Symptoms In Later Stages Research Articles

Rare Case of Annular Pancreas

One of the rare disorders noted during birth is Annular pancreas. In this disorder a slender band of pancreatic tissue engulfs the duodenum. This congenital anomaly in children produces symptoms like duodenal obstruction but mostly they produce symptoms in later stages of life. This is one of the rare clinical diagnosis. But once diagnosed immediate treatment can reduce the morbidity risk.

Visual Insights in Lung Cancer Prediction: Leveraging Data Visualization and Analysis for Building and Tuning Machine Learning Models

Lung cancer stands as a significant global health challenge with its high occurrence rates and fatal lethality. Given lung cancer's severity and complicated symptoms in later stages, healthcare facilities must detect them early. Traditional diagnostic methodologies are often burdened by high cost and specialized expertise, prompting exploration of alternative methods, such as machine Learning. This paper utilizes a dataset from a Nature Medicine study involving 462,000 participants in China and employs machine learning to predict lung cancer risk. Through the application of Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA), this paper explored the correlation between demographic variables, environmental factors, and lifestyle habits with the probability of lung cancer occurrence. The neural network architecture incorporates dynamic layers, rectified linear unit (ReLU) activation, and the Adam optimizer with dropout regularization. Results from EDA reveal correlations between lifestyle factors and lung cancer risk. The machine learning model achieved 70% accuracy on predictions and was refined to 90% through EDA and utilizing the LIME interpreter. This study aimed to advance lung cancer prediction by applying an amalgamation of techniques and technologies, like data visualization, extensive data analysis, and machine learning. This research aimed to contribute to the showcase of applying the latest technological advancements for the era of big data within the medical research and healthcare industry. The success of this model suggests the viability of creating machine learning models targeted for cancer predictions and indicates further advancements, such as personalized prediction models.

Emerging Nondopaminergic Medications for Parkinson's Disease: Focusing on A2A Receptor Antagonists and GLP1 Receptor Agonists.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a severe neurodegenerative disease characterized by classic motor features associated with the loss of dopaminergic neurons and appearance of Lewy bodies in the substantia nigra. Due to the complexity of PD, a definitive diagnosis in the early stages and effective management of symptoms in later stages are difficult to achieve in clinical practice. Previous research has shown that colocalization of A2A receptors (A2AR) and dopamine D2 receptors (D2R) may induce an antagonistic interaction between adenosine and dopamine. Clinical trials have found that the A2AR antagonist istradefylline decreases dyskinesia in PD and could be used as an adjuvant to levodopa treatment. Meanwhile, the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) mainly facilitates glucose homeostasis and insulin signaling. Preclinical experiments and clinical trials of GLP1 receptor (GLP1R) agonists show that they may be effective in alleviating neuroinflammation and sustaining cellular functions in the central nervous system of patients with PD. In this review, we summarize up-to-date findings on the usefulness of A2AR antagonists and GLP1R agonists in PD management. We explain the molecular mechanisms of these medications and their interactions with other neurotransmitter receptors. Furthermore, we discuss the efficacy and limitations of A2AR antagonists and GLP1R agonists in clinical practice.

The Prevalence of Tooth Wear in an Adult Population from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

AimTo assess the prevalence of tooth wear in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia in an adult population and to identify potential contributing factors, such as sociodemographic factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included adults between 18 and 40 years, seeking routine dental care. A clinical examination using the tooth wear index (TWI) was performed. Each tooth was given a TWI score, followed by classifying participants according to different risk levels. This was followed by a self-administered questionnaire on demographic information and oral hygiene habits. Statistical analyses included univariate, bivariate, as well as multivariate to assess the risk of tooth wear in relation to possible risk factors. The tests used were odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and p-values < 0.05 to be statistically significant.ResultsThe prevalence of tooth wear and dentin exposure was 83.5% and 58.8%, respectively, with the mean affected teeth of 1.3 ± 0.6 and 0.2 ± 0.2. Both gender and education level were significantly associated with tooth wear at bivariate and multivariate levels (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe prevalence of tooth wear among sampled adults in this study was high. There was a clear difference in rates of tooth wear for gender and education level. Early identification and prevention of tooth wear will help reduce signs and symptoms in later stages of life.

Spatial and Temporal Comparison of Perceived Risks and Confirmed Cases of Lyme Disease: An Exploratory Study of Google Trends.

Non-specific symptoms in later stages of Lyme disease (LD) may mimic a variety of autoimmune, viral, or complex diseases. Patients lacking erythema migrans or who test negative under CDC guidelines, but suspect LD may search online symptoms in vein. As a result, patients with lingering and undiagnosed symptoms turn to alternative lab tests. This study addresses patient's perceived illness in relation to CDC surveillance data. Extending the literature beyond basic searches for symptoms or disease terms, this study examines spatiotemporal dynamics among symptom, disease, and unconventional lab test searches on Google Trends, in compared with CDC confirmed cases of LD. The search terms used for the Google Trends analysis between 2011 and 2015 include: (1) “lyme” and “lyme disease” for disease, (2) “tick bite,” “bone pain,” “stiff neck,” “circular rash,” and “brain fog” for symptoms, and (3) “IGENEX” for the alternative lab test. Spatial and temporal analyses illustrate noticeable similar patterns between the search frequency and the actual LD incidence. Beyond basic searches for symptoms or disease terms, we demonstrate the improved utility of Google Trends analysis in discovering spatial and temporal patterns of perceived LD and comparing with the reported LD cases. The public health and medical communities benefit from this research through improved knowledge of undiagnosed patients who are searching for alternative labs to explain lingering symptoms. This study validates the need for further research into Google Trends data and surveillance protocols of diseases characterized by non-specific symptoms, prompting patients to “self-diagnose.”

Insomnia symptoms increase during pregnancy, but no increase in sleepiness - Associations with symptoms of depression and anxiety

ObjectiveTo evaluate alteration in insomnia and sleepiness symptoms during pregnancy and assess early pregnancy risk factors for these symptoms, especially depressive and anxiety symptoms. MethodsA cohort of 1858 women was enrolled from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study. Insomnia and sleepiness symptoms were measured in early, mid- and late pregnancy with the Basic Nordic Sleep Questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and anxiety symptoms with the Symptom Checklist-90/Anxiety Scale. General linear models for repeated measures were conducted. ResultsGeneral sleep quality decreased (p < 0.001) and all insomnia types (p < 0.001) and sleep latencies (p < 0.001) increased as pregnancy proceeded. Snoring increased, but witnessed apneas remained rare. Nevertheless, morning (p = 0.019) and daytime (p < 0.001) sleepiness decreased from early to both mid-pregnancy and late pregnancy (p = 0.006 and p = 0.039). Women took more naps in early and late pregnancy compared to mid-pregnancy (both p < 0.001). Women with higher baseline anxiety symptoms had greater increase in sleep latency. At each pregnancy point, higher depressive and anxiety symptoms were associated with higher insomnia (p < 0.001) and sleepiness scores (p < 0.001) and higher depressive symptoms with longer sleep latencies (p < 0.001). ConclusionWe found a marked increase in insomnia symptoms throughout pregnancy. However, sleepiness symptoms did not increase correspondingly. Both depressive and anxiety symptoms in early pregnancy were associated with higher insomnia and sleepiness symptoms in later stages of pregnancy which emphasizes the importance of their assessment in early pregnancy.

Drug Discovery for Paediatric Chagas Disease.

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and is regularly found among particular people living in Central and South America. Paediatric Chagas disease occurs in 1-10% of infants of infected mothers. The major important point considered in the treatment of congenital Chagas disease focuses on killing the parasite in acute infection and managing signs and symptoms in later stages. Nowadays, two drugs benznidazole and nifurtimox are currently available in the market for the treatment of paediatric Chagas disease.

Soy-based renoprotection.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant public health problem as risk factors such as advanced age, obesity, hypertension and diabetes rise in the global population. Currently there are no effective pharmacologic treatments for this disease. The role of diet is important for slowing the progression of CKD and managing symptoms in later stages of renal insufficiency. While low protein diets are generally recommended, maintaining adequate levels of intake is critical for health. There is an increasing appreciation that the source of protein may also be important. Soybean protein has been the most extensively studied plant-based protein in subjects with kidney disease and has demonstrated renal protective properties in a number of clinical studies. Soy protein consumption has been shown to slow the decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate and significantly improve proteinuria in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with nephropathy. Soy's beneficial effects on renal function may also result from its impact on certain physiological risk factors for CKD such as dyslipidemia, hypertension and hyperglycemia. Soy intake is also associated with improvements in antioxidant status and systemic inflammation in early and late stage CKD patients. Studies conducted in animal models have helped to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms that may play a role in the positive effects of soy protein on renal parameters in polycystic kidney disease, metabolically-induced kidney dysfunction and age-associated progressive nephropathy. Despite the established relationship between soy and renoprotection, further studies are needed for a clear understanding of the role of the cellular and molecular target(s) of soy protein in maintaining renal function.

Tryptophan Metabolism in Post-Withdrawal Alcohol-Dependent Patients

The aim of the study was to investigate the parameters of tryptophan and phenylalanine metabolism and their associations to immune system activation and to behavioural symptoms during medium-term withdrawal (4-12 weeks of abstinence) in alcohol-dependent patients. Biochemical assays and clinical assessments at the beginning of treatment (fourth week of alcohol abstinence in average) and prior to the discharge after 8 weeks of treatment. Kynurenine to tryptophan ratio (Kyn/Trp) slightly correlated with neopterin levels in early post-withdrawal period (Week 4 of abstinence) but this association disappeared after 12 weeks of abstinence. Phenylalanine and tyrosine concentrations as well as phenylalanine to tyrosine ratio (Phe/Tyr) decreased between Weeks 4 and 12 of abstinence. Kynurenine and Kyn/Trp increased significantly at 12th week of abstinence when compared with the beginning of the study (Week 4 of abstinence). At Week 12, Kyn/Trp significantly correlated with such behavioural symptoms as fatigue, irritability and sleep disturbances. Tryptophan breakdown in early stages may be influenced by the increased activity of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase but the increase of Kyn/Trp between Weeks 4 and 12 of abstinence seems to be independent of immune changes and correlates with behavioural symptoms in later stages of the post-withdrawal course. A possible role of kynurenine metabolites in mediation of the increased stress sensibility in post-withdrawal alcohol-dependent patients is discussed.

UNDERSTANDING THE EXPERIENCE OF INFORMAL CAREGIVING IN ADVANCED CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD): A QUALITATIVE STUDY

PURPOSE: COPD is the 4th leading cause of death in Canada. Symptoms in later stages can be incapacitating. While COPD patients report concerns about being burdensome to their families, how informal caregivers actually experience this role is unclear. The purposes of this study were to increase understanding of informal caregiver experience in advanced COPD, and to identify potential interventions to enhance this experience.

Round Table Discussion: The Scientist's View on Outcome Methodologies for Pharmacologic Trials in Mild, Moderate, and Severe Alzheimer's Disease

Dr. Khachaturian highlighted the importance of noncognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) for the care providers versus our current lack of knowledge about these symptoms' origin, their relationship with cognitive loss, and our ability to control them. Our relatively greater understanding of the pathophysiology of cognitive loss is not yet matched with respect to non-cognitive symptoms, explaining the hit-and-miss treatment approaches currently in use. It is thus essential to study the underlying biological basis of noncognitive changes in AD. Nonpharmacological approaches to the management of noncognitive symptoms in later stages of AD such as teaching of coping strategies must be encouraged, because they may have a major impact on the patient and the care providers. There is a relative paucity of instruments and clear outcome variables for noncognitive symptoms, including quality of life, which will have to be defined as related to the patient or to caregivers. Such symptoms should be studied in a holistic way in order to treat the underlying pathophysiological process rather than just suppressing unacceptable behaviors such as agitation. Although noncognitive symptoms in later stages of AD are important, from a national research strategy perspective, priority should be given to delaying onset of symptoms by some 10 years. Humane and ethical considerations must always predominate in research on treatment for later stages of AD.

Biochemical and immunological analyses of the cell surface of Bordetella bronchiseptica isolates with special reference to atrophic rhinitis in swine

The guinea-pig skintest was used to test the pathogenic character of nine Bordetella bronchiseptica isolates derived from a number of different animals. One isolate was non-pathogenic, one showed a doubtful reaction whereas the others were pathogenic. Analysis of the cell envelope protein patterns by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed only minor differences. Two major protein bands and at least thirty five minor bands were observed. The major protein with an apparent molecular weight of 37 000 has properties similar to those of pore proteins of Enterobacteriaceae. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS), analysed by the same technique, could be separated into two fractions, LPS-I and LPS-II. The electrophoretic mobilities of the LPS of the strains were indistinguishable from each other with the exception of that of the non-pathogenic strain, which also differed serologically from that of the other strains. All sera of animals which had been successfully vaccinated with whole B. bronchiseptica cells showed a positive reaction with LPS-I whereas antibodies against the 37 000 dalton protein, LPS-II as well as against several other proteins, were also detected in several sera. These results strongly suggest that LPS-I is a protective antigen. LPS-I and the 37 000 dalton protein are accessible to antibodies in whole cells. This protein as well as a 28 000 dalton protein were found to be located at the cell surface using iodination of whole cells with Iodo-Gen. Comparison of sixteen and fourteen strains of farms on which tests for symptoms of clinical atrophic rhinitis were positive and negative, respectively, showed that all strains gave a positive guinea-pig skintest and that their cell envelope protein and LPS patterns were indistinguishable. These results show that in general the presence of pathogenic B. bronchiseptica alone does not cause clinically progressive atrophic rhinitis. The appearance of these clinically progressive symptoms in later stages of the investigation was related to the appearance of pathogenic Pasteurella multocida strains in the animals, alone or in combination with B. bronchiseptica.

Isolation of nutritional mutants in Arabidopsis thaliana.

An accumulation method was devised for the isolation of nutritional mutants of the CruciferArabidopsis thaliana. Six mutants were obtained, in all of which the synthesis of thiamine was blocked. The mutants showed chlorophyll deficiencies and were more or less depressed in growth. Thiamine, when added to the substrate, fully restored normal development. Three of the mutants also grew on a substrate containing the pyrimidine moiety of the vitamin molecule, one on a medium with the thiazole part, one on a substrate containing a mixture of both compounds, whereas the sixth mutant required the complete thiamine molecule for normal growth. Two of the three “pyrimidine”-less mutants were allelic, the third, when crossed with each of the other two, yielded F1's showing wild type growth in their youth but deficiency symptoms in later stages. In each of the other mutants different loci were involved. The relation between the method employed and the type of mutant isolated is discussed.