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Nutrients May 2024Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and long COVID are complex, multisystemic and long-term disabling conditions characterized by... (Review)
Review
Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and long COVID are complex, multisystemic and long-term disabling conditions characterized by debilitating post-exertional malaise and other core symptoms related to immune dysregulation resultant from post-viral infection, including mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic neuroinflammation and gut dysbiosis. The reported associations between altered microbiota composition and cardinal symptoms of ME/CFS and long COVID suggest that the use of microbial preparations, such as probiotics, by restoring the homeostasis of the brain-immune-gut axis, may help in the management of symptoms in both conditions. Therefore, this review aims to investigate the implications of alerted gut microbiome and assess the evidence supporting use of microbial-based preparations, including probiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics alone and/or in combination with other nutraceuticals in the management of fatigue, inflammation and neuropsychiatric and gastrointestinal symptoms among patients with ME/CFS and long COVID.
Topics: Humans; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; COVID-19; Probiotics; Dysbiosis; SARS-CoV-2; Dietary Supplements; Synbiotics; Brain-Gut Axis
PubMed: 38892479
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111545 -
Zeitschrift Fur Evidenz, Fortbildung... Jun 2024In Germany, an estimated number of 70,000 people diagnosed with long COVID or post-COVID syndrome (PCS) had received inpatient medical rehabilitation by the end of 2022....
["The idea of rehabilitation will have to be completely rethought for this illness" - Qualitative results of an online survey on patients' experiences with inpatient rehabilitation for post COVID-19 condition (long COVID)].
BACKGROUND
In Germany, an estimated number of 70,000 people diagnosed with long COVID or post-COVID syndrome (PCS) had received inpatient medical rehabilitation by the end of 2022. Due to the heterogeneity of the clinical picture, the variability of interventions and inconsistent endpoints, previous studies on the effectiveness of rehabilitation are of limited value. It therefore remains unclear whether and to what extent rehabilitation measures established for, e.g., pulmonary, cardiovascular, or neurological diseases are suitable for patients with PCS.
OBJECTIVES
To identify the experiences and perspectives of those affected by PCS, in relation to inpatient rehabilitation and to describe patients' values and wishes with respect to evidence-based medicine.
METHODS
In January/February 2023, the German initiative "Long COVID Deutschland" conducted a retrospective online survey (39 closed items, two open answer fields) among adult PCS sufferers on their experiences with inpatient rehabilitation. Recruitment was carried out via social media and websites of patient initiatives. The open answers were analyzed using a structuring and summarizing qualitative content analysis according to Mayring, supplemented by descriptive representations of the distribution of standardized information.
RESULTS
Of 1,191 participants in the survey, 733 used open response formats to additionally explain their experiences and the effects of individual measures on their general condition. 366 (50%) reported that their state of health deteriorated, mainly because of strength or endurance training and too extensive treatment plans. The presence of a post-exertional malaise (PEM) or its insufficient consideration during rehabilitation was described as the main barrier. Recognition and acceptance of individual performance limits, flexible and coordinated individual treatment plans tailored to the patient's limitations, and support in coping with the disease were described as supportive factors. From the participants' perspective, learning strategies to avoid deterioration in their state of health due to overexertion, the so-called pacing, should be the core treatment goal for patients affected by PEM.
DISCUSSION
The results are not statistically representative but ensure systematic insights into the subjective perspectives of those affected, the consideration of which represents one of the three principles of evidence-based medicine. The results show that for PCS patients with PEM, even minimum requirements for rehabilitation measures can lead to overexertion and aggravation.
CONCLUSIONS
Common subject-specific rehabilitation concepts appear to be only partially suitable for dealing with the symptoms and the heterogeneity of the disease. Aims and interventions should be individually adapted, and the focus should be on pacing, disease coping and management. A reliable test for PEM and rehabilitation ability before the start of rehabilitation is needed to ensure safety for those affected. To adequately classify studies on the effectiveness of rehabilitation, risks and side effects should be disclosed.
PubMed: 38890022
DOI: 10.1016/j.zefq.2024.05.007 -
Proceedings. Biological Sciences Jun 2024The more insects there are, the more food there is for insectivores and the higher the likelihood for insect-associated ecosystem services. Yet, we lack insights into...
The more insects there are, the more food there is for insectivores and the higher the likelihood for insect-associated ecosystem services. Yet, we lack insights into the drivers of insect biomass over space and seasons, for both tropical and temperate zones. We used 245 Malaise traps, managed by 191 volunteers and park guards, to characterize year-round flying insect biomass in a temperate (Sweden) and a tropical (Madagascar) country. Surprisingly, we found that local insect biomass was similar across zones. In Sweden, local insect biomass increased with accumulated heat and varied across habitats, while biomass in Madagascar was unrelated to the environmental predictors measured. Drivers behind seasonality partly converged: In both countries, the seasonality of insect biomass differed between warmer and colder sites, and wetter and drier sites. In Sweden, short-term deviations from expected season-specific biomass were explained by week-to-week fluctuations in accumulated heat, rainfall and soil moisture, whereas in Madagascar, weeks with higher soil moisture had higher insect biomass. Overall, our study identifies key drivers of the seasonal distribution of flying insect biomass in a temperate and a tropical climate. This knowledge is key to understanding the spatial and seasonal availability of insects-as well as predicting future scenarios of insect biomass change.
Topics: Animals; Seasons; Sweden; Madagascar; Biomass; Tropical Climate; Temperature; Insecta; Water; Ecosystem
PubMed: 38889793
DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.0090 -
Cureus May 2024Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection, also commonly known as chickenpox, is a communicable disease most often contracted in childhood via contact, airborne, or droplet...
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection, also commonly known as chickenpox, is a communicable disease most often contracted in childhood via contact, airborne, or droplet transmission. After about a two-week incubation period, patients can experience a prodromal phase, which includes a pruritic vesicular blistering rash with associated constitutional symptoms such as fever, headache, malaise, muscle aches, fatigue, and sore throat. Symptoms are often self-limiting and only require supportive care and observation. We report a case of a 54-year-old female who presented with an unusual background history and was found to have a rare manifestation of herpes zoster virus, presenting as herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO).
PubMed: 38883095
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60453 -
BMC Palliative Care Jun 2024Clinical evidence for the rapidity and effectiveness of fentanyl buccal soluble film (FBSF) in reducing pain intensity of breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) remains...
BACKGROUND
Clinical evidence for the rapidity and effectiveness of fentanyl buccal soluble film (FBSF) in reducing pain intensity of breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) remains inadequate. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of FBSF proportional to the around-the-clock (ATC) opioid regimens in rapidly relieving the intensity of BTcP episodes by determining the percentage of patients requiring further dose titration.
METHODS
The study procedure included a dose-finding period followed by a 14-day observation period. Pain intensity was recorded with a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at onset and 5, 10, 15, and 30 min after FBSF self-administration. Meaningful pain relief was defined as the final NRS score ≤ 3. Satisfaction survey was conducted for each patient after treatment using the Global Satisfaction Scale.
RESULTS
A total of 63 BTcP episodes occurred in 30 cancer patients. Only one patient required rescue medication at first BTcP episode and then achieved meaningful pain relief after titrating FBSF by 200 µg. Most BTcP episodes relieved within 10 min. Of 63 BTcP episodes, 30 (47.6%), 46 (73.0%), and 53 (84.1%) relieved within 5, 10, and 15 min after FBSF administration. Only grade 1/2 adverse events were reported, including somnolence, malaise, and dizziness. Of the 63 BTcP episodes, 82.6% were rated as excellent/good satisfaction with FBSF.
CONCLUSION
FBSF can be administrated "on demand" by cancer patients at the onset of BTcP, providing rapid analgesia by achieving meaningful pain relief within 10 min.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This study was retrospectively registered 24 December, 2021 at Clinicaltrial.gov (NCT05209906): https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05209906 .
Topics: Humans; Fentanyl; Female; Male; Breakthrough Pain; Middle Aged; Analgesics, Opioid; Aged; Administration, Buccal; Adult; Pain Measurement; Cancer Pain; Pain Management; Neoplasms; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38877477
DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01483-7 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024The purpose of this study is to investigate the drug safety of three Transthyretin (TTR) inhibitors in the real world using the United States Food and Drug...
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to investigate the drug safety of three Transthyretin (TTR) inhibitors in the real world using the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.
METHODS
This study extracted reports received by the FAERS database from the first quarter of 2018 to the third quarter of 2023 for descriptive analysis and disproportionality analysis. Safety signal mining was conducted at the Preferred Term (PT) level and the System Organ Class (SOC) level using reporting odds ratio (ROR). The characteristics of the time-to-onset curves were analyzed using the Weibull Shape Parameter (WSP). The cumulative incidence of TTR inhibitors was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on whether the reporter was a medical professional.
RESULTS
A total of 3,459 reports of adverse events (AEs) caused by TTR inhibitors as the primary suspect (PS) drug were extracted. The top three reported AEs for patisiran were fatigue, asthenia, and fall, with the most unexpectedly strong association being nonspecific reaction. The top three reported AEs for vutrisiran were fall, pain in extremity and malaise, with the most unexpectedly strong association being subdural haematoma. The top three reported AEs for inotersen were platelet count decreased, blood creatinine increased, and fatigue, with the most unexpectedly strong association being blood albumin decreased. Vitamin A decreased, arthralgia, and dyspnea were the same AEs mentioned in the drug labels of all three drugs, while malaise and asthenia were the same unexpected significant signals. This study offers evidence of the variability in the onset time characteristics of AEs associated with TTR inhibitors, as well as evidence of differences in adverse event reporting between medical professionals and non-medical professionals.
CONCLUSION
In summary, we compared the similarities and differences in drug safety of three TTR inhibitors in the real world using the FAERS database. The results indicate that not only do these three drugs share common AEs, but they also exhibit differences in drug safety profiles. This study contributes to enhancing the understanding of medical professionals regarding the safety of TTR inhibitors.
PubMed: 38873427
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1368244 -
Cancer Medicine Jun 2024To achieve patient-centricity in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treatment, it is essential to clarify the differences in perspectives between patients and...
OBJECTIVE
To achieve patient-centricity in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treatment, it is essential to clarify the differences in perspectives between patients and physicians. This cross-sectional analysis of a web survey aimed to clarify the differences in expectations and concerns between mRCC patients and physicians regarding systemic mRCC therapy in Japan.
METHODS
Surveys from 83 patients and 165 physicians were analyzed.
RESULTS
The top three most significant differences in expectations of systemic therapy between patients and physicians (patient-based physician value) were "Chance of achieving treatment-free status" (-30.1%, p < 0.001), "Longer survival" (+25.8%, p < 0.001), and "Chance of eliminating all evidence of disease" (-25.6%, p < 0.001). The top three most significant differences in concerns for systemic therapy between patients and physicians (patient-based physician value) were "Lack of efficacy" (+36.1%, p < 0.001), "Lack of knowledge of treatment" (-28.2%, p < 0.001), and "Daily activities affected by side effects" (+22.3%, p < 0.001). Diarrhea, fatigue/malaise, and nausea/vomiting were patients' most distressing adverse events; 50.6% of patients had difficulty telling their physicians about adverse events such as fatigue, anxiety, and depression.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated a gap between patients with mRCC and physicians in their expectations and concerns for systemic therapy. Japanese patients with mRCC suffer from a number of adverse events, some of which are not shared with physicians. This study highlights the importance of communicating well with patients in clinical practice to achieve patient-centricity in systemic treatment for mRCC.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Renal Cell; Cross-Sectional Studies; Male; Female; Japan; Middle Aged; Kidney Neoplasms; Aged; Adult; Physicians; Surveys and Questionnaires; Physician-Patient Relations; Neoplasm Metastasis; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38872405
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7196 -
Revue Medicale de Liege Jun 2024Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease characterized by low bone density and altered microarchitecture, exposing to bone fragility and an increased risk of fracture. Several... (Review)
Review
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease characterized by low bone density and altered microarchitecture, exposing to bone fragility and an increased risk of fracture. Several therapeutic modalities can effectively reduce the risk of fractures both vertebral and non-vertebral. While a significant part of bone strength and structure is genetically determined, it should be recalled that the environment also plays a significant role in these parameters and the risk of fracture, thus offering preventive opportunities thanks to lifestyle. In this article, we review the common misconceptions and myths about the influence of diet and physical activity on bone mineral density and fracture risk.
Topics: Humans; Osteoporosis; Bone Density; Exercise; Diet; Osteoporotic Fractures; Life Style; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38869135
DOI: No ID Found -
Cureus May 2024Introduction Malaria is a major public health concern, especially in developing countries. Malaria often presents with recurrent fever, malaise, and other nonspecific...
Introduction Malaria is a major public health concern, especially in developing countries. Malaria often presents with recurrent fever, malaise, and other nonspecific symptoms mistaken for influenza. Light microscopy of peripheral blood smears is considered the gold standard diagnostic test for malaria. Delays in malaria diagnosis can increase morbidity and mortality. Microscopy can be time-consuming and limited by skilled labor, infrastructure, and interobserver variability. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools for diagnostic screening can automate blood smear analysis without relying on a trained technician. Convolutional neural networks (CNN), deep learning neural networks that can identify visual patterns, are being explored for use in abnormality detection in medical images. A parameter that can be optimized in CNN models is the batch size or the number of images used during model training at once in one forward and backward pass. The choice of batch size in developing CNN-based malaria screening tools can affect model accuracy, training speed, and, ultimately, clinical usability. This study explores the impact of batch size on CNN model accuracy for malaria detection from thin blood smear images. Methods We used the publicly available "NIH-NLM-ThinBloodSmearsPf" dataset from the United States National Library of Medicine, consisting of blood smear images for Plasmodium falciparum. The collection consists of 13,779 "parasitized" and 13,779 "uninfected" single-cell images. We created four datasets containing all images, each with unique randomized subsets of images for model testing. Using Python, four identical 10-layer CNN models were developed and trained with varying batch sizes for 10 epochs against all datasets, resulting in 16 sets of outputs. Model prediction accuracy, training time, and F1-score, an accuracy metric used to quantify model performance, were collected. Results All models produced F1-scores of 94%-96%, with 10 of 16 instances producing F1-scores of 95%. After averaging all four dataset outputs by batch size, we observed that, as batch size increased from 16 to 128, the average combined false positives plus false negatives increased by 15.4% (130-150), and the average model F1-score accuracy decreased by 1% (95.3%-94.3%). The average training time also decreased by 28.11% (1,556-1,119 seconds). Conclusion In each dataset, we observe an approximately 1% decrease in F1-score as the batch size was increased. Clinically, a 1% deviation at the population level can create a relatively significant impact on outcomes. Results from this study suggest that smaller batch sizes could improve accuracy in models with similar layer complexity and datasets, potentially resulting in better clinical outcomes. Reduced memory requirement for training also means that model training can be achieved with more economical hardware. Our findings suggest that smaller batch sizes could be evaluated for improvements in accuracy to help develop an AI model that could screen thin blood smears for malaria.
PubMed: 38868293
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60224