Internal medicine
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Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition characterized by reflux of gastric contents, leading to damage to the esophageal mucosa and/or unpleasant symptoms, with a global prevalence of 13%. Although acid-suppressive medications are currently the most effective treatments for GERD, they may be ineffective against its symptoms. We therefore investigated the efficacy of a physical exercise program for the treatment of intractable GERD symptoms. ⋯ Five participants discontinued acid-suppressive drugs after the intervention ended. Conclusions Bridge dry swallowing exercises can improve the intractable symptoms of GERD. However, further studies are required to verify its efficacy and safety.
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Objective Constipation is an important symptom in older adults. Sarcopenia is associated with constipation, but its directionality remains unclear. The present study assessed the association between sarcopenia and new-onset constipation. ⋯ Conclusion Sarcopenia was associated with new-onset constipation. Sarcopenia is a risk factor for constipation in independent community-dwelling older adults ≥75 years old. Measures addressing sarcopenia may help prevent constipation in older adults.
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An 82-year-old man presented with acute progressive disturbance of consciousness. We suspected autoimmune limbic encephalitis because of abnormal magnetic resonance imaging findings in the bilateral temporal lobes and cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis. ⋯ Typically, anti-Tr/DNER antibody-associated paraneoplastic neurological syndrome presents with cerebellar ataxia and is complicated by Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). However, there are rare cases that present only with LE and are complicated by tumors other than HL; therefore, aggressive antibody measurement and search for tumors are important.