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Indi Gregory was an 8-month-old English baby who passed away during the night between November 12 and 13, 2023. She suffered from mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome in its encephalomyopathic form, a rare and severe neurometabolic disorder. In this condition, the mitochondria in her cells did not produce enough energy, preventing the proper development of her body, particularly her brain and heart. The disease is incurable and typically leads to death within the first two years of life, with treatments only able to alleviate symptoms. Discovered in 2013, the disease is caused by mutations in the SLC25A1 gene on chromosome 22, which is responsible for producing the mitochondrial citrate transporter. It is a recessive genetic disorder that manifests when a child inherits two copies of the mutated gene from their parents. If both parents are carriers, each child has a 25% chance of being affected, a 50% chance of being a healthy carrier, and a 25% chance of being healthy and not a carrier of the mutation. The disorder is progressive and presents with severe encephalopathy, seizures from birth, respiratory failure, and brain malformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ephedra species are among the most popular herbs used in traditional medicine for a long time. The ancient Chinese medical book "Treatise on Febrile Diseases" refers to the classic traditional Chinese medicine prescription Ge Gen decoction, which consists of seven herbs, including an Ephedra species. Ephedra species are utilized all over the world to treat symptoms of the common cold and coughs, and to combat major human diseases, such as asthma, cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular and digestive disorders, and microbial infections. This study aimed at identifying specific Ephedra species used traditionally in Morocco for therapeutic purposes. The plant parts, their preparation process, and the treated pathologies were identified and analyzed. The results revealed five ethnobotanically important species of Ephedra: Ephedra alata Decne, Ephedra altissima Desf., Ephedra distachya L., Ephedra fragilis Desf., and Ephedra nebrodensis Tineo. These species are used traditionally in Morocco for treating people with diabetes, cancer, rheumatism, cold and asthma, hypertension, influenza virus infection, and respiratory ailments. In addition, they are occasionally used as calefacient agents, to regulate weight, or for capillary care. Few studies have underlined the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of some of these Moroccan Ephedra species, but little information is available regarding the natural products at the origin of the bioactivities. Further phytochemical investigations and clinical data are encouraged to better support the use of these plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2023 NOV 11 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- Current study results on bronchoscopy have been published. According to news reporting [...]

A patent has been issued for methods, apparatuses, and systems for aspirating airways by the University of Texas System. The patent addresses the need for a lightweight, compact, efficient, and reliable portable suction alternative for combat medics and civilian EMS providers. The invention includes a centrifugal pump, a storage canister, a suction tube, and a handle, providing a solution for clearing airways of patients with conditions such as tracheobronchial injuries and asphyxiation from airway obstruction. The apparatus is designed to be portable, effective, and rugged, addressing the shortcomings of existing portable suction devices in the market. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Chi Mei Medical Center in Tainan, Taiwan, explored the effectiveness of abdominal sandbag training in enhancing diaphragm muscle function and exercise tolerance in patients with chronic respiratory failure. The study involved a 3-month daily pulmonary rehabilitation program with progressive sandbag loading on the upper abdomen as a form of diaphragmatic resistant exercise. Results showed significant improvements in ventilation-related parameters, diaphragm characteristics, and the rate of ventilator detachment in the training group compared to the control group. The research suggests that abdominal sandbag training may benefit patients dependent on a ventilator by improving diaphragm muscle function and facilitating withdrawal from ventilation. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted in Urumqi, People's Republic of China, focused on the efficacy of noninvasive ventilator treatment for patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type II respiratory failure. The research found that patients who received noninvasive ventilator intervention showed significant improvements in lung function, arterial blood gas levels, and inflammatory markers compared to those who received standard treatments. The study suggests that noninvasive ventilator treatment may have broader clinical applications for patients with COPD and respiratory failure. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at an Emergency Department reported a case of airway obstruction caused by the accidental ingestion of super-absorbent polymers (SAPs), leading to fatal asphyxiation in a 76-year-old woman with Alzheimer's dementia. The study highlights the potential dangers of SAPs when ingested and emphasizes the importance of keeping such products out of reach of vulnerable populations. The research suggests that in cases of airway obstruction, emergency tracheotomy may be necessary, and experimental data propose the use of warm alkaline hydrogen peroxide solution to dissolve obstructive foreign bodies. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Medica Superspecialty Hospital in West Bengal, India, recently published a case report on the anesthetic management of a patient with a mobile vocal cord lesion causing airway obstruction. The patient was successfully intubated awake using a microlaryngeal tube loaded over a pediatric bronchoscope. The study emphasizes the importance of detailed preoperative evaluation and the use of difficult airway algorithms to prevent adverse events in such cases. For more information, the full article can be accessed in the Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China, discusses the use of awake prone positioning in an infant following living donor liver transplantation to improve oxygenation. The study found that early prone position ventilation may be effective in infants without adverse events, suggesting that it is not absolutely contraindicated after pediatric liver transplantation. The research highlights the need for more reasonable prone position strategies in infants undergoing liver transplantation. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Laval in Quebec City, Canada, explored the use of automated oxygen titration in the treatment of acute respiratory failure. The researchers found that automated oxygen titration could successfully be implemented in hospitalized patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure. The device was able to maintain oxygen saturation within the prescribed therapeutic window in 89% of cases. The study suggests that further improvements to the device and recommendations for optimized utilization should be made based on this experience. [Extracted from the article]

The article "Remdesivir: Lack of efficacy and drug overdose: 3 case reports" discusses three patients (2 men and 1 woman) in their 50s to 70s who experienced lack of efficacy while being treated with remdesivir for COVID-19. These patients were given an overdose of remdesivir while undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Despite following the recommended dosages, the patients' conditions deteriorated, leading to respiratory and circulatory failure, ultimately resulting in their deaths. [Extracted from the article]

A 67-year-old woman experienced worsening liver function while being treated for disseminated tuberculosis with rifampicin and pyrazinamide. She also showed lack of efficacy during treatment for bacterial infection with meropenem and vancomycin. Despite initial improvements, her liver function deteriorated when re-challenged with rifampicin, leading to her transition to palliative care and eventual death. The woman had a complex medical history, including breast cancer, COVID-19 disease, and a cerebrovascular accident, which likely contributed to her overall health decline. [Extracted from the article]

A case report in the journal "Reactions Weekly" describes a patient who experienced severe toxicities after overdosing on fentanyl and xylazine, including comatose state, respiratory depression, rhabdomyolysis, autonomic dysfunction, and brain edema. Despite treatment with naloxone to reverse the drug overdose, the patient did not show any improvement in their condition. The patient also developed cerebral herniation due to brain edema, which required treatment with hyperosmolar agents and management of intracranial pressure. [Extracted from the article]

A 65-year-old man with pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic hypoxic respiratory failure experienced lack of efficacy during treatment with epoprostenol, sildenafil, and treprostinil. Despite aggressive diuresis, non-invasive positive pressure ventilation, and various procedures to remove fluid from his lungs and heart, his respiratory failure persisted. Ultimately, he was transitioned to palliative care and passed away due to hypoxic respiratory failure and pulmonary arterial hypertension. [Extracted from the article]

A 12-year-old boy with acute aquaporin-4 IgG positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD) did not respond well to treatment with methylprednisolone, exhibiting worsening symptoms. After receiving an off-label treatment of IV eculizumab, the boy showed rapid improvement and stabilization. This case report highlights the lack of efficacy of methylprednisolone in this particular patient and the successful response to eculizumab therapy. [Extracted from the article]

The article in Reactions Weekly discusses two case reports of men aged 60 and 50 who showed lack of efficacy while being treated with temozolomide or bevacizumab for recurrent astrocytoma in brainstem or malignant glioma of medulla oblongata. The 60-year-old man with medulla oblongata glioma died of choking despite temozolomide treatment, while the 50-year-old man with brainstem astrocytoma experienced worsening dysphagia and respiratory failure with bevacizumab, leading to a tracheal intubation. Both cases highlight the challenges and limitations of these treatments for these specific conditions. [Extracted from the article]

A male patient with chronic cervical spinal cord injury developed flaccid paralysis during treatment with baclofen. Initially presenting with unresponsiveness and hypoxia, he experienced progressive worsening in upper extremity strength despite discontinuation of the baclofen pump. After weaning off the medication, the patient showed improvement in his condition without motor/tone improvement, as indicated by EMG/NCS findings. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application has been submitted for methods and devices to treat nasal airways, aiming to improve breathing by reducing airflow resistance. The invention focuses on the internal nasal valve, which is responsible for most of the resistance. Current methods involve invasive surgery or uncomfortable external nasal dilators. The proposed methods and devices aim to provide a less invasive and more effective solution by reshaping, strengthening, or changing the properties of nasal tissues using energy delivery elements such as radiofrequency electrodes. The patent application also includes claims for specific devices with expandable treatment elements, multiple radiofrequency electrodes, and impedance sensors. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Miyazaki in Japan discusses a rare syndrome called Rapid-Onset Obesity with Hypoventilation, Hypothalamic, Autonomic Dysregulation, and Neuroendocrine Tumors (ROHHAD(NET)). The report presents the oldest known autopsy case of this syndrome, which developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The patient was diagnosed with ROHHAD(NET) syndrome in childhood, and liver cirrhosis due to NASH was diagnosed at age 17. HCC was detected at age 20, and despite treatment, the patient died at age 21 from acute pancreatitis, liver failure, and pulmonary hemorrhage. The case provides valuable information for understanding the natural history of NASH and HCC, as well as improving the course of ROHHAD(NET) syndrome. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Manchester examined the effects of opioids and benzodiazepines on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who were on long-term non-invasive ventilation (LT-NIV). The researchers found that while the use of opioids and benzodiazepines did not affect gas exchange before LT-NIV setup, patients taking opioids reported more breathlessness. LT-NIV reduced the number of yearly exacerbations in the overall cohort, but its effectiveness was limited in patients taking benzodiazepines or opioids. Benzodiazepine use was associated with reduced exacerbation-free survival and overall survival, although the relationship with exacerbation-free survival became insignificant after adjustment for relevant factors. The study suggests that opioids and benzodiazepines, especially benzodiazepines, may limit the benefits of LT-NIV in patients with COPD. [Extracted from the article]

A recent pilot study conducted in Tamil Nadu, India, aimed to investigate the occurrence of respiratory illness among individuals working in the garment industry. The study found no significant correlation between the duration of work in the garment industry and the development of small airway obstruction. However, the researchers suggest that annual screening for airway obstruction could be integrated into routine health assessments for individuals in this industry. The study provides valuable insights into the respiratory health of garment industry workers and highlights the need for further research in this area. [Extracted from the article]

A 50-year-old man developed legionella infection due to immunosuppression while being treated with rituximab for ANCA-associated vasculitis. He presented with respiratory symptoms, was admitted to the ICU, and tested positive for legionella after a bronchoscopy. Treatment with levofloxacin led to clinical improvement, and he was discharged from the ICU after 21 days. [Extracted from the article]

A 65-year-old woman experienced a lack of efficacy while being treated with oseltamivir for community-acquired pneumonia. Despite receiving treatment, her condition worsened, leading to respiratory failure, myopericarditis, and myositis. She required a tracheostomy and a protracted hospital stay before eventually improving with ongoing supportive care and being discharged to a rehabilitation facility. [Extracted from the article]

A 7-month-old girl with a complex medical history experienced lack of efficacy during treatment with nitric oxide and unspecified antibiotics for hypoxic respiratory failure. Despite receiving these treatments, her chronic hypoxic respiratory failure did not improve. The girl had a history of multiple medical issues, including a partial chromosome 14 deletion, late-preterm birth, and various respiratory complications. She was eventually discharged with a diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, pulmonary hypertension, epilepsy, and continued respiratory support at home. [Extracted from the article]

A 76-year-old woman developed pulmonary tuberculosis while undergoing immunosuppressive treatment with methotrexate and prednisone. Despite receiving various medications for tuberculosis and COVID-19 pneumonia, including isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, remdesivir, steroids, and antibacterials, she unfortunately passed away due to multiorgan failure. The woman had a history of rheumatoid arthritis-interstitial lung disease and was on home oxygen, with a recent pulmonary embolism for which she was receiving apixaban. Her condition deteriorated, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome and a positive diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis secondary to her treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A 66-year-old woman with recurrent breast cancer and pulmonary metastasis developed pneumonitis, myopathy, and lack of efficacy while undergoing treatment with various medications. Despite receiving ribociclib and fulvestrant for 8 months, her condition worsened, leading to her passing away. Autopsy results indicated ribociclib-induced pneumonitis as the likely cause of death. [Extracted from the article]

A 27-year-old woman experienced altered consciousness and respiratory depression while being treated with multiple drugs for neuropathic pain, including celecoxib, dexmedetomidine, fentanyl, ketamine, morphine, pregabalin, propofol, and tramadol. Initially admitted to the ICU for sedation monitoring due to severe pain, she was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis but later found to have Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection. After a prolonged stay in the ICU, she underwent various treatments and therapies to support her recovery and was eventually discharged after 34 days. At a one-month follow-up, she had made sufficient progress to have her tracheostomy and feeding tube removed. [Extracted from the article]

A 38-year-old man with type II diabetes exhibited lack of efficacy during treatment with oseltamivir for influenza PCR and linezolid for methicillin-sensitive S. Aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. Aureus (MRSA) infection. Initially admitted for cough, sore throat, and dyspnea, he developed acute hypoxia and encephalopathy, necessitating intubation for hypoxemic respiratory failure, indicating lack of efficacy to oseltamivir and linezolid. Despite a prolonged hospital course, he eventually received treatment for both MSSA and mucor until outpatient follow-up. [Extracted from the article]

A 75-year-old woman with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease developed vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus pneumonia after receiving lidocaine therapy during a medical procedure. Initially suspected to have aspiration pneumonia, she was treated with conservative management and discharged home. However, she later presented with worsening symptoms and was diagnosed with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus pneumonia, which was successfully treated with linezolid after switching from azithromycin, cefepime, and vancomycin. The patient experienced complete resolution of the pneumonia following the treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A 57-year-old woman experienced a lack of efficacy while being treated with isavuconazonium and voriconazole for aspergilloma of the left lung. Despite the treatment, she suffered sudden massive haemoptysis and respiratory distress, leading to the need for immediate intervention. Further investigation revealed that the lack of efficacy was due to the left superior intercostal artery feeding into the aspergilloma. Ultimately, the woman underwent a successful embolization procedure to address the issue. [Extracted from the article]

A 54-year-old man with neuro-Sjogren's disease exhibited lack of efficacy during treatment with rituximab and immune-globulin. Despite receiving high doses of glucocorticoids, IVIG, and rituximab, his symptoms continued to progress, leading to respiratory failure and the need for intubation. Plasmapheresis was performed with improvement in respiratory weakness, but symptoms relapsed, requiring re-intubation. Treatment with cyclophosphamide was initiated for continued disease suppression, and a tracheostomy was performed in preparation for long-term ventilator wean. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses two case reports of infant patients diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1) who experienced adverse reactions during treatment with onasemnogene abeparvovec and eculizumab. One patient developed thrombotic microangiopathy and did not respond to eculizumab, ultimately passing away. The other patient experienced disease progression and respiratory distress despite treatment with onasemnogene abeparvovec, leading to their death. The lack of efficacy of the treatments was noted in both cases. [Extracted from the article]

A 62-year-old man with HIV and Kaposi's sarcoma exhibited lack of efficacy during treatment with doxorubicin-liposomal. Despite receiving three cycles of systemic chemotherapy with doxorubicin-liposomal, he developed worsening bilateral pleural effusions, leading to respiratory failure and Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) arrest. The patient's outcome was serious, as defined by the ICH, due to the lack of efficacy of the treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A 60-year-old man did not show any improvement while being treated with diltiazem and metoprolol for atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. Initially admitted for watery diarrhea, he later developed new-onset AF with rapid ventricular response. Despite the medication, his condition did not improve, leading to complications such as hypoxaemic respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and pulmonary embolism, ultimately resulting in his death. [Extracted from the article]

A 69-year-old man with multiple health conditions developed pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) while being treated with prednisone for tophaceous gouty arthropathy. He also experienced drug intolerance to febuxostat and lack of efficacy with cotrimoxazole for PCP. Despite treatment, his respiratory failure worsened, leading to his passing. [Extracted from the article]

Health Canada has announced a recall of M-Eslon (morphine sulfate) capsules due to a risk of overdose. The recall affects one lot of capsules that may contain double the intended dose, posing a potential danger to patients. Patients are advised to check their medication and contact their pharmacy if they have received the incorrect dosage, with immediate medical attention recommended in case of overdose. [Extracted from the article]

A case report from Kasturba Medical College discusses a rare complication of amyloidosis called tubercular tracheobronchial amyloidosis. This condition is characterized by the presence of an endobronchial mass and can be misdiagnosed as other respiratory conditions. The report highlights the importance of early diagnosis for improving quality of life and life expectancy in affected individuals. The full article can be accessed for free through the provided link. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University Hospital of Lyon in France evaluated the effectiveness of injecting hyaluronic acid as a treatment for internal nasal valve collapse (IVC), a common complication of rhinoplasty. The study included 22 patients who underwent rhinomanometry, completed questionnaires, and received hyaluronic acid injections. The results showed that one month after injection, 91% of patients had measurements below the diagnostic threshold for IVC, and subjective measures of nasal obstruction significantly improved. The study suggests that hyaluronic acid injection is an effective alternative to surgical treatment for IVC. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Maharashtra, India, focused on obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), also known as Pickwickian syndrome. OHS is characterized by obesity, daytime hypercapnia, and sleep-disordered breathing. The study emphasized the importance of a multifaceted approach to managing OHS, including weight loss, treatment of co-illnesses, pulmonary rehabilitation, and Bi-level positive airway pressure (Bi-PAP) therapy. The study presented a case of a 58-year-old woman with OHS who was successfully managed with Bi-PAP therapy and enrolled in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. The patient has been doing well since then. [Extracted from the article]

This document provides information about a clinical trial, NCT06612294, that is currently underway to test the effectiveness of behavioral interventions for managing asthma symptoms in older adults. Asthma affects 8% of the US population aged over 60, with a greater impact on minoritized older adults. The trial aims to recruit 300 participants aged 60 and above with uncontrolled asthma who are on controller medications. The interventions include sessions for asthma management and booster sessions. The trial is being conducted by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in collaboration with Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The study is expected to be completed by December 2028. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Government Medical College explores the management of alcohol withdrawal state in a patient with respiratory depression. Traditionally, benzodiazepines have been used to manage alcohol withdrawal, but this case report highlights the efficacy of oxcarbazepine as an alternative when benzodiazepines are contraindicated due to respiratory depression. The study focuses on a 50-year-old male patient and concludes that oxcarbazepine was effective in managing his alcohol withdrawal state. For more information, readers can refer to the Kerala Journal of Psychiatry. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Miyazaki in Japan discusses the case of an adult woman with Rapid-Onset Obesity with Hypoventilation, Hypothalamic, Autonomic Dysregulation, and Neuroendocrine Tumors (ROHHAD(NET)) syndrome. This syndrome is extremely rare and life-threatening, with death typically occurring around the age of 10. The patient in this case was diagnosed with ROHHAD(NET) syndrome in childhood and later developed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The report provides valuable information on the natural history of NASH and HCC, as well as potential therapeutic approaches. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Haji Adam Malik General Hospital in Medan, Indonesia, aimed to determine the association between clinical findings and laboratory parameters with the mortality of children with diphtheria. The study found that clinical characteristics of myocarditis and airway obstruction were associated with mortality in diphtheria patients. Additionally, there was a significant association between thrombocytopenia and mortality. The researchers concluded that pediatricians should be aware of these characteristics to prevent mortality in diphtheria cases. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Tennessee evaluated the effectiveness of using adult and pediatric manual resuscitator bags to ventilate adult patients. The study found that ventilation with the pediatric bag was significantly worse compared to the adult bag when ventilating a simulated adult subject. The researchers collected data on various ventilatory variables and concluded that both the pediatric and adult bags provided lower ventilation volumes than recommended by professional guidelines for adults. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Respiratory Care. [Extracted from the article]

A 74-year-old man developed diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) while being treated with treprostinil for pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD). He initially showed improvement in his condition with the treatment, but on day six, he developed hemoptysis and increased oxygen needs. Further tests confirmed that the DAH was a result of the treprostinil treatment. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated rapidly and he eventually passed away. [Extracted from the article]

A 63-year-old man developed diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD) while being treated with the immunosuppressant drug tacrolimus. The man had a history of pneumonia, hypertension, diabetes, and end-stage renal disease, and had received a renal transplant. He presented with symptoms of progressive dyspnea and cough, and was initially treated for suspected pneumonia. However, further investigations were negative and he had subsequent admissions for respiratory failure. He was treated with prednisone, antimicrobials, and supplemental oxygen, and his tacrolimus treatment was discontinued. Eventually, he showed improvement in his symptoms. [Extracted from the article]

A 65-year-old man developed pneumonitis while being treated with pembrolizumab for stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. He presented to the hospital with dyspnea and had a medical history of pulmonary sarcoidosis, chronic hypoxic respiratory failure, obstructive sleep apnea, and stage IV NSCLC. Physical examination and a chest CT scan confirmed the diagnosis of pembrolizumab-induced pneumonitis, complicated by interstitial lung disease. The patient's pembrolizumab therapy was discontinued, and he was treated with corticosteroids. Follow-up scans showed improvement, and corticosteroids were resumed with further follow-up scheduled. [Extracted from the article]

A retrospective study involving 132 patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) found that 12 patients experienced adverse reactions or lack of efficacy during treatment with various drugs. The reactions included diffuse alveolar haemorrhage, sepsis, pneumonia, respiratory failure, and progression of CHL. Some patients died as a result of these reactions, while others underwent autologous stem cell transplant or continued receiving chemotherapy. The study did not provide information about the ages or sexes of the patients. [Extracted from the article]