often not feasible or attainable. Moreover, while these visual assessments are critical empirical data, they are often coarse-grained and lack consistent objective criteria. Granny, is a tool designed for rating fruit using machine-learning and image-processing to address rater bias and improve resolution. Additionally, Granny supports backward compatibility by providing ratings compatible with long-established standards and references, promoting research program continuity. Current Granny ratings include starch content assessment, rating levels of peel defects, and peel color analyses. Integrative analyses enhanced by Granny's improved resolution and reduced bias, such as linking fruit outcomes to global scale -omics data, environmental changes, and other quantitative fruit quality metrics like soluble solids content and flesh firmness, will further enrich our understanding of fruit quality dynamics. Lastly, Granny is open-source and freely available.

Self-assessed use and provision of assistive devices in individuals with hereditary ataxia at the interface between development in childhood and adolescence and symptom progression

Assistive devices are essential in neuropediatrics, but the database on the self-assessed use by and supply of medical aids to those affected with hereditary ataxia is small. The present work aims to examine the individual perspective of those affected by the use and supply of aids and to discuss them in the field of tension between physiological and psychosocial development and symptom progression. The research project represents a cooperation with the German Heredo-Ataxia-Society following the "patients as partners in research" approach. The data was collected via online questionnaires and focus group surveys and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively using a mixed methodological approach. Based on the present sample of affected adolescents and adults (n=47 online questionnaires, n=6 focus group surveys), a fundamentally positive assessment of the use of medical aids was evident. In contrast, for the individual evaluation of access and supply of assistive devices, four main problems were identified, some of which can be extrapolated to other diagnoses but amplified in children and adolescents due to the low prevalence of hereditary ataxia. Especially in these age groups, the lengthy process leading up to the diagnosis and the associated gap in the indication for assistive devices poses a serious problem. Moreover, there is lack of evidence for justifying prescription of age-group-specific assistive devices. In addition to the necessity of improvement in the care process, there are significant gaps in the knowledge about an association between self-confidence and coping with the disease, on the one hand, and the acceptance of aids, on the other, in children and adolescents with rare diseases characterized by symptom progression. In addition, there is an urgent need to improve the evidence base for specific tools, especially their importance for promoting independence according to age and developmental phase.

Nasal irrigation for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infection by SARS-CoV-2: a narrative review.

The World Health Organization declared an end to the global emergency status of COVID-19 in May of 2023. However, the impact of COVID-19 is far from over. Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 continue to experience physiological, psychological, or cognitive symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and loss of smell or taste, known as long COVID. This review aims to describe the clinical characteristics of the upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) caused by SARS-CoV-2, and provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection by using nasal irrigation. COVID-19 and nasal irrigation: Nasal irrigation presents a promising adjunct to standard COVID-19 prevention and treatment protocols. This practice is theorized to diminish viral presence in the upper respiratory tract, a region identified as a primary site for SARS-CoV-2 replication and shedding. By facilitating the removal of viral particles and enhancing mucociliary clearance, nasal irrigation could potentially lessen the severity of URTI symptoms and slow transmission rates. The review consolidates current evidence of the efficacy and safety of this approach across various populations, underscoring its practicality in both preventive and therapeutic contexts. We recommend that saline nasal irrigation is an effective, safe and convenient strategy to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and alleviate the symptoms of URTI across various age groups.

LOTUS: Protocol for a double-blind placebo controlled randomized trial of hemp-derived cannabidiol for the treatment of cannabis use disorder.

As cannabis legalization continues to spread across the United States, average Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol concentrations in recreational products have significantly increased, and no prior study has evaluated effective treatments to reduce cannabis use among high potency cannabis users. Some research has found that the non-intoxicating cannabinoid cannabidiol reduces cannabis use and cannabis use disorder-related symptoms, such as affective disturbance and withdrawal. Results of these studies are promising but limited to synthetic or isolated forms of cannabidiol. Conduct a placebo-controlled randomized control trial comparing the effects of hemp-derived cannabidiol on reducing Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol use in concentrate users with cannabis use disorder. Design. Double-blind, three-arm randomized placebo-controlled trial. Setting. University in the Denver-Boulder, CO, USA area. Study population. Community members who are heavy, stable cannabis concentrate users that meet criteria for at least moderate cannabis use disorder and are seeking to decrease or stop cannabis use. Data. Self-report demographics, substance use, and mental health characteristics, blood and urine based biomarkers and anthropometrics. Outcomes. Affective, physiological, and physical withdrawal symptoms, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol use. Analysis. Three-group ANOVAs and χ2 tests will be used to compare baseline variables between groups. Characteristics that differ between groups will be evaluated as potential covariates in subsequent analyses. A multilevel modeling framework will be used for primary outcome analysis to account for the repeated observations nested within participants over time. Pairwise post-hoc simple effects tests will be conducted to confirm patterns of differences. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06107062.

Coping with climate anxiety: impacts on functioning in Australian adolescents

ABSTRACT Objective Being aware of climatic threats can evoke climate anxiety in youth, wherein young people may draw on coping strategies to manage this experience. To further understand the helpfulness of climate anxiety and coping, this study explored whether these experiences in adolescence are related to adaptive functioning or impairment. Method Australian adolescents aged 12–20 years (n = 261), recruited through social media or school-based participation, completed an online survey. Various cognitive styles of coping and behavioural coping strategies were assessed. Results Several styles of coping were found to be differentially related to functioning. Positive reappraisal of climate change was associated with reduced personal and occupational functional impairment. Meaning-focused reappraisal and pro-environmental coping were positively associated with adaptive functioning (e.g. higher motivation, greater connection to others). In contrast, catastrophising was inversely associated with adaptive functioning. De-emphasising the threat of climate change was related to social functional impairment, but also adaptive functioning. Finally, the more a young person experienced physiological symptoms of climate anxiety, they more they reported personal, occupational and social functional impairment. Conclusions Supporting adolescents as they learn to navigate and cope with climate anxiety, as well as climate change more broadly, may help protect youth wellbeing and functioning long-term.

Escalation Pathways of Remote Patient Monitoring Programs for COVID-19 Patients in Canada and the United States: A Rapid Review.

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals in North America were overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients and had limited capacity to admit patients. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) programs were developed to monitor COVID-19 patients at home and reduce disease transmission and the demand on hospitals. A critical component of RPM programs is effective escalation pathways. The purpose of this review is to synthesize the implementation of escalation pathways of RPM programs for COVID-19 patients in Canada and the United States. Methods: The search identified 563 articles from Embase, PubMed, and Scopus. Following title and abstract screening, 131 were selected for full-text review, and 26 articles were included. Data were extracted on study location, patient eligibility and program size, data collection, monitoring team, escalation criteria, and escalation response. Results: The included studies were published between 2020 and 2022; 3 in Canada and 23 in the United States. The RPM programs collected physiological vital signs and symptom data, which were inputted manually by patients and health care workers or synced automatically. Escalations were triggered automatically or following manual review by nurses and physicians when signs and symptoms were concerning or reached a specific threshold. Escalations included emergency department referrals, physician appointments, and increased monitoring. Conclusion: Many decisions are required when designing RPM escalation pathways for patients with COVID-19, which is crucial to promptly address patients' changing health statuses and clinical needs. Future research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of escalation pathways for COVID-19 patients through performance metrics and patient and health care worker experience.

Association of LEAF-Q and EDE-QS scores with cholesterol levels in Finnish female athletes

ObjectiveLow energy availability (LEA) is common in athletes. Disturbances in sex hormone levels due to insufficient energy availability have been suggested to influence cholesterol metabolism and impact the overall risk...

A - 143 Organic Psychiatric Disorders Due to Frontal Lobe Neoplasms

Abstract Objective This current study seeks to explore the presentation of psychiatric disorders as a preliminary symptom in individuals who suffer from frontal lobe neoplasms. Data Selection The primary sources of information for this literature review were Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the National Institute of Health (NIH). Search terms included frontal lobe tumors/neoplasms, primary brain tumors, psychiatric/psychological, acquired disorders, and pseudo-depression/mania. This search was limited to articles published in English from January 2014 to December 2023. Inclusion criteria were studies that focused on frontal lobe tumors and psychiatric manifestations as a result of illness. Exclusion criteria were studies older than nine years or studies that explored traits of psychiatric illness (i.e., aggression) as opposed to a psychiatric diagnosis. Data Synthesis Frontal lobe neoplasms, accounting for a significant percentage of PTBs, have been found to impact the psychological well-being of patients, leading to a range of psychiatric manifestations that may appear before physiological symptoms. These include mood disorders (i.e., depression, manic episodes), psychotic episodes, and personality disorders. Due to the complexities of the frontal lobe, these manifestations are not linearly linked to frontal lobe lesions. Conclusion This study’s findings advocate for a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, emphasizing the need for neuropsychological evaluations pre- and post-tumor resection. It calls for heightened awareness among clinicians to consider organic causes behind psychiatric presentations, especially in atypical cases or when traditional treatments fail. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the neuropsychiatric consequences of frontal lobe neoplasms and paves the way for more targeted and effective interventions.

A - 30 Chiari Malformation Type I: the Powerful Impact of Participation in Computerized Working Memory Training on Mood and Self-Perception

Abstract Objective Chiari Malformation type I (CM-I), a disorder characterized by displaced cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum, is neuropsychologically complex and underrecognized. While decompressive neurosurgical intervention relieves physiological symptoms, cognitive and neuropsychiatric challenges may persist. Given the importance of attentional abilities and emotional functioning for post-operative quality of life for CM-I patients, exploring the effects of CogMed Computerized Working Memory Training (CCWMT) on aforementioned elements, specifically self-perception, is essential to the neurological surgery survivorship mission. Method Three CM-I patients diagnosed in adulthood were enrolled in CCWMT approximately three years post-operatively; each with self-reported decrements in attentional functioning following neurosurgical intervention with neurocognitive measures within normal limits and moderate levels of self-reported mood dysfunction and decline in self-perceived pre-surgical functional status. Comprehensive neuropsychological testing was completed pre and post CCWMT treatment, consisting of 25 sessions of progressively challenging working memory exercises completed within 5–12 weeks. Results There were no significant decrements in objective attentional-based measures pre-CCWMT treatment relative to baseline estimates and no significant changes pre to post CCWMT treatment. However, there were clinically significant decreases in self-reported depression. Further, post-treatment improvement in self-perception of functioning aligned with degree of improvement index within the CCWMT program. Conclusions Given the positive prognosis of post-surgical CM-I patients, clinical neuropsychological investigation can maximize a patient’s quality of life by extrapolating cognitive and emotional elements that interact as barriers to optimal outcomes. This case series underscores that effortful participation in intensive cognitive remediation may enhance mood and self-perception beyond objective cognitive enhancement, thereby supporting holistic aspects of a patient’s recovery.

Nutritional Management of Pediatric Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders.

Normal and optimal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is paramount to ensure optimal nutrition through digestion, absorption and motility function. Disruptions in these functions can lead to adverse physiological symptoms, reduced quality of life and increased nutritional risk. When disruption or dysfunction of neuromuscular function occurs, motility disorders can be classified depending on whether coordination or strength/velocity of peristalsis are predominantly impacted. However, due to their nonspecific presenting symptoms and overlap with sensory disruption, they are frequently misdiagnosed as disorders of the gut-brain interaction. Motility disorders are a prevalent issue in the pediatric population, with management varying from medical therapy to psychological therapy, dietary manipulation, surgical intervention or a multimodal approach. This narrative review aims to discuss the dietary management of common pediatric motility disorders including gastroesophageal reflux, esophageal atresia, achalasia, gastroparesis, constipation, and the less common but most severe motility disorder, pediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction.

Effects of renal denervation on the incidence and severity of cardiovascular diseases.

Renal denervation (RDN) is a neuromodulation therapy performed in patients with hypertension using an intraarterial catheter. Recent randomized sham-controlled trials have shown that RDN has significant antihypertensive effects that last for more than 3 years. Based on this evidence, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved two devices, the ultrasound-based ReCor ParadiseTM RDN system and the radiofrequency-based Medtronic Symplicity SpyralTM RDN system, as adjunctive therapy for patients with refractory and uncontrolled hypertension. On the other hand, there have been no randomized sham-controlled prospective outcome trials on RDN, and the effects of RDN on cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke have not been elucidated. This mini-review summarizes the latest findings focusing on the effects of RDN on organ protection and physiological function and symptoms in both preclinical and clinical studies. Furthermore, the feasibility of using blood pressure as surrogate marker for cardiovascular outcomes is discussed in the context of relevant clinical studies on RDN. A comprehensive understanding of the beneficial effects of RDN on the incidence and severity of cardiovascular diseases with their underlying mechanisms will enhance physicians' ability to incorporate RDN into clinical strategies to prevent cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke. This mini-review focuses on the effects of RDN on organ protection and physiological function and symptoms in preclinical and clinical studies. RDN is expected to reduce the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke in clinical practice.LV left ventricular, LVEF left ventricular ejection fraction, VO2max maximal oxygen uptake, VT ventricular tachycardia, VF ventricular fibrillation, 6MWD 6-min walk distance, NT-proBNP N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, NYHA New York Heart Association, BBB blood-brain barrier, BP blood pressure.

Sociocultural aspects of the medicalisation of infertility: a comparative reading of two illness narratives

This paper is a comparative reading of variations in the medicalisation of infertility caused by sociocultural aspects, in two illness narratives by patients: Elizabeth Katkin’s Conceivability (2018), a story of...