Woman's Mysterious Burning Feet Traced to Worms in Her Brain
The worms seem to have been unlucky souvenirs the woman unknowingly picked up while traveling in Thailand, Japan, and Hawaii.
Embedded in her central nervous system, the quiet invaders didn't 'make a peep' until 12 days after the woman had returned home. Only then did their presence cause an intense immune response that took a further week to diagnose.
Over several days, hot pain in the woman's feet crawled up her legs, trunk, and arms, before erupting in a splitting headache that even frequent doses of pain relief medication couldn't alleviate.
An initial visit to the emergency department turned up only a mild increase in disease-fighting white blood cells. But after days of unrelenting discomfort and a mild fever, the woman returned to a different hospital looking for answers.
Following treatment with intravenous anti-inflammatories and an anti-anxiety medication called lorazepam, her headache finally abated and she was discharged.
Once again, the symptoms persisted.
The next morning, when the woman woke, she began to pack for a vacation that she had not planned. Her roommate noticed her strange behavior and encouraged her to lie back down in bed. Hours later, when the woman was still showing signs of confusion, her partner took her to hospital.
"The development of confusion in this patient with sensory symptoms, headache, and possible intermittent fever suggests the possibility of encephalitis and further increases concern about a central nervous system infection," explains infectious disease specialist Joseph Zunt from the University of Washington.
Testing her blood, her doctors found no sign of parasites, and a CT scan of her head showed no red flags beneath her skull. Yet when medical staff performed a lumbar puncture, they found the patient's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which bathes the brain and spinal cord, contained markers of eosinophilic meningitis – a rare form of brain infection that can be caused by parasites.
Based on the patient's recent travel and her symptoms, her doctors agreed she met the criteria for a presumptive diagnosis of angiostrongyliasis.
This insidious disease is also known as rat lungworm because it is caused by the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis, which starts its life cycle in the lungs of a rodent before spreading to slugs and snails.
Most people aren't eating uncooked slugs or snails, but if we bite into a fresh, leafy vegetable that one of these creatures has slimed, the parasite's larvae can end up in our bodies without us knowing it.
That's one of the reasons why washing green produce is so important when staying in parts of the world where rat lungworm spreads, including Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Australia. Undercooked crab or prawns can also be a vector, as these animals eat slugs and snails, too.
When the parasites infect human bodies, they can migrate to the pulmonary arteries, swimming into the central nervous system and threatening the life of the host.
Only occasionally are the larvae able to be seen in the brain for a definitive diagnosis. Usually, brain scans only hint at damage from these parasites. The image below, for instance, shows clear signals of lesions in parts of a 32-year-old's brain that are indicative of angiostrongyliasis.
Thankfully, the woman in the US had her brain saved from parasites by a two-week course of drugs that can cross the blood-brain barrier to treat angiostrongyliasis. The patient was also given a high dose of a steroid called prednisone to help alleviate inflammation in her brain.
Her symptoms abated with the combination treatment, and on her sixth day in hospital, she was able to go home – this time without hidden passengers in her brain.
The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
World's Most Common Painkiller During Pregnancy Linked to ADHD
Female Physicians Are Dying by Suicide at Astonishingly High Rates
Study Finds Humans Age Faster at 2 Sharp Peaks – Here's When
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Even a single slice of sausage a day can increase the risk of chronic diseases.
Bad news for sausage fans: According to a new study, even small amounts of processed meat can increase the risk of chronic diseases. A ham sandwich here, a snack salami there–what sounds harmless can lead to diabetes, coronary heart disease, or colon cancer. FITBOOK nutrition expert presents the study results to you. Processed meat products have long been suspected of promoting chronic diseases. However, the strength of the connection–and whether even small amounts are harmful–remained unclear until now. A research team led by Demewoz Haile from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington aimed to find out exactly that. The goal was to systematically quantify the impact of common food groups on the development of chronic diseases. Given that chronic diseases like diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD), and colon cancer cause a significant disease burden worldwide, precise insights into diet-related risk factors are of great importance for public health.1 How the Researchers Proceeded The study was conducted as a so-called 'Burden of Proof' analysis–an advanced method based on systematic reviews (meta-analyses) and statistical modeling. The unique aspect: With this special method, the researchers were able to calculate dose-response relationships–that is, how much the risk increases with different consumption levels. They deliberately calculated conservatively to avoid overestimating effects. They used only existing data from large observational studies. What is the 'Burden of Proof' Method?The 'Burden of Proof' studies are a series of particularly elaborate meta-analyses developed by the IHME. They compile data from numerous observational studies and assess how strong and reliable the connection is between a risk factor (e.g., processed meat) and a disease (e.g., type 2 diabetes). The result is presented with a star system–from weak (one star) to strong evidence (five stars). The aim is to reduce scientific uncertainties and enable reliable statements for dietary recommendations. For the present study, data from a variety of prospective cohort studies and case-control studies were included, such as: 15 studies with over 1.1 million participants on the link between processed meat and type 2 diabetes 11 studies with over 1.17 million participants on processed meat and CHD 18 studies with over 2.67 million participants on processed meat and colon cancer Also interesting: The less meat in the diet, the lower … Even One Sausage a Day Is Too Much The analysis showed that even the smallest daily amounts of processed meat are associated with a measurable increase in disease risk–in all areas studied. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increased by an average of 11 percent with a daily intake of 0.6 to 57 grams. Assuming a person eats 50 grams per day (equivalent to two to three slices of cold cuts or a Vienna sausage), the risk increased by a whopping 30 percent. The results for colon cancer were similarly unfavorable. Here, a daily intake of 0.78 to 55 grams resulted in an average risk increase of seven percent. Those who eat 50 grams of processed meat daily have a 26 percent higher risk of colon cancer. For CHD, a daily 50-gram portion led to a 15 percent increase in risk. The study authors noted: The risk increased continuously with the amount–but particularly strongly at low, everyday amounts. Sugary Drinks and Trans Fats Also Showed a Negative Effect The authors also considered two other common food groups that showed a negative effect on the development of chronic diseases: sugary drinks and trans fats. The analysis included 19 studies on sugar-sweetened beverages and diabetes (563,444 participants), eight studies on CHD (961,176 participants), and 6 studies with 226,509 people on trans fats and CHD. The result: Consuming sugar-sweetened beverages (e.g., soft drinks) increased the risk of diabetes by 20 percent and CHD by seven percent when 250 grams were consumed daily. If trans fats (e.g., in croissants, fries, ready meals) made up one percent of daily energy intake, the risk of chronic diseases increased by 11 percent. Significance of the Results Even the smallest amounts of sausage, soft drinks, and trans fats can increase the risk of three of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. Particularly critical: The steepest increase in risk occurred at low daily intake levels–areas that many people regularly consume. For everyday life, this means: Even those who 'moderately' indulge in processed meat or soft drinks may potentially expose themselves to an increased risk of disease. This result is also reflected in the 2024 updated recommendations of the German Nutrition Society. Instead of 600 grams, only 300 grams of meat and sausage can be consumed per week–if one wants to eat these foods at all. The DGE emphasizes: 'Even with a consumption of no or less than 300 grams of meat per week, the nutritional goals can be achieved.'2 For research, the study underscores the need to precisely capture dose-response relationships–not least to be able to provide realistic and effective dietary recommendations. Context and Possible Limitations The study uses an advanced methodology with systematic literature search and precise dose-response modeling. The 'Burden of Proof' method is among the most demanding approaches in nutritional epidemiology today. Also noteworthy is the transparency of the work: The data, methods, and codes are publicly accessible, and conflicts of interest have been disclosed and excluded. The work was peer-reviewed and published in 'Nature Medicine,' a renowned journal. However, there are limitations: The results are based on observational studies–studies that cannot prove cause-and-effect relationships but only show associations. These were each internally rated with only two stars, 'indicating weak associations or conflicting evidence and underscoring both the need for further research and–given the high burden of these chronic diseases–the advisability of continuing to limit the consumption of these foods,' the study authors conclude. Less Is More Small amounts of processed meat seem harmless, but they are not. The current study shows that small amounts of sausage and the like are enough to significantly increase the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, CHD, and colon cancer. Particularly insidious: The greatest risk increase occurs with small, everyday portions. So, if you want to do something good for your health in the long term, you might want to opt for the plant-based alternative at your next snack. Less is clearly more in this case–and sometimes even life-extending. The post Even a single slice of sausage a day can increase the risk of chronic diseases. appeared first on FITBOOK.
Geek Wire
3 days ago
- Geek Wire
UW scientists use AI to crack ‘undruggable' proteins, opening door to new treatments
A protein engineered by University of Washington scientists wraps around its target. (Institute for Protein Design Image) The wiggly targets known to scientists as 'intrinsically disordered proteins' have for decades eluded capture by custom-made drugs and antibodies. But they played such important biological roles — activating opioid receptors; triggering protein misbehavior associated with neurodegeneration; killing insulin producing cells — that researchers kept after them. Now scientists in a University of Washington lab led by Nobel laureate David Baker have cracked the challenge, using generative AI to create proteins that grab hold of the shapeshifting molecules. The discovery could unlock a suite of new drugs and diagnostic tools. Almost half of the proteins found in humans are intrinsically disordered, 'yet we've had no reliable way to drug [them],' Baker said in a statement. 'These studies change that by giving scientists everywhere new tools for binding the unstructured half of biology.' University of Washington biochemist and Nobel Prize laureate David Baker at his office in Seattle. (GeekWire Photo / Lisa Stiffler) Unlike typical proteins that fold into defined, set shapes, intrinsically disordered proteins are more like cooked spaghetti — they're floppy and lack a stable structure. The UW scientists built a library of protein parts that can be stitched together and applied to diverse targets, zeroing in on short stretches of amino acids for binding. The researchers tested their custom-made proteins with promising results: one successfully blocked pain signals in cultured human cells, while another dissolved protein clumps linked to type 2 diabetes. The technique also proved useful for detecting and tagging scarce but important molecules, including a disease marker screened for in newborns. The results were striking — designer proteins successfully latched onto 39 out of 43 targets tested, a 91% success rate. Each protein folds precisely around its intended target, creating a tight, specific embrace. The new approach to engineering proteins is described in two papers, one published today in the journal Science, and a second available as a preprint. The majority of more than two-dozen authors are from the UW's Department of Biochemistry and the university's Institute for Protein Design, which is led by Baker. Researchers worldwide can access the open-source software online. Kejia Wu, a co-author on a Science paper describing a new technology for protein design, at her thesis defense in 2024 at the University of Washington. (IPD Photo) Kejia Wu, a former graduate student with the Baker lab and now a post-doctoral fellow, was a co-lead author of the newly published Science paper alongside Hanlun Jiang and Derrick Hicks. The project was exciting, Wu said, because it was so difficult and provided 'space to have creative thoughts.' Most of those ideas are nonsense and will fail, Wu said. 'But then you will be able to narrow [it] down — one of your thoughts might make sense, and you just start working on it,' she continued. 'So that's the part I like the most. You're able to come up with untraditional methods, untraditional thinking.' And while it was difficult initially to strategize a solution for the intrinsically disordered proteins given their shapeless nature, that fluidity has an upside. A structured, folded protein typically has just one solution for a binding protein, Wu said. 'But the conformational plasticity … actually gives us freedom to target [the molecule] many different ways — and we only need one of them to work.'
New York Post
3 days ago
- New York Post
How to get TRT in 2025: A step-by-step guide to optimizing your testosterone levels
New York Post may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase. If you've been feeling a little low in more than one aspect of life, you're not alone, and chances are you're not going crazy, either. You may be experiencing the symptoms of low testosterone. Testosterone is the sex hormone that is responsible for a range of important functions, from hair growth and bone density to sperm count and libido levels. Low testosterone affects millions of men, and the symptoms can feel like a slow drag on daily life. Nearly 39% of men aged 45 years and older have low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, according to the University of Washington's School of Public Health. Advertisement The symptoms are not the same for everyone, which can make it more challenging for men to identify the root cause. Some notice their muscles looking a little less defined than they used to. Or, possibly, they've struggled to maintain energy throughout the day. Others feel that they're sex drive is nearly non-existent. Fortunately, there are treatment options for men with low testosterone: FDA-approved injections, creams, gels, tablets, and even natural supplements that are designed to support testosterone production. Find Out About Our Top TRT Pick Ulo Ulo Feeling low on energy? Ulo offers a personalized approach to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), starting with an at-home lab test and virtual consultation with a licensed provider. If TRT is recommended, treatment options — including injections, gels, and oral medications — are delivered straight to your door. Plans start at $159/month. You'll only be charged if a provider determines treatment is appropriate and writes a prescription. Treatment is currently available in select states and includes ongoing support throughout your plan. Learn more about how it works and if it's available in your state at Ulo's website. LEARN MORE Advertisement 'TRT stands for Testosterone Replacement Therapy,' explained Deep Patel, the co-founder of Ulo, a telehealth company that offers tailored TRT protocols. 'It's a way of bringing your testosterone levels back into a healthy range when your body isn't producing enough. You're not taking extra. You're restoring what your system is missing.' If you're new to the TRT space, chances are you're not too familiar with the process for getting a TRT prescription or what types of treatments are available. The good news is that Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) has become much more accessible through legitimate telehealth clinics like Ulo. The Post has consulted several men's health experts and leaders in the hormone space to create a step-by-step guide to getting TRT in 2025. 1. Consider your symptoms Advertisement Low testosterone can manifest through various symptoms. These include low sex drive, trouble focusing, mood swings or irritability, loss of muscle or strength despite working out, constant fatigue (even when you're sleeping enough), increased belly fat, and even depression or anxiety. According to Patel, many guys suffering from 'Low T' feel like they're hitting a wall when it comes to their physical health and overall well-being. 'The most common things guys say are 'I can't focus like I used to,' 'I feel flat mentally, physically, sexually,' 'I've lost my drive,' 'I work out and eat clean but don't see results,' 'I just don't feel like me anymore,'' he shared. Often they've tried everything else — better sleep, different diets, supplements, lifestyle changes. 'TRT is rarely the first thing they try,' said Patel. 'But for many with genuinely low levels, it's the solution that finally works.' 2. Consult a men's health expert or find a legitimate online TRT clinic After identifying symptoms, the next step is to consider different providers. There are a few different options for men interested in learning more about TRT. Advertisement For anyone seeking medical advice, it's important to consult your primary care physician, especially before starting a new healthcare or wellness routine. Primary care physicians are also able to access your medical history, which is important to consider when starting TRT. Nowadays, there are more online clinics offering TRT services. The challenge is finding one that is legitimate, affordable, and provides services that are tailored to your specific needs. Sites like Hone, Ulo, Hims, and PeterMD offer well-regarded testosterone services, with different treatment plans available. 'There are plenty of clinics that advertise TRT online,' suggested Dr. Michael Aziz, an anti-aging internist and regenerative medicine specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. 'But, patients should only consider clinics that have physicians who are board-certified and are specialized in endocrinology, urology, and internal medicine with anti-aging training.' Aziz added that patients should also read the online reviews about the doctors' experience, and look for positive feedback about ease of communication, as well as rapid response to issues and treatments. It's also important to verify that the clinic is using legitimate U.S.-based pharmacies and is fully compliant with telehealth laws and DEA regulations for controlled substances. 3. Get your bloodwork done To get a testosterone prescription, you'll need to take a TRT blood test. TRT blood tests examine the amount of the male hormone present in the blood. Some tests offer more detailed analyses than others, including additional health markers, such as free and total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and other hormones that could be affected by TRT. These tests are most accurate when administered in the morning, when testosterone levels peak. Advertisement The normal testosterone range is considered to be anywhere between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter. The FDA only approves TRT for specific conditions, such as hypogonadism or diminished functional activity of the gonads. Most clinics also only consider testosterone prescription for men who are experiencing symptoms and have levels under 300 ng/dl. Today, TRT clinics can mail blood tests to your door. At-home tests require a simple finger prick that you can do yourself and send back to a laboratory for analysis. 4. Wait for a diagnosis and prescription After a licensed health provider evaluates your blood work, it's important to meet with them to discuss your symptoms and medical history. 'The clinic should require comprehensive labs, a detailed intake process, and a real conversation with a knowledgeable provider,' said Tomo Marjanovic, the owner of Aspire Rejuvenation Clinic, a wellness center specializing in personalized hormone therapy. Advertisement Marjanovic warned that if the only interaction is an automated signup form or a rushed consult, that is a red flag. Diagnosis should never rely on numbers alone — some men at his clinic experience serious symptoms, even when their testosterone levels are slightly over 300ng/dl. In addition to clinical symptoms and hormone levels, Marjanovic considers a patient's family history (specifically heart disease, prostate issues, and hormone disorders) and lifestyle factors (such as stress, diet, sleep, and substance use). 'If clinical symptoms align with hormone deficiencies confirmed by lab results, the provider may prescribe TRT. This isn't something you should get from a simple online form because it's a medical therapy that needs real evaluation, not checkbox medicine,' he explained. 5. Consider the cost and check with your insurance for coverage options Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see if TRT is covered. Most providers require patients to meet certain thresholds and provide medical documentation that indicates their testosterone has fallen below the normal levels, in addition to recorded symptoms. Advertisement The cost of TRT will depend on the type of treatment you are interested in. Most testosterone injections cost between $50 and $150, oral tablets around $300, and patches can reach $400. There are certain telehealth companies that offer broader health services, which may include TRT. Subscription plans can range from $100 to $300 per month. 6. Consider the potential benefits and risks TRT comes with a number of benefits; everything from increased energy at the gym to better sleep at night, enhanced mood, and improved intimate performance. Advertisement 'When done right, TRT can give you your life back,' Patel pointed out. 'The benefits people report most often are way more energy, better workouts and faster recovery, higher libido, clearer thinking and focus, emotional stability, and a sense of drive and confidence that returns.' A 2019 study on prescription testosterone found that 52% of men claimed testosterone improved their energy, 42% saw improvements in their libido, and 29% reported muscle growth. While there are several benefits, Patel and many other experts are very transparent about the potential risks associated with TRT. 'The most common side effects include acne, water retention, or elevated red blood cell counts, which can thicken your blood. Some men experience testicular shrinkage or reduced fertility. There are also concerns about cardiovascular risks in certain populations, particularly men with existing heart conditions,' he explained. It's important to consider that TRT significantly suppresses natural testosterone production, which can also reduce sperm production. If fertility is important to you, Patel mentions there are medications like HCG or clomiphene that can be taken alongside TRT to preserve it. In a 2021 study, over 90% of men maintained normal sperm counts when using these fertility-preserving medications with TRT. 7. Discuss treatment plans There are a few different forms of TRT available, and most reputable online TRT clinics offer different types of TRT to cover individuals' needs and preferences. 'The clinic's approach to TRT should be comprehensive rather than just giving a script for testosterone treatment,' Aziz stressed. 'The delivery method of TRT is best chosen by both the doctor and the patient based on the patient's lifestyle and symptoms.' Aziz says that different gels, creams, tablets, and injections are well-researched and vetted. However, some differences must be observed: 'Gels are used daily but can be transferred to sexual partners and children. Injections can be self-injected once to twice a week, or administered by the doctor every 10 weeks.' Most experts agree that injections consistently offer the most predictable results. An article in The Journal For Nurse Practitioners outlines the most viable treatment options, citing that Depo-Testosterone is the most cost-efficient TRT option and Androderm is the most efficacious TRT medication, with up to 92% of patients reaching normal testosterone levels with consistent use. 8. Start treatment and wait for the results Many online TRT clinics can ship treatment to your front door as soon as the prescription is in place. But that's just the beginning of the process; it takes some time to feel and see the benefits, and the timeline can also depend on the form of treatment you're using. 'As for results, most guys feel a difference within four to six weeks. More energy, better mood, stronger libido,' Patel explained. He said that body composition changes — like more muscle and less fat — usually take a bit longer to notice. Some physical changes can be expected around two to three months. 'I remember one person telling us he knew it was working when he woke up one morning and actually wanted to go to the gym for the first time in years,' Patel exclaimed. It's not just changes in performance or appearance, but how men view themselves. 'More energy, stronger sex drive, better workouts, and a sense of confidence they hadn't felt in years,' he added. 9. Monitor progress and adjust protocols if necessary Once you begin your treatment, it's very important to monitor your results, watch for any potential side effects, and communicate openly with your providers. 'TRT isn't a one-and-done therapy because hormones are dynamic, and treatment should evolve based on regular lab monitoring and patient feedback,' Marjanovic explained. Without proper diagnosis and ongoing tracking, you risk underdosing, overdosing (a lot of people don't think this can happen, but it can), or ignoring other hormonal imbalances like estrogen dominance or thyroid dysfunction that can derail progress.' Marjanovic recommends that TRT providers repeat labs every 8 to 12 weeks early in therapy, check symptoms regularly, and make any adjustments necessary. It's important to address any markers that could signify side effects, including elevated hematocrit, estrogen imbalances, or libido issues. 'Personalized plan means tailoring dosage, delivery method, ancillary meds (like enclomiphene and hCG if needed), and lifestyle support based on individual needs. This is all crucial…' he explained. 'TRT without follow-up isn't therapy — it's gambling.' This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson's Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston's favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.
