Recent Updates in Disease and Health Research Vol. 9

This case report highlights a challenging clinical case called glycogen hepatopaty-induced acute hepatitis. This clinical condition is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed even by consultant specialists eventually hampering patient management and outcome. Glycogen hepatopathy is a very rare and forgotten complication of poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus. Glycogen hepatopathy may also present in type II diabetes mellitus, especially when managed with high doses of insulin. Although it is a benign condition, it is rarely diagnosed in a timely manner. It is characterised by hepatomegaly causing abdominal pain due to stretch on the liver capsule causing capsulitis, and derangement of liver enzymes. We report a case of a 44-year-old male truck driver who presents to ED with right upper quadrant pain in the context of uncontrolled type II diabetes mellitus for the last two years.  Glycogen hepatopathy is caused by wide fluctuations of blood glucose and treatment with large doses of insulin. High levels of insulin due to uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or high doses for treatment lead to excess glucose movement into hepatocytes via independent passive diffusion.

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is the most common leukaemia in adults, and it remains an incurable malignancy with conventional chemoimmunotherapy. A middle-aged gentleman who was diagnosed with high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), Rai stage IV, Binet C with del(17p) and del(13q) underwent allogeneic haematopoeitic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) from a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) identical sister. Allogeneic haematopoeitic stem cell transplantation remains the only treatment with curative potential but is associated with high non-relapsed mortality (NRM). The patient developed extensive skin, oral, and liver chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD) and required tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and prednisolone. In seventh month after allo-HSCT, the patient presented with systemic symptoms, right cervical lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, marked pancytopaenia, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Bone marrow study, immunophenotyping (IP), chromosome analysis, and PET-CT scan confirmed relapsed CLL with no evidence of Richter’s transformation or posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). Withdrawal of immunosuppressant (IS) worsened cutaneous and liver GVHD. Chemotherapy was not a suitable treatment option in view of immunodeficiency. The patient underwent extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) therapy eventually for extensive chronic GVHD, and the IS were gradually tapered to the minimal effective dose. The relapsed CLL was treated successfully with oral venetoclax accessible via a compassionate drug program. This case highlights challenges in managing relapsed CLL and loss of graft-versus-leukaemia (GVL) effect despite extensive chronic GVHD. Venetoclax is an effective and well-tolerated oral novel agent for relapsed CLL after allo-HSCT. In conclusion, this study achieved an excellent outcome when treating a patient with relapsed CLL after allo-HSCT using oral venetoclax and concomitant ECP therapy for extensive chronic GVHD. Venetoclax is a well-tolerated oral novel agent and long-term follow-up is important to ensure the disease achieves a sustained complete remission.

The purpose of this study was to explore the related factors affecting the functional exercise compliance of patients with Parkinson’s disease through the univariate analysis. This study also investigates the effects and interventions of handheld Tai Chi water resistance fitness balls on older adults with Parkinson's disease using statistical methodologies and a survey. First, the validity and reliability of a questionnaire on exercise compliance for Parkinson's disease patients were examined. Parkinson’s syndrome is common in middle-aged and elderly people and is a neurological degenerative disease, mainly manifested by muscle stiffness, tremors and movement disorders and other symptoms, seriously affecting the quality of life and health of the elderly. A survey was conducted to investigate the current status of exercise compliance among Parkinson’s disease patients, including general information, scoring status, and single and multiple-factor analyses of influencing factors. The results of the study show that through qualitative research, the dimensions and item pools of the questionnaire were initially constructed, and the reliability analysis of the questionnaire was conducted through Delphi expert consultation, with favorable results in terms of its reliability and validity. The research indicates that there is a need for improvement in the existing state of exercise compliance among patients with Parkinson's disease and that there are notable variations in patients' degrees of exercise compliance depending on the situation. Finally, the research results were discussed and conclusions were drawn. The innovation of this study lies in the development of a questionnaire on exercise compliance for patients with Parkinson’s disease and the preliminary qualitative research and Delphi expert consultation conducted on it, providing new ideas and methods for the study of exercise compliance. However, the study also has limitations as it did not examine the effects of other interventions on Parkinson’s disease, so further research should be conducted. We believe that with the continuous development of science and technology and the continuous emergence of innovation, we will be able to bring more hope and possibility to more people in need of help, and jointly create a healthier and better future.

Background and Implication: According to relevant data, the incidence rate of schizophrenia in China is about 6.55%, which has seriously affected the physical and mental health of patients and brought a heavy burden to their families and even society. According to relevant surveys, most patients with schizophrenia will relapse within a 2-year recovery period after clinical treatment. The main reason for the recurrence of the patient's condition is non-compliance with treatment, such as discontinuing medication. Health education can enhance patients' awareness of diseases, encourage them to consciously adopt behaviors and lifestyles that are beneficial to their own health, and enhance their treatment and nursing compliance.

Objective: To summarize the health education methods for schizophrenia in China in the past 10 years.

Methods: Relevant literature was reviewed and organized, and health education methods for schizophrenia in China were analyzed.

Results: From the perspective of the target audience, health education for schizophrenia in China is mainly divided into three categories, namely those aimed at patients, those aimed at caregivers, and those aimed at patient families; From the perspective of time length, it can be divided into short-term education and medium to short-term education; From the theoretical perspective, it can be divided into the following 3 categories, namely those based on educational theory, those based on psychological theory, and those based on nursing theory.

Conclusion: The implementation methods of health education for schizophrenia tend to be diversified and specialized, but their standardization and scientificity need to be improved, and the depth and breadth need to be expanded.

Aumkar also known as the “pranava mantra” is the most chanted mantra during and spiritual or regional practices as well as during meditation. Regular practice of aumkar meditation helps in tuning the internal vibratory frequency with the external vibratory frequency, which helps in dealing with the external as well as internal stressful situations during pregnancy. Along with this, it also helps in increasing the parasympathetic system activity which induces relaxation and provides calmness. This is useful in dealing with hormonal emotional outbursts during pregnancy and reduced the pain and fear related to delivery and improved vaginal delivery rates. Hence, the aim of this chapter is to describe how practicing aumkar meditation helps to lead a blissful pregnancy.

Exposure to sunlight is essential for the synthesis of vitamin D, which plays a vital role in maintaining bone health and immune function. However, excessive sun exposure can lead to various detrimental effects on the skin, including sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. To mitigate these risks, the use of sunscreen has become a widely recommended preventive measure. This study article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the effects of sun exposure on the skin and the importance of sunscreen as a protective measure. We explore the mechanisms by which ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun interacts with the skin and discuss the adverse consequences of prolonged exposure. Understanding the effects of sun exposure on the skin and the importance of sunscreen is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sun-related damage. Sunscreen, when used correctly and in conjunction with other sun-protective measures, is a valuable tool for minimizing the risks associated with excessive sun exposure.

The aquatic environment is the ultimate sink for all the environmental pollutants any chemical pollutant either natural or synthetic is most likely to reach the aquatic environment sooner or later. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Sago effluent on the levels of growth hormone in the blood samples of the freshwater fish Clarias batrachus. The fish were exposed to control and different concentrations of treated sago effluents. The concentrations chosen were 25%, 50% and 75% of treated sago effluent. The levels of the growth hormone were increased in the blood sample of the experimental fish Clarias batrachus when compared with that of controls. The findings and the results of the present study indicate that the growth hormone levels in the fish were increased with increasing the concentrations of the effluent. This could be due to some toxicants which is present in effluent could have acted as endocrine disruptors and had a profound influence on the hormone levels.

The objective of this research study is to explore the potential of gene therapy as a treatment for colour vision deficiencies, to improve colour discrimination and perception in affected individuals. Gene therapy has emerged as a promising approach for treating colour vision deficiencies, including red-green colour blindness. Gene therapy involves the delivery of therapeutic genes into target cells to correct genetic abnormalities and restore normal cellular function. Cell sensitivity, and improved colour discrimination in animal models. Furthermore, early clinical trials have reported encouraging outcomes, indicating the potential effectiveness and safety of gene therapy in humans. This study provides an overview of the advancements and challenges in gene therapy for colour vision. It highlights the genetic basis of colour blindness, the various gene therapy strategies employed, and the outcomes of preclinical and clinical studies. Gene therapy holds promise as a potential therapeutic avenue for addressing colour vision deficiencies, and ongoing research and clinical trials will continue to shed light on its effectiveness, safety, and long-term outcomes.

The glymphatic system plays a crucial role in the removal of metabolic waste and toxins from the central nervous system (CNS). Recently discovered, this system represents a significant breakthrough in the field of neuroscience. The glymphatic system is particularly important for the drainage of amyloid-beta and tau proteins, which are associated with various neurodegenerative diseases. Dysfunction of this system has been linked to the accumulation of these proteins, suggesting a connection with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis.

Cranial manipulative treatment can be used to drain the glymphatic system, improving the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and facilitating the removal of metabolic waste. Specific techniques, such as decompression techniques, cranial suture mobilization, membrane balancing techniques, and cranial compression exploiting the viscoelastic properties of bone tissue, have been developed to improve the functionality of cranial bones and associated tissues.

Preliminary results from studies on the effects of glymphatic manipulations are promising, but further research is needed to confirm these results and optimize the techniques for broader clinical use.

Purpose: The present study highlights the attitude of Health Professionals of the General Oncology Hospital of Attica towards integrated Hospital Information Systems (HISs) and the socio-demographic factors that shape them.

Background: Health professionals and patients are becoming more educated and, at the same time, more demanding in terms of the use of information and communication technologies (ICT). The need for automation to be integrated into the health sector is highlighted by the growing requirement to handle the increasing volume of health information that is becoming more and more abundant, as well as the need to improve the productivity and efficiency of health professionals.

Materials-Methods: A quantitative stratified sampling survey was conducted using the occupational category of the employees as a stratification variable. Data were collected using the standard Nurses Attitudes Towards Computerization (NATC) self-report questionnaire and Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS-v25.

Results: The employees of the General Oncology Hospital under study have a positive attitude toward the use of Hospital Information Systems (Mean=3.73, SD=0.54). Statistically significant differences between occupational categories were found only for the dimension of “Providing quality care to the patient” (p=0.007) and more specifically between nurses and doctors. Regarding the effect of demographic factors on the five dimensions that form the attitude of health professionals towards the HIS, only “gender” (p = 0.009) and “occupation categories” (p=0.007) seem to influence this attitude and specifically the dimension “Providing quality care to the patient”, whereas “previous experience in the use of computers at work” affects the dimension “Reduction in jobs” (p=0.009). The effect of gender was statistically significant only in terms of the “quality of care provided to patients” through the use of HIS. The analysis revealed that men hold a more positive attitude towards the use of computers compared to women.

Conclusions: Employees at the General Oncology Hospital under study have a positive attitude toward the use of Hospital Informatics Systems (HISs), according to the statistical analysis of the data. Employees who now use personal computers for work tend to disagree with the idea that HIS will result in job losses, and men tend to have the most positive attitudes.

Acute cholecystitis is a complication of gallstone disease, and its severity can be graded according to the Tokyo Guidelines into grades one, two, and three. The management of acute cholecystitis can be divided into conservative treatment followed by delayed cholecystectomy. With the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, early cholecystectomy has slowly emerged as the treatment of choice. As there is no consensus on the management of acute cholecystitis, this chapter investigates the role of conservative treatment, timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the role of percutaneous cholecystostomy.

In the interconnected web of the healthcare ecosystem, effective communication is of chief importance for promulgating medical knowledge, cultivating and strengthening patient engagement, as well as encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration. This review provides a detailed analysis of the interrelation and intricacies between medical writing and medical communication, exploring their roles, challenges, and evolving dynamics. Through an interdisciplinary lens, it delves into how medical writing translates complex medical information into accessible formats, while medical communication bridges the gap between healthcare providers, patients, and the broader community. By uncovering their symbiotic relationship and addressing emerging trends, this review aims to offer insights into how the seamless integration of medical writing and medical communication contributes to enhanced healthcare outcomes and societal well-being.

Unexpected occurrences that have occurred recently have made it more difficult for the current population to maintain a balance of livelihood. This is because of the COVID-19, but it has also brought with it several other uncommon and extremely deadly fungal infections, like mucormycosis, which lurk beneath the surface of the virus. Under the impact of COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis, this infection causes a number of clinical disorders, the most frequent of which being rhino-cerebral illness. This condition occurs mainly in the patients with diabetes mellitus which can be extremely life threatening. Several other respiratory, gastrointestinal and cutaneous contaminations also occur during this condition. Numerous risk factors for mucormycosis exist and may coexist with the severity of the ailment. These include keto-acidosis in diabetic individuals, immunosuppressive medication users, history of pulmonary infections, and other nosocomial infections. There are no specific biomarkers available to diagnose Mucormycosis. Histopathological examination of the biopsied tissue and imaging of the involved area are most important in diagnosis. Being an anthropo invasive fungus, mucormycosis typically grows in areas with damp surfaces and decomposing and dead plant matter. Although they belong to a completely separate group, the dematiaceous fungi are referred to as "black fungus."  Since the COVID-19 pandemic is on its massive widespread in the country, the new variant being more infectious, people are more tend to some other complications of the COVID-19 contamination such as that of the secondary fungal infections causing high mortality rates. The routine has to be followed by providing the patients with proper antifungal medications and the competence of a surgical expert alongside the operative facilities. A managed and equitable distribution of the resources for the COVID-19 support has to be managed in order to decrease the fatality rates of the patients.