Academic literature on the topic 'Gastro-intestinal illnesses'

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) appears to be made up of several clusters of illness categories acting alone or in tandem to cause the decline of health through; fatigue/exhaustion, sensitivity/allergies, pain, general muscle and joint pains, cognitive impairment and gastro-intestinal problems. This study investigated how patients interpret, evaluate and respond to the complex and varied symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Data were collected from persons with CFS using a survey (n=90) and an interview (n=45). The researchers investigated how chronic fatigue syndrome is diagnosed by medical practitioners, how the label of CFS is determined and the social consequences for the patient. The results confirm the limited ability of the biomedical paradigm to diagnose adequately and treat effectively 'socially constructed' and medically ambiguous illnesses like CFS. In the absence of a legitimated regime of medical treatment for CFS, a range of often expensive treatments are employed by CFS sufferers, from formal use of pharmaceutical drugs through to 'alternative' therapies, including herbal, vitamin, homeopathic, esoteric meditative techniques, spiritual healing and general counselling are taken in no particular order.

Microorganisms efficiently colonize the external and internal surfaces of the animal body establishing mutually beneficial interactions and forming site- and individual-specific microbiota. The degradation of complex polysaccharides in the animal gut, the production of useful compounds, protection against pathogenic microorganisms and contribution to the development of an efficient immune system are the main beneficial effects of a balanced microbiota. A dysbiosis, an imbalanced composition of the microbiota, has been associated with a large number of diseases from gastro-intestinal or urogenital disorders to allergies, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases and even to the onset of certain cancers. A growing body of evidence has indicated that probiotic treatments, aimed at maintaining or rebalancing the microbiota, are useful to treat/prevent those illnesses. Lactic Acid Bacteria and Bifidobacteria are the most common microbes used in probiotic preparations; however, other bacteria and yeast cells are also widely used in commercial products. Here we focus on the use of bacterial spore formers as probiotics. Spore formers have been marketed as probiotics for over 50 years and are now extensively used for the treatment of intestinal disorders and as dietary supplements in humans, as growth promoters and competitive exclusion agents in animals.

Species of the Cochlospermaceae, a small mostly pantropical plant family, were evaluated at a continental scale for medicinal uses in traditional medicine. This ethnobotanical information was placed in a phylogenetic framework to make informed predictions in the search for new medicines and bioactive compounds. Medicinal plant-use data were mapped onto a molecular phylogeny based on DNA sequences of nuclear and chloroplast markers. Associations of medicinal uses among closely related species occurring in different geographic regions and among diverse cultures were evaluated. The most common medicinal uses for these species are those used to treat skin ailments, gastro-intestinal problems, malaria, and liver issues. The plant species with the most numerous uses is Cochlospermum tinctorium, which occurs primarily in West Africa. Closely related species being used by cultural groups in different geographic regions to treat the same illnesses suggests the presence of bioactive compounds with potential biomedical value, since they may represent independent discoveries of similar medicinally-active compounds. This leads to the speculation that those closely related species not currently being used to treat these ailments may also contain identical or similar medicinally-active compounds and are worthy of laboratory investigations.

The Predisposition of deferential Tenderness in Paragon of Rampur area was concentrated from January to December 2010. 100 and forty Stags of various ages in various seasons were researched for deferential ailments. The ailment was analyzed by clinical and physical assessments. The excrement were inspected by direct smear strategy following fixation by sedimentation and floatation procedures so as to recognize gastro intestinal parasites. Other end deferential ailments were analyzed based on explicit side effects. The Stags were likewise analyzed for ecto deferential pervasion. The ectoparasites were gathered by hand picking or by utilizing hair brush and analyzed under magnifying instrument for morphological examinations. The outcomes uncovered that the general Predisposition of endodeferential illnesses was 60.71% and ecto deferential Tenderness 15.71%. Grown-ups are more powerless for both ecto and endo deferential pervasion. By and large Predisposition of endodeferential ailments was discovered higher in blustery season and ecto deferential invasion in summer season. The investigation make consideration that the Stags in Pirgonj experiencing various deferential infections and proposes that treatment and control measures ought to be taken to keep the Stag populace out of deferential ailments.

Background Alcohol Dependence exists in different spectrums at different settings and associated with various medical morbidities, disability and health care utilization costs. Objectives To study the drinking patterns, alcohol use disorders and alcohol related medical morbidities in patients diagnosed with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS) and attending out / in-patient psychiatry services at secondary and tertiary care centre. Methods A cross-sectional comparative study was done among the patients diagnosed with ADS attending psychiatry services at District hospital, Udupi and Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. Serial sampling was done. Patients having any other psychiatric illnesses were excluded. The two groups were compared in relation to socio-demographic variables, drinking related variables, patterns of drinking and alcohol related medical morbidities identified. Results Significant differences in some socio-demographic parameters among the patients from the two different treatment centers were found with secondary level hospital (N=50) having more illiterate, laborers and below the poverty line population in comparison to the tertiary level hospital (N=75). Maximum frequency of gastro-intestinal morbidities was seen in both the hospital population, irrespective of the patterns of drinking. Conclusion Alcohol use disorders and alcohol related medical morbidities show some variations in their presentations in the different treatment centers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v11i2.12492 Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.11(2) 2013: 152-157

Background The zoo is a unique environment in which to study animals. Zoos have a long history of research into aspects of animal biology, even if this was not the primary purpose for which they were established. The data collected from zoo animals can have a great biological relevance and it can tell us more about what these animals are like outside the captive environment. In order to ensure the health of all captive animals, it is important to perform a post-mortem examination on all the animals that die in captivity. Methods The causes of mortality of two hundred and eighty two mammals which died between 2004 and 2015 in three different Italian zoos (a Biopark, a Safari Park and a private conservation center) have been investigated. Results Post mortem findings have been evaluated reporting the cause of death, zoo type, year and animal category. The animals frequently died from infectious diseases, in particular the causes of death in ruminants were mostly related to gastro-intestinal pathologies. pulmonary diseases were also very common in each of the zoos in the study. Moreover, death was sometimes attributable to traumas, as a result of fighting between conspecifics or during mating. Cases of genetic diseases and malformations have also been registered. Discussion This research was a confirmation of how conservation, histology and pathology are all connected through individual animals. These areas of expertise are extremely important to ensure the survival of rare and endangered species and to learn more about their morphological and physiological conditions. They are also useful to control pathologies, parasites and illnesses that can have a great impact on the species in captivity. Finally, this study underlines the importance of a close collaboration between veterinarians, zoo biologists and pathologists. Necropsy findings can help conservationists to determine how to support wild animal populations.

Abstract Background Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine) is essential for protein synthesis, cell proliferation and optimal systemic function, particularly for nervous system and blood. Moderate vitamin B12 deficiency is common even with normal hematological parameters. Diagnosis and treatment are delayed because of non-specific symptoms, normal blood count and lack of awareness. Objectives To find out the prevalence of hidden vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with normal blood count. Materials and Methods We reviewed the results of vitamin B12 tests which were ordered for patients at King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University between 1st of January- 30thof December 2012. Those with low vitamin B12 and normal blood count were contacted and interviewed and were asked for consent to participate in this retrospective study and to answer detailed medical history questions on dietary habits, medical illnesses, gastro-intestinal surgical procedures, and long term medications. Results Out of 3045 patients, there were 415 (155 males and 260 females, aged 36 +/- 18 years) with normal blood count, but low vitamin B12 level, which was between 40-140 pmol/l ( normal 145-637). 350 patients agreed (81 males and 170 females), but complete information was obtained only from 251 patients (71.71%). Symptoms included fatigue, tingling and numbness, impaired short-term memory, insomnia and impaired concentration. Identified causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency were as follows: 65 patients (26%) had partial gastrectomy, 12 (5%) had resection of the terminal ileum, 16 (6%) had gastric atrophy, 18 (7%) had celiac disease, 36 (14%) were vegetarians, 49 (20%) were diabetic on metformin, 47 (19%) were on proton pump inhibitors, and in 8 (3%) the cause could not be identified. Conclusion Vitamin B12 deficiency is common even in patients with normal hematological values. There is a need for continuous awareness program for physicians, dietitians, and general population to identify risk factors, and to implement guidelines for prevention, early detection and treatment of hidden Vitamin B12 deficiency. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Cancer cachexia is a metabolic wasting syndrome characterized by weight loss, anorexia and anemia as a result of tumor burden, and affects up to 80% of advanced cancer patients #1. Cachexia is particularly prevalent in pancreatic, lung, colorectal and gastro-intestinal cancers and can lead to reduced tolerance and responsiveness to chemotherapy, increased treatment-related toxicity and morbidity, and poor overall quality of life. There are currently no approved therapies for cancer cachexia. The development and maintenance of muscle tissue is dependent on the balance between protein synthesis and protein degradation, controlled through various anabolic and catabolic signaling pathways. Dysregulation of these pathways can result in muscle atrophy, which arises in many chronic illnesses. The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) has a central role in regulating skeletal muscle physiology. Previous work utilizing USP19 knock out mouse models has demonstrated that USP19 plays an important role in muscle wasting and can protect against denervation-induced muscle atrophy #2. We have previously demonstrated that inhibition of USP19 enzymatic activity spares the muscle wasting observed in limb-casted and denervated mouse models of muscle wasting. Here, we report the discovery of a novel, highly potent and selective inhibitor of USP19 (ADC-846) and demonstrate its utility in a cancer-induced muscle atrophy model in vivo. Pharmacological inhibition of USP19 by ADC-846 increased lean muscle and fat mass following oral dosing in a Lewis Lung Carcinoma-induced cachexia model and reduced the cachexic index by >60% compared to controls. This data, in combination with our previous work detailing the effect of USP19 inhibition on muscle force and function, provides a much-needed novel pharmacological strategy for therapeutic intervention in muscle wasting conditions. Citation Format: Natalie Page, Vignesh Karthikaisamy, Darren O'Hara, Aaron N. Cranston, Colin R. O'Dowd, Xavier Jacq, Richard Wilkinson, Stephanie Burton, Hayley Gibson, Joana Costa, Daniel Longley, Matthew Helm, Chris McGivern, Steven Shepherd, Christina Bell, Peter Hewitt, Mary McFarland, Hugues Miel, Steven Whitehead, Lauren Proctor, Shane J. Rountree, Mark Wappett, Mauricio Berriel Diaz, Stephan Herzig, Timothy Harrison. A novel first-in-class USP19 inhibitor for the treatment of cancer-induced muscle atrophy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 2 (Clinical Trials and Late-Breaking Research); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(8_Suppl):Abstract nr LB022.

Introduction: Evidence exists demonstrating that integrated health and social care (IHSC) can support enhanced care for highly vulnerable and marginalized population groups. One such group are homeless women. Street Haven (SH) is a multi-service women’s agency that serves homeless women who suffers from the intersection of critical health, social and financial disadvantages living in one of the poorest urban neighbourhoods in Toronto, Canada. SH provides shelter, supported housing, addictions treatment and training support services. Over the past ten years, client acuity has increased the health and social care needs of vulnerable women. The pandemic has exacerbated this. Clients have experienced chronic homelessness which is connected to trauma. They also suffer from mental illness conditions, and chronic diseases including respiratory illnesses, and gastro-intestinal illness, and diabetes. Street Haven has engaged in integrated health and social care (IHSC) to ensure that more comprehensive care can respond to the increasing client care complexity. Approach: IHSC coordination with community partners have been undertaken in order to address unmet health and social care. Within the SH shelter services, partnerships with primary health care partners, hospital services and community-based crisis and mental health teams have been established. As a result, a primary care physician and psychiatrist can be accessed once weekly on site by clients. Homeless women are then attached to a physician and psychiatrist while accessing SH services. In addition, when clients experience crisis, community-based outreach mental health and crisis teams are dispatched by other organizations to SH locations. The SH addiction treatment residence services also integrate with psychiatry services with a community clinical services agency and with the community crisis team to introduce crisis and psychiatric supports for addiction service clients. Lastly, SH works with community policing to ensure that women who exhibit behaviours stemming from crisis, may have benefit of community policing services that provide SH and client with protection while offering crisis supports at the same time. They help to divert clients from hospital and correctional services. Results: IHSC enables SH to better meet the needs of its highly complex client base within its premises. Several benefits of the IHSC include the identification of unmet health and social care needs of our clients including psychiatric and mental health needs and management of chronic diseases and medication prescription needs; enhanced client community engagement through the referral and coordination of services with community health and social care partner agencies; minimization of crisis events on SH premise sites; and minimizing utilization of acute car and correctional services. The competencies that are absent in the organization are available due to IHSC. Lessons Learned: IHSC can act as a lever for women’s shelter and addiction treatment services to provide more comprehensive health and social care services. IHSC is crucial considering the austerity in government program funding in Toronto and Ontario. IHSC is another means to better serve marginalized, homeless and impoverished women to ensure that they have more equitable access to health and social care services especially where there is a gender-bias against women’s services in Toronto.

Abstract Literature from as far back as the 12th century describes a hemorrhagic disease, now thought to be Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), from Tadzhikistan, Central Asia, which was transmitted by an arthropod that parasitized blackbirds (Hoogstraal, 1979). The arthropod described may well have been one or more species of Hyalomma tick larvae which frequently are found on blackbirds. In Central Asia, various hemorrhagic diseases known by such names as “cases of a peculiar gastro-intestinal hemorrhage,” “acute infectious capillarotoxicosis,” “acute infectious hemorrhagic disease,” and “Uzbezekistan hemorrhagic fever” were known for centuries to produce a disease similar to CCHF (Chumakov et al., 1976). The first detailed clinical description of CCHF (as Crimean hemorrhagic fever) was made during an epidemic in 1944-1945 in Crimea (Chumakov, 1945, 1946, 1971, 1974). An etiological agent, presumably a virus, was isolated from the blood of patients and from H. margitanum (as H. plumbeum) ticks. The disease produced an illness characterized by fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, backache, joint ache, and photophobia.