An experimental treatment happens to be the solution to delay Alzheimer's symptoms in some people. These people are the ones who are genetically destined to get the disease in their 40s or 50s. These new findings form ongoing research has now been caught up in Trump administration funding delas. The early results of the study has been published on Wednesday and the participants too are worried that politics could cut their access to a possible lifeline.

One of the participants had said, "It is still a study but it has given me an extension to my life that I never banked on having." The participant is named Jake Henrichs, form New York City, who is 50 years old. He is one of them to be treated in that study for more than a decade now and has remained symptom-free despite inheriting an Alzheimer's-causing gene that had killed his father and brother around the same age.

Slowing Down The Symptoms

Two drugs which can modestly slow down early-stage Alzheimer's are sold in the United States. These drugs clear the brain of one of its hallmarks, a sticky gunk-like part called the amyloid. However, there have not been any hints that removing amyloid far earlier, way many years before the first symptoms appear, may postpone the disease.

How Was The Research Conducted?

The research is led by Washington University in St Louis, which involved families that passed down rare gene mutation as participants. This meant it was almost guaranteed that they will develop symptoms at the same age their affected relatives did.

The new findings is based on a subset of 22 participants who received amyloid-removing drugs the longest, on average eight years. Long-term amyloid removal cut in half their risk of symptom onset. The study is published in the journal Lancet Neurology.

Washington University's Dr Randall Bateman, who directs the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Network of studies involving families with these rare genes says, "What we want to determine over the next five years is how strong is the protection. Will they ever get the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease if we keep treating them?”

The researchers before though did not know what exactly caused Alzheimer's which affects nearly 7 million Americans, most of them in their later life. However, it is clear that these silent changes occur in the brain at least two decades before the first symptom shows up. The big contributor. At some point amyloid buildup can trigger a protein named tau that then starts to kill neurons, which can lead to cognitive decline.

Researchers are now thus studying the Tau-fighting drugs and are looking into other factors, like inflammation, brain's immune cells and certain virus.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) has expanded its focus as researchers have found more reasons for Alzheimer's. In 2013, the NIH's National Institute on Aging funded 14 trials of possible Alzheimer's drugs over a third targeting amyloid. By last fall, there were 68 drugs and 18% of them target amyloid. However, there are scientists too who think that amyloid is not everything and their is way more in the brain tissue, immune cells, and more which can be studied.

In a world first, a 15-foot reticulated python named Jodie Foster has successfully undergone electrochemotherapy, a pioneering cancer treatment usually used in humans.

The reticulated python is a species native to South and Southeast Asia. It is the world’s longest snake and the third heaviest.

The 50kg python, named Jodie Foster after the Hollywood star, underwent the treatment after being diagnosed with fibrosarcoma, a malignant tumor, in her jaw. The tumor was initially removed through surgery but later returned and began invading her jawbone.

“Months later, 50kg Jodie Foster is cancer-free and back to her usual ‘bright and feisty’ self,” Chester Zoo in the UK said in a statement.

What Happened To Jodie Foster?

Keepers became concerned when Jodie started eating less and became more inactive. Tests confirmed a fibrosarcoma in her jaw. Vets initially removed the tumor through surgery.

Tests confirmed she had a fibrosarcoma, a malignant tumor, in her jaw. Although vets initially removed the tumor, it later returned and started destroying part of her jawbone. Doctors feared further surgery alone would not be enough and that the tumor could eventually make it difficult for her to eat.

“We were facing the possibility of losing her as the tumor made it more and more difficult for her to eat, so we worked with cancer specialists to see whether we could adapt electrochemotherapy for a snake," said Ian Ashpole, Veterinary Officer at Chester Zoo :

“As far as we're aware, this is the first time it's ever been used in one," Ashpole added.

Also read: Moderna and Merck’s Custom-Made mRNA Cancer Vaccine Shows Promise In Late-Stage Melanoma Trial

How Was The Human Cancer Treatment Adapted For A Snake?

With no operating table large enough for a python of Jodie's size, the veterinary team had to improvise.

For the operation that lasted 90 minutes, Jodie was first anaesthetized in her habitat before being taken to the veterinary center.

Two operating tables were placed together to create a surface roughly the size of a double bed. Heated blankets and warm air were also used to keep her body temperature stable.

Dr. Ashpole first removed the tumor and performed a hemi-mandibulectomy, removing part of the diseased jawbone. Electrochemotherapy was then used to target any remaining cancer cells.

What Is Electrochemotherapy? How Does It Work?

According to Cancer Research UK, electrochemotherapy combines chemotherapy with small electrical pulses.

It is used to treat some cancers that begin in the skin or have spread to the skin. However, its use in Jodie Foster marks a world first in veterinary medicine for a snake.

“Electrochemotherapy is an emerging treatment, and this was the first time it had been used in a snake,” said Jose Alvares Picornell, Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, University of Liverpool, who was part of the three-hour-long surgery.

The treatment combines the cancer drug bleomycin with carefully controlled electrical pulses delivered directly to the tumor site.

• The electrical pulses temporarily make cancer cells more permeable.
• This allows the drug to enter the cells more effectively.
• The approach can allow lower doses of chemotherapy to be used.
• It can sometimes be delivered in a single procedure.

Read More: Microplastics Found In Anchovies’ Edible Muscle: What It Means For Brain Health

Jodie Foster Back 'Bright And Feisty'

Despite losing part of her jawbone, Jodie's appetite and hunting ability have not been affected, the Zoo officials said, adding that she continues to strike, grip and swallow food without difficulty.

Months of observation have shown no problems with feeding, and a final check confirmed that she remains free of signs of the cancer returning. The officials added that Jodie is eating normally, exploring her habitat and behaving as usual.

“Seeing her back to her normal bright and feisty self has been incredibly rewarding. A few months ago, we genuinely didn't know whether she'd survive," Dr Ashpole added.

Delhi is witnessing a significant rise in influenza A H1N1 infections, with the cumulative tally reportedly reaching 1,777.

As per National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) data, Delhi recorded 1,449 H1N1 cases up to August 12, more than six times the 229 cases reported during the same period last year. Mumbai and Bengaluru are also reporting a sharp rise in cases.

Health Ministry Reviews H1N1 Preparedness

Amid the rise, Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviewed preparedness, including:

• Hospital bed availability
• Critical care facilities
• Essential medical supplies
• Influenza surveillance and epidemiological trends
• ILI and SARI trends
• Testing and laboratory surveillance
• Healthcare facilities’ preparedness

The “situation is being closely and continuously monitored”, said Nadda. The Health Minister also emphasized continued vigilance, robust surveillance and proactive preparedness, along with respiratory and hand hygiene.

People with persistent or severe respiratory symptoms, breathing difficulty or other warning signs were advised to seek medical attention promptly.

The Health Ministry is coordinating with States/UTs, hospitals, laboratories and other stakeholders for early detection, timely clinical management and effective surveillance of seasonal influenza, including H1N1.

Doctors Flag Atypical H1N1 Symptoms

Dr. Atul Kakkar, Senior Consultant and Head of Department, Internal Medicine, Sir Gangaram Hospital, told HealthandMe that H1N1 cases are significantly higher than last year, possibly partly due to seasonal changes.

Most patients are presenting with flu-like symptoms, cold, cough, body aches, and upper respiratory tract infections.

However, doctors are also seeing atypical symptoms.

“We are seeing patients having diarrhea also and myalgias, which are getting very, very frequent.”

Patients at extreme ages are more prone to complications and may require oxygen, high-flow oxygen, NIV or BiPAP, he said.

Those at higher risk include people who are unvaccinated against flu, patients undergoing chemotherapy, and those with COPD, bronchial asthma, cancer or on immunosuppressive treatment.

“Evidence shows early antiviral treatment reduces complications and hospital stay, so we must expand rapid diagnostic capacity across primary care centres and ensure affordable antivirals are available at the point of care,” Dr. Sabine Kapasi, Global Health Strategist and UN Advisor, told HealthandMe.

What Is H1N1?

H1N1 is a subtype of influenza A virus. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Vomiting or diarrhoea, particularly in some children

The virus mainly spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

Children can also spread the virus before they realize they are sick.

Red-flag symptoms include:

• Persistent high fever
• Worsening breathlessness
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Inability to drink

H1N1 Can Affect The Heart

As per experts, H1N1 infection may also be associated with cardiovascular complications, including:

• Heart inflammation
• Abnormal heartbeats
• Worsening heart failure

Dr. Saurabh Gupta, Associate Director, Internal Medicine, Yashoda Medicity, said H1N1 may cause fluctuations in heart rhythm or inflammation involving the heart.

“Those with pre-existing heart conditions should be more vigilant whilst they’re recuperating. As the infection puts more work on the body, you can find that previous heart problems are more noticeable,” he added.

Warning Signs After H1N1

People recovering from H1N1 should seek medical attention if they develop:

• Severe chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• High or fluttering pulse
• Sudden faintness
• Severe weakness.

Research shows that there are an estimated 300 to 450 living supercentenarians—people aged 110 or older—around the world at any given time. Japan is particularly known for healthy ageing, with an average life expectancy of over 84 years and nearly 100,000 centenarians.

While maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle may partly explain their longevity, a new study by a A team of Japanese scientists suggests that it may also be linked to an abundance of cancer-fighting immune cells.

The human immune system has specialized cells called CD4 cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD4 CTLs), which have been shown to kill tumor cells in some cancers.

When a person gets sick, these cells multiply through a process called clonal expansion to help fight infection.

The study, published in the journal Cell Reports, showed that these immune cells may also play a role in healthy ageing among supercentenarians.

“Immune aging is not simply a process of decline,” said first author Kosuke Hashimoto, an associate professor at the University of Osaka in Japan.

“The selective expansion of certain T cells suggests that, even in extreme old age, the immune system may continue to adapt to age-related challenges,” Hashimoto added.

How Do Immune Cells Work In Supercentenarians?

CD4 CTLs are a cellular signature of supercentenarians—people who live to age 110 and beyond. The researchers discovered that these cells expand and adapt within this older population.

“CD4 CTLs are an atypical and relatively rare T cell population,” Hashimoto said. “So, their marked increase in supercentenarians may provide important clues as to how the immune system is maintained in extreme old age.”

What Did the Study Find?

The small study analyzed blood samples from 28 adults divided into three age groups:

• 70–99
• 100–109
• 110 and older

The findings showed that the proportion of CD4 CTLs increased with age, with median percentages of 4%, 9.6% and 17.6%, respectively.

Researchers found that older adults may be responding to persistent immune threats. As a result, CD4 CTLs clone themselves when the immune system is under attack.

The most prominent clone accounted for an average of 33.3% of CD4 CTLs, indicating that older adults may be responding to persistent immune threats. In one centenarian’s blood sample, a single clone accounted for 53.8% of their CD4 CTLs.

Next, researchers matched the receptor sequences of each participant’s top CD4 CTL clone with those in a public database. Nearly three dozen matches belonged to people with cancer, namely lung, breast and liver cancers.

Because none of the centenarians or supercentenarians studied had been diagnosed with these cancers, researchers theorized that their CD4 CTL expansion may reflect early immune responses.

“Some CD4 CTLs may recognize cancer-related targets, although their exact targets remain unknown,” Hashimoto said.

Evidence Remains Preliminary

The study, which focused on T cells circulating in the blood, does not prove that having an abundance of CD4 CTLs prevents cancer or causes a person to live longer.

Hashimoto said the team’s next step is to research how these cells behave in human tissues.

“As we age, abnormal cells, including senescent and cancerous cells, become more common,” Hashimoto said. “Our findings suggest that immune adaptation to these changes may contribute to exceptional longevity.”