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Cureus Oct 2023Alport syndrome is an genetic disorder that distresses the basement membrane of the kidneys and can also impact other organs, such as the cochlea of theĀ inner ear and... (Review)
Review
Alport syndrome is an genetic disorder that distresses the basement membrane of the kidneys and can also impact other organs, such as the cochlea of theĀ inner ear and eyes. It is characterized by mutation causing abnormalities in the collagen within the basement membrane, which has a crucial role in the filtration process of the kidneys. These abnormalities lead to progressive kidney damage and often result in chronic kidney disease. In some cases of Alport syndrome, the abnormal collagen can also affect the cochlea in the inner ear, leading to sensorineural hearing loss. Additionally, changes in the ocular lens, named anterior lenticonus, can occur, causing vision problems. Alport syndrome can manifest differently among individuals, and its severity can vary. Some people may experience mild symptoms, while others may develop more severe kidney problems, including end-stage renal disease, which may need dialysis or kidney transplant. Treatment for Alport syndrome primarily focuses on managing its symptoms and complications. Regular monitoring of kidney function and blood pressure, along with medications to control hypertension, are crucial aspects of the management plan. In cases of severe kidney damage, kidney transplantation may be necessary. As with any medical condition, early detection and intervention can improve results and quality of life for persons with Alport syndrome. Therefore, if there is a family history of the disorder or any concerning symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. Genetic testing can help confirm the diagnosis and identify affected family members, allowing for appropriate monitoring and management.
PubMed: 38021591
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47129 -
Acta Myologica : Myopathies and... 2023This review aims to increase awareness and improve understanding, diagnosis, and management of fibromyalgia - a complex, distressing health challenge that significantly... (Review)
Review
This review aims to increase awareness and improve understanding, diagnosis, and management of fibromyalgia - a complex, distressing health challenge that significantly impacts people's lives due to its variable nature and lack of clear diagnostic markers. Healthcare professionals must assist those with this condition and improve their general quality of life. Further, they can do a lot to improve the lives of people with Fibromyalgia by resolving diagnostic hurdles, promoting collaboration, supporting patient advocacy, advancing medical technology, and adopting novel approaches.
Topics: Humans; Fibromyalgia; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38090547
DOI: 10.36185/2532-1900-334 -
JAMA Dermatology Jul 2023
Topics: Humans; Hyperpigmentation; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 37285123
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.1414 -
Cancer Medicine Jul 2023Distress is prevalent among lymphoma patients/survivors. Current processes of distress identification rely on self-reporting by patients/survivors, which may be limited... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Distress is prevalent among lymphoma patients/survivors. Current processes of distress identification rely on self-reporting by patients/survivors, which may be limited by their willingness to report symptoms. To help identify patients/survivors at greater risk, this systematic review aims to comprehensively review factors that may contribute to distress in lymphoma patients/survivors.
METHODS
PubMed was systematically searched for peer-reviewed primary articles (1997-2022) consisting of standardised keywords "lymphoma" and "distress." Information from 41 articles was integrated via narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
Consistent risk factors of distress include younger age, relapsed disease, and greater comorbidities and symptom burden. Active treatment and the transition from treatment to post-treatment could be challenging phases. Adequate social support, adaptive adjustment to cancer, engaging in work and healthcare professionals' support may mitigate distress. There is some evidence that older age may be associated with greater depression and life changes/experiences may shape how individuals cope with lymphoma. Gender and marital status were not robust predictors of distress. Other clinical, psychological and socioeconomic factors are understudied or have mixed findings.
CONCLUSIONS
While several factors of distress align with that of other cancers, more research is needed to identify significant factors of distress in lymphoma patients/survivors. The identified factors may support clinicians in identifying distressed lymphoma patients/survivors and providing interventions where necessary. The review also highlights avenues for future research and a need to routinely collect data on distress and its factors in registries.
Topics: Humans; Stress, Psychological; Quality of Life; Lymphoma; Neoplasms; Psychological Distress
PubMed: 37199079
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6069 -
Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology :... Mar 2024Among the many fears associated with seizures, patients with epilepsy are greatly frustrated and distressed over seizure's apparent unpredictable occurrence. However,... (Review)
Review
Among the many fears associated with seizures, patients with epilepsy are greatly frustrated and distressed over seizure's apparent unpredictable occurrence. However, increasing evidence have emerged over the years to support that seizure occurrence is not a random phenomenon as previously presumed; it has a cyclic rhythm that oscillates over multiple timescales. The pattern in rises and falls of seizure rate that varies over 24 hours, weeks, months, and years has become a target for the development of innovative devices that intend to detect, predict, and forecast seizures. This article will review the different tools and devices available or that have been previously studied for seizure detection, prediction, and forecasting, as well as the associated challenges and limitations with the utilization of these devices. Although there is strong evidence for rhythmicity in seizure occurrence, very little is known about the mechanism behind this oscillation. This article concludes with early insights into the regulations that may potentially drive this cyclical variability and future directions.
Topics: Humans; Seizures; Emotions
PubMed: 38436388
DOI: 10.1097/WNP.0000000000001045 -
Journal of Public Health (Oxford,... May 2024This analysis posits that COVID-19-related worker mental distress may be different for those continuously employed and for those who faced temporary job loss.
BACKGROUND
This analysis posits that COVID-19-related worker mental distress may be different for those continuously employed and for those who faced temporary job loss.
METHODS
Mental distress during COVID-19 is characterized using two nationally representative surveys, the American Trend Panel (ATP) and the Household Pulse Survey (HPS). Using a probit model, we examine workplace perceptions for the mentally distressed in the ATP sample. We use graphical analysis to identify barriers to seeking mental healthcare using the 2021-22 HPS sample.
RESULTS
In October 2020, the probability of mental distress increased between 7.1 and 9.1 percentage points in response to worsening work-life balance, lowered job security, lowered work productivity and lowered work satisfaction. Workers' perception of advancement denial and poor connectivity with coworkers increased the probability of mental distress by 3.0-5.8 percentage points. In October 2021, over 40% of workers who had experienced job loss reported mental distress as compared to 20% of those with jobs. Only 25% of those with mental distress sought counseling. These high levels of mental distress continued into October 2022.
CONCLUSIONS
Mitigation strategies for worker mental health should include prosocial nudges, attention to employment history, managerial sensitivity and worker resilience training.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Male; Adult; Female; Middle Aged; SARS-CoV-2; United States; Psychological Distress; Stress, Psychological; Workplace; Job Satisfaction; Surveys and Questionnaires; Work-Life Balance; Employment
PubMed: 38515314
DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdae032 -
Hormones and Behavior Jul 2023Comforting is a crucial form of prosocial behavior that is important for maintaining social unity and improving the physical and emotional well-being of social species.... (Review)
Review
Comforting is a crucial form of prosocial behavior that is important for maintaining social unity and improving the physical and emotional well-being of social species. It is often expressed through affiliative social touch toward someone in distress, providing relief for their distressed state. In the face of increasing global distress, these actions are paramount to the continued improvement of individual welfare and the collective good. Understanding the neural mechanisms responsible for promoting actions focused on benefitting others is particularly important and timely. Here, we review prosocial comforting behavior, emphasizing synthesizing recent studies carried out using rodent models. We discuss its underlying behavioral expression and motivations, and then explore both the neurobiology of prosocial comforting in a helper animal and the neurobiology of stress relief following social touch in a recipient as part of a feedback loop interaction.
Topics: Animals; Social Behavior; Touch; Motivation; Emotions; Altruism
PubMed: 37301130
DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105391