scholarly journals Community-led research discovers links between elusive symptoms and clinical tests

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene S. Gabashvili
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Medical Professionals ◽  
Clinical Tests ◽  
Human Breath ◽  
Body Regions ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Medical Referral ◽  
Body Odors

AbstractHuman breath and body odors have been used for diagnosis of serious and life-threatening conditions since the dawn of medical practice. More recently, it has been recognized that malodors without accompanying physical symptoms could be a sign of psychologically but not physically debilitating disorders such as Trimethylaminuria (TMAU). Self-reported intermittent odors without apparent cause, are, however, still treated with suspicion by medical professionals. Most cases of socially-disabling idiopathic malodor remain undiagnosed and there are no guidelines for diagnostic tests nor treatment options that extend beyond TMAU. Internationally-recruited volunteers with undiagnosed body odor and halitosis enrolled to participate in our study, registered as NCT02692495 at clinicaltrials.gov. Each volunteer underwent several blood and urine tests conducted by Biolab Medical Unit, a medical referral laboratory in London, specializing in nutritional and environmental medicine. Intestinal permeability measurements were strikingly different for subjects that named the nose/mouth as the malodor source(s) versus other, often unidentified, body regions. Furthermore, metabolite levels in blood and urine allowed matching of participants by dietary sensitivities and the type of odor reported, emphasizing the potential of harnessing patients’ olfactory observations. In discussing the anecdotal “People are Allergic to Me” condition (PATM), we show how it fits into the picture.

An Overview of Dementias

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 75-84
Author(s):  
Venkata Vijaya K. Dalai ◽  
Jason E. Childress ◽  
Paul E Schulz
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Current Treatment ◽  
Great Variability ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
The Common ◽  
Neurodegenerative Dementias ◽  
Made In

Dementia is a major public health concern that afflicts an estimated 24.3 million people worldwide. Great strides are being made in order to better diagnose, prevent, and treat these disorders. Dementia is associated with multiple complications, some of which can be life-threatening, such as dysphagia. There is great variability between dementias in terms of when dysphagia and other swallowing disorders occur. In order to prepare the reader for the other articles in this publication discussing swallowing issues in depth, the authors of this article will provide a brief overview of the prevalence, risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, current treatment options, and implications for eating for the common forms of neurodegenerative dementias.

scholarly journals Enteric Fever Diagnosis: Current Challenges and Future Directions

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 410
Author(s):  
Durga P. Neupane ◽  
Hari P. Dulal ◽  
Jeongmin Song
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Enteric Fever ◽  
Asymptomatic Carrier ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Clinical Presentations ◽  
Global Spread ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Pros And Cons

Enteric fever is a life-threatening systemic febrile disease caused by Salmonella enterica serovars Typhi and Paratyphi (S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi). Unfortunately, the burden of the disease remains high primarily due to the global spread of various drug-resistant Salmonella strains despite continuous advancement in the field. An accurate diagnosis is critical for effective control of the disease. However, enteric fever diagnosis based on clinical presentations is challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other febrile illnesses that are also prevalent in endemic areas. Current laboratory tests display suboptimal sensitivity and specificity, and no diagnostic methods are available for identifying asymptomatic carriers. Several research programs have employed systemic approaches to identify more specific biomarkers for early detection and asymptomatic carrier detection. This review discusses the pros and cons of currently available diagnostic tests for enteric fever, the advancement of research toward improved diagnostic tests, and the challenges of discovering new ideal biomarkers and tests.

scholarly journals Radiation-Inactivated Acinetobacter baumannii Vaccine Candidates

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 96
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Dollery ◽  
Daniel V. Zurawski ◽  
Elena K. Gaidamakova ◽  
Vera Y. Matrosova ◽  
John K. Tobin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acinetobacter Baumannii ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Bacterial Pathogen ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Wound Infections ◽  
Protein Profiles ◽  
Vaccine Candidates ◽  
Rich Media ◽  
Life Threatening

Acinetobacter baumannii is a bacterial pathogen that is often multidrug-resistant (MDR) and causes a range of life-threatening illnesses, including pneumonia, septicemia, and wound infections. Some antibiotic treatments can reduce mortality if dosed early enough before an infection progresses, but there are few other treatment options when it comes to MDR-infection. Although several prophylactic strategies have been assessed, no vaccine candidates have advanced to clinical trials or have been approved. Herein, we rapidly produced protective whole-cell immunogens from planktonic and biofilm-like cultures of A. baumannii, strain AB5075 grown using a variety of methods. After selecting a panel of five cultures based on distinct protein profiles, replicative activity was extinguished by exposure to 10 kGy gamma radiation in the presence of a Deinococcus antioxidant complex composed of manganous (Mn2+) ions, a decapeptide, and orthophosphate. Mn2+ antioxidants prevent hydroxylation and carbonylation of irradiated proteins, but do not protect nucleic acids, yielding replication-deficient immunogenic A. baumannii vaccine candidates. Mice were immunized and boosted twice with 1.0 × 107 irradiated bacterial cells and then challenged intranasally with AB5075 using two mouse models. Planktonic cultures grown for 16 h in rich media and biofilm cultures grown in static cultures underneath minimal (M9) media stimulated immunity that led to 80–100% protection.

scholarly journals An unusual presentation of acute myocardial infarction in physiotherapy direct access: findings from a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Storari ◽  
Valerio Barbari ◽  
Fabrizio Brindisino ◽  
Marco Testa ◽  
Maselli Filippo
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Acute Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Visceral Pain ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Final Diagnosis ◽  
Outpatient Setting ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Medical Referral

Abstract Background Shoulder pain (SP) may originate from both musculoskeletal and visceral conditions. Physiotherapists (PT) may encounter patients with life-threatening pathologies that mimic musculoskeletal pain such as Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). A trained PT should be able to distinguish between signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal or visceral origin aimed at performing proper medical referral. Case presentation A 46-y-old male with acute SP lasting from a week was diagnosed with right painful musculoskeletal shoulder syndrome, in two successive examinations by the emergency department physicians. However, after having experienced a shift of the pain on the left side, the patient presented to a PT. The PT recognized the signs and symptoms of visceral pain and referred him to the general practitioner, which identified a cardiac disease. The final diagnosis was acute myocardial infarction. Conclusion This case report highlights the importance of a thorough patient screening examination, especially for patients treated in an outpatient setting, which allow distinguishing between signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal from visceral diseases.

Approach to the Cardiovascular Patient

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine M. Otto ◽  
David M Shavelle
Keyword(s):  
Physical Examination ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Complete Evaluation ◽  
Treatment Expectations ◽  
Cardiovascular Patient ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Background History ◽  
Cardiac Testing

The complete evaluation of the cardiovascular patient begins with a thorough history and a detailed physical examination. These two initial steps will often lead to the correct diagnosis and assist in excluding life-threatening conditions. The history and physical examination findings should be assessed in the overall clinical status of the patient, including the patient's specific complaints, lifestyle, comorbidities, and treatment expectations. This chapter discusses the cardiovascular conditions that frequently require evaluation: chest pain, dyspnea, palpitations, syncope, claudication, and cardiac murmurs; and reviews the background, history and physical examination, and diagnostic tests available for each. Diagnostic algorithms are provided, and the appropriate use of invasive and noninvasive cardiac testing for each condition is discussed. This review contains 8 highly rendered figures, 12 tables, and 52 references.

Bradyarrhythmias

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inna Leybell ◽  
Liliya Abrukin
Keyword(s):  
Atrioventricular Block ◽  
Sinus Bradycardia ◽  
Sinus Node ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Node Disease ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Sinus Node Disease ◽  
Sinoatrial Block

Bradyarrhythmias can present as an incidental electrocardiographic (ECG) finding or a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention. They are caused by sinus node disease or atrioventricular block. This review covers pathophysiology, stabilization and assessment, diagnosis and treatment options, and disposition and outcomes for patients with bradycardia. Figures in the review demonstrate characteristic ECG tracings. Tables list classifications of sinus node dysfunction as well as of sinoatrial and atrioventricular blocks, presenting symptoms, important information to elicit on history taking, various causes of bradycardia, and specific interventions for toxicologic etiologies. Key words: atrioventricular block, atropine, bradyarrhythmia, bradycardia, first-degree atrioventricular block, second-degree atrioventricular block, sinoatrial block, sinus bradycardia, sinus node disease, tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome, third-degree atrioventricular block This review contains 9 highly rendered figures, 7 tables, and 92 references.

Severe invasive disease caused by hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae: a case report

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Liver Abscess ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Invasive Disease ◽  
Multiple Organ ◽  
Multiple Organ Dysfunction ◽  
Antimicrobial Drugs ◽  
Life Threatening

Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is a common pathogenic bacteria that causes numerous infectious diseases. Hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKP) can lead to invasive K. pneumoniae liver abscess syndrome, which can induce life-threatening multiple organ dysfunction syndrome or septic shock. We report a case of invasive K. pneumoniae liver abscess syndrome caused by hvKP and discuss the treatment options of this syndrome. Appropriate antimicrobial drugs should be administered to improve prognosis and prevent complications, and laboratory testing is essential to guide clinical management and optimize patient outcomes.

scholarly journals Lower Urinary Tract Neoplasia

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maureen Griffin ◽  
William Culp ◽  
Robert Rebhun
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Urinary Bladder ◽  
Lower Urinary Tract ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Transitional Cell ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Comparative Model ◽  
Lower Urinary

Lower urinary tract neoplasia in companion animals is a debilitating and often life-threatening disease. Tumors of the bladder, urethra, and prostate often occur independently, although extension of these tumors into adjacent regions of the lower urinary tract is documented frequently. The most common lower urinary tract tumor in dogs and cats is transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). In both dogs and cats, TCC affecting the urinary bladder is generally considered to be highly aggressive with both local and metastatic disease potential, and this disease poses unique treatment challenges. Whereas much literature exists regarding the TCC disease process, treatment options, and prognosis in dogs, relatively few studies on feline TCC have been published due to the lower incidence of TCC in this species. Prostate tumors, most commonly adenocarcinomas, occur less commonly in dogs and cats but serve an important role as a comparative model for prostate neoplasia in humans. This article serves as a review of the current information regarding canine and feline lower urinary tract neoplasia as well as the relevance of these diseases with respect to their human counterparts.

scholarly journals Periprosthetic fractures of the knee: a comprehensive review

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 387-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vadim Benkovich ◽  
Yuri Klassov ◽  
Boris Mazilis ◽  
Shlomo Bloom
Keyword(s):  
Knee Arthroplasty ◽  
Rare Complication ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Degenerative Joint Disease ◽  
Joint Arthroplasty ◽  
Joint Disease ◽  
Periprosthetic Fractures ◽  
Complex Injury ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Total Knee

AbstractDemographic changes have resulted in an increase in the number of older patients diagnosed with degenerative joint disease. Developments in the field of joint arthroplasty allow a broader population to improve their lifestyles. An increased demand for knee arthroplasty has led to a rise in operations performed worldwide. Although there has been a constant propagation of technology and an increase in medical staffing at a professional level, many patients still encounter complications. Though rare, these factors may lead to life-threatening scenarios and a devastating effect on the success of the operation. One such rare complication includes periprosthetic fractures around the knee, a complex injury which requires a cautious and experienced approach. In this review, we analyze the prevalence, risk factors and classification, investigation and treatment options for periprosthetic fractures with total knee arthroplasty.

scholarly journals Vascular Dysfunction in Preeclampsia

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 3055
Author(s):  
Megan A. Opichka ◽  
Matthew W. Rappelt ◽  
David D. Gutterman ◽  
Justin L. Grobe ◽  
Jennifer J. McIntosh
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Vascular Dysfunction ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Cardiovascular Disorder ◽  
Endothelial Damage ◽  
Spiral Artery ◽  
Mitochondrial Stress ◽  
Inflammatory State ◽  
Life Threatening

Preeclampsia is a life-threatening pregnancy-associated cardiovascular disorder characterized by hypertension and proteinuria at 20 weeks of gestation. Though its exact underlying cause is not precisely defined and likely heterogenous, a plethora of research indicates that in some women with preeclampsia, both maternal and placental vascular dysfunction plays a role in the pathogenesis and can persist into the postpartum period. Potential abnormalities include impaired placentation, incomplete spiral artery remodeling, and endothelial damage, which are further propagated by immune factors, mitochondrial stress, and an imbalance of pro- and antiangiogenic substances. While the field has progressed, current gaps in knowledge include detailed initial molecular mechanisms and effective treatment options. Newfound evidence indicates that vasopressin is an early mediator and biomarker of the disorder, and promising future therapeutic avenues include mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction, excess oxidative stress, and the resulting inflammatory state. In this review, we provide a detailed overview of vascular defects present during preeclampsia and connect well-established notions to newer discoveries at the molecular, cellular, and whole-organism levels.

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