Search Results (62)

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder due to damage of the nigrostriatal pathway and consequent dopamine (DA) deficiency. The main classic symptoms are those related to motor disturbances, such as postural instability, resting tremor, bradykinesia, and muscle rigidity. Other symptoms, such as non-motor symptoms, do not attract the attention of clinicians and are often overlooked, remaining undiagnosed and untreated, even though they can significantly impair quality of life of PD patients. Dopaminergic therapy is primarily aimed at treating motor symptoms, although it can bring measurable benefits for various non-motor problems. This narrative review analyzes the scientific literature and describes the most recent information on the impact of dopaminergic therapy on non-motor symptoms in PD; both its beneficial and undesirable effects. We discuss evidence that non-motor symptoms such as cardiovascular dysfunction, thermoregulatory issues, dysphagia and drooling, urinary symptoms, pain, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea, can be effectively treated with various dopaminergic strategies, while noting the contraindications and adverse effects of these therapies. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate salivary leptin, adiponectin, and calprotectin levels and to investigate the associations among these biomarkers in periodontally healthy individuals, as well as in patients with gingivitis and periodontitis. Methods: A total of 165 participants were included: 55 periodontally healthy individuals, 55 with gingivitis, and 55 with periodontitis. Unstimulated saliva was collected via passive drool, and salivary leptin, adiponectin, and calprotectin levels were biochemically quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Salivary leptin levels were significantly lower in the periodontally healthy group than those in the gingivitis and periodontitis groups, whereas adiponectin levels were reduced in the periodontitis group than in the periodontally healthy and gingivitis groups (p < 0.05). Salivary calprotectin levels differed significantly among groups, highest in the periodontitis group, followed by the gingivitis and periodontally healthy groups (p < 0.05). Salivary leptin and calprotectin levels demonstrated significant positive correlations with all clinical periodontal parameters, while adiponectin levels were negatively correlated (p < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic and logistic regression analyses identified salivary leptin, calprotectin, and adiponectin levels as significant biomarkers for distinguishing periodontal health, gingivitis, and periodontitis (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest salivary leptin, calprotectin, and adiponectin may serve as biomarkers and potential risk predictors of periodontal disease. Full article

Early diagnosis of lung cancer, essential for reducing its high mortality rate, is currently challenging, partly due to the lack of specific biomarkers. Here, we attempted to develop a noninvasive and potentially sensitive screening method based on the proteomic analysis of unstimulated and stimulated saliva samples, collected by passive drooling and salivary swabs, respectively, from healthy heavy smokers enrolled in a nonprofit screening project. Protein content analyzed before and after sample cryopreservation for various periods and the associated two-dimensional electrophoresis revealed that protein extraction after short-term cryopreservation prevented the loss of detectable proteins. Mass spectrometric analysis of these electrophoretically resolved proteins revealed the presence of salivary proteins whose levels may be dysregulated in various types of lung cancer. Finally, in pilot experiments conducted on stimulated saliva from a patient with a lung cancer nodule, we detected altered content or selective presence of proteins involved in lung carcinogenesis, such as serpin B3 or the proteins S100A14 and aldoketoreductase-A1, respectively. While acknowledging that these findings require further validation, we believe that the use of saliva and related proteomic analyses may contribute to the identification of potential early lung cancer biomarkers, which could hopefully improve clinical management of the tumor and patient survival. Full article

Background: Central facial palsy (CFP) is a common condition following stroke, typically affecting the lower face and causing symptoms such as drooling, dysarthria, and facial asymmetry. Despite available rehabilitation methods, the evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited. Electromyography (EMG)-triggered Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) has shown promise in neurorehabilitation for motor impairments, but its application to CFP remains unclear. Methods: This case report explores the use of EMG-triggered FES in a 77-year-old patient with CFP following a severe ischemic stroke of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Therapy, focused on stimulating the orbicularis oris muscle to address persistent drooling and improve facial symmetry, was alongside usual care. The stimulation duration was 5–15 min, frequency 35 Hz, and pulse duration 300 µs, applied 5 times a week. Stimulation duration was adjusted based on the patient’s progress. Results: The patient underwent 16 sessions of EMG-triggered FES over four weeks. Post-therapy reassessment with the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS) showed an improvement in facial motor function, with the score increasing from 58/100 to 78/100. Reassessment of the Facial Disability Index (FDI) revealed significant improvement in physical function (55 to 85 points), though the social function score slightly decreased (76 to 64 points). Improvements in dysarthria and the complete resolution of drooling were reflected in the physical function domain of the FDI and the Allensbach Dysarthria Severity Scale. Conclusions: The results highlight that EMG-triggered FES was well tolerated and effectively supported therapy, contributing to the resolution of drooling, improved facial symmetry, and enhanced speech function. Future research should focus on randomized controlled trials to confirm its effectiveness and determine optimal therapy parameters. Full article

Biological systems learn from past experiences by establishing relationships between two simultaneously occurring events, a phenomenon known as associative learning. This concept has promising applications in modern AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning). To leverage it effectively, a precise electrical model that can simulate associative learning observed in biological systems is essential. The paper focuses on modeling Pavlov’s famous experiment related to the drooling of dogs at the sound of bell after associating the food with the bell during training. The study addresses limitations in existing circuit designs that fail to accurately replicate associative learning in dogs, particularly when the sequence of food and bell signals deviates from a specific pattern. We propose a novel design using a few CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) transistors and memristor models that produces an output corresponding to the dogs drooling only when food and bell signals are associated, mirroring real-life training conditions. The results section first discusses simulations using the standard TiO₂ (Titanium Oxide) memristor model, followed by experimental results obtained from a classical memristor emulator. Both simulation and experimental findings confirm the effectiveness of the circuit designs. Full article

Feeding difficulties are constantly present in patients with Crisponi/cold-induced sweating syndrome type 1 (CS/CISS1). The aim of our study was to describe their prevalence and evolution from birth to adult age. We performed an observational study at the Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Rome. Fourteen patients were included in this study (six M; mean age: 18 years; SD: 10.62 years; median age: 15 years; age range: 6–44 years); six were adults (43%). Data on oral motor abilities from birth were collected. Meal duration, presence of swallowing reflex, dysphagia symptoms, difficulty chewing, and drooling management were assessed. At birth, all patients needed enteral feeding. Introduction of solid food was postponed beyond the age of 18 months in 43% of patients. During childhood and adolescence, mealtime was characterized by increased duration (43%) accompanied by fatigue during chewing (43%), food spillage from the nasal cavities (21%), sialorrhea (86%), and poor/reduced appetite (57%). A mature rotatory chewing skill was never achieved. This report expands the phenotype description of CS/CISS1 and also improves the overall management and prevention of complications in this ultra-rare disease. Full article

Chronic sialorrhea is a condition characterized by excessive drooling, often associated with neurological and neuromuscular disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, and stroke. Despite its prevalence, it remains underdiagnosed and poorly understood, leading to a lack of comprehensive data on patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment patterns. This study aimed to help fill these existing gaps by analyzing real-world data using Optum’s de-identified Clinformatics^® Data Mart Database. Patients were required to have a diagnosis indicative of sialorrhea plus evidence of sialorrhea treatment between 1/1/2007 and 5/31/2022. Two cohorts were analyzed: patients with evidence of newly diagnosed sialorrhea and associated treatment, and sialorrhea patients initiating incobotulinumtoxinA. Clinical characteristics, comorbidities, symptoms, and treatment utilization were described before and after diagnosis and incobotulinumtoxinA initiation. No formal statistical comparisons were performed. Patients were predominantly aged 65 or older, male, and non-Hispanic white. Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy were the most common comorbidities among adults and children, respectively. Treatment patterns suggest that anticholinergics are more commonly used than botulinum toxin therapy. The findings offer valuable information for improving diagnosis and treatment approaches and suggest a need for further research into treatment effectiveness, safety, and disease burden. Full article

The prevalence and impact of Getah virus (GETV) are significant concerns in China. GETV can infect a wide range of animals, including horses, pigs, sheep, cattle, birds, and humans, resulting in substantial losses in the livestock and agricultural industries. GETV infection can cause the development of ulcers and inflammation in the mouth and gums of horses, which result in pain and discomfort and lead to symptoms such as reduced appetite, drooling, and difficulty chewing. As a result, there is a pressing need for efficient and rapid disease diagnosis methods. However, the currently available diagnostic methods have limitations in terms of operational time, equipment, and the experience of the individuals using them. In this study, a rapid, specific, and sensitive detection method was developed using a colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic strip (ICS) for the detection of antibodies against GETV in horses. To prepare the ICS, the antigen domain of the E2 glycoprotein of GETV was expressed using the Escherichia coli expression system after analysis with DNAstar v7.1 software. The nitrocellulose membrane was coated with rE2 protein or SPA to form the test line and control line, respectively. After optimizing the reaction conditions, the sensitivity, specificity, and repeatability of the strip were verified. The results showed that the test strip had a detection limit of up to 1:320 dilutions for GETV-positive serum, with no cross-reactivity observed with other equine-susceptible pathogens such as equine arteritis virus (EAV), equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-I), equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), equine influenza virus (EIV), African horse sickness virus (AHSV), and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). Furthermore, the ICS exhibited a concordance rate of 94.0% when testing 182 clinical serum samples compared to the virus neutralization test. Overall, this ICS diagnosis method will be an effective tool for the rapid detection of GETV in the field. Full article

Moebius syndrome is a collection of orofacial anomalies with highly variable features affecting many different systems but characterised by bilateral facial palsy and absent eye abduction. We largely regard Moebius syndrome as a diagnosis of exclusion. Lack of awareness and knowledge means that children often fall between services, leading to treatment delays and difficulty interfacing with social care and schools, with long-term impact on physical health and psychosocial development. We developed a multidisciplinary team comprising core clinicians (lead physician, geneticist, speech and language therapist, psychologist and specialist nurse) and an expanded group to encompass the other affected systems. The interactions between our specialties lead to the development of a treatment protocol, which we present. The protocol harnesses the aspects of care of children with a range of other rare diseases at a specialised paediatric centre and synthesises them into a holistic approach for MBS and related conditions. Management is sequenced on an “ABC-style” basis, with airway, feeding, vision and speech taking priority in the early years. We define management priorities as airway stabilisation with swallow assessment, ocular surface protection and maintenance of nutritional support. Management principles for issues such as speech, reflux, drooling and sleep issues are outlined. In later years, psychological support has a prominent role geared towards monitoring and interventions for low mood, self-esteem and bullying. Full article

Dental wear arises from mechanical (attrition or abrasion) and chemical (erosion) factors. Despite its prevalence and clinical significance, accurately measuring and understanding its causes remain challenging in everyday practice. This one-year study with 39 participants involved comprehensive examinations and full-arch intraoral scans at the start and after 12 months. Volume loss exceeding 100 µ on each tooth’s surfaces (buccal, lingual/palatine and incisal/occlusal) was measured by comparing three-dimensional scans from both time points. This study also assessed factors such as abrasion and erosion through clinical exams and questionnaires. There were no significant differences in dental wear in participants with sleep bruxism. However, noticeable wear occurred in the front teeth of those with waking bruxism and joint-related symptoms. Increased wear was associated with frequent consumption of acidic drinks, regular swimming, dry mouth, nocturnal drooling and heartburn, while no significant wear was found in patients with reflux. The used methodology proved effective in accurately assessing the progression of dental wear, which is important as many patients may initially be asymptomatic. The variability observed in dental wear patterns underscores the need to develop specific software applications that allow immediate and efficient comparison of wear areas based on extensive analysis of patient databases. Full article

Background: Pitt–Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a rare genetic disorder affecting psychomotor, social, and intellectual development, caused by a mutation in the TCF4 gene. The study aims to gather the phenotype and genotype data of PTHS patients from Poland and to assess the quality of life (QoL) and the impact of the disorders on the family. Methods: Eight families with PTHS participated in the study. To obtain data, the following standardized questionnaires were used: Questionnaire on Clinical Problems (QCP), the PedsQL™ Family Impact Module, and the QL-Disability Questionnaire. Additionally, a retrospective analysis of clinical examination, genetic consult, medical history, and genotype of each individual was performed. Results: All of the examined children exhibited a mutation in the TCF4 gene and typical features of PTHS. The most prevalent clinical symptoms in the study group included typical PTHS appearance, intellectual disability (n = 5; as the rest of the patients were too young to be assessed), abnormal speech development (n = 8), reduced pain response (n = 7), constipation (n = 7), drooling (n = 7), cold extremities (n = 7), and disturbances in sensory integration processes (n = 7). The QL-Disability Questionnaire revealed a total QoL score of 67.7/100 for children with PTHS, while the QoL for their families in the PedsQL Family Impact Module was 53.82/100. The highest-rated domain was cognitive functioning (Median (Me) = 67.50; Standard Deviation (SD) = 21.95), while the lowest was daily activities (Me = 25.00; SD = 29.86). Conclusions: The study allowed the collection of data on the phenotype and genotype of children with PTHS living in Poland. Overall, our study showed that the QoL of children with PTHS is impaired. Full article

Some South American countries have ancient traditions that may pose legal problems, such as the consumption of coca leaves, as this can provide positive results for cocaine use after the analysis of biological samples. For this reason, it is necessary to find specific markers that help differentiate legal from illegal consumption, such as tropacocaine, cinnamoylcocaine, and especially hygrine and cuscohygrine. In this work, two techniques for collecting biological samples are compared: the Quantisal^® Oral Fluid collection device and passive drooling. Once the samples were collected, they were subjected to solid-phase extraction for subsequent injection into GC-MS. Different validation parameters included in international guides have been studied to evaluate whether the proposed method is valid for the defined purpose, placing special emphasis on the study of the matrix effect and little value on GC-MS analyses. With respect to this parameter, an increase in the signal was found for CUS and t-CIN, but it was not significant for the rest of the substances studied. The recoveries have varied significantly depending on the way of working, being higher when working with standardized areas. After carrying out work with the oral fluid samples collected from laboratory volunteers, the method was applied to two real samples. The results obtained support the need for further research to overcome certain limitations presented by the device. Full article

Dyslipidemia, a condition implying high cardiovascular risks, has been widely studied on its potential nutrition interventions, including functional foods. This study aims to examine the effect of nattokinase monascus supplements (NMSs) on cardiovascular biomarkers and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in patients with dyslipidemia. A total of 113 eligible subjects were randomly assigned to receive either NMSs or a placebo (55 and 58, respectively). After a 120-day intervention, there were significant mean absolute changes in total cholesterol (TC), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and low-density cholesterol to high-density cholesterol ratio (LDL-C to HDL-C ratio), with values of −0.52 (95% CI: −0.51 to −0.54) mmol/L, −0.43 (95% CI: −0.45 to −0.41) mmol/L, −0.52 (95% CI: −0.52 to −0.52) mmol/L, and −0.29 (95% CI: −0.30 to −0.28) mmol/L, respectively, between the two groups. However, no significant differences were found in triglycerides (TGs), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), and CIMT. Furthermore, the results for lipids and CIMT remained essentially unchanged after adjusting for various confounding factors using the analysis of covariance model. There were no significant differences in coagulation, liver function, renal function, or other indicators. No intervention-related adverse events, such as mouth ulcers, drooling, and stomach pain, were reported. The study results demonstrate that NMSs can ameliorate lipid levels (TC, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and the LDL-C to HDL-C ratio) without the occurrence of adverse events. However, it did not significantly affect serum TG, HDL-C, and CIMT. Full article

CTNNB1 syndrome is an autosomal-dominant neurodevelopmental disorder featuring developmental delay; intellectual disability; behavioral disturbances; movement disorders; visual defects; and subtle facial features caused by de novo loss-of-function variants in the CTNNB1 gene. Due to paucity of data, this study intends to describe feeding issues and oral-motor dyspraxia in an unselected cohort of 10 patients with a confirmed molecular diagnosis. Pathogenic variants along with key information regarding oral-motor features were collected. Sialorrhea was quantified using the Drooling Quotient 5. Feeding abilities were screened using the Italian version of the Montreal Children’s Hospital Feeding Scale (I-MCH-FS). Mild-to-severe coordination difficulties in single or in a sequence of movements involving the endo-oral and peri-oral muscles were noticed across the entire cohort. Mild-to-profuse drooling was a commonly complained-about issue by 30% of parents. The mean total I-MCH-FS t-score equivalent was 43.1 ± 7.5. These findings contribute to the understanding of the CTNNB1 syndrome highlighting the oral motor phenotype, and correlating specific gene variants with clinical characteristics. Full article

The diversity of viruses identified from the various niches of the human oral cavity—from saliva to dental plaques to the surface of the tongue—has accelerated in the age of metagenomics. This rapid expansion demonstrates that our understanding of oral viral diversity is incomplete, with only a few studies utilizing passive drool collection in conjunction with metagenomic sequencing methods. For this pilot study, we obtained 14 samples from healthy staff members working at the Duke Lemur Center (Durham, NC, USA) to determine the viral diversity that can be identified in passive drool samples from humans. The complete genomes of 3 anelloviruses, 9 cressdnaviruses, 4 Caudoviricetes large bacteriophages, 29 microviruses, and 19 inoviruses were identified in this study using high-throughput sequencing and viral metagenomic workflows. The results presented here expand our understanding of the vertebrate-infecting and microbe-infecting viral diversity of the human oral virome in North Carolina (USA). Full article