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Confirmation Bias in Health and Disease Perception

By SWA
Confirmation bias is a psychological phenomenon in which people tend to seek, interpret, and recall information in a way that confirms their existing beliefs or assumptions. This bias can significantly impact how individuals process health-related information, particularly when they are not well-versed in certain medical or scientific topics. For example, someone unfamiliar with modern genetics may cling to outdated or oversimplified explanations of disease—perhaps attributing illness to lifestyle alone, or to environmental factors in isolation—while ignoring or discounting scientific evidence that points to genetic or epigenetic causes. This is not a failure of intelligence but rather a cognitive shortcut that helps people make sense of complex information by aligning it with what they already believe. I personally became aware of the concept of confirmation bias through the work of Steve Gardner , whose explanations helped clarify why people may resist new scientific evidence, espe...
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Nitrous Oxide-Induced Funicular Myelopathy: A Case Report and Pathophysiological Insights

By SWA
Case Presentation A young adult presented to the emergency department with progressive sensory disturbances and weakness in both arms and legs. There were no signs of bladder dysfunction, infection, prior significant medical conditions, or a vegetarian diet. The patient reported recreational nitrous oxide (N₂O) use over the past six months, with approximately 150 applications, several times per week. Clinical and Diagnostic Findings Neurological examination revealed a transverse spinal cord syndrome, with symptoms more pronounced in the lower extremities and a defined sensory level at thoracic segment T8. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine (T2-weighted) demonstrated a long segment of intramedullary hyperintensity from vertebral body C2 to C5. Axial images showed a characteristic inverted “V” pattern in the posterior columns—typical for subacute combined degeneration (SCD) or funicular myelopathy. There was no radiological or clinical evidence of peripheral nerve ...
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Could Undiagnosed Structural Anomalies Be a Hidden Cause of Migraines?

By SWA
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Migraines have been documented throughout history—long before modern diagnostic tools or pharmaceutical treatments were available. From ancient Mesopotamian texts to descriptions by Hippocrates, these debilitating episodes have persisted across cultures and centuries. While DNA supports modern medicine has made significant strides in understanding the biochemical and neurological underpinnings of migraines, one question still lingers: could some migraines actually be caused by undiagnosed structural abnormalities? The Craniocervical Junction: A Critical but Overlooked Region One area of growing interest is the craniocervical junction (CCJ) —the anatomical interface between the skull and the upper cervical spine. This region includes the foramen magnum (the large opening at the base of the skull), and the first cervical vertebra (C1 or atlas) , which supports the skull and plays a pivotal role in head movement and vascular flow. Subtle congenital anomalies in this region—such as an ...
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Explanation of the relationship between NOD2, NLRC4, T3SS, and bacterial pathogens:

By SWA
Explanation for: Yao Syndrome: A Comprehensive Overview The NOD2 gene's normal function is to sense bacterial components and trigger an immune response to fight infection. Its dysfunction, caused by genetic mutations, can lead to an overactive (gain-of-function) or underactive ( loss-of-function ) immune response. NOD2 and NLRC4 are both intracellular immune receptors that help the host detect bacterial infections and initiate immune responses. While they function through different mechanisms, recent evidence shows they can interact and influence each other , especially during bacterial infections. NOD2 is known for recognizing bacterial peptidoglycan components (specifically muramyl dipeptide, MDP) and plays a key role in maintaining immune balance. Mutations in NOD2 are linked to inflammatory diseases like Crohn’s disease. NLRC4 , on the other hand, forms part of a larger protein complex called the inflammasome , which activates inflammatory responses, including the ...
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Yao Syndrome: A Comprehensive Overview

By SWA
Yao Syndrome (YAOS) is a rare, systemic autoinflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation involving multiple organ systems. It is associated with variants in the NOD2 gene, which plays a key role in the regulation of the innate immune system. The condition was previously referred to as NOD2-associated autoinflammatory disease (NAID) but was renamed in recognition of Dr. Qingping Yao, who first described and studied the syndrome in depth. Due to the broad range of symptoms and overlap with other autoimmune, infectious, and inflammatory disorders, Yao Syndrome is frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. However, increasing awareness and advances in genetic testing have improved recognition of this complex disease. Etiology and Genetic Basis Yao Syndrome is most closely linked to variants in the NOD2 gene , which encodes a protein involved in detecting bacterial components and triggering inflammatory responses in the innate immune system. While some NO...
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