HHAL MEDICAL NEWS JUNE 2014
Walking 6,000 steps may help improve knee arthritis, prevent disability.
The NPR (6/13, Shute) “Shots” blog reports, “Exercise is the easiest way to avoid or reduce the pain of knee arthritis, but most adults aren’t getting enough.”
HealthDay (6/13, Reinberg) reports that according to a study published June 12 in the journal Arthritis Care & Research, “walking the equivalent of an hour a day may help improve knee arthritis and prevent disability.” The study, which included some 1,800 adults, revealed that “6,000 steps was the threshold that predicted who would go on to develop disabilities or not.” It also “found that for every 1,000 steps taken, functional limitations were reduced 16 percent to 18 percent.” HealthDay notes that statistics from the National Institutes of Health reveal that “27 million Americans aged 25 and older have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis
Mushrooms Stabilize Blood Sugar
Consuming portabella mushrooms may help to decrease the post-meal glycemic response.
Low in calories, fat-free, and abundant in Vitamin D, mushrooms are shown to promote healthy weight and boost immune function. Peter Horvath, from the University of Buffalo (New York, USA), and colleagues explored the consumption of portabella mushrooms among healthy men and women, on glucose levels. Enrolling 8 men and women, average age 23 years, with an average body fat of 19.7%, the subjects completed 3 modified Oral Glucose Tolerance Tests (OGTTs) over a two-week period. The OGTTs were evaluated in subjects who consumed one of three drinks, each equally sweet: a 75 g glucose drink; a 75 g glucose drink with 9.5 g portabella mushroom powder; or 9.5 g portabella mushroom powder with stevia/flavored water. Fasting and 30-minute blood samples were collected for two hours. The data revealed that glucose levels were elevated after consumption of both the glucose-only and glucose- mushroom beverages, with levels of the latter higher in men at 30 minute, and women at 60 and 120 minutes. Insulin levels were higher after both glucose-only and glucose-mushroom beverage consumption than after mushroom-stevia beverage consumption; as well after mushroom-stevia, insulin levels showed a more gradual decline in women. Observing that: “Mushroom powder reduced postprandial hypoglycemia, rapid insulin decrease and elevated hunger in women compared to glucose alone,” the study authors submit that: “Mushrooms may moderate postprandial glucose related responses.”
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-05-benefits-mushroom-consumption.html
Coffee May Preserve Eyesight
A cup of coffee a day may help to prevent blindness from retinal degeneration due to glaucoma, aging and diabetes, suggests a lab animal model.
A thin tissue layer on the inside, back wall of the eye with millions of light-sensitive cells and other nerve cells that receive and organize visual information, the retina is one of the most metabolically active tissues, demanding high levels of oxygen and making it prone to oxidative stress. The lack of oxygen and production of free radicals can contribute to tissue damage and loss of sight. Chang Y. Lee, from Cornell University (New York, USA), and colleagues exposed the eyes of a group of laboratory mice to a compound that created oxidative stress and free radicals, with a second group of the animals first pretreated with chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant compound found abundantly in raw coffee. Whereas the mice that were not pretreated developed retinal degeneration, the mice that received chlorogenic acid did not develop retinal damage. The study authors submit that: “Our in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that coffee and its major component, [chlorogenic acid], significantly reduce apoptosis of retinal cells … and that coffee consumption may help in preventing retinal degeneration.”
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-04-cup-coffee-day-retinal.html
Reprint of "Heated vegetable oils and cardiovascular disease risk factors"
Ng CY1, Leong XF2, Masbah N1, Adam SK3, Kamisah Y1, Jaarin K4.
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Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It may result from the interactions between multiple genetic and environmental factors including sedentary lifestyle and dietary habits. The quality of dietary oils and fats has been widely recognised to be inextricably linked to the pathogenesis of CVD. Vegetable oil is one of the essential dietary components in daily food consumption. However, the benefits of vegetable oil can be deteriorated by repeated heating that leads to lipid oxidation. The practice of using repeatedly heated cooking oil is not uncommon as it will reduce the cost of food preparation. Thermal oxidation yields new functional groups which may be potentially hazardous to cardiovascular health. Prolonged consumption of the repeatedly heated oil has been shown to increase blood pressure and total cholesterol, cause vascular inflammation as well as vascular changes which predispose to atherosclerosis. The harmful effect of heated oils is attributed to products generated from lipid oxidation during heating process. In view of the potential hazard of oxidation products, therefore this review article will provide an insight and awareness to the general public on the consumption of repeatedly heated oils which is detrimental to health.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24846858
Sleep duration and incidence of lung cancer in ageing men Full Text
BMC Public Health, 06/02/2014 Clinical Article
Luojus MK, et al. – Previous studies have suggested an association between sleep duration and cancer. However, the information on sleep duration regard to risk of lung cancer is scanty. Sleep duration of less than 7-7.5 hours or more than 7-7.5 hours associates with increased lung cancer risk. The physiological factors underlying the association are complex, and they may relate to melatonin excretion patterns, low–grade inflammation in cancer development process or disruptions in circadian rhythmicity.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24684747
JAMA commentary: Exercising more, eating less will not lead to long-term weight loss in most people.
On its website, TIME (6/4, Sifferlin) reports that in a JAMA commentary, Dr. David Ludwig and Dr. Mark L. Friedman argue that simply exercising more and eating less will not lead to long-term weight loss in most people. Ludwig and Friedman “say we should stop viewing weight as something separate from other biological functions—like hormones and hunger and the effects of what foods we eat, not just how much of them.” They also say that “refined carbohydrates” are responsible for the “obesity epidemic.”
Centenarians may be less likely to die of chronic conditions.
On its website, TIME (6/4, Park) reports that research suggests that centenarians “are less likely to die of the chronic conditions that are the leading causes of death, such as heart disease and cancer, but more likely to die of sudden declines in their health caused by infections or frailty.” Investigators came to this conclusion “after reviewing death certificates of 35,867 centenarians who died between 2001 and 2010 in England.”
Is Colorectal Cancer Screening Indicated in Previously Unscreened Elders?
Screening previously unscreened elders for colorectal cancer (CRC) can be cost-effective as late as age 86, according to an Annals of Internal Medicine study.
Using modeling, researchers evaluated to what age colorectal cancer screening should be considered in unscreened, average-risk elders (age range, 76–90). Strategies included one-time colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or fecal immunochemical testing (FIT).
Compared with no screening, CRC screening at age 80 prevented 4.2 (FIT) to 10.7 (colonoscopy) CRC-related deaths for every 1000 people screened. Screening was cost-effective in those without comorbid conditions until ages 83 (colonoscopy), 84 (sigmoidoscopy), and 86 (FIT). In elders with severe comorbidities, screening was cost-effective until ages 77, 78, and 80, respectively.
Nearly a quarter of people older than 75 have never undergone colorectal cancer screening. Although we shouldn't base clinical decisions solely on simulation models, this study suggests that one-time screening for CRC in people older than 75 is cost-effective and probably should be considered in elders without comorbid conditions.
Dr. Moloo is an associate editor with NEJM Journal Watch General Medicine, from which this article is adapted.
Annals of Internal Medicine article (Free abstract)
Omega-3 fatty acids moderate effects of physical activity on cognitive function.
Leckie RL1, Manuck SB2, Bhattacharjee N2, Muldoon MF3, Flory JM4, Erickson KI5.
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Abstract
Greater amounts of physical activity (PA) and omega-3 fatty acids have both been independently associated with better cognitive performance. Because of the overlapping biological effects of omega-3 fatty acids and PA, fatty acid intake may modify the effects of PA on neurocognitive function. The present study tested this hypothesis by examining whether the ratio of serum omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid levels would moderate the association between PA and executive and memory functions in 344 participants (Mean age=44.42 years, SD=6.72). The Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), serum fatty acid levels, and performance on a standard neuropsychological battery were acquired on all subjects. A principal component analysis reduced the number of cognitive outcomes to three factors: n-back working memory, Trail Making test, and Logical Memory. We found a significant interaction between PA and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid serum levels on Trail Making performance and n-back performance, such that higher amounts of omega-3 levels offset the deleterious effects of lower amounts of PA. These effects remained significant in a subsample (n=299) controlling for overall dietary fat consumption. There were no significant additive or multiplicative benefits of higher amounts of both omega-3 and PA on cognitive performance. Our results demonstrate that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids might mitigate the effect of lower levels of PA on cognitive performance. This study illuminates the importance of understanding dietary and PA factors in tandem when exploring their effects on neurocognitive health.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24813
Fracture Prediction After Discontinuation of 4 to 5 Years of Alendronate Therapy: The FLEX Study.
Bauer DC1, Schwartz A2, Palermo L2, Cauley J3, Hochberg M4, Santora A5, Cummings SR6, Black DM2.
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE Discontinuation of bisphosphonate therapy after 3 to 5 years is increasingly considered, but methods to monitor fracture risk after discontinuation have not been established. OBJECTIVE To test methods of predicting fracture risk among women who have discontinued alendronate therapy after 4 to 5 years. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The prospective Fracture Intervention Trial Long-term Extension (FLEX) study randomized postmenopausal women aged 61 to 86 years previously treated with 4 to 5 years of alendronate therapy to 5 more years of alendronate or placebo from 1998 through 2003; the present analysis includes only the placebo group. Hip and spine dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were measured when placebo was begun (FLEX baseline) and after 1 to 3 years of follow-up. Two biochemical markers of bone turnover, urinary type 1 collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTX) and serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), were measured at FLEX baseline and after 1 and 3 years. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Symptomatic spine and nonspine fractures occurring after the follow-up measurement of DXA or bone turnover. RESULTS During 5 years of placebo, 94 of 437 women (22%) experienced 1 or more symptomatic fractures; 82 had fractures after 1 year. One-year changes in hip DXA, NTX, and BAP were not related to subsequent fracture risk, but older age and lower hip DXA at time of discontinuation were significantly related to increased fracture risk (lowest tertile of baseline femoral neck DXA vs other 2 tertiles relative hazard ratio, 2.17 [95% CI, 1.38-3.41]; total hip DXA relative hazard ratio, 1.87 [95% CI, 1.20-2.92]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among postmenopausal women who discontinue alendronate therapy after 4 to 5 years, age and hip BMD at discontinuation predict clinical fractures during the subsequent 5 years. Follow-up measurements of DXA 1 year after discontinuation and of BAP or NTX 1 to 2 years after discontinuation are not associated with fracture risk and cannot be recommended. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00398931.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24798675
Vegetarian diets and bone status.
Tucker KL.
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Abstract
Osteoporosis is a common chronic condition associated with progressive loss of bone mineral density (BMD) and compromised bone strength, with increasing risk of fracture over time. Vegetarian diets have been shown to contain lower amounts of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B-12, protein, and n-3 (ω-3) fatty acids, all of which have important roles in maintaining bone health. Although zinc intakes are not necessarily lower quantitatively, they are considerably less bioavailable in vegetarian diets, which suggests the need for even higher intakes to maintain adequate status. At the same time, healthy vegetarian diets tend to contain more of several protective nutrients, including magnesium, potassium, vitamin K, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. On balance, there is evidence that vegetarians, and particularly vegans, may be at greater risk of lower BMD and fracture. Attention to potential shortfall nutrients through the careful selection of foods or fortified foods or the use of supplements can help ensure healthy bone status to reduce fracture risk in individuals who adhere to vegetarian diets.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24898237
Calcium intake and colorectal cancer risk: Dose-response meta-analysis of prospective observational studies
International Journal of Cancer, 06/02/2014 Evidence Based Medicine Clinical Article
Keum N, et al. – The authors conducted dose–response meta–analyses by sources of calcium intake, based on prospective observational studies published up to December 2013 identified from PubMed, Embase, and BIOSIS. Both dietary and supplementary calcium intake may continue to decrease CRC risk beyond 1000mg/day. Calcium supplements and non–dairy products fortified with calcium may serve as additional targets in the prevention of CRC. RCTs of calcium supplements with at least 10 years of follow–up are warranted to confirm a benefit of calcium supplements on CRC risk.
Methods
Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model.
For total calcium intake, each 300mg/day increase was associated with an approximately 8% reduced risk of CRC (summary RR=0.92, 95% CI=0.89-0.95, I2=47%, 15 studies with 12,305 cases, intake=250-1900 mg/day, follow-up=3.3-16 years).
Results
While the risk decreased less steeply in higher range of total calcium intake (Pnon-linearity=0.04), the degree of curvature was mild and statistical significance of non-linearity was sensitive to one study.
For supplementary calcium, each 300mg/day increase was associated with an approximately 9% reduced risk of CRC (summary RR=0.91, 95% CI=0.86-0.98, I2=67%, six studies with 8,839 cases, intake=0-1150 mg/day, follow-up=5-10 years).
The test for non-linearity was not statistically significant (Pnon-linearity=0.11).
In conclusion, both dietary and supplementary calcium intake may continue to decrease CRC risk beyond 1,000 mg/day. Calcium supplements and non-dairy products fortified with calcium may serve as additional targets in the prevention of CRC. RCTs of calcium supplements with at least 10 years of follow-up are warranted to confirm a benefit of calcium supplements on CRC risk.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24623471
Brief bursts of intense exercise may reduce blood glucose.
The Los Angeles Times (6/14, MacVean) reported that according to a study published last month in the journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, “a little intense exercise might be a good plan for people trying to control their blood sugar.” The study included seven obese patients with insulin resistance. Researchers found that “a brief burst of intense exercise is more effective than a moderate daily 30-minute workout at reducing glucose concentrations in people who are insulin resistant.”
Glycosylated hemoglobin and coronary artery disease in patients without diabetes mellitus.
Verdoia M1, Schaffer A1, Cassetti E1, Barbieri L1, Di Ruocco MV1, Perrone-Filardi P2, Marino P1, De Luca G3; Novara Atherosclerosis Study Group (NAS).
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Abnormal glucose metabolism is a major determinant of coronary artery disease (CAD) and mortality in developed countries. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a more stable, accurate parameter of glucose homeostasis than fasting glycemia, thus providing prognostic information in diabetics. However, its role and relationship with CAD remains unclear in non-diabetics.
PURPOSE:
To evaluate the relationship between HbA1c and CAD in a consecutive cohort of patients without diabetes mellitus.
METHODS:
Non-diabetic patients undergoing coronary angiography between April 2007 and October 2012 were included. Additionally carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) was evaluated during hospitalization in a consecutive cohort of patients.
RESULTS:
1,703 consecutive patients were included and divided according to HbA1c tertiles (<5.5%, 5.5%-5.79%, ≥5.8%). HbA1c was associated with aging (p<0.001); hypercholesterolemia (p=0.01); renal failure (p=0.006); hypertension (p=0.002); previous myocardial infarction (p=0.004); previous percutaneous coronary intervention (p=0.01); indication to angiography (p=0.01); use of angiotensin receptor blockers (p=0.01); beta-blockers (p=0.03); nitrates (p=0.02); statins (p=0.008); calcium antagonists (p=0.01); diuretics (p<0.001); acetylsalicylic acid (p<0.001); baseline glycemia (p<0.001); triglycerides (p=0.02); and uric acid (p=0.04). HbA1c, but not fasting glycemia, was significantly associated with the prevalence of CAD (adjusted OR=1.51, 95% CI=1.15, 1.97, p=0.002), with 5.8% identified by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve as the best cut-off value for CAD prediction. HbA1c was significantly associated with C-IMT and carotid plaques prevalence.
CONCLUSIONS:
Among non-diabetic patients, higher HbA1c even within the normal range is significantly associated with the risk of CAD. Future large studies are needed to evaluate whether more aggressive cardiovascular prevention can reduce the risk of CAD among patients with HbA1c≥5.8%.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24750972
Higher Protein Consumption Linked to Lower Stroke Risk
Higher protein intake is associated with reduced stroke risk, according to a meta-analysis in Neurology.
Researchers assessed the results of seven prospective cohort studies in roughly 250,000 participants. During a median follow-up of 14 years, participants with the highest self-reported protein intake had a 20% reduced risk for stroke after multivariable adjustment, compared with those with the lowest intake. For every additional 20 grams of protein consumed daily, there was a 26% reduction in stroke risk. Animal protein appeared to confer greater protection than vegetable protein.
The researchers note that in three of the studies, fish was a major source of protein, indicating that "stroke risk may be reduced by replacing red meat with other protein sources such as fish."
Editorialists conclude: "It seems that evidence tilts toward the Cretan Mediterranean diet, although the amount of protein is yet to be determined. In other words, eating vegetables, fruits, and protein every day will help to keep stroke away!"
Neurology article (Free abstract)
More protein in diet may be linked to lower risk of stroke.
In its “Well” blog, the New York Times (6/13, Bakalar) reported that, according to a review of studies published in Neurology, “getting more protein in your diet, though not red meat, may reduce your risk for stroke.”
Association of branched-chain amino acids with carotid intima-media thickness and coronary artery disease risk factors.
Yang R1, Dong J1, Zhao H2, Li H1, Guo H1, Wang S1, Zhang C2, Wang S1, Wang M2, Yu S2, Chen W3.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Recent studies have determined that branched-chain (BCAAs) and aromatic (AAAs) amino acids are strongly correlated with obesity and atherogenic dyslipidemia and are strong predictors of diabetes. However, it is not clear if these amino acids are capable of identifying subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD), particularly with subclinical atherosclerosis who are at risk of developing CAD.
METHODS:
Four hundred and seventy two Chinese subjects (272 males and 200 females, 42-97 y of age) undergoing physical exams were recruited at random for participation in the cross-sectional study. Serum BCAAs and AAAs were measured using our previously reported isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method. Bilateral B-mode carotid artery images for carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) were acquired at end diastole and cIMT values more than 0.9 mm were categorized as increased. Correlations of BCAAs with cIMT and other CAD risk factors were analyzed.
RESULTS:
BCAAs and AAAs were significantly and positively associated with risk factors of CAD, e.g., cIMT, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, TG, apoB, apoB/apoAI ratio, apoCII, apoCIII and hsCRP, and were significantly and negatively associated with HDL-C and apoAI. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age (β = 0.175, P<0.001), log BCAA (β = 0.147, P<0.001) and systolic blood pressure (β = 0.141, P = 0.012) were positively and independently associated with cIMT. In the logistic regression model, the most and only powerful laboratory factor correlated with increased cIMT was BCAA (the odds ratio of the fourth quartile compared to the first quartile was 2.679; P = 0.009).
CONCLUSION:
BCAAs are independently correlated with increased cIMT. This correlation would open a new field of research in the mechanistic understanding and risk assessment of CAD.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24910999
Health, beauty benefits of coconut oil examined.
The Los Angeles Times (6/16, Nelson) reported that coconut oil, which was once assailed for its heavy fat content, is now being touted as a health and beauty aid. The paper noted, citing research, “that more than half of the fat molecules in coconut oil are shorter than those in animal-derived saturated fat.” According to the paper, these “‘medium chain’ fatty acids appear to increase ‘good’ cholesterol’ and are easier to metabolize and digest.” However, the article warned, nearly 40 percent of the fatty acids are “long chain,” typically found in meat products and “linked to heart disease.”
The use of digoxin in patients with worsening chronic heart failure: reconsidering an old drug to reduce hospital admissions.
Ambrosy AP1, Butler J2, Ahmed A3, Vaduganathan M4, van Veldhuisen DJ5, Colucci WS6, Gheorghiade M7.
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Abstract
Digoxin is the oldest cardiac drug still in contemporary use, yet its role in the management of patients with heart failure (HF) remains controversial. A purified cardiac glycoside derived from the foxglove plant, digoxin increases ejection fraction, augments cardiac output, and reduces pulmonary capillary wedge pressure without causing deleterious increases in heart rate or decreases in blood pressure. Moreover, it is also a neurohormonal modulator at low doses. In the pivotal DIG (Digitalis Investigation Group) trial, digoxin therapy was shown to reduce all-cause and HF-specific hospitalizations but had no effect on survival. With the discovery of neurohormonal blockers capable of reducing mortality in HF with reduced ejection fraction, the results of the DIG trial were viewed as neutral, and the use of digoxin declined precipitously. Although modern drug and device-based therapies have dramatically improved the survival of ambulatory patients with HF, outcomes for patients with worsening chronic HF, defined as deteriorating signs and symptoms on standard therapy often leading to unscheduled clinic or emergency department visits or hospitalization, have largely remained unchanged over the past 2 decades. The available data suggest that a therapeutic trial of digoxin may be appropriate in patients with worsening chronic heart failure who remain symptomatic.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24613328
Pentoxifylline in heart failure: a meta-analysis of clinical trials
Cardiovascular Therapeutics, 06/12/2014 Evidence Based Medicine
Champion S, et al. – Pentoxifylline possess anti–inflammatory and rheological properties and has been tested in heart failure (HF). The authors conducted a meta–analysis of randomized controlled trials versus placebo in HF. A meta–analysis evaluating pentoxifylline versus placebo in HF suggested a significant nearly fourfold decrease in all–cause mortality in the pentoxifylline group.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24758396
Effect of Dietary Modification on Incident Carotid Artery Disease in Postmenopausal Women: Results From the Women's Health Initiative Dietary Modification Trial.
Allison MA1, Aragaki A, Eaton C, Li W, Van Horn L, Daviglus ML, Berger JS.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Because the diagnosis and treatment of carotid artery disease may reduce the rate of stroke, the aim of this study was to determine whether a diet intervention was associated with incident carotid artery disease.
METHODS:
Participants were 48 835 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years who were randomly assigned to either the intervention or comparison group in the Women's Health Initiative Diet Modification Trial. Incident carotid artery disease was defined as an overnight hospitalization with either symptoms or a surgical intervention to improve flow.
RESULTS:
After a mean follow-up of 8.3 years from 1994 to 2005, there were 297 (0.61%) incident carotid artery events. In contrast to the comparison group, the risk of incident carotid disease did not differ from those assigned to the intervention group (hazard ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-1.4). In secondary analysis, there was no significant effect of the intervention on the risk for incident carotid disease during the 5 years of postintervention follow-up from 2005 to 2010 (hazard ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-1.7) and no significant effect during cumulative follow-up from 1994 to 2010 (hazard ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-1.4).
CONCLUSIONS:
Among postmenopausal women, a dietary intervention aimed at reducing total fat intake and encouraging increased intake of fruit, vegetables, and grains did not significantly change the risk for incident carotid artery disease.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24743440
Red Wine Counteracts Cavities
Abundant in polyphenols, red wine slows oral bacteria growth.
Cavities, periodontal disease and tooth loss affect an estimated 60 to 90 % of the global population. The problems start when certain bacteria in the mouth get together and form biofilms, which are communities of bacteria that are difficult to kill. They form plaque and produce acid, which starts damaging teeth. M. Victoria Moreno-Arribas, from the Instituto de Investigacion en Ciencias de la Alimentacion (CIAL), CSIC-UAM (Spain), and colleagues grew cultures of bacteria responsible for dental diseases as a biofilm. They dipped the biofilms for a couple of minutes in different liquids, including red wine, red wine without the alcohol, red wine spiked with grape seed extract, and water and 12 percent ethanol for comparison. ;knkn;Red wine with or without alcohol and wine with grape seed extract were the most effective at getting rid of the bacteria. Observing: “almost complete and early degradation … when incubating biofilms with the red wine extract,” the study authors submit that: “this is the first study of antimicrobial properties of wine in an oral biofilm model.”
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-05/acs-njf052114.php
Glass of Wine May Support Kidney Health
An occasional glass of wine might help keep your kidneys healthy, and among those with kidney disease, moderate wine drinking might help the heart.
Often caused by diabetes and high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Tapan Mehta, from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center (Colorado, USA), and colleagues analyzed data collected on nearly 6,000 subjects enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination, 2003-2006. The team found that those subjects with healthy kidneys who drank less than one glass of wine a day were at 37% lower risk of having chronic kidney disease than those who drank no wine. Further, the data revealed that those with chronic kidney disease who drank less than one glass a day had a 29% lower risk of cardiovascular than those who drank no wine. The study authors posit that drinking moderate amounts lowers levels of protein in the urine, elevated levels of which among those who have kidney disease are linked with an increased risk of progression of kidney disease. As well, they submit that the polyphenols found in wine have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help explain the protective heart effects.
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-04-wine-kidneys-healthy.html
Carrot & Parsley Compounds May Support Cancer Treatment
Falcarinol, a compound found abundantly in carrot and parsley, inhibits transport mechanisms in the body that select what compounds are absorbed into the body,
Carrot and parsley are rich sources of falcarinol, a bioactive plant compound. Arjan Scheepens, from the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research (New Zealand), and colleagues observe that falcarinol is able to inhibit transport mechanisms in the body that select what compounds are absorbed into the body,and eventually into cells. These same transport mechanisms are known to interfere with cancer chemotherapy treatment. From these observations, the researchers submit that falcarinol type compounds may support the delivery of drug compounds which fight breast cancer by addressing the over-expression of Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP/ABCG2), a protein that leads to some malignant tissues ability to become resistant to chemotherapy. The lead author comments that: "Our work is uncovering new means to alter how the body absorbs specific chemical and natural compounds. Ultimately we are interested in how food could be used to complement conventional treatments to potentially deliver better results for patients."
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-03/nzif-npc032614.php
Effect of docosahexaenoic acid-enriched fish oil supplementation in pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes on membrane fatty acids and fetal body composition-double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial.
Min Y1, Djahanbakhch O, Hutchinson J, Bhullar AS, Raveendran M, Hallot A, Eram S, Namugere I, Nateghian S, Ghebremeskel K.
Author information
Abstract
AIMS:
To test if docosahexaenoic acid-enriched fish oil supplementation rectifies red cell membrane lipid anomaly in pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes and their neonates, and alters fetal body composition.
METHODS:
Women with Type 2 diabetes (n = 88; 41 fish oil, 47 placebo) and healthy women (n = 85; 45 fish oil, 40 placebo) were supplemented from the first trimester until delivery. Blood fatty acid composition, fetal biometric and neonatal anthropometric measurements were assessed.
RESULTS:
A total of 117 women completed the trial. The women with Type 2 diabetes who took fish oil compared with those who received placebo had higher% docosahexaenoic acid in red cell phosphatidylethanolamine in the third trimester (12.0% vs. 8.9%, P = 0.000) and at delivery (10.7% vs. 7.4%, P = 0.001). Similarly, the neonates of the women with Type 2 diabetes supplemented with the fish oil had increased docosahexaenoic acid in the red cell phosphatidylethanolamine (9.2% vs. 7.7%, P = 0.027) and plasma phosphatidylcholine (6.1% vs. 4.7%, P = 0.020). Docosahexaenoic acid-rich fish oil had no effect on the body composition of the fetus and neonates of the women with Type 2 diabetes.
CONCLUSIONS:
A daily dose of 600 mg of docosahexaenoic acid was effective in ameliorating red cell membrane docosahexaenoic acid anomaly in pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes and neonates, and in preventing the decline of maternal docosahexaenoic acid during pregnancy. We suggest that the provision of docosahexaenoic acid supplement should be integrated in the antenatal care of pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24925713
Reduced risk of lung cancer with metformin therapy in diabetic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Zhang ZJ, Bi Y, Li S, Zhang Q, Zhao G, Guo Y, Song Q.
Abstract
Emerging evidence from epidemiologic studies and basic science suggests an inverse association between metformin use and cancer risk in diabetic patients. However, the association with lung cancer is not consistent. We summarized the evidence currently available (2009-2013) and explored sources of heterogeneity. Metformin therapy was associated with significantly lower risks of cancers of the lung (4 studies; pooled relative risk = 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.55, 0.95; P = 0.02) and respiratory system (6 studies; pooled relative risk = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.75, 0.96; P = 0.01). There was evidence of moderate heterogeneity (I(2) > 50%). The major sources of heterogeneity were smoking adjustment status and cancer site. The relative risk from studies that adjusted for smoking was 1.16-fold (95% CI: 1.00, 1.35) closer to the null than that from studies not adjusting for smoking. The relative risk of respiratory cancer was 1.23-fold (95% CI: 1.02, 1.49) closer to the null than that for lung cancer. In conclusion, metformin use appears to be associated with lower risks of lung and respiratory cancer in diabetic patients. However, caution regarding overestimation is needed, since adjustment for smoking attenuates the association.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24920786
Association of vegetable and fruit intake with gastric cancer risk among Japanese: a pooled analysis of four cohort studies.
Shimazu T1, Wakai K2, Tamakoshi A3, Tsuji I4, Tanaka K5, Matsuo K6, Nagata C7, Mizoue T8, Inoue M9, Tsugane S10, Sasazuki S10; Research Group for the Development and Evaluation of Cancer Prevention Strategies in Japan.
Collaborators (18)
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Prospective evidence is inconsistent regarding the association between vegetable/fruit intake and the risk of gastric cancer.
METHODS:
In an analysis of original data from four population-based prospective cohort studies encompassing 191 232 participants, we used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of gastric cancer incidence according to vegetable and fruit intake and conducted a meta-analysis of HRs derived from each study.
RESULTS:
During 2 094 428 person-years of follow-up, 2995 gastric cancer cases were identified. After adjustment for potential confounders, we found a marginally significant decrease in gastric cancer risk in relation to total vegetable intake but not total fruit intake: the multivariate-adjusted HR (95% CI; P for trend) for the highest versus the lowest quintile of total vegetable intake was 0.89 (0.77-1.03; P for trend = 0.13) among men and 0.83 (0.67-1.03; P for trend = 0.40) among women. For distal gastric cancer, the multivariate HR for the highest quintile of total vegetable intake was 0.78 (0.63-0.97; P for trend = 0.02) among men.
CONCLUSIONS:
This pooled analysis of data from large prospective studies in Japan suggests that vegetable intake reduces gastric cancer risk, especially the risk of distal gastric cancer among men.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24618149
Insulin or Sulfonylureas to Supplement Metformin in Patients with Diabetes?
Roumie CL et al., JAMA 2014 Jun 11; 311:2288
Insulin plus metformin was associated with higher all-cause mortality in a retrospective study.
Metformin and lifestyle modifications are the mainstay of initial treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes. The choice of a second medication for patients who do not achieve full control with this regimen is unclear. Investigators conducted a retrospective cohort study in the Veterans Affairs healthcare system and identified patients who had initiated metformin and then received either insulin or a sulfonylurea to achieve better glycemic control between 2001 and 2008. About 12,000 sulfonylurea recipients and about 2500 insulin recipients were matched closely for many demographic and clinical covariates through propensity scores. Median age was 60, and median glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level was 8.1% in both groups.
The combined endpoint of acute myocardial infarction and stroke occurred in a similar proportion of each group (10.2 per 1000 person-years for insulin vs. 11.9 per 1000 person-years for sulfonylureas), but all-cause mortality through 2009 was 44% more common in those receiving insulin — a significant difference.
'Tomato pill' hope for stopping heart disease
A small trial has shown promising results for a “tomato pill” in reducing risk factors for future cardiovascular events. Researchers at Cambridge University conducted a double-blind study in which 36 volunteers with and without known heart disease were given a daily tablet containing lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes. Compared to the control group, the “tomato pill” patients had significantly improved forearm blood flow; reduced forearm blood flow can be a predictor of future cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. No associations were seen between the pill and blood pressure, arterial stiffness, or fat levels in the blood.
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-27762995
Cut Stroke Risk with Fruits & Veggies
Consuming 200 grams (7 ounces) of fruits and vegetables daily reduces stroke risk by 32% and 11%, respectively.
Diet is the leading lifestyle factor in stroke risk. Fruits and vegetables are rich in key micro- and macro-nutrients that contribute to healthy blood vessels. Yan Qu, from Qingdao University (China), and colleagues completed a meta-analysis of 20 studies published over the last 19 years to assess the effects of fruit and vegetable consumption on risk of stroke globally. The combined studies involved 760,629 men and women who had 16,981 strokes. The data revealed that stroke risk decreases by 32% with every 200 grams (7 ounces) of fruit consumed each day and 11% with every 200 grams (7 ounces) of vegetables consumed daily. The study authors conclude that: “Fruits and vegetables consumption are inversely associated with the risk of stroke.”
http://newsroom.heart.org/news/eating-more-fruits-vegetables-may-cut-stroke-risk-worldwide
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids May Suppress RA Activity
At the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress (EULAR 2014), 2 studies shed insight on the relationship between dietary intake of monounsaturated fatty acids andcholesterol with disease activity inrheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), respectively.
The TOMORROW study (n=208) showed that daily intake of monounsaturated fatty acids as part of the Mediterranean diet was an independent predictor of remission in patients with RA. Food and nutrient intake was assessed using brief, self-administered diet history questionnaire and Mediterranean diet scores.
Scientists posed that monounsaturated fatty acids may be suppressing disease activity. Dietary intake of monounsaturated fatty acids was shown to be an independent predictor of remission in patients with RA (Odds: 0.51; 95% CI 0.25–1.02, P=0.057). The intake of monounsaturated fatty acids and of Mediterranean diet components was significantly lower in the RA than in the control group (P=0.003).
List of “powerhouse fruits and vegetables” released.
The Washington Post (6/6, Bernstein) “To Your Health” blog reports that in a brief published online June 5 in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease, a publication of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers have produced “a list of 41 ‘powerhouse fruits and vegetables’ ranked by the amounts of 17 critical nutrients they contain,” scoring the foods “by their content of fiber, potassium, protein, calcium, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin D and other nutrients.” Watercress achieved the top score of 100, but high scores also went to “Chinese cabbage (91.99), chard (89.27), beet greens (87.08), spinach (86.43) and chicory (73.36).”
The Huffington Post (6/6, Almendrala) points out that some fruits and vegetables did not make the list, such as blueberries, which many people consider to be a superfood. Blueberries “were not included because they were not rich sources of the qualifying nutrients.” Instead, “their health benefits are likely due in part to the presence of phytochemicals.”
Diet, exercise may be best for preventing diabetes in patients at risk for the disease.
Bloomberg News (6/17, Ostrow) reports that research presented at the American Diabetes Association meeting indicates that “diet and exercise remain the best bet for staving off diabetes in patients at risk for the disease.” Researchers found that “study participants who lost weight and increased physical activity had a 27 percent lower rate of developing Type 2 diabetes, compared with 17 percent of those given metformin, a first-line drug to lower blood sugar.” In a press briefing, Judy Fradkin, of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, said, “Diabetes is a disease that really develops across decades.” Fradkin added, “Although rates of diabetes have been increasing dramatically, outcomes for people with and at risk of diabetes have been improving dramatically.” The NIH funded the study.
Treatment options for hypertriglyceridemia: from risk reduction to pancreatitis
Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 06/09/2014 Clinical Article
Berglund L, et al. – While there has been considerable focus on the role and treatment of LDL cholesterol levels, a definitive role of triglycerides in the management of cardiovascular disease has been uncertain. Notably, with increasing triglyceride levels, there is a parallel increase in cholesterol levels carried by triglyceride–rich lipoproteins, which has prompted interest in the use of non–HDL cholesterol levels as a tool guiding interventions. The present paper summarizes the underlying evidence for a risk role for triglyceride levels in cardiovascular disease and pancreatitis, current treatment recommendations and areas of future research
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24840268
Carcinogenic Substances May Persist in Hair Dyes
(HealthDay News) — Hairdressers who use permanent hair dyes and hair waving treatments may be exposed to potentially carcinogenic substances, including toluidines, according to research published online June 9 in Occupational & Environmental Medicine.
Gabriella M. Johansson, of Lund University in Sweden, and colleagues collected lifestyle data and analyzed blood samples for potentially carcinogenic aromatic amines in 295 hairdressers, 32 users of hair dyes, and 60 controls. All participants were female nonsmokers.
The researchers observed no significant differences in adduct concentrations among hairdressers, consumers, or controls. Among hairdressers, concentrations of ortho (o)-toluidine and meta (m)-toluidine increased significantly with weekly number of episodes of hair waving (P=0.020) and permanent hair dyeing treatments (P=0.026), respectively. Increased concentrations of o-toluidine (P=0.076) and m-toluidine (P=0.080) were associated with the frequency of light-color permanent hair dye treatments.
"Analyses of hair waving and hair dye products should be performed to identify the possible sources of exposure to o- and m-toluidine," the authors write.
Abstract
Risk Factors for Shingles
Forbes HJ et al., BMJ 2014 May 13; 348:g2911
Age is most important, but many chronic conditions are associated with higher risk.
Age is an important risk factor for herpes zoster; the CDC recommends a single dose of shingles vaccine for older adults (age, ≥60). But whether younger people, especially those with chronic medical conditions, might benefit from vaccination is unclear. In this case-control study, U.K. investigators quantified the effects of potential risk factors for herpes zoster among 145,000 adults diagnosed with the condition between 2000 and 2011 and among 550,000 controls who were matched by age, sex, and practice with case patients.
The median age at diagnosis of zoster was 62; 45% of zoster cases occurred before age 60. Adjusted for multiple variables (including treatments), medical conditions associated with excess risk for shingles were HIV infection (odds ratio, 5.1), lymphoma (OR, 3.9), myeloma (OR, 2.1), leukemia (OR, 1.8), lupus (OR, 1.6), inflammatory bowel disease (OR, 1.3), type 1 diabetes (OR, 1.3), rheumatoid arthritis (OR, 1.2), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 1.2), depression (OR, 1.2), asthma (OR, 1.1), and chronic kidney disease (OR, 1.1). Higher risk was also noted among patients with prior hematopoietic stem cell transplant (OR, 13.7) and those who took oral corticosteroids (OR, 1.5) or inhaled corticosteroids (OR, 1.1). The relative effects of these risk factors decreased with increasing age.
Zoster Raises Risk for Stroke
Langan SM et al., Clin Infect Dis 2014 Jun 1; 58:1497
Excess risk for cerebrovascular accident in zoster patients persists for 6 months then disappears.
Case reports have suggested that herpes zoster acutely raises risk for cerebrovascular accident (CVA); postulated mechanisms include generalized endothelial dysfunction associated with acute infections and specific destructive effects of zoster on vascular walls. Researchers probed a clinical database of >5 million patients to characterize the association between zoster and CVA.
Among adults with new diagnoses of zoster, overall risk for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke rose significantly in the first month after diagnosis, slowly diminished during the following 6 months, and vanished by 1 year. The effect was mitigated by antiviral treatment: Among treated patients, risk for stroke in the first month was not significantly different from baseline and was about half that of untreated patients; stroke risk exceeded baseline only in the second and third months after diagnosis.
Both herpes zoster ophthalmicus and zoster in other trigeminal nerve branches raised stroke risk almost three times higher than zoster in other dermatomes. This risk peaked in the second and third month after diagnosis; it was somewhat attenuated by treatment but still remained significantly elevated over baseline.
Prediabetes Intervention Cuts Cardiovascular Risk
Treatment of prediabetes and restoration of normal glucose regulation reduces cardiovascular risk, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association.
Treatment of prediabetes and restoration of normal glucose regulation (NGR) reduces cardiovascular risk, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association, held from June 13 to 17 in San Francisco.
Leigh Perreault, MD, of the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine in Aurora, and colleagues analyzed cardiovascular risk for 2,775 participants in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study who were randomly assigned to intensive lifestyle, metformin, or placebo. Cardiovascular risk was assessed by Framingham score and individual risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
The researchers found that Framingham scores according to glycemic exposure did not differ between the groups. During 10 years of follow-up, mean Framingham scores were highest among those in the prediabetes group (16.2 versus 15.2 in those restored to NGR and 14.3 in those with diabetes), but this score declined over time. Higher medication use for treatment of elevated lipid and blood pressure levels partly explained the lower Framingham score in the diabetes group versus the other groups, a declining Framingham score in the pre-diabetes group, and favorable changes in individual cardiovascular risk factors.
"Regardless of type of initial treatment, participants who didn't develop diabetes had a 28 percent lower occurrence of the microvascular complications than those participants who did develop diabetes," a coauthor said in a statement. "These findings show that intervening in the prediabetes phase is important in reducing early stage complications."
Press Release
More Information
Does digoxin increase the risk of ischemic stroke and mortality in atrial fibrillation – a nationwide population-based cohort study
Canadian Journal of Cardiology, 06/13/2014 Clinical Article
Chao TF, et al. – The goal of the present study is to investigate the relationship between digoxin and the risk of ischemic stroke and mortality in Asians. Digoxin should be avoided for AF patients without heart failure since it was associated with an increased risk of clinical events. Beta–blockers may be a better choice for controlling ventricular rate.
Methods
This study used the “National Health Insurance Research Database” in Taiwan.
A total of 4,781 AF patients who did not receive any antithrombotic therapy were selected as the study population.
Among the study population, 829 subjects (17.3%) received the digoxin treatment.
The risks of ischemic stroke and mortality of patients with or without digoxin use were compared.
Results
The use of digoxin was associated with an increased risk of clinical events with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.41 (95% CI =1.17–1.70) for ischemic stroke and 1.21 (95% CI =1.01–1.44) for all–cause mortality.
In the subgroup analysis based on the coexistence with heart failure or not, digoxin was a risk factor of adverse events for patients without heart failure, but not for those with heart failure (interaction p<0.001 for either endpoint).
Among AF patients without heart failure, the use of beta–blockers was associated with better survival with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.
Conclusions
Digoxin should be avoided for AF patients without heart failure since it was associated with an increased risk of clinical events. Beta-blockers may be a better choice for controlling ventricular rate.
Among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), digoxin use was associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke and mortality for patients without heart failure, but not for those with heart failure. Among AF patients without heart failure, the use of beta-blockers seemed to have survival benefits. For controlling ventricular rate in AF patients without heart failure, digoxin should be used ìwith cautionî and beta-blockers may be a better choice for primary rate control therapy.
Risk of atrial fibrillation with use of oral and intravenous bisphosphonates.
Sharma A1, Einstein AJ2, Vallakati A3, Arbab-Zadeh A4, Walker MD5, Mukherjee D6, Homel P7, Borer JS8, Lichstein E9.
Author information
Abstract
Clinical studies suggest an association between bisphosphonate use and new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). Intravenous bisphosphonates more potently increase the release of inflammatory cytokines than do oral bisphosphonates; thus, the risk of developing AF may be greater with intravenous preparations. We have evaluated incidence of new-onset AF with use of oral and intravenous bisphosphonates through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and EMBASE databases for observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 1966 to April 2013 that reported the number of patients developing AF with use of oral or intravenous bisphosphonates. The random-effects Mantel-Haenszel test was used to evaluate the relative risk of AF with use of oral and intravenous bisphosphonates. Nine studies (5 RCTs and 4 observational studies) were included in the final analysis. Pooled data from RCTs and observational studies (n = 135,347) showed a statistically significantly increased risk of new-onset AF with both intravenous (relative risk 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.32 to 1.49) and oral (relative risk 1.22, 95% confidence interval 1.14 to 1.31) bisphosphonates. The z statistic, which assesses the difference between the 2 risk ratios, indicated higher risk of AF with intravenous bisphosphonates versus oral bisphosphonates (p = 0.03).
In conclusion, pooled data from RCTs and observational studies suggest that risk of AF is increased by use of oral or intravenous bisphosphonates but further suggest that risk is relatively greater with intravenous preparations.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24837258
Diet that promotes healthy gut may improve sense of wellbeing.
CNN (6/18, Stewart) reports on the importance of a healthy gut to general health, and explains that diets “high in sugar, fat, and processed food – can cause gas, discomfort, bloating and inflammation” due to the “less-beneficial” bacteria they promote, which may also “emit chemicals that compromise the intestinal lining,” according to Lita Proctor, of the Human Microbiome Project at the National Institutes of Health. Proctor is quoted saying, “This so-called ‘leaky gut’ allows nonnutritive materials to slip into our bodies and affect how we feel.” The bacteria content of the gut may also play a role in obesity as well as diabetes and heart disease. The article suggests incorporating yogurt with Lactobacillus rhamnosus as well as foods rich in “prebiotics” and avoiding fatty foods.
Reducing systolic blood pressure below a certain point may not benefit people with high blood pressure.
The New York Times (6/19, Bakalar) “Well” blog reports that research published online in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that reducing systolic blood pressure below a certain point may not benefit individuals with hypertension. In the study, researchers found that “cardiac events were more common in people whose blood pressure exceeded 140, and particularly among those with readings over 160.” however, “there was no difference in the risk for heart failure, stroke or heart attack between those in the normal range (120 to 140) and those with a level below 120.”
Studies suggest having moles may be linked to increased breast cancer risk.
On its website, TIME (6/11, Sifferlin) reports that “two new studies suggest that having moles is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.”
The CNN (6/11) “The Chart” blog reports that one “study in the United States and” the other “in France followed almost 175,000 middle age women for about 20 years.” Investigators “looked at women with few or no moles and compared their breast cancer risk to women who had lots of moles – defined in one study as more than 15 on one arm.”
On its website, NBC News (6/11, Fox) reports that the US study found that “those who had 15 or more moles were 35 percent more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than women who said they didn’t have any.” The investigators found that “after 24 years, women with no moles had about an 8 percent chance of developing breast cancer but the women with 15 or more had an 11 percent risk.” The French study found that “women who said they had “very many” moles at the beginning were 13 percent more likely to develop breast cancer.” The findings were published in PLOS Medicine. HealthDay (6/11, Norton) also covers the story.
High Levels of Calcium in Blood and Urine Seen in Older Women Given Supplements
Hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria are common in older women taking vitamin D and calcium supplements, according to a prospective study inMenopause.
Roughly 150 postmenopausal white women who were insufficient in vitamin D were randomized to receive vitamin D3 (400–4800 IU/day) or placebo. In addition, all participants were given calcium citrate supplements based on their dietary calcium intake, with a goal of 1200 mg of calcium daily.
Over a year, 9% of women developed hypercalcemia, and nearly a third developed hypercalciuria, with little overlap between the two groups. There was no association between the dose of vitamin D and hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria. Both conditions were observed in women taking placebo plus calcium, leading the authors to caution that "even a modest calcium supplementation of 600 mg/day may be too high for some women."
Menopause article (Free abstract)
Grapes May Alleviate Arthritis
Consuming grapes may confer benefits for knee osteoarthritis
The most common joint disease among Americans, osteoarthritis is a condition where the natural cushioning between joints – the cartilage – wears away. Because symptom management is often ineffective and joint replacement is invasive surgery, many osteoarthritis suffers seek natural approaches. Grapes are rich in anti-inflammatory polyphenols, compounds that have been shown to reduce inflammation. Shanil Juma, from Texas Woman's University (Texas, USA), and colleagues conducted a sixteen week clinical study, in which 72 men and women with knee osteoarthritis were assigned to either consume grapes in the form of a whole grape freeze-dried powder, or a placebo powder. The data revealed that both men and women consuming a grape-enriched diet had a significant decrease in self-reported pain related to activity and an overall decrease in total knee symptoms – notably, improved joint flexibility and overall mobility. This beneficial effect was more pronounced in females. Additionally, age-related differences were observed: there was a 70% increase in very hard activity for those under 64 years of age consuming the grape powder, while those receiving the placebo reported a significant decrease in very hard activity. Attributing these observed benefits to the polyphenols found in grapes, the lead investigator comments that: "These findings provide promising data that links grape consumption to two very important outcomes for those living with knee osteoarthritis: reduced pain and improvements in joint flexibility.”
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-05/ral-gcm050814.php
Omega-3s Reduce Deadly Blood Clot Risks
A diet abundant in fish, combined with omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, may reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism by nearly 50%.
Encompassing the conditions of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third most common cardiovascular illness after acute coronary syndrome and stroke. IJ Hansen-Krone, from University of Tromso (Norway), and colleagues analyzed data collected on 23,621 men and women , ages 25 to 97 years, who were enrolled in the Tromso Study which followed subjects for an average of 16 years. During this period, there were 536 documented cases of VTE. Through data analysis, researchers ascertained that tthose participants who ate three or more servings of fish per week reduced their risk of VTE by 22%. Adding fish oil dietary supplements further enhanced the dietary benefits, with omega-3 dietary supplement consumers experiencing a 48% lower risk of VTE. The study authors conclude that: “a high weekly intake ([at or more than] 3 times/wk) of fish was associated with a slightly reduced risk of [venous thromboembolism], and the addition of fish oil supplements strengthened the inverse effect.”
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Omega-3s-heart-health-Fish-and-supplements-may-slash-venous-thromboembolism-risk-says-new-study/
Link Between Cholesterol & Cancer
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) exerts a negative effect on the mechanism that controls cell migration – including that involved in cancer metastasis.
A generally established factor for heart disease, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as the “bad” cholesterol. Thomas Grewal, from the University of Sydney (Australia), and colleagues have identified that LDL cholesterol controls the trafficking of tiny vessels which also contain integrins – molecules that are thought to help cancer cells to metastasize. Observing that high amounts of 'bad' cholesterol seem to help the integrins in cancer cells to move and spread, the researchers also found that high levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol, kept integrins inside cells and may therefore protect against cancer cell spread. Observing that malignant cancer cells are known to take up increased amounts of 'bad' LDL cholesterol,” the study authors submit that: “fine-tuning of cholesterol levels at the [trans-Golgi network recycling endosomes] … may play a regulatory role in cell migration and invasion.”
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-05-bad-cholesterol-contributes-cancer-body.html
Mediterranean Diet May Up Diabetes Remission Rates
For newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients, a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet (LCMD) may be a lifestyle modification that leads to a greater reduction in HbA1c levels, higher rate of diabetes remission, and a delayed need for diabetes medication. A study of 215 overweight, middle-aged adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes randomized patients to a LCMD or a low-fat diet. After an average 6.1 years follow-up for the low-fat group and 8.1 years for the LCMD group, LCMD patients were more likely to experience partial or complete diabetes remission during the first year and year six compared to the low-fat group (14.7% and 5.0% vs. 4.1% and 0%, respectively). Other studies have found that the Mediterranean diet could reduce diabetes risk in older adults.
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/37/7/1824.short
The EURObservational Research Programme on Atrial Fibrillation Pilot Survey provides contemporary data on oral anticoagulation prescribing by European cardiologists for atrial fibrillation. Although the uptake of oral anticoagulation (mostly vitamin K antagonist therapy) has improved since the Euro Heart Survey a decade ago, antiplatelet therapy is still commonly prescribed, with or without oral anticoagulation, whereas elderly patients are commonly undertreated with oral anticoagulation. The American Journal of Medicine
Purpose In Life Adds Years to Life
Setting a direction and goals for what you wish to achieve may help you live longer.
A number of previous studies have suggested that finding a purpose in life lowers risk of mortality above and beyond other factors that are known to predict longevity. Patrick Hill from Carleton University (Canada), and colleagues utilized data collected on over 6,000 subjects enrolled in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. Over the 14-year follow-up period, 569 of the participants had died (about 9% of the sample). Those who had died had reported lower purpose in life and fewer positive relations than did survivors. Greater purpose in life consistently predicted lower mortality risk across the lifespan, showing the same benefit for younger, middle-aged, and older participants across the follow-up period. The study authors submit that: “having a purpose in life appears to widely buffer against mortality risk across the adult years.”
http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/news/releases/having-a-sense-of-purpose-in-life-may-add-years-to-your-life.html
Adding Nonfat Dairy to Diet May Lower BP
A new study has found that adding ≥4 servings of nonfat dairy products a day to one's diet can lower systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure in patients with hypertension. Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, those who added ≥4 servings of nonfat dairy products to their daily food consumption saw a decrease in systolic blood pressure (135 ± 1 to 127 ± 1mmHg) and pulse pressure (54 ± 1 to 48 ± 1mmHg) (both P<0.05) within 3 weeks. No reductions were seen in diastolic blood pressure for the nonfat dairy group or the control group with all dairy products removed from their diets.
Canola Oil, Low Glycemic Diet Beneficial in T2DM
(HealthDay News) — A low glycemic load (GL) diet including α-linolenic acid (ALA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) can improve glycemic control for patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online June 14 in Diabetes Care.
David J. A. Jenkins, MD, PhD, DSc, from the University of Toronto in Canada, and colleagues determined the combined effect of ALA, MUFA, and low GL on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in 141 participants with type 2 diabetes treated with oral antihyperglycemic agents. Participants were given dietary advice on a low-GL diet with a canola oil-enriched bread supplement containing ALA and MUFA, and/or whole-grain diet with a whole-wheat bread supplement (control).
The researchers found that the reduction in hemoglobin A1c was greater for the test diet than for the control diet (−0.47 vs. −0.31%, respectively; P=0.002), with the greatest benefit for participants with higher systolic blood pressure. The test diet correlated with greater reductions in the Framingham cardiovascular risk score, while the control diet correlated with increases in the reactive hyperemia index ratio.
"A canola oil-enriched low-GL diet improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, particularly in participants with raised systolic blood pressure, whereas whole grains improved vascular reactivity," the authors write.
The study breads were provided by Kensington Natural Bakers. The study was funded by Loblaw Companies. Several authors disclose financial ties to the medical and nutrition industries.
Abstract
Citrus Fruit May Lower Bladder Cancer Risk
Increased intake of citrus fruit is associated with a decreased risk of bladder cancer, according to a new meta-analysis published online ahead of print in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition.
The meta-analysis, by Sudong Liang, MD, of Soochow University in Yangzhou Jiangsu, China, and colleagues, included 8 case-control studies and 6 cohort studies totaling 7,372 cases and 935,800 subjects. Pooled data from the 14 studies showed that individuals with the highest intake of citrus fruit had a 15% decreased risk of bladder cancer risk compared with those who had the lowest intake. Analysis of data from the case-control studies showed a significant 23% decreased risk. Investigators found no association between fruit intake and bladder cancer risk in the cohort studies.
“Our results suggest that there is limited evidence for a protective association between high citrus fruit intake and bladder cancer risk,” the researchers wrote.
Dr. Liang's group explained that an inverse association between citrus fruit consumption and bladder cancer risk is biologically plausible. “Citrus fruits are good courses of multiple cancer-chemopreventive agents such as vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids, limonoids, folic acid, and dietary fiber.”
Metformin Use Decreases Risk of Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Use of the diabetes drug metformin is associated with a decreased risk of aprostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis, new findings suggest.
In a study of 12,226 men diagnosed with PCa and 122,260 population controls, Mark A. Preston, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and colleagues found that men who used metformin had a significant 16% decreased risk of a PCa diagnosis in adjusted analyses compared with non-users. Among men who had undergone PSA testing in the previous year, metformin use was associated with a significant 34% decreased risk of a PCa diagnosis.
Diabetics on no medication or on other oral hypoglycemic agents did have a significant decrease in the risk of a PCa diagnosis, the researchers reported online ahead of print in European Urology.
The researchers identified study subjects using the Danish Cancer Registry and the Aarhus University Prescription Database.
In a previous Canadian study of older diabetic men published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2013;105:1123-1131), researchers found no association between metformin use and PCa risk. The study included 5,306 PCa case subjects and 26,530 matched controls. A meta-analysis published in Cancer Epidemiology (2013;37:207-218) found that metformin can reduce the incidence of a number of cancers, but had no effect on PCa incidence.
Glycemic Response to Metformin Differs by Race, Ethnicity
(HealthDay News) — Race-ethnicity appears to influence the effect of metformin on glycemic control in patients with diabetes, according to research published online June 12 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
L. Keoki Williams, MD, MPH, of the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, and colleagues examined the effects of metformin on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements in 19,672 patients with diabetes, including 7,429 African Americans and 8,783 European Americans.
The researchers found that baseline HbA1c levels among patients with diabetes were higher in African Americans (7.81%; 61.8mmol/mol) than in European Americans (7.38%; 57.1mmol/mol). Metformin therapy, compared with no use, was associated with a 0.62% (6.8mmol/mol) reduction in HbA1c level. Reduction in HbA1c levels was significantly greater in African Americans than in European Americans (0.90% or 9.8mmol/mol vs. 0.42% or 4.6mmol/mol; P<0.001). Regardless of baseline HbA1c level, use of metformin was associated with lower HbA1c levels in African-American patients.
"African-American individuals appear to have a better glycemic response to metformin when compared with European Americans," the authors write. "Further studies are needed to determine whether this translates to commensurate reductions in diabetes complications."
Abstract
Blood Pressure Meds Taken At Bedtime May Cut Diabetes Risk
Hypertensive patients without diabetes may be at lower risk of new-onset diabetes if they take at least 1 blood pressure (BP)-lowering medication at bedtime, according to data presented at the American Society of Hypertension annual meeting in New York.
In a prospective, randomized trial of 2,012 hypertensive patients without diabetes mellitus, Ramón C. Hermida, PhD, Campus Universitario, Vigo, Spain, and colleagues found that subjects who took 1 or more BP medications at bedtime had a significant 57% decreased risk of new-onset diabetes than those who took all of their BP medications upon awakening. They also had improved ambulatory BP control.
Diabetes developed in 171 (8.5%) of the 2,012 patients during a median follow-up of 5.6 years.
The study population had a median age of 52.7 years and consisted of 976 men and 1,036 women.
Association of azithromycin with mortality and cardiovascular events among older patients hospitalized with pneumonia
JAMA, 06/22/2014 Evidence Based Medicine Clinical Article
Mortensen EM, et al. – Although clinical practice guidelines recommend combination therapy with macrolides, including azithromycin, as first–line therapy for patients hospitalized with pneumonia, recent research suggests that azithromycin may be associated with increased cardiovascular events. To examine the association of azithromycin use with all–cause mortality and cardiovascular events for patients hospitalized with pneumonia. Among older patients hospitalized with pneumonia, treatment that included azithromycin compared with other antibiotics was associated with a lower risk of 90–day mortality and a smaller increased risk of myocardial infarction. These findings are consistent with a net benefit associated with azithromycin use.
Methods
Retrospective cohort study comparing older patients hospitalized with pneumonia from fiscal years 2002 through 2012 prescribed azithromycin therapy and patients receiving other guideline–concordant antibiotic therapy.
This study was conducted using national Department of Veterans Affairs administrative data of patients hospitalized at any Veterans Administration acute care hospital.
Patients were included if they were aged 65 years or older, were hospitalized with pneumonia, and received antibiotic therapy concordant with national clinical practice guidelines.
Outcomes included 30– and 90–day all–cause mortality and 90–day cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and any cardiac event.
Propensity score matching was used to control for the possible effects of known confounders with conditional logistic regression.
Results
Of 73690 patients from 118 hospitals identified, propensity–matched groups were composed of 31863 patients exposed to azithromycin and 31863 matched patients who were not exposed.
There were no significant differences in potential confounders between groups after matching.
Ninety–day mortality was significantly lower in those who received azithromycin (exposed, 17.4%, vs unexposed, 22.3%; odds ratio [OR], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.70–0.76).
However, authors found significantly increased odds of myocardial infarction (5.1% vs 4.4%; OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.08–1.25) but not any cardiac event (43.0% vs 42.7%; OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.98–1.05), cardiac arrhythmias (25.8% vs 26.0%; OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.95–1.02), or heart failure (26.3% vs 26.2%; OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.97–1.04).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:
Among older patients hospitalized with pneumonia, treatment that included azithromycin compared with other antibiotics was associated with a lower risk of 90-day mortality and a smaller increased risk of myocardial infarction. These findings are consistent with a net benefit associated with azithromycin use.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24893087
Treatment of erosive osteoarthritis with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonist fenofibrate: a pilot study.
Shirinsky IV1, Shirinsky VS.
Author information
Abstract
Hand osteoarthritis (HOA) is a common condition associated with high disease burden and frequently accompanied by comorbidities including dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis and obesity. The most debilitating HOA phenotype is erosive HOA (EHOA), characterized by synovial inflammation, formation of erosions, and substantial decline in hand function. Currently, there is no proven symptomatic treatment for the EHOA. Due to their broad spectrum effects directed on lipid metabolism, inflammation and pain, the agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha or fibrates are a candidate class of drugs for the treatment of EHOA. In this study, we assessed the influence of fenofibrate treatment on clinical efficacy parameters, in vivo cytokine and adipokine production and concentrations of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in patients with EHOA. Fourteen patients received treatment with 145 mg of fenofibrate/day for 12 weeks. Fenofibrate treatment was associated with significant decreases in pain score, tender joint count, duration of morning stiffness, disease activity score, Cochin index, and ESR. Eight (57.14 %) patients developed Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials-Osteoarthritis Research Society response at the end of treatment. Paracetamol consumption did not change during the treatment course. There was a significant reduction in triglyceride levels. No changes were detected in serum pro-inflammatory cytokine and adipokine concentrations while circulating IL-10 levels significantly decreased. There were no differences in circulating EPC numbers before and after the treatment. Fenofibrate was well tolerated, no patient experienced disease flare during the treatment.
In conclusion, in EHOA patients, fenofibrate is associated with pleiotropic effects on pain, inflammation, and lipid profile. Larger, controlled studies are needed to confirm these results.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23620259
Chronic Inflammatory Disorders and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Coronary Heart Disease, and Stroke: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Patients with chronic inflammatory disorders like psoriasis, Crohn's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis may have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, with the risk linked to inflammation severity. This research from the journal Circulation measured new diagnoses of type 2 diabetes, stroke, or coronary heart disease in patients with severe psoriasis, mild psoriasis, bullous skin diseases, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic autoimmune disorders, and systemic vasculitis. The highest risks were seen in patients with systemic autoimmune disorders (1.32, CI: 1.16–1.44) and systemic vasculitis (1.29, CI: 1.16–1.44) while risks increased with organ-specific disorders, including severe psoriasis (1.29, CI: 1.12–1.47) and ulcerative colitis (1.26, CI: 1.14–1.40). Patients with the highest severity of inflammation had a greater risk of multiple outcomes compared to those with lower severity.
Conclusions—The risk of cardiovascular diseases and T2DM is increased across a range of organ-specific and multi-system chronic inflammatory disorders with evidence that risk is associated with severity of inflammation. Clinical management of patients with chronic inflammatory disorders should aim to reduce cardiovascular risk.
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2014/06/26/CIRCULATIONAHA.114.009990.short
Updated Guidelines on Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
The Infectious Diseases Society of America has released updated guidelines on diagnosing and treating skin and soft tissue infections.
The hefty guidelines, last updated in 2005, are available for free in Clinical Infectious Diseases. They include a new figure that simplifies the management of localized purulent staphylococcal infections given the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In addition, an algorithm provides a simpler approach for managing and treating surgical site infections.
Clinical Infectious Diseases article
Adverse Effects of Thiazide Diuretics in Older Patients
Makam AN et al., J Am Geriatr Soc 2014 Jun 62:1039
Hyponatremia, hypokalemia, or decline in renal function occurred fairly frequently during the first 9 months of thiazide use.
Low vitamin D may be linked to increased risk of premature death.
The New York Times (6/13, Bakalar) “Well” blog reports that research published online in The American Journal of Public Health suggests that “low blood levels of vitamin D” may be linked to an increased risk of premature death. Investigators analyzed “data from 32 studies and found that people with a blood level below 9 nanograms per milliliter had almost double the risk of premature death compared with those with levels of 50 or higher.”
Low vitamin D linked to increased mortality risk
People with low vitamin D levels had a higher risk of heart-disease-related death and all-cause mortality than people with the highest levels of vitamin D, according to an analysis of eight studies involving more than 26,000 nonsmoking people. Participants with a history of cancer and low vitamin levels had a 1.7 times higher risk of dying from cancer. The findings appear on the website of BMJ. HealthDay News
Calcium, vitamin D supplementation may reduce blood sugar levels in gestational diabetes.
The New York Times (6/27, Bakalar) “Well” blog reports that according to a study published online in the journal Diabetologia, “calcium and vitamin D supplementation can reduce blood sugar levels in women with gestational diabetes and improve other measures of metabolic health.” Researchers came to that conclusion after randomizing “56 women with gestational diabetes to receive either 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day along with 50,000 units of vitamin D twice during the six-week study, or to get placebo pills.” The women in the supplement group experienced improvements in “fasting blood glucose and cholesterol levels.”
HealthDay News) – Dietary calcium intake is inversely associated with prostate-cancer risk, according to a study published online January 12 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Preventing Chronic Disease.
Christina D. Williams, PhD, MPH, of Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center in North Carolina, and colleagues investigated the association between calcium intake and prostate-cancer risk. Data from a case-control study involving 108 men with biopsy-positive prostate cancer, 161 men with negative biopsy results for prostate cancer, and 237 healthy men were evaluated. Dietary calcium intake was assessed using the Harvard food frequency questionnaire. Cancer grade was established as low-grade (Gleason score <7) or high-grade (Gleason score ≥7).
The researchers observed an inverse association between calcium intake from food and prostate cancer risk when comparing cases and biopsy-negative controls (P=0.05) and cases and healthy controls (P=0.02). In analyses of healthy controls, for black men, total calcium was also associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. Finally, men in the highest tertile of calcium intake from food had a lower risk for high-grade cancer when comparing high-grade cases with biopsy-negative controls (odds ratio [OR], 0.37) or with healthy controls (OR, 0.38).
"Our findings suggest that, among men with diets that have moderate to low calcium intake, adequate calcium intake may reduce the risk for prostate cancer, particularly among black men, and reduce the risk for high-grade prostate cancer among all men," the authors write.
Full Text
Low Vitamin D May Increase Hypertension Risk
(HealthDay News) — People who have genetic variants tied to low production of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D)have an increased risk of hypertension, according to a study published online June 26 in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
Karani S. Vimaleswaran, PhD, from University College London, and colleagues utilized meta-analyzed data for up to 108,173 individuals from 35 studies in the D-CarDia collaboration. The authors sought to investigate associations between the allele score (a 25[OH]D synthesis score based on variants of genes that affect 25[OH]D synthesis or substrate availability) and blood pressure measurements.
In phenotypic analyses (up to 49,363 individuals), the researchers found that increased 25(OH)D concentration was associated with decreased systolic blood pressure (P=0.003) and reduced odds of hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 0.98; P=0.0003), but not with decreased diastolic blood pressure (P=0.37). Each 25(OH)D-increasing allele of the synthesis score in meta-analyses (146,581 individuals) was associated with a change of 0.10mmHg in systolic blood pressure (P=0.0498) and a change of 0.08mmHg in diastolic blood pressure (P=0.01). In a separate meta-analysis (142,255 individuals), the synthesis score was associated with a reduced odds of hypertension (OR per allele, 0.98; P=0.001).
"This finding warrants further investigation in an independent, similarly powered study," the authors write.
Several authors disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry.
Abstract
Vitamin D plus calcium may protect seniors from fractures
An analysis of data from 53 studies found that daily intake of vitamin D and calcium supplements appears to reduce the risk of fractures among high-risk seniors. Vitamin D supplements alone did not lower the risk, researchers reported in The Cochrane Library. Healio (free registration)
High-Potency Statins Are Associated with Excess Risk for Diabetes
Dormuth CR et al., BMJ 2014 May 29; 348:g3244
But the number need to treat for 2 years was 342 in a cohort of patients with cardiovascular disease.
Meta-analyses of randomized trials have shown that statin use is associated with excess risk for developing diabetes. These findings prompted the FDA to require label changes for statins to address this concern. In this study, investigators used data from eight population-based Canadian, U.S., and U.K. cohort studies to evaluate risk for developing diabetes in 137,000 patients (age, ≥40) who were hospitalized for major adverse cardiovascular events and who received new prescriptions for high-potency or low-potency statins.
Diabetes incidence in new users of high-potency statins (rosuvastatin [Crestor] ≥10 mg, atorvastatin ≥20 mg, or simvastatin ≥40 mg) was compared with incidence in new users of low-potency statins (all other statins). Within the first 2 years of statin use, new-onset diabetes was significantly more common with high-potency statins than with low-potency statins (rate ratio, 1.2). Risk was highest during the first 4 months of use (RR, 1.3).
Determinants associated with bone mineral density increase in response to daily teriparatide treatment in patients with osteoporosis.
Niimi R1, Kono T2, Nishihara A3, Hasegawa M4, Matsumine A5, Kono T6, Sudo A7.
Author information
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Several factors associated with bone mineral density (BMD) increase are reported with daily teriparatide treatment, but there has been no systematic analysis to summarize these associations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical determinants associated with BMD increase to daily teriparatide treatment.
METHODS:
This was a retrospective study. We performed an analysis of 306 patients diagnosed with osteoporosis. Teriparatide was administered at 20μg/day for 12months. The primary efficacy measure was a change in lumbar spine (LS) BMD from baseline at 12months. To determine the response variables of BMD changes, we investigated the clinical determinants using univariate and multivariate analyses.
RESULTS:
There was a 9.8±8.2% increase in LS BMD after 12months. Prior bisphosphonate treatment and baseline procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) concentration were significantly associated with LS BMD absolute response by univariate analyses. In the multiple regression model, patients with higher baseline PINP concentration had a significantly greater LS BMD absolute increase. Prior bisphosphonate use lost its correlation in the multiple regression models.
CONCLUSION:
Our results showed that baseline PINP concentration was a useful predictor of LS BMD absolute increase regardless of prior treatment.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24909538
Comparative effects of teriparatide and ibandronate on spine bone mineral density (BMD) and microarchitecture (TBS) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: A 2-year open-label study
Osteoporosis International, 06/25/2014 Clinical Article
Senn C, et al. – The study demonstrate that treatment effects over 2 years of teriparatide vs. ibandronate in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were compared using lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS). Furthermore, result suggest that in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, a 2–year treatment with teriparatide led to a significantly larger increase in lumbar spine (LS) BMD and TBS than IBN, suggesting that teriparatide had more pronounced effects on bone microarchitecture than ibandronate (IBN).
Methods
Two patient groups with matched age, body mass index (BMI), and baseline LS BMD, treated with either daily subcutaneous teriparatide (N=65) or quarterly intravenous IBN (N=122) during 2 years and with available LS BMD measurements at baseline and 2 years after treatment initiation were compared.
Results
Baseline characteristics (overall mean ± SD) were similar between groups in terms of age 67.9±7.4 years, body mass index 23.8±3.8 kg/m2, BMD L1–L4 0.741±0.100 g/cm2, and TBS 1.208±0.100.
Over 24 months, teriparatide induced a significantly larger increase in LS BMD and TBS than IBN (+7.6 %±6.3 vs. +2.9 %±3.3 and +4.3 %±6.6 vs. +0.3 %±4.1, respectively; P<0.0001 for both).
LS BMD and TBS were only weakly correlated at baseline (r 2=0.04) with no correlation between the changes in BMD and TBS over 24 months.
CONCLUSIONS:
In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, a 2-year treatment with teriparatide led to a significantly larger increase in LS BMD and TBS than IBN, suggesting that teriparatide had more pronounced effects on bone microarchitecture than IBN.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24760244
Cognitive engagement, intellectual activities may stave off dementia.
The Los Angeles Times (6/24, Healy) “Science Now” blog reports that in people “at higher genetic risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, completing more school and going on to a lifetime of mentally challenging work and leisurely pursuits can delay the onset of dementia by close to nine years,” according to a study published June 23 in JAMA Neurology.
Bloomberg News (6/24, Ostrow) reports that the study of 1,995 Minnesota seniors also revealed that “lifelong intellectual activities such as playing music or reading kept the mind fit as people aged and also delayed Alzheimer’s by years for those at risk of the disease who weren’t college educated or worked at challenging jobs.”
HealthDay (6/24, Mozes) reports that “at the time of the study’s launch, mental functioning was lower among carriers of the APOE4 genotype,” which is considered “the most significant genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s,” and “among those who scored lowest on education, job, and/or activity measures.” Surprisingly, the study “authors found that those with the lowest educational and occupational scores actually gained the most protection against dementia by embarking on intellectual activities from middle-age onward.” Reuters (6/24, Doyle) also covers the st
Study creates debate as to how memories are stored.
The New York Times (6/24, D2, Quenqua, Subscription Publication) reports that neuroscientists are debating whether “each memory is stored in a single neuron in a region of the brain called the hippocampus” after a recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences indicates “every memory is spread out, or distributed, across many neurons in that part of the brain.”
Changes in circulating leptin levels during acute stress and associations with craving in abstinent smokers: A preliminary investigation
Psychoneuroendocrinology, 06/20/2014 Clinical Article
Potretzke S, et al. – Recent research suggests a role for the appetite hormone leptin in cigarette smoking. This study examined patterns of change in leptin in response to stress and associations with craving during the initial phase of a quit attempt. The findings suggest that leptin levels may change in response to stress and that leptin could be a useful marker of craving for smoking.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24954303
Study: Regular aspirin use could cut risk of pancreatic cancer.
The New York Times (6/26, Bakalar) reported that a new study has found that “low-dose aspirin,” used to “reduce the risk for heart disease,” could also cut “the risk for pancreatic cancer.” In the study, published online in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, researchers compared “aspirin use in 362 pancreatic cancer patients with 690 randomly chosen controls.” They found regular aspirin use cut “the risk for pancreatic cancer by 48 percent.”
Bloomberg News (6/26, Ostrow) reported that while people “who took low-dose, about 75 to 325 milligrams, of aspirin daily” had “a 48 percent lower risk of pancreatic cancer,” those who took aspirin regularly for a decade reduced “the risk by 60 percent.” The article noted that “studies have found that regular aspirin use” cuts “the risk for colon, esophageal, lung and prostate cancers,” in addition to reducing heart attack and stroke risk.
The news was also covered by McClatchy (6/26, Pugh, Subscription Publication) and the New Haven (CT) Register (6/26).
One-Time AAA Screening for Male Smokers, Recommends USPSTF
HealthDay News) — The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has concluded that a one-time abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening should be offered to asymptomatic men, aged 65–75 years, who have ever smoked, while screening for non-smoking men should be selective. These findings are presented in a final recommendation statement published online June 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Michael L. LeFevre, MD, MSPH, on behalf of the USPSTF, conducted a systematic review to examine the evidence on the benefits and harms of screening for AAA among asymptomatic adults aged ≥50 years.
Based on the current evidence, the researches recommend one-time AAA screening with ultrasonography for men aged 65–75 years who have ever smoked (Grade B recommendation). For male never smokers, aged 65–75 years, they recommend that clinicians selectively offer screening (Grade C recommendation). For women aged 65–75 years who have never smoked, the evidence is currently insufficient to weigh the balance of benefits and harms for screening (I statement). For women who have never smoked, routine AAA screening is not recommended (Grade D recommendation).
"The good news is that, if you are a 65–75 year-old man who smokes or used to smoke, one-time AAA screening with an ultrasound, along with appropriate treatment, can reduce your risk of dying from rupture," USPSTF co-vice chair Albert Siu M.D, M.S.P.H., said in a statement.
http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1883338
Stroke risk with clopidogrel platelet reactivity
In patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, the presence of clopidogrel platelet reactivity to adenosine diphosphate is a risk factor for stroke. The American Journal of Cardiology
Study: Physicians may be spreading germs with handshakes.
Modern Healthcare (6/27, Robeznieks, Subscription Publication) reports that according to a viewpoint piece published June 25 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, physicians may be spreading germs by shaking patients’ hands. Researchers wrote, “Regulations to restrict the handshake from the healthcare setting, in conjunction with more robust hand hygiene programs, may help limit the spread of disease and thus could potentially decrease the clinical and economic burden associated with hospital-acquired infections and antimicrobial resistance.”
Olive Oil May Counter Cardiac Effects of Air Pollution
Consuming olive oil may help to reduce endothelial dysfunction, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet – with which a number of cardiovascular benefits are associated. Haiyan Tong, from the US Environmental Protection Agency (North Carolina, USA), and colleagues enrolled 42 healthy adults in a month-long study in which each received either 3 gram/day of olive oil, fish oil, or no supplements for 4 weeks before undergoing controlled 2-hour exposures to filtered air, followed on the next day by exposure to fine/ultrafine concentrated ambient particulate matter in a controlled-exposure chamber. The team assessed endothelial function by sonographic measurement of flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery before, immediately after, and 20 hours after exposure to air and the concentrated particulate matter. They also measure blood markers of vasoconstriction and fibrinolysis. Immediately after exposure to the concentrated particulate matter air, significant particulate matter mass-dependent reductions in flow-mediated dilation were observed in the control and fish oil groups, while the decrease in the olive oil group was not significant. Further, tissue plasminogen activator, a protein involved in the breakdown of blood clots, increased immediately after concentrated particulate matter air exposure in the olive oil group, and this effect persisted up to 20 hours. Olive oil supplementation also ameliorated changes in blood markers associated with vasoconstriction and fibrinolysis, while fish oil supplementation had no effect on endothelial function or fibrinolysis after exposure to concentrated particulate matter air. The study authors submit that: “These data suggest that [olive oil] supplementation may offer protection against the adverse vascular effects of exposure to air pollution particles.”
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-05/ats-oos051214.php
Pour It On: Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Could Reduce AF Risk
Martínez-González MÁ et al., Circulation 2014 Apr 30;
Post-hoc PREDIMED study findings suggest antiarrhythmic as well as anti-ischemic benefits of a Mediterranean diet with an extra helping of EVOO.
PPI-Induced Acute Interstitial Nephritis May Be On the Rise
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are emerging as an important contributing cause to acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), a study found. These medications are the most common cause of AIN in the outpatient setting.
Angela K. Muriithi, MBChB, MPH, of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and colleagues retrospectively studied 133 patients with biopsy-proven AIN. Drugs were the cause in 70% of cases, autoimmune diseases, 20%, and infections, 4%. Results showed that 49% of the drug-related cases were due to antibiotics, 14% were due to PPIs, and 11% were due to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
The top 3 drug causes were omeprazole (12%), amoxicillin (8%), and ciprofloxacin (8%), the researchers reported online ahead of print in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases. Patients with drug-related AIN were older and had higher baseline kidney function than those with non-drug-related AIN, but more severe acute kidney injury.
At 6 months post-biopsy, 49% of patients with drug-induced AIN treated with steroids achieved complete recovery, 39% had partial receovery, and 12% had no recovery. Longer duration of drug exposure and longer delays in starting steroid therapy were associated with poor recovery.
FDA: Risk for Venous Thromboembolism with All Testosterone Products
The FDA is requiring an expanded label change to all approved testosterone products to warn of the increased risk for venous thromboembolism. Labels currently address the risk for clots associated with polycythemia caused by testosterone treatment.
The action follows reports of blood clots in testosterone users unrelated to polycythemia. The agency says the warning is not related to an ongoing investigation announced in January about possible cardiovascular risks associated with testosterone treatment.
FDA drug safety update (Free)
Earlier FDA drug safety communication about testosterone products and risk for stroke and heart attack (Free)
Cancer Incidence Testosterone Therapy Does Not Up Prostate
(HealthDay News) – Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) appears to be safe and does not increase the incidence of prostate cancer, according to a study published online June 6 inThe Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Mark R. Feneley, MD, from University College Hospital, and Malcolm Carruthers, MD, from the Centre for Men's Health – both in London, conducted an updated audit to analyze the long-term incidence of prostate cancer for men receiving TRT. Data were reviewed from 1,365 men (mean age, 55 years) with symptomatic androgen deficiency receiving TRT (pellet implants, Restandol, mesterolone, and Testogel) and monitored for up to 20 years. All patients were prescreened for prostate cancer, and endocrine, biochemical, hematological, and urinary profiles were conducted at baseline and every six months.
After 2,966 man-years of treatment, the researchers found that 14 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed (one case per 212 years of treatment). The mean time to diagnosis was 6.3 years (range, 1–12 years). All of the tumors were suitable for potentially curative treatment and were clinically localized. Starting testosterone treatment had no statistically significant impact on total prostate-specific antigen (PSA), free PSA, or the ratio of free:total PSA. There was no association seen between any initial PSA change and subsequent diagnosis of cancer.
"This study adds to the considerable weight of evidence that with proper clinical monitoring, testosterone treatment is safe for the prostate and improves early detection of prostate cancer," the authors write. "Testosterone treatment with regular monitoring of the prostate may be safer for the individual than any alternative without surveillance."
Abstract
Psychiatric Rx May Protect Against Cartilage Decline in Osteoarthritis
(HealthDay News) — Lithium reduces catabolic events in interleukin-1 β (IL-1β)-treated human articular chondrocytes and protects against cartilage degradation in IL-1β-treated mouse knee joints, according to a study published in the May issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Takeshi Minashima, PhD, from New York University, and colleagues treated human articular chondrocytes with lithium chloride (LiCl) and IL-1β. Real-time polymerase chain reaction then determined expression levels of catabolic genes. Additionally, the activation of NF-KB was determined using luciferase reporter assays. Immunoblot analysis of total cell lysates determined the activities of MAPKs and the STAT-2 signaling pathway.
The researchers found that LiCl treatment resulted in decreased catabolic marker messenger RNA levels and activation of NF-KB, p38 MAPK, and STAT-3 signaling in IL-1β-treated articular chondrocytes. LiCl also directly inhibited IL-6-stimulated activation of STAT-3 signaling. Eight weeks after osteoarthritis induction surgery, the severity of cartilage destruction in LiCl-treated mouse knee joints or in LiCl-treated mouse femoral head explants after IL-1β treatment were markedly reduced versus in vehicle-treated joints or explants.
"LiCl reduced catabolic events in IL-1β-treated human articular chondrocytes and attenuated the severity of cartilage destruction in IL-1β-treated mouse femoral head explants and in the knee joints of mice with surgically induced OA," the authors write.
Abstract
Sublingual Dust Mite Tablets Are Effective for Allergic Rhinitis
After 1 year of treatment, benefits persist for at least 1 additional year, according to a randomized study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
In 2014, three sublingual allergen immunotherapy tablets have been approved by the FDA: Grastek contains Timothy extract; Oralair contains cross-reacting sweet vernal, orchard, perennial rye, Timothy, and Kentucky blue grass extracts; and Ragwitek contains ragweed extract. These tablets are started 3 to 4 months before, and continued throughout, their pollen seasons; they can be administered at home with very low risk for anaphylaxis.
In an industry-funded, European study, 509 allergic patients were randomized to receive sublingual house dust mite or placebo tablets daily for 1 year; patients were followed for 1 additional year. After 4 months of therapy, the active-treatment group had a mean adjusted symptom score that was about 20% lower than the placebo group's mean score. The dust mite tablets' effects were maintained in the following year with no additional treatment. No patient experienced anaphylaxis, one had difficulty swallowing due to sublingual edema, and about 10% dropped out due to oral irritation.
Noroviruses Cause Nearly a Fifth of Gastroenteritis Cases Worldwide
Noroviruses are found in 18% of patients with acute gastroenteritis worldwide, according to a meta-analysis in the Lancet Infectious Diseases.
Researchers examined data from 175 studies (published from 2008 to 2014) comprising nearly 190,000 patients with acute gastroenteritis in 48 countries. In all studies, polymerase chain reaction-based tests were performed on patients' stool samples to identify noroviruses and other pathogens.
The prevalence of noroviruses was the same in patients under 5 years of age and in older patients (18% in each group). The prevalence was somewhat higher in outpatient and community settings (20%–24%) than in inpatient settings (17%). Noroviruses also tended to be more common in developed countries than in high-mortality developing countries.
The authors and commentators emphasize the importance of developing vaccines against noroviruses.
Lancet Infectious Diseases article (Free abstract)
USPSTF recommends more research into effects of routine vitamin D screening
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has issued a draft recommendation calling for more research into the benefits of routine screening of symptom-free, healthy patients for vitamin D deficiency. The panel said although there was not enough evidence to support widespread screening, there is no clear evidence it is harmful. Challenges with screening include problems with vitamin D tests and interpretation and a lack of evidence suggesting supplements can stave off issues associated with low levels of the vitamin. USA Today (6/23), The New York Times (tiered subscription model)/Well blog
Study: Men who exercise have more gut microbes than men who do not.
The New York Times (6/18, Reynolds) “Well” blog reports that according to a study published in the June issue of the journal Gut, “in addition to its other health benefits, frequent exercise may influence our weight and overall health by altering the kinds of organisms that live inside of us.” After examining members of Ireland’s national rugby team while “the players were exercising strenuously for several hours every day” and comparing them to overweight and obese men, researchers found that “the rugby players had considerably more diversity in the make-up of their gut microbiomes, meaning that their intestinal tracts hosted a greater variety of germs than did those of the other men, especially the men in the group with the highest” body mass index.
Musical rhythms help Parkinson’s patients “unfreeze.”
NPR (6/18, Hamilton) reports in its “Shots” blog that dance and musical rhythms can help alleviate the abnormal patterns that are caused by the onset of epilepsy, schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s Disease. The diseases disturb the brain’s synapses’ ability to communicate with one another in rhythm, and people suffering from the illnesses “tend to develop abnormal firing patterns in their brains that result in tremor and other difficulties with movement.” NPR notes that dance and music provide an external rhythm that people are able to respond to and “unfreeze.”
Broccoli-sprout drink could help curb pollution’s effect on the body.
TIME (6/18, Sifferlin) reports that, according to a study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research, drinking broccoli-sprout beverages can help people with high exposure to pollutants detoxify their bodies. The researchers found that, in a study involving 300 Chinese men and women living in a rural community, among those who drank the broccoli-sprout infused drinks, “the rate of excretion of the carcinogen benzene increased 61% and the rate of excretion of the irritant acrolein rapidly increased 23%.”
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased mortality in ICU patients
Among 130 patients requiring mechanical ventilation, 107 were vitamin D-deficient (< 20 ng/ml). Of the patients who did not survive, the length of survival was shorter in the vitamin D-deficient patients (15.3 vs. 24.2 days, respectively).
Read the article summary
Coronary artery calcium increases cardiovascular risk in patients with T2DM and HTN
Researchers at Tel-Aviv University have conducted a study to determine the value of coronary artery calcium (CAC) measurements in cardiovascular risk stratification in patients with T2DM and HTN. The study involved 423 patients enrolled in the International Nifedipine Study: Intervention as Goal for Hypertension Therapy. The patients had baseline CT scans for CAC measurement at baseline and were shown to be free of disease. Follow-up CT scans were performed at 3 and 15 years. Cardiovascular events (CVEs) occurred in 41 of 423 patients at 3 years and 111 of 268 patients at 15 years of follow-up. CVEs occurred in 15% and 52% (CAC+) and 7% and 32% (CAC-) of patients with T2DM at 3 and 15 years of follow-up, respectively. Compared to patients without T2DM and no CAC, the HRs for a CVE were 6.6 and 3.9 in T2DM patients with and without CAC, respectively.
Read the article summary
CAC scores add predictability to Framingham
Researchers at Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam have evaluated 12 measures (N-terminal fragment of prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide levels, von Willebrand factor antigen levels, fibrinogen levels, chronic kidney disease, leukocyte count, C-reactive protein levels, homocysteine levels, uric acid levels, coronary artery calcium [CAC] scores, carotid intima–media thickness, peripheral arterial disease, and pulse wave velocity), in addition to Framingham risk scores for predicting coronary heart disease. heart disease.
Read the article summary Only the CAC was shown to add significantly to the Framingham risk score in predicting coronary
Boost Balance with Ballroom Dancing
About an hour of ballroom dancing 3 days a week, for 3 months, resulted in a 50% improvement in balance and fall reduction.
Banish These Beverages
Sugar sweetened beverages such as sodas and juice cocktails may elevate blood pressure.
Mushrooms Stabilize Blood Sugar
Consuming portabella mushrooms may help to decrease the post-meal glycemic response.
Fitness in 50s Is An Anti-Aging Essential
Poor physical ability in your 50s may raise your risk of an early death.
Red Wine Counteracts Cavities
Abundant in polyphenols, red wine slows oral bacteria growth.
Hazards of Problem-Plagued Relationships
Conflicts in relationships with friends, family and neighbors may contribute to an earlier death.
Omega-3s Reduce Deadly Blood Clot Risks
A diet abundant in fish, combined with omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, may reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism by nearly 50%.
Lack of Sleep Compromises the Brain
After a night of no sleep, even a healthy brain has elevated levels of amyloid-beta, the protein that characterizes Alzheimer’s Disease.
Heart Benefits of Lifelong Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight at any age in adulthood may confer long-term cardiovascular benefits.
DNA Nanoswitch for Early Cancer Detection
DNA-based nanosensor measures pH variation inside cells.
Fitness in 50s Is An Anti-Aging Essential
Poor physical ability in your 50s may raise your risk of an early death.
Hazards of Problem-Plagued Relationships
Conflicts in relationships with friends, family and neighbors may contribute to an earlier death.
Arthritis Raises Fall Risk
People ages 45 to 64 years who have arthritis may be at greater risk for falls, as well as fall-related injuries.
The Essentiality of Selenium
Proteins containing selenium exert an important antioxidant role in human health.
Six Key Longevity Principles
Potentially 37 million premature deaths over 15 years may be prevented, simply if people modulated six specific modifiable risk factors.
7-a-Day Dramatically Cuts Risk of Dying
Eating seven or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day can reduce the risk of dying by an impressive 42%.
Spike in Heat-Related Deaths Projected
The number of heat-related deaths in the United Kingdom is projected to rise 257% by 2050, because of climate change.
US Life Expectancy Now at 78.7 Years
Americans are enjoying continuation of the steady increase that started 50 years ago.
Never Too Late to Start Exercising
Regular physical activity commencing in later life can still slow mental and physical declines.
Internet Use Corresponds to Anti-Aging Health Habits
Older men and women who use the Internet frequently are more likely to engage in anti-aging health habits, most notably for cancer prevention.
Does digoxin increase the risk of ischemic stroke and mortality in atrial fibrillation – a nationwide population–based cohort study Extended Summary
Canadian Journal of Cardiology
Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: established oral anticoagulants versus novel anticoagulants––translating clinical trial data into practice Extended Summary
Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology
Protecting the brain and the heart: Antithrombotic treatment in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
Angiology
New versus traditional approaches to oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation
American Journal of Medicine
Safety of short–term use of dabigatran or rivaroxaban for direct–current cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter
The American Journal of Cardiology
Intracranial hemorrhage among patients with atrial fibrillation anticoagulated with warfarin or rivaroxaban Extended Summary
Stroke
A novel individualized substrate modification approach for the treatment of long–standing persistent atrial fibrillation: Preliminary results
International Journal of Cardiology
Antioxidants for prevention of atrial fibrillation: a potentially useful future therapeutic approach? A review of the literature and meta–analysis Review Article Evidence Based Medicine
EP Europace
Prevalence of risk factors for atrial fibrillation and stroke among 1210 patients with sleep disordered breathing Extended Summary
International Journal of Cardiology
Physician practices regarding contraindications to oral anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation: findings from the outcomes registry for better informed treatment of atrial fibrillation (ORBIT–AF) registry Extended Summary
American Heart Journal
Risk of atrial fibrillation with use of oral and intravenous bisphosphonates Extended Summary
The American Journal of Cardiology
Rate– and rhythm–control therapies in patients with atrial fibrillation: A systematic reviewEvidence Based Medicine Extended Summary
Annals of Internal Medicine
Combination therapy of cilostazol and bepridil suppresses recurrent ventricular fibrillation related to J–wave syndromes Extended Summary
Heart Rhythm
Periprocedural stroke risk in patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation on uninterrupted warfarin
Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology
Stroke and bleeding risk co–distribution in real–word patients with atrial fibrillation: the Euro Heart Survey Extended Summary
American Journal of Medicine
** ALLERGY News **
Immediate-type allergic reactions: triggers and treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4p3X
----------------------------------------------
** ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA News **
Could a cocoa extract prevent Alzheimer's?
http://mnt.to/l/4p5P
Boosting self-repair may preserve brain in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's
http://mnt.to/l/4p4c
Diverse Alzheimer's research approaches may be a rewarding investment
http://mnt.to/l/4nZz
MRC brings industry and academia together in new approach to accelerate dementias research, UK
http://mnt.to/l/4nZQ
Early Alzheimer's deficits may be triggered by blocking brain's endocannabinoids
http://mnt.to/l/4nZv
The brain has latent potential to orchestrate a self-repairing response
http://mnt.to/l/4nZr
How a new approach to funding Alzheimer's research could pay off
http://mnt.to/l/4nZ7
Findings in brain memory storage may shed light on how to treat neurological conditions like Alzheimer's and epilepsy
http://mnt.to/l/4nWs
----------------------------------------------
** ANXIETY / STRESS News **
Study shows no increase in post-traumatic symptoms years after awareness with recall during surgery
http://mnt.to/l/4p45
Department of Defense and Veterans Administration lack effective systems to evaluate PTSD treatment effectiveness
http://mnt.to/l/4p3Z
'Seeing' where memory fails student veterans: portable brain-mapping device
http://mnt.to/l/4nZ9
Stress linked to short-term memory loss in aging adults
http://mnt.to/l/4nXG
----------------------------------------------
** ARTHRITIS / RHEUMATOLOGY News **
Osteoarthritis in rats responds to stem cell mobilization therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4p2Z
----------------------------------------------
** BONES / ORTHOPEDICS News **
Key discovered to identifying, enriching mesenchymal stem cells
http://mnt.to/l/4p3V
In age-related muscle loss, mechanism identified that could help old muscle grow
http://mnt.to/l/4nYq
Experience with soccer-related facial fractures reviewed by Brazilian surgeons
http://mnt.to/l/4nYn
Potential for improved drugs for osteoporosis, diabetes offered by chemical strategy
http://mnt.to/l/4nXj
----------------------------------------------
** BREAST CANCER News **
Combination tumor imaging can distinguish malignant and benign breast tumors, help avoid unnecessary biopsies
http://mnt.to/l/4p4p
When breast cancer treatment includes weight loss, telephone support found to be effective
http://mnt.to/l/4p2p
Cancer testing mistakes lead to patients missing out on treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nZP
Detection rate for invasive breast cancers significantly higher with 3-D digital mammography
http://mnt.to/l/4nYz
The role of risk profiling in mammography readings, breast cancer diagnosis
http://mnt.to/l/4nYj
Cholesterol-busting compound may halt breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nXQ
Racial disparities in sentinel lymph node biopsy in women with breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nX6
How stiffness in breast tissue contributes to invasive carcinoma
http://mnt.to/l/4nWR
Hormone treatment used by the majority of older breast cancer patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nWm
----------------------------------------------
** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **
Overlooked DNA shuffling drives deadly paediatric brain tumour
http://mnt.to/l/4p4k
Smaller, cheaper two-mode imaging system could help surgeons see and remove cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4p3k
Improved understanding of how cells manage their vast array of proteins and how system failures can lead to cancer and other diseases
http://mnt.to/l/4p3h
HPV-positive head and neck cancer patients may be safely treated with lower radiation dose
http://mnt.to/l/4p3f
Bioengineers invent a way to speed up drug discovery: new technique can track a key family of proteins that regulate health or cause disease
http://mnt.to/l/4p2S
Previously unknown protein, VEGF-Ax, slows development of new blood vessels that allow tumors to expand and metastasize
http://mnt.to/l/4p2R
Study reveals 'escape mechanism' in cancer cells deprived of KRAS activity
http://mnt.to/l/4p2M
New tool for assessing financial risk of cancer patients and survivors
http://mnt.to/l/4p3F
Gardasil® approved in Europe for the prevention of anal cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nZN
Researchers find no link between soy food and endometrial cancer risk
http://mnt.to/l/4nYG
Heparin without its blood-thinning properties can suppress and shrink neuroblastoma tumors
http://mnt.to/l/4nY2
Cancer-killing virus therapy may be improved by low dose of targeted drug
http://mnt.to/l/4nXx
Foreign enzymes used to starve cancer cells from immune system shielded by nanoshell
http://mnt.to/l/4nXt
Nanoparticles aid the microscopic detection of a protein relevant for cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nWC
----------------------------------------------
** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **
Heart attack hospitalizations in China quadruple over 10 years
http://mnt.to/l/4p4B
Advanced CT scanners reduce patient radiation exposure
http://mnt.to/l/4p3Q
Potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis
http://mnt.to/l/4p3p
Women sometimes benefit more from cardiac resynchronization therapy than men
http://mnt.to/l/4p3H
No early impact shown by Massachusetts healthcare reform on racial, ethnic, gender and socioeconomic disparities in cardiovascular care
http://mnt.to/l/4p2w
Study shows early rule-out of acute myocardial infarction using Troponin together with Copeptin is safe
http://mnt.to/l/4nYw
Heart attack patients with kidney problems may not receive life-saving care
http://mnt.to/l/4nYc
----------------------------------------------
** COLORECTAL CANCER News **
Risk for colon, endometrial and lung cancers increased by sedentary behavior
http://mnt.to/l/4nWf
----------------------------------------------
** DEPRESSION News **
Maternal use of antidepressants resulted in increased fat accumulation and inflammation, may lead to childhood obesity and diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4p3P
Scientists "fingerprint" a culprit in depression, anxiety and other mood disorders
http://mnt.to/l/4p32
When youth antidepressant use went down after media coverage of drug warnings, suicide attempts went up
http://mnt.to/l/4nZF
Americans 'more susceptible than Europeans' to job loss depression
http://mnt.to/l/4nZ8
New compound to treat depression identified, may also lead to future therapy for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's
http://mnt.to/l/4nXC
----------------------------------------------
** DERMATOLOGY News **
FDA approves Sivextro to treat skin infections
http://mnt.to/l/4p4M
Common genetic link discovered in fatal autoimmune skin disease
http://mnt.to/l/4p29
Arthritis drug helps bald man grow full head of hair
http://mnt.to/l/4p2B
----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **
Metabolic profile of pregnant women with gestational diabetes improved by calcium and vitamin D supplementation
http://mnt.to/l/4p4Z
Battle of the bulge occurs in the liver
http://mnt.to/l/4p4P
BUSM researchers investigating ways to improve type 2 diabetes treatments
http://mnt.to/l/4p4L
High blood sugar 'raises depression risk' in diabetics
http://mnt.to/l/4p4y
Gene that regulates health of cell's powerhouse could be target for developing new diabetes drugs
http://mnt.to/l/4p2T
Potential target for protecting insulin-producing cells in type 1 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4p2D
Breaking the genetic code for diabetes in Greenland
http://mnt.to/l/4p23
Prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus among U.S. women
http://mnt.to/l/4p2m
Treatment could spur production of insulin in Type 1 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nYQ
Once-weekly dulaglutide shows similar reductions in average blood glucose levels as once-daily liraglutide in head-to-head trial
http://mnt.to/l/4nXq
Lilly announces detailed results from two Phase III studies testing both doses of dulaglutide vs. insulin glargine
http://mnt.to/l/4nXm
Vitamin A derivative potentially treats type 2 diabetes and prevents its cardiovascular complications
http://mnt.to/l/4nWZ
Continued reduction in diabetes development shown by long-term follow-up of diabetes prevention program
http://mnt.to/l/4nWh
New A1C target for children with type 1 diabetes set by diabetes association
http://mnt.to/l/4nWg
----------------------------------------------
** ENDOCRINOLOGY News **
Insufficient endocrinologists to meet demand
http://mnt.to/l/4nZg
How thyroid conditions affect workplace absenteeism
http://mnt.to/l/4nXR
----------------------------------------------
** FERTILITY News **
Scientists advise caution with regard to "three parents and a baby" artificial insemination method
http://mnt.to/l/4nXP
Key biological interaction uncovered that occurs during fertilization
http://mnt.to/l/4nWv
----------------------------------------------
** FLU / COLD / SARS News **
Equine influenza evolution led to canine offshoot which could mix with human influenza
http://mnt.to/l/4p3c
MERS-CoV not spread to household members or health care contacts of the two U.S. cases
http://mnt.to/l/4nYP
MERS not an emergency, says WHO panel
http://mnt.to/l/4nXX
Better understanding of influenza virus replication provided by computer simulation
http://mnt.to/l/4nX8
----------------------------------------------
** HYPERTENSION News **
Hypertensive women benefit from recreational football
http://mnt.to/l/4p2t
Older adults may be put at risk by common blood pressure medication
http://mnt.to/l/4nXd
----------------------------------------------
** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **
Improving a test for tracing food-borne illness to source
http://mnt.to/l/4p53
Many blacklegged ticks infected with Lyme disease and babesiosis: Single bite can pack double pathogen punch
http://mnt.to/l/4p3N
NHS issue urgent alert in wake of new-born case of legionnaires' disease
http://mnt.to/l/4p3r
How botulism-causing toxin enters bloodstream and novel approaches to preventing access
http://mnt.to/l/4p2N
CT identifies MERS-related abnormality distribution
http://mnt.to/l/4nZW
Researchers discover 6,200-year-old schistosomiasis parasite egg
http://mnt.to/l/4nYt
Hospital patients and people at home threatened by C. difficile epidemic
http://mnt.to/l/4nXr
----------------------------------------------
** MENTAL HEALTH News **
Experts petition governments to act citing 'urgent, acute' mental health issues, especially in Africa
http://mnt.to/l/4p46
Suicides among mental health patients under home treatment in England are double the number of suicides in mental health inpatient units
http://mnt.to/l/4nWJ
Mental health patients more than twice as likely to be victims of homicide than the general public
http://mnt.to/l/4nWF
----------------------------------------------
** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **
Knowledge of key receptors enhanced by architecture of signaling proteins
http://mnt.to/l/4p4h
Researchers discover how neurons equalize between excitation and inhibition
http://mnt.to/l/4p4f
Mitochondrial mutation identified that is linked to congenital myasthenic syndrome
http://mnt.to/l/4p3Y
Gene discovered that is critical for development of brain motor centre
http://mnt.to/l/4p3R
Anxiety in invertebrates opens research avenues
http://mnt.to/l/4p3G
Finding thoughts in speech
http://mnt.to/l/4p3D
'Sensitive people' show heightened activity in empathy-related brain regions
http://mnt.to/l/4p3w
Quantitative trait locus analysis enables researchers to explore how the nervous system develops
http://mnt.to/l/4p3d
New technique helps scientists unravel the inner connections of how thoughts, memories or diseases arise
http://mnt.to/l/4p2Q
Child abuse 'has serious consequences for brain development'
http://mnt.to/l/4p2s
How neurons can tell top from bottom and front from back
http://mnt.to/l/4p2n
Musical training 'improves executive brain function'
http://mnt.to/l/4nZ4
Exposure to TV violence related to irregular attention and brain structure
http://mnt.to/l/4nZZ
Cells prepared to shift brain from subdued to alert by fight-or-flight chemical
http://mnt.to/l/4nZs
Some neurons turn to neighbors to get rid of old mitochondria
http://mnt.to/l/4nXy
Novel dystonia mouse model may advance treatment for neurological disorders
http://mnt.to/l/4nYV
Parkinson's drugs reduce Rett syndrome symptoms in mice
http://mnt.to/l/4nWK
Scripps Florida Scientists pinpoint how genetic mutation causes early brain damage
http://mnt.to/l/4nWt
Group doctor visits may improve life for people with muscle disorders
http://mnt.to/l/4nTM
----------------------------------------------
** NUTRITION / DIET News **
Scientists concerned that nanoparticles from dietary supplement drinks may reach environment
http://mnt.to/l/4nZV
Kids who eat a Mediterranean diet '15% less likely to be obese'
http://mnt.to/l/4p3s
Should 'junk food' companies be sponsoring major sporting events?
http://mnt.to/l/4p27
Popular artificial sweetener not so sweet
http://mnt.to/l/4nWX
Study links vitamin D deficiency to 'all-cause mortality and cancer prognosis'
http://mnt.to/l/4nW5
----------------------------------------------
** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **
Hydrogel 'smart pill' shows promise as weight loss aid
http://mnt.to/l/4p5Q
Rhythm presents clinical data that RM-493 increases energy expenditure in obesity study
http://mnt.to/l/4p4T
'Good' brown fat stimulated by cold, study shows
http://mnt.to/l/4p4G
SLC13 transporters offer therapeutic potential for diabetes, obesity, aging
http://mnt.to/l/4nZm
Neighborhoods designed to encourage people to be more active reduce obesity, diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nY5
Reproductive pathway linked to obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4nXT
Soft-drink tax worth its weight in lost kilos
http://mnt.to/l/4nXw
Evolutionary adaptation may be cause of high-altitude weight loss
http://mnt.to/l/4nXb
Maternal stress during pregnancy may lead to obesity in adult offspring
http://mnt.to/l/4nWL
----------------------------------------------
** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **
Health safety net clinics could shrink by one-quarter due to federal funding cliff
http://mnt.to/l/4p28
Survey reveals concern by physicians regarding involvement in concealed-weapon permit process
http://mnt.to/l/4nZL
Thousands of strokes in people with common heart rhythm disorder are avoidable, says NICE
http://mnt.to/l/4nYY
----------------------------------------------
** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **
Playing football improves strength in men with prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4p2y
Specialists prefer treatments performed by their specialty rather than active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nX7
----------------------------------------------
** SENIORS / AGING News **
Screening tool may under-report malnutrition risk in hospitalised frail older people
http://mnt.to/l/4p4C
Examining lifetime intellectual enrichment and cognitive decline in older patients
http://mnt.to/l/4p3K
Lifespan of worms doubled by strict diet: scientists suspect same process at work in cancer cells
http://mnt.to/l/4p2V
Some older women taking calcium and vitamin D supplements may need to reduce the dose
http://mnt.to/l/4nYN
----------------------------------------------
** SEXUAL HEALTH / STDS News **
Bisexual men face unique challenges to their sexual health
http://mnt.to/l/4p2v
----------------------------------------------
** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **
Early interventions among Head Start preschool families improve sleep behaviors for kids, parents
http://mnt.to/l/4nYC
Cognition in aging populations improved by better sleep quality and duration
http://mnt.to/l/4nWW
----------------------------------------------
** STATINS News **
Researchers uncover 'predictors of adherence to statin therapy'
http://mnt.to/l/4p4q
----------------------------------------------
** STROKE News **
Stroke patients benefit from stem cell-based transplantation approach
http://mnt.to/l/4p2H
Stroke hospitalizations are up among middle-aged blacks in South Carolina
http://mnt.to/l/4nX5
Bleeding strokes and clot-induced strokes quickly differentiated by Strokefinder
http://mnt.to/l/4nWq
Stroke prevention in women; chronic hepatitis C and liver cancer screening
http://mnt.to/l/4nWd
----------------------------------------------
** TROPICAL DISEASES News **
Researchers review the effectiveness of rapid diagnostic tests in diagnosing patients with visceral leishmaniasis
http://mnt.to/l/4p49
A bacterial ballistic system
http://mnt.to/l/4p42
Review of rapid diagnostic tests for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis
http://mnt.to/l/4p3x
Effectiveness of different antimicrobial drugs reviewed in the treatment of cholera
http://mnt.to/l/4p33
Team sources killer disease using criminal profiling
http://mnt.to/l/4p2C
Aiming to prevent disease, researchers map gene differences in yellow fever, malaria mosquitoes
http://mnt.to/l/4nYg
Epidemic risk exacerbated by chikungunya mutation
http://mnt.to/l/4nWx
----------------------------------------------
** WOMEN'S HEALTH / GYNECOLOGY News **
Young depressed women 'more likely to suffer heart attack'
http://mnt.to/l/4nYR
New report reveals urgent need for NHS reprioritisation of CSU - a distressing and disfiguring form of chronic hives
http://mnt.to/l/4nTN
Killer fungus weeds out poison ivy
http://mnt.to/l/4nS9
Doctors discover dust mite extract can significantly reduce allergy risk in babies
http://mnt.to/l/4nSB
The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) calls for major prioritization of allergic diseases in the European political agenda
http://mnt.to/l/4nQQ
ALK presents Phase III data on house dust mite SLIT-tablet
http://mnt.to/l/4nNM
----------------------------------------------
** ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA News **
Reducing 'excessive inhibition' leads to rescue of Alzheimer's memory deficit
http://mnt.to/l/4nTJ
Lilly and Alzheimer's Disease International partner to address barriers that impact the accurate and timely diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nS7
New research shows that good design improves the independence of people with dementia and sight loss
http://mnt.to/l/4nQd
Late-life depression could increase risk of Alzheimer's
http://mnt.to/l/4nPy
In a mouse model the tangled path of Alzheimer's-linked brain cells has been mapped
http://mnt.to/l/4nNR
----------------------------------------------
** ANXIETY / STRESS News **
PTSD symptoms may be reduced by common hypertension treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nRD
----------------------------------------------
** ARTHRITIS / RHEUMATOLOGY News **
Randomised trial results for Inflectra™, demonstrates comparable reductions in disease activity to Remicade® over one year
http://mnt.to/l/4nVK
Musculoskeletal conditions should be prioritised by policy makers to address their impact on health care expenditure
http://mnt.to/l/4nTF
Predicting disease outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis patients, using genotyping
http://mnt.to/l/4nTD
First phase 3 study evaluating Cimzia® (certolizumab pegol) in early rheumatoid arthritis presented at EULAR 2014
http://mnt.to/l/4nTW
Exercise results in physiological changes that suppress inflammation in rheumatic disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nSg
Different mechanisms of response could explain poor treatment response in rheumatoid factor positive patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
http://mnt.to/l/4nTH
SoluMatrix® meloxicam demonstrates significant efficacy at 30 percent lower doses in the treatment of osteoarthritis
http://mnt.to/l/4nSJ
AVERT trial demonstrates high rates of DAS-defined remission with Orencia® in combination with methotrexate in patients with early RA
http://mnt.to/l/4nSw
Sanofi and Regeneron announce new, detailed data from positive sarilumab Phase 3 rheumatoid arthritis trial at EULAR
http://mnt.to/l/4nSh
Brodalumab treatment improved clinical signs and symptoms in Phase 2 psoriatic arthritis study
http://mnt.to/l/4nSb
Drivers of rheumatoid arthritis identified
http://mnt.to/l/4nRL
Study finds higher disease activity scores in obese RA patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nRs
Optimal dosing of adalimumab not received by one-third of psoriatic arthritis patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nRc
Intake of monounsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol influence disease activity in RA and OA respectively
http://mnt.to/l/4nR8
Early detection could help prevent severe disease in the most common form of arthritis
http://mnt.to/l/4nR7
6,000 steps a day keeps knee OA limitations away
http://mnt.to/l/4nQt
Heart disease risk tool created that is tailored to rheumatoid arthritis
http://mnt.to/l/4nPW
Detecting the inflammation involved in rheumatoid arthritis
http://mnt.to/l/4nPz
----------------------------------------------
** BONES / ORTHOPEDICS News **
Link discovered between severe scoliosis and rare mutations
http://mnt.to/l/4nVd
Orexins responsible for daytime sleepiness, also tied to bone formation, offer target for osteoporosis
http://mnt.to/l/4nTb
Implanted infection prevention
http://mnt.to/l/4nRS
In 'tennis elbow' tendon stimulation is the key to repair
http://mnt.to/l/4nRt
Use of cement in partial hip replacement linked to risk of death
http://mnt.to/l/4nQP
Muscle rejuvenation in seniors aided by 'trust hormone' oxytocin
http://mnt.to/l/4nQ8
----------------------------------------------
** BREAST CANCER News **
Pre-operative BRCA evaluation affects patients' breast cancer surgery plans
http://mnt.to/l/4nVr
Breast cancer surgery trends in Canada
http://mnt.to/l/4nTB
Faslodex and tamoxifen combo reverse tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nTz
A reduction in diagnosis of late-stage breast cancers due to mammography
http://mnt.to/l/4nQj
Advanced breast cancer: benefits of Trastuzumab (Herceptin®) outweigh the risk of harm
http://mnt.to/l/4nMR
For women with positive IGF1 receptor, limiting carbohydrates could reduce breast cancer recurrence
http://mnt.to/l/4nQc
Can breast cancer risk be predicted by skin moles?
http://mnt.to/l/4nPC
Antibody-based molecular imaging agent homes in on newly targeted cell receptor that hints at more aggressive breast cancers and potential therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4nPr
Physical activity plays a role in improving breast cancer outcomes
http://mnt.to/l/4nPq
Injection timing and increased dose of a common imaging agent boosts detection of advanced malignancy of the breast and lymph nodes
http://mnt.to/l/4nPj
Could red meat consumption increase breast cancer risk?
http://mnt.to/l/4nNV
Breast cancer risk greater for African-American women
http://mnt.to/l/4nNx
In breast cancer, needle biopsy underused, negatively impacting diagnosis and care
http://mnt.to/l/4nNs
----------------------------------------------
** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **
Compared to chemotherapy, treatment with selumetinib not associated with improved long term survival for patients with an uncommon eye cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nVT
Pediatric cancer should be considered a global health priority
http://mnt.to/l/4nQY
FDA approve Lymphoseek to evaluate head and neck cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nVF
Investing in cancer research boosts economy as well as health
http://mnt.to/l/4nV5
Cellular makeup of glioblastoma more diverse than previously thought
http://mnt.to/l/4nT2
Camel and llama antibodies act as guides to diseased cells
http://mnt.to/l/4nSz
US cancer survivors face significant economic burden
http://mnt.to/l/4nS8
A wide variety of cancers imaged and treated with new tumor-targeting agent
http://mnt.to/l/4nRp
Shifts in the composition of the oral microbiome may be promoters or causes of oral cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nRf
New research could provide key to overcoming resistance with HER2 targeted breast and gastric cancer treatments
http://mnt.to/l/4nQf
Discovery offers insights for the creation of better, more targeted therapies for various forms of cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nPK
Childhood cancer survivors hospitalized frequently years after cancer treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nP3
Low cholesterol linked with worse survival in patients with kidney cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nMJ
Researchers uncover molecular makeup of new form of cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nQn
Neuroendocrine cancer halted by chemo-radionuclide therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4nPD
Novel molecular imaging techniques combined to predict spread of cancer and patient survival based on outlier cancer cells in the blood
http://mnt.to/l/4nPw
More cancer diagnosed with presurgical SPECT/CT
http://mnt.to/l/4nPh
Leukaemia drug found to stimulate immunity against many cancer types
http://mnt.to/l/4nMK
----------------------------------------------
** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **
Peace I all comers registry results demonstrate efficacy of Biotronik pulsar-18 self-expanding stent
http://mnt.to/l/4nVM
Compound identified that reverses a lethal form of cardiomyopathy
http://mnt.to/l/4nRz
Why stress and fear trigger heart attacks may be explained by bacteria
http://mnt.to/l/4nPT
----------------------------------------------
** CHOLESTEROL News **
Low cholesterol not a good sign for patients with kidney cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nT6
----------------------------------------------
** DEPRESSION News **
New findings could lead to rapid-acting antidepressant with fewer side effects
http://mnt.to/l/4nTh
Ketamine shows 'game-changing' effect on suicide prevention
http://mnt.to/l/4nPV
----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **
Glucose monitoring for diabetes made easy with a blood-less method
http://mnt.to/l/4nW4
Sanofi reports positive Phase 3 results for Toujeo®
http://mnt.to/l/4nVX
Healthier eating provides benefit independent of other lifestyle changes in reducing risk for type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nVy
Study shows potential of text messaging for improving glycemic control in latinos
http://mnt.to/l/4nVv
Cholesterol levels in prediabetic people reduced by fasting over extended period of time
http://mnt.to/l/4nVq
Need for new therapeutic approach suggested by new theory of origin of diabetic complications
http://mnt.to/l/4nVm
Intensification of insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes led to less nighttime hypoglycemia during treatment with Januvia (Sitagliptin)
http://mnt.to/l/4nVk
The benefits of canola oil for people with type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nVj
Study of patients with type 2 diabetes taking JANUVIA® (sitagliptin) and metformin
http://mnt.to/l/4nVh
Researchers question whether new ACC/AHA guidelines for lipids are appropriate for diabetics
http://mnt.to/l/4nVc
Bionic pancreas 'could lead to cure for type 1 diabetes'
http://mnt.to/l/4nVL
Type 1 diabetes 'reversed' in mice
http://mnt.to/l/4nVp
New phase 3 study shows efficacy and safety of Victoza® for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults with moderate renal impairment
http://mnt.to/l/4nV9
New one-year data of IDegLira shows glucose-lowering effect was maintained for people with type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nV8
GSK presents new data for once-weekly Tanzeum/Eperzan (albiglutide) showing blood glucose lowering up to three years in type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nV3
Gut bacteria differs between young children with and without type 1 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nT7
Study suggests metformin controls blood sugar more effectively in African-Americans
http://mnt.to/l/4nSY
New imaging technique can track beta cell status in type 1 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nSn
Periodic fasting 'may protect against diabetes in at-risk groups'
http://mnt.to/l/4nTS
England sees rapid rise in prediabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nSN
Diabetes rise in the US is 'alarming,' say CDC
http://mnt.to/l/4nRm
Toward 24-7 glucose monitoring to help manage diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nRd
Potential non-invasive test to identify metabolic disease risk in children
http://mnt.to/l/4nPY
Hydrolized formula 'does not protect infants from type 1 diabetes'
http://mnt.to/l/4nQw
More than 29 million Americans have diabetes; 1 in 4 doesn't know
http://mnt.to/l/4nPQ
Helping beta cells survive in type 1 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nNP
----------------------------------------------
** ENDOCRINOLOGY News **
Growth hormone related with signs of aging
http://mnt.to/l/4nVZ
----------------------------------------------
** ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION / PREMATURE EJACULATION News **
Vitaros® (alprostadil), the first cream to treat men with erectile dysfunction, is now available for prescription in the UK
http://mnt.to/l/4nW8
----------------------------------------------
** FERTILITY News **
Cell phones may reduce sperm quality
http://mnt.to/l/4nPS
Male fertility may be affected by mobile phones
http://mnt.to/l/4nPg
Male fertility tests don't measure the right things
http://mnt.to/l/4nP7
----------------------------------------------
** GOUT News **
Gout diagnosis an important opportunity to detect possible silent coronary artery disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nSj
----------------------------------------------
** HYPERTENSION News **
Men with hypertension and type 2 diabetes benefit from recreational football
http://mnt.to/l/4nSR
----------------------------------------------
** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **
Parasitic worm genome and biology provides a solid basis for the development of new interventions
http://mnt.to/l/4nVz
'Education, awareness, and vaccination' are keys to fighting pertussis (whooping cough)
http://mnt.to/l/4nVt
Protecting gut microbiome using good bacteria armed with antibiotic resistance
http://mnt.to/l/4nTd
Naturally occurring protein could inhibit viral infections, including flu
http://mnt.to/l/4nT4
Gene discovery identifies molecular pathway to potential preventive treatment for strep throat
http://mnt.to/l/4nRM
Herpes virus originated in chimpanzees, jumping into humans 1.6 million years ago
http://mnt.to/l/4nQZ
New sensor to detect harmful bacteria on food industry surfaces
http://mnt.to/l/4nQR
For better preparedness, science and technology advances needed in microbial forensics
http://mnt.to/l/4nPb
Dormant viruses re-emerge in patients with lingering sepsis
http://mnt.to/l/4nMH
----------------------------------------------
** MENTAL HEALTH News **
Mental health disorders much more strongly linked to self-harm or suicide than gun violence
http://mnt.to/l/4nVf
Study finds link between poor cardiovascular health and mental impairment
http://mnt.to/l/4nQx
Attitudes towards mental health improving despite recession
http://mnt.to/l/4nPP
----------------------------------------------
** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **
Smart treatment predictions for brain trauma
http://mnt.to/l/4nW6
Poorly understood postural syndrome blights lives of young well educated women
http://mnt.to/l/4nVV
Tubular 'fantastic voyage' through brain cells
http://mnt.to/l/4nVx
Study provides new insight into the formation of the nervous system
http://mnt.to/l/4nV2
First Canadian Bell palsy guideline will help physicians treat patients with facial weakness
http://mnt.to/l/4nTK
New insight into how the brain regulates its blood flow
http://mnt.to/l/4nSX
New therapies for brain infections and cancers likely following discovery of fungal protein that can cross blood-brain barrier
http://mnt.to/l/4nSF
Researchers have confirmed how the body regulates high levels of CO2 in the blood
http://mnt.to/l/4nS4
'Neural noise' may influence free will, study suggests
http://mnt.to/l/4nPv
Copper compound could form basis for first Lou Gehrig's disease therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4nTV
Months, even years after traumatic brain injury, teenage cognitive performance can be improved
http://mnt.to/l/4nR4
Brain waves synchronize 'in order to learn'
http://mnt.to/l/4nSt
Mechanism explains complex brain wiring
http://mnt.to/l/4nQN
"All systems go" for a paralyzed person to kick off the World Cup
http://mnt.to/l/4nQC
Brain abnormalities in late preterm infants revealed by MRI
http://mnt.to/l/4nPM
What happens to the brain when it recovers from anesthetic?
http://mnt.to/l/4nQV
Specific gene linked to adult growth of brain cells, learning and memory
http://mnt.to/l/4nNJ
----------------------------------------------
** NUTRITION / DIET News **
What are the health benefits of tofu?
http://mnt.to/l/4nWr
Washing raw chicken increases risk of food poisoning
http://mnt.to/l/4nWb
Experts call for greater clarity on the prescribing and dispensing of vitamin D, UK
http://mnt.to/l/4nSM
Study links low vitamin D levels with premature death
http://mnt.to/l/4nQW
White bread helps boost some of the gut's 'good' microbes
http://mnt.to/l/4nR9
FDA and EPA issue draft updated advice for fish consumption
http://mnt.to/l/4nQv
150 calories of instant oatmeal provides greater satiety than equal calories of ready-to-eat oat cereal
http://mnt.to/l/4nQ4
----------------------------------------------
** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **
Studies show adolescent brains process sugar differently than adult brains; changes in adipose tissue begin at very young age for obese children
http://mnt.to/l/4nVB
Food marketing creates a false sense of 'healthy'
http://mnt.to/l/4nVs
Female hormones may play a key role in the obesity epidemic
http://mnt.to/l/4nVb
Practical wellness program popular with families - behavioral treatment for obesity in real-world setting
http://mnt.to/l/4nTp
Seeking a cure for obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4nSQ
Obesity in Aboriginal kids outstrips rates in non-Aboriginal
http://mnt.to/l/4nQL
Obesity gene linked to hormonal changes that can lead to obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4nRx
The importance of weight loss to reduce cardiovascular risk in obese OSA patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nRq
How to make statewide health campaigns more effective
http://mnt.to/l/4nQG
In the fight against obesity, targeting popular teens not all that effective
http://mnt.to/l/4nPs
To protect against child obesity both parent and child must get enough sleep
http://mnt.to/l/4nNz
----------------------------------------------
** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **
New poll finds the majority of GPs would like the choice of assisted dying to be available to them or did not discount it, UK
http://mnt.to/l/4nW2
Mental health of patients adversely affected by racism in healthcare
http://mnt.to/l/4nSC
----------------------------------------------
** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **
Recommendations address long-term needs of prostate cancer survivors
http://mnt.to/l/4nQ6
----------------------------------------------
** SENIORS / AGING News **
New analysis on Californians' experiences with long-term care: AP-NORC release
http://mnt.to/l/4nQK
----------------------------------------------
** SEXUAL HEALTH / STDS News **
Finding a sex partner via phone app increases STI risk
http://mnt.to/l/4nRZ
The Lancet: Sexual violence in conflict
http://mnt.to/l/4nQy
What matters most about contraception differs between women and health care providers
http://mnt.to/l/4nNr
----------------------------------------------
** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **
CPAP is 'most effective' for controlling blood pressure in sleep apnea patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nQs
Sleep disorder linked to development of progressive brain diseases such as Parkinson's
http://mnt.to/l/4nPx
Sleep loss causes brain vulnerability to toxic elements
http://mnt.to/l/4nNK
----------------------------------------------
** STATINS News **
Study uncovers why statins increase diabetes risk and offers solution
http://mnt.to/l/4nRQ
Statin use linked to less exercise in older men
http://mnt.to/l/4nNj
----------------------------------------------
** STROKE News **
'Strokefinder' helmet makes rapid stroke diagnoses
http://mnt.to/l/4nVJ
To prevent stroke in women, start young
http://mnt.to/l/4nR3
With the right rehabilitation, paralyzed rats learn to grip again
http://mnt.to/l/4nSK
Stroke risk lowered with a high-protein diet
http://mnt.to/l/4nQz
Allergy experts address pivotal questions in treatment of grass pollen allergy sufferers
http://mnt.to/l/4nN4
Anaphylaxis Campaign highlights the danger of allergies with moving short film ahead of Father's Day
http://mnt.to/l/4nMQ
Can exposing newborns to more dirt and germs lower allergy, asthma risk?
http://mnt.to/l/4nLq
Basis of allergic reaction to birch pollen identified
http://mnt.to/l/4nKq
----------------------------------------------
** ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA News **
Blockages in fruit fly brains quickly form and dissolve, findings could help treat Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases
http://mnt.to/l/4nMp
A legal and ethical gray area for people with dementia
http://mnt.to/l/4nLT
Stem cells spurring hippocampal cell regrowth tied to Wnt pathway and its link to Alzheimer's disease treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nLf
AFFiRiS announce results of a Phase II study in Alzheimer patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nLb
How we use the GPS inside our brain to navigate offers insight into memory loss in Alzheimer's
http://mnt.to/l/4nKV
New diagnostic tool developed for dementia
http://mnt.to/l/4nKC
Tailored light treatment can improve sleep, depression and agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia
http://mnt.to/l/4nJS
Memory complaints in young adults linked to poor health and lifestyle factors
http://mnt.to/l/4nHW
A molecular 'scaffold' comes apart in dementia and motor neuron disease, offers potential new target for drug discovery
http://mnt.to/l/4nHs
Promising treatment target molecule identified in mouse model of Alzheimer's
http://mnt.to/l/4nHq
Compound 'may form basis of Alzheimer's prevention drug'
http://mnt.to/l/4nH4
----------------------------------------------
** ANXIETY / STRESS News **
Stress hormone receptors in taste buds 'may help explain emotional eating'
http://mnt.to/l/4nHP
----------------------------------------------
** BONES / ORTHOPEDICS News **
Pathway between gut and liver regulates bone mass: Biological process behind role of vitamin B12 in bone formation unravelled
http://mnt.to/l/4nN6
Controlling how long 'disappearing' hydrogels remain at repair site aids tissue healing
http://mnt.to/l/4nMm
Orthopaedics in crisis and conflict situations: Evidence not heroism
http://mnt.to/l/4nM5
Fractures in the elderly: A major challenge for health systems in the future
http://mnt.to/l/4nL4
Nanotechnology has potential to revolutionise orthopaedics - experts call for research into safety
http://mnt.to/l/4nK4
Hard-to-heal fractures - new treatment strategies
http://mnt.to/l/4nJZ
People who are severely overweight need joint replacement twice as often and face double the risk of complications
http://mnt.to/l/4nJp
Infections in joint surgery: High risk for fracture patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nJn
Men made more new proteins in their muscles during interval training than women
http://mnt.to/l/4nFZ
----------------------------------------------
** BREAST CANCER News **
Older women are more vulnerable to breast cancer, but why?
http://mnt.to/l/4nLV
Scripps Florida scientists find new targets that could increase effectiveness and reduce side effects in breast cancer treatments
http://mnt.to/l/4nLw
Insufficient exercise compromises survival for breast cancer survivors
http://mnt.to/l/4nKp
Four new genes added to the 'inherited breast cancer' risk list
http://mnt.to/l/4nLH
Predicting breast cancer metastatic risk
http://mnt.to/l/4nHX
New path discovered to stop breast cancer cells from invading organs
http://mnt.to/l/4nHj
----------------------------------------------
** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **
Is hair dye to blame for hairdressers' increased risk of bladder cancer?
http://mnt.to/l/4nN3
Genes behind longer telomeres linked to raised risk of brain cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nML
Gene variants may promote overall health while increasing risk of gliomas
http://mnt.to/l/4nMz
Using silver nanoparticles to target tumors
http://mnt.to/l/4nMv
Structure of membrane protein that plays a role in signaling cell death could be new target for anticancer drugs
http://mnt.to/l/4nMr
A weakness discovered in metastatic cancer cells
http://mnt.to/l/4nLJ
Dogs and humans will benefit if research leads to new bladder cancer assay
http://mnt.to/l/4nLx
A new way discovered to control genetic material altered in cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nLp
Survey on moving toward quality patient-centered care conducted by GW Cancer Institute
http://mnt.to/l/4nK8
Our own treacherous immune genes can cause cancer after viral infection
http://mnt.to/l/4nK7
Study finds public awareness of head and neck cancers low
http://mnt.to/l/4nJr
AstraZeneca's Medimmune presents encouraging immunotherapy data at ASCO 2014
http://mnt.to/l/4nJd
The most aggressive cancer cells isolated by new device
http://mnt.to/l/4nHZ
Pivotal Phase III data show polycythemia vera patients on Jakavi® achieved significant improvement in disease control
http://mnt.to/l/4nHT
Liver cancer vaccine effective in mice
http://mnt.to/l/4nHK
Study shows Zykadia™ shrank tumors in the majority of patients with ALK+ NSCLC, regardless of prior ALK treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nHv
Engineered aptimer targets malignant and tumor-associated T cells
http://mnt.to/l/4nGT
What is science doing to improve the health and lives of cancer survivors?
http://mnt.to/l/4nHM
Researchers use new simple cost effective technology to unravel cancer through standard imaging
http://mnt.to/l/4nH2
Investigational immunotherapy MPDL3280A (anti-PDL1) shrinks tumours in 43% of people with advanced bladder cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nGD
Study suggests that expanded health coverage may improve cancer outcomes in young adults
http://mnt.to/l/4nFJ
Progression-free survival and overall survival in adults with low-grade brain cancer improved by chemotherapy following radiation treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nFD
Newly identified brain cancer mutation will aid drug development
http://mnt.to/l/4nDZ
Success Of 'Quadrapeutics' shown in preclinical study of hard-to-treat tumors
http://mnt.to/l/4nDX
----------------------------------------------
** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **
Tomato extract 'improves blood vessel function' in CVD patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nNH
Trauma patients with alcohol in the systems may be protected from later complications
http://mnt.to/l/4nM7
Researchers find the mechanism that forms cell-to-cell catch bonds
http://mnt.to/l/4nLQ
Call for comprehensive inclusion of patient reported outcomes in cardiovascular clinical trials in Europe
http://mnt.to/l/4nHL
100,000 lives could be saved across Europe each year by improving bystander resuscitation following cardiac arrest outside hospital
http://mnt.to/l/4nDY
Doctors reluctant to discuss end-of-life care with heart failure patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nCj
----------------------------------------------
** CHOLESTEROL News **
Data from Phase 3 TESLA study and Phase 2/3 TAUSSIG study presented at EAS 2014
http://mnt.to/l/4nGd
----------------------------------------------
** COLORECTAL CANCER News **
Half a million cancers prevented by colorectal cancer screening
http://mnt.to/l/4nHp
New study data find Avastin® (bevacizumab) and cetuximab help patients with KRAS wild-type advanced bowel cancer live similar length of time
http://mnt.to/l/4nH3
----------------------------------------------
** DEPRESSION News **
A small molecule discovered that predicts treatment response for depressed patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nMw
Depression with atypical features associated with obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4nH6
----------------------------------------------
** DERMATOLOGY News **
Acute bacterial skin infections treated effectively by new antibiotic
http://mnt.to/l/4nK6
----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **
Hydrolyzed infant formula does not reduce diabetes-associated autoantibodies in at-risk infants
http://mnt.to/l/4nNg
Gene variant associated with type 2 diabetes in Latino population
http://mnt.to/l/4nNf
Large increase seen in insulin use, out-of-pocket costs for type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nNd
For patients receiving metformin to treat diabetes, addition of insulin associated with increased risk of death
http://mnt.to/l/4nNc
Long-term follow-up after bariatric surgery shows greater rate of diabetes remission
http://mnt.to/l/4nNb
#BloodSugarSelfie is back for Diabetes Week! This time, get your donation doubled for type 1 diabetes charity
http://mnt.to/l/4nN5
'Jekyll and Hyde' protein linked to type 1 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nMT
In type 1 diabetes, improved glucose control slows progression to end-stage renal disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nLy
One-third of English adults have prediabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nM3
How doctor is paid can affect diabetes care
http://mnt.to/l/4nKZ
Mapping of cellular traffic control system has implications for diabetes, cancer and diverse neurological pathologies
http://mnt.to/l/4nKT
Researchers make progress in detecting glucose levels in saliva
http://mnt.to/l/4nJ8
New diabetes intervention programme launched for general practice
http://mnt.to/l/4nJm
----------------------------------------------
** FERTILITY News **
UK agency's update on "three-person IVF" leaves safety questions unresolved - Parliamentary vote would be premature, says public interest group
http://mnt.to/l/4nJj
----------------------------------------------
** FLU / COLD / SARS News **
Detection of MERS virus by airport scanners still several years from becoming effective, says GlobalData analyst
http://mnt.to/l/4nLm
Community flu rates fall when hospital workers get vaccines
http://mnt.to/l/4nJY
Enzyme discovery holds promise for SARS, MERS vaccine
http://mnt.to/l/4nJt
----------------------------------------------
** HYPERTENSION News **
How high blood pressure in middle age may affect memory in old age
http://mnt.to/l/4nCb
----------------------------------------------
** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **
Pakistan travellers must take note of new Polio threat
http://mnt.to/l/4nMN
Neglected zoonotic diseases need to be tackled in developing nations
http://mnt.to/l/4nMb
How herpesviruses fight against our immune system
http://mnt.to/l/4nM9
Keeping RNA household in order: YbeY is essential for fitness and virulence of V. cholerae,
http://mnt.to/l/4nL8
Deadly diseases, anthrax, brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis, overlooked for too long, scientists say
http://mnt.to/l/4nL7
Mass spectrometry reveals dynamics of the pervasive pathogen cytomegalovirus
http://mnt.to/l/4nKS
Loyola achieves 68 percent decrease in central line bloodstream infections
http://mnt.to/l/4nK2
Elucidating the pathogenic mechanism of meningococcal meningitis
http://mnt.to/l/4nKr
Genome experts show value of 'next-generation sequencing' in diagnosing infection, save life of critically ill boy
http://mnt.to/l/4nJJ
Life-threatening community-acquired pneumonia in infants prevented by pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
http://mnt.to/l/4nHc
YbeY is essential for fitness and virulence of Vibrio cholerae and keeps the RNA household in order
http://mnt.to/l/4nFv
Norovirus spread by restaurants, say CDC
http://mnt.to/l/4nH9
'Clever' DNA may help bacteria survive
http://mnt.to/l/4nGV
----------------------------------------------
** MEN'S HEALTH News **
Suicide is leading cause of death for men 35-49 in the UK
http://mnt.to/l/4nMM
----------------------------------------------
** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **
Studying escape behaviors in the fruit fly to unravel the circuits and processes that underlie decision making
http://mnt.to/l/4nMt
Rats 'experience regret, too'
http://mnt.to/l/4nMF
New gene found in Parkinson's disease research could lead to new treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nLN
Dental pulp stem cells may lead to heat stroke treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nL9
A young boy's journey to SDR for cerebral palsy
http://mnt.to/l/4nJs
Rhythmic brain activity used to track memories in progress
http://mnt.to/l/4nKy
Synthetic small molecule may help chemo get into brain
http://mnt.to/l/4nKj
Challenges faced by courts when linking genetics to criminal behavior
http://mnt.to/l/4nJy
It takes complex neural circuitry to keep you from biting your tongue
http://mnt.to/l/4nJ7
Physical fitness linked by brain signals to better language skills in children
http://mnt.to/l/4nHF
No significant positive effect on patient outcomes from reduced neurosurgical resident hours
http://mnt.to/l/4nHd
Using brain waves to steer a wheelchair
http://mnt.to/l/4nGM
New research: Brain tumour patients with poor quality of life, but less psychological distress than expected
http://mnt.to/l/4nGL
Driving ability and neurological diseases: New studies on accident risk
http://mnt.to/l/4nGK
MicroRNA-155 is a key player in the functioning of the blood-brain barrier
http://mnt.to/l/4nG4
Researchers identify first piece of new brain-repair circuit
http://mnt.to/l/4nFS
----------------------------------------------
** NUTRITION / DIET News **
What are the health benefits of collard greens?
http://mnt.to/l/4nMC
The chemical element bromine found to be essential to human life
http://mnt.to/l/4nLn
Genes behind food preferences 'may aid weight loss and disease prevention'
http://mnt.to/l/4nFp
Keeping bread fresh for longer: new edible film made with essential oils
http://mnt.to/l/4nJN
'Significant gap' in detection of malnutrition in Canadian hospital patients: Survey
http://mnt.to/l/4nHx
Impact of Montmorency tart cherries on inflammation and oxidative stress after high-intensity cycling
http://mnt.to/l/4nGP
Does skipping breakfast impact weight loss?
http://mnt.to/l/4nGW
The value of vitamin, mineral supplements: the debate is far from over
http://mnt.to/l/4nGk
----------------------------------------------
** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **
Gut bacteria diversity improves with exercise, study shows
http://mnt.to/l/4nMG
How obesity leads to type 2 diabetes, cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nKY
Obesity and diabetes may be treated by activating the immune system
http://mnt.to/l/4nKF
Expression of genetic obesity risk may be influenced by saturated fat intake
http://mnt.to/l/4nKd
Bariatric surgery not only helps reduce weight, but lowers cancer risk among obese people
http://mnt.to/l/4nKc
More fructose found in sodas than labels reveal
http://mnt.to/l/4nJD
Children of divorced parents 'more likely to be overweight or obese'
http://mnt.to/l/4nGX
Manipulation of light exposure may be a novel method of altering food intake and metabolism
http://mnt.to/l/4nGp
Helicobacter pylori in the stomach may protect you from obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4nG8
Brain cells that control appetite influenced by leptin
http://mnt.to/l/4nDR
----------------------------------------------
** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **
Coordinated approach improves quality of primary care
http://mnt.to/l/4nJ3
Study finds coordinated approach improves quality of primary care
http://mnt.to/l/4nHS
Healthcare providers needed for survey on patient health behaviors
http://mnt.to/l/4nGH
----------------------------------------------
** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **
Prostate cancer diagnosis may be more accurate with semen test
http://mnt.to/l/4nMs
In metastatic prostate cancer, drug combination extends survival by more than a year
http://mnt.to/l/4nFG
----------------------------------------------
** SENIORS / AGING News **
The dangers of gun ownership by the elderly
http://mnt.to/l/4nJ9
Suggested new health services to cope with increase in centenarians
http://mnt.to/l/4nHr
Diabetic drug 'slows aging process and increases lifespan,' study suggests
http://mnt.to/l/4nFW
----------------------------------------------
** SEXUAL HEALTH / STDS News **
Sustained cessation of sperm production not achieved by hormonal male contraception via testosterone in mouse model
http://mnt.to/l/4nFY
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** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **
Sleep strengthens memory after learning
http://mnt.to/l/4nMB
Large study links sleep apnea with diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nLX
Important physical evidence that sleep helps consolidate and strengthen new memories
http://mnt.to/l/4nLh
A wife's satisfaction in marriage affects how couples sleep together
http://mnt.to/l/4nKP
Night owls are more likely to be couch potatoes
http://mnt.to/l/4nHY
Slow-wave sleep improved with hypnosis, study suggests
http://mnt.to/l/4nGZ
Poor sleep takes huge toll on academic problems
http://mnt.to/l/4nFQ
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** STATINS News **
Statins associated with modestly lower physical activity in older men
http://mnt.to/l/4nN9
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** STROKE News **
Stroke patients in China fare better when hospitals follow guidelines
http://mnt.to/l/4nHf
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** ALLERGY News **
The worst times of day for people allergic to grass pollen
http://mnt.to/l/4nxR
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** ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA News **
Erasing and restoring a memory
http://mnt.to/l/4nDQ
Speaking a second language could prevent later-life cognitive decline
http://mnt.to/l/4nCP
Research has implications for understanding brain diseases caused by clumps of misshapen molecules
http://mnt.to/l/4nCv
NMDA receptor malfunction implicated in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, depression, schizophrenia, autism, and stroke
http://mnt.to/l/4nBV
Cynicism linked to dementia in new study
http://mnt.to/l/4nyR
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** ANXIETY / STRESS News **
Allowing patients to choose their PTSD treatment is cost-effective
http://mnt.to/l/4nBk
Stress linked to male fertility
http://mnt.to/l/4nC9
Neurons identified that determine whether an individual will be depressed or resilient
http://mnt.to/l/4ny4
Traffic accidents leave many children affected by post-traumatic stress disorder
http://mnt.to/l/4nxV
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** ARTHRITIS / RHEUMATOLOGY News **
FDA approves first generic versions of celecoxib
http://mnt.to/l/4nFj
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** BONES / ORTHOPEDICS News **
A major step towards better diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis
http://mnt.to/l/4nD5
New technology offers promise for engineering a better way to rebuild bone inside the body
http://mnt.to/l/4nC8
Genetic researchers take a major step towards better diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis
http://mnt.to/l/4nBx
3D model provides new insight into King Richard III's spinal condition
http://mnt.to/l/4nBn
Melatonin makes old bones stronger
http://mnt.to/l/4nxp
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** BREAST CANCER News **
New treatment option for young women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nFk
Study finds risk of recurrence low in smallest HER2+ breast cancer tumors
http://mnt.to/l/4nFh
Many breast cancer patients don't get treatment for heart problems
http://mnt.to/l/4nCf
Exposure to solvents prior to first childbirth 'linked to breast cancer risk'
http://mnt.to/l/4nCQ
Gene patterns responsible for normal breast tissue may also play a role in the development of cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nCz
Breast Cancer Care launches information pack for men with breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nCs
New drug regimen 'reduces early menopause risk' for breast cancer patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nCD
Researchers investigate cancer-fighing properties of mango
http://mnt.to/l/4nBr
Alterations in LRIG1 gene may increase the risk for breast cancer relapse and death
http://mnt.to/l/4nBp
In at-risk survivors of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma, MRI catches breast cancer early
http://mnt.to/l/4nzV
Improved access to health care may lead to unnecessary mammograms
http://mnt.to/l/4nz2
Scientists discover two new possible drug targets for triple negative breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nys
New suppressor of breast metastasis to the lung identified
http://mnt.to/l/4nyh
For eary-stage breast cancer patients, study identifies risk of chemotherapy related hospitalization
http://mnt.to/l/4nyf
Changing diet to fight breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nwV
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** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **
Advanced bladder cancer patients benefit from immune therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4nDv
It is estimated that there will be nearly 19 million cancer survivors in the U.S by 2024
http://mnt.to/l/4nDt
New clinical guidelines for cancer-related fatigue
http://mnt.to/l/4nDp
Overall survival benefit shown for patients with stage III soft tissue sarcomas
http://mnt.to/l/4nDj
Connection found between cancer, bioelectrical signals and the microbiome
http://mnt.to/l/4nyX
Early clinical study of intensity modulated proton therapy shows positive outcomes; quality of life benefits for head and neck cancer patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nyP
Women referred for bladder cancer less often than men
http://mnt.to/l/4nyM
Drug discovery accelerates immunotherapy for cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nyF
Lowering the viscosity of cancer pharmaceuticals
http://mnt.to/l/4nyq
How cancer-killing gene may actually work
http://mnt.to/l/4nyc
IARC/WHO and IACR launch new guidelines for planning and developing cancer registries in low- and middle-income settings
http://mnt.to/l/4nxd
Distribution of cancer types may be affected by an area's level of poverty or wealth
http://mnt.to/l/4nxc
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** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **
Preventive placement of ICDs in patients with less severe heart failure associated with improved survival
http://mnt.to/l/4nF8
'Off-pump' heart bypass surgery may reduce risk of postoperative kidney injury, although no improvement in long-term function
http://mnt.to/l/4nF6
More than 10 percent of heart attack patients may have undiagnosed diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nCh
Young women fare worse than young men after heart attack
http://mnt.to/l/4nCR
Clotting risks could be reduced by coating stents with vitamin C
http://mnt.to/l/4nzW
A genomic signature for lethal heart attacks in at risk patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nyv
Risk of sudden cardiac death tied to protein overproduction
http://mnt.to/l/4nyK
Epigenetic changes and atherosclerosis a result of disturbance in blood flow
http://mnt.to/l/4ny7
Taking prescribed anti-clotting drug may help save stent patients' lives
http://mnt.to/l/4nvw
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** COLORECTAL CANCER News **
Promising response to new combination therapy by patients with metastatic colon cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nDy
For some, screening for colorectal cancer should continue well past age 75
http://mnt.to/l/4nz7
FDA approves first-line use of Vectibix® (panitumumab) plus FOLFOX for patients with wild-type KRAS metastatic colorectal cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nx9
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** DEPRESSION News **
Research shows England's use of antidepressants rising faster than ever since the start of the recession
http://mnt.to/l/4nyW
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** DERMATOLOGY News **
Study finds high risk of recurrence of two life-threatening adverse drug reactions that affect the skin - SJS and TEN
http://mnt.to/l/4nFd
FDA to require warnings on sunlamp products
http://mnt.to/l/4nCM
Mystery of keloid development may be unlocked with the help of newly identified genes
http://mnt.to/l/4nCy
Alternative for burn treatment offered by skin grafts from genetically modified pigs
http://mnt.to/l/4nyj
Study examines risk factors for sagging eyelids
http://mnt.to/l/4nxJ
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** DIABETES News **
Depression linked to early death among seniors with diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nDb
When assessing vitamin D's role in diabetes, don't forget parathyroid hormone
http://mnt.to/l/4nBT
Diabetes linked with worse long-term outcomes following heart surgery
http://mnt.to/l/4nxN
Novel drug target linked to insulin secretion and type 2 diabetes treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nx6
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** EATING DISORDERS News **
Disorders of compulsivity share common pattern and brain structure
http://mnt.to/l/4nBQ
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** ENDOCRINOLOGY News **
Observation: Tanning beds associated with vitamin D toxicity?
http://mnt.to/l/4nzc
New functional roles identified on cell surfaces for estrogen
http://mnt.to/l/4nz9
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** FERTILITY News **
Quicker, cheaper, and accurate embryo screening offered by new genetic sequencing methods
http://mnt.to/l/4nD4
Eggs sacrificed in developing foetus for the greater good
http://mnt.to/l/4nBX
New genetic sequencing methods mean quicker, cheaper, and equally accurate embryo screening
http://mnt.to/l/4nBy
Study may explain how sperm travel long distances, through difficult terrain, to reach an egg
http://mnt.to/l/4nxT
Infertility: is it primarily seen as a woman's problem?
http://mnt.to/l/4nyg
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** FLU / COLD / SARS News **
Potent antiviral activity exhibited by new coronavirus inhibitor by blocking the viral hijacking of host membranes
http://mnt.to/l/4nBP
CDC concludes Indiana MERS patient did not spread virus to Illinois business associate
http://mnt.to/l/4nBq
Scientists identify compound that 'inhibits MERS and SARS'
http://mnt.to/l/4nB6
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** HYPERTENSION News **
Community program helps lower blood pressure among minorities
http://mnt.to/l/4nCS
Association between some high blood pressure drugs and increased risk of vision-threatening disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nBd
Improvements in blood pressure control may have prevented hundreds of thousands of major cardiovascular events in England over 17 years
http://mnt.to/l/4nBw
Systolic and diastolic blood pressures predict risk of different cardiovascular diseases
http://mnt.to/l/4nBv
Physician calls on FDA to address hidden risk: many drugs approved that predictably increase heart and stroke risk
http://mnt.to/l/4nyJ
Large database and computer model aids understanding of high blood pressure
http://mnt.to/l/4nxv
Future horizons for renal denervation defined by EuroPCR 2014 session
http://mnt.to/l/4nxf
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** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **
Scientists discover how deadly ebola virus 'punches' its way into human cells
http://mnt.to/l/4nFy
Measles cases in the United States reach 20-year high
http://mnt.to/l/4nF5
Rectal artesunate is probably beneficial in young children with severe malaria, but may be harmful in older children and adults
http://mnt.to/l/4nCW
Oral cholera vaccine highly effective during outbreak in Guinea
http://mnt.to/l/4nCT
Veterans to benefit from better identification of war wound infections
http://mnt.to/l/4nC7
Lyme disease older than human race - shown by ticks fossilized in amber
http://mnt.to/l/4nC6
If strep throat suspected, re-check negative rapid test results with lab culture
http://mnt.to/l/4nB8
To escape detection, sneaky bacteria change key protein's shape
http://mnt.to/l/4nzT
Study shows ultraviolet cleaning reduces hospital superbugs by 20 percent
http://mnt.to/l/4nyS
Immune suppressed persons at greater risk for acquiring new tick-borne disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nxX
Dirofilaria repens detected in Austria for the first time
http://mnt.to/l/4nxM
FDA approves Dalvance to treat skin infections
http://mnt.to/l/4nx7
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** MENTAL HEALTH News **
Study finds that suicides are far more likely to occur after midnight
http://mnt.to/l/4nFn
Mental illness threat to life expectancy similar to heavy smoking
http://mnt.to/l/4nxZ
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** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **
Scientists inactivate and reactivate memories in rats using light
http://mnt.to/l/4nFc
Youths who have committed homicide 'show differences in brain structure'
http://mnt.to/l/4nCV
Pleasant smells increase facial attractiveness
http://mnt.to/l/4nCc
Study is first to confirm that activity in ventral tegmental area of primate brain affects behavior
http://mnt.to/l/4nBY
Memory shown to be a dynamic and interactive process
http://mnt.to/l/4nzp
Brain cells may be kept alive by learning in adolescence
http://mnt.to/l/4nyQ
Researchers challenge scientific theory with the help of citizen scientists
http://mnt.to/l/4ny8
Delirium link to steroids prescribed in the ICU
http://mnt.to/l/4nxW
Did walking upright make humans smart?
http://mnt.to/l/4nxY
Psychiatric risks differ for boys and girls: brain blood flow diverges in puberty
http://mnt.to/l/4nxF
Does apolipoprotein E mimetic peptide reduce neuronal apoptosis induced by diffuse brain injury?
http://mnt.to/l/4nxm
Local stores accessible to neurons for communication needs
http://mnt.to/l/4nwX
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** NUTRITION / DIET News **
Saliva and common body proteins contain compounds that may fend off DNA-damaging chemicals
http://mnt.to/l/4nDg
Giving children a taste for vegetables 'often and early'
http://mnt.to/l/4nD6
What are the health benefits of cilantro?
http://mnt.to/l/4nDS
Industry-funded study implies diet soda is 'superior to water for weight loss'
http://mnt.to/l/4nCG
Microbial diversity in the gut may be hampered by variety in diet
http://mnt.to/l/4nzy
Helping children be healthy - the science of school lunch
http://mnt.to/l/4nyd
What are the health benefits of beetroot?
http://mnt.to/l/4nyT
Has public opinion turned against sugary drinks?
http://mnt.to/l/4nxK
School scheme unable to boost healthy eating and activity among kids
http://mnt.to/l/4nxw
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** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **
Weight loss aided by eating prunes
http://mnt.to/l/4nDr
Obesity and life satisfaction affected by where you live
http://mnt.to/l/4nC5
Worldwide obesity rates see 'startling' increase over past 3 decades
http://mnt.to/l/4nzg
Monosodium glutamate, obesity and fatty liver disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nyZ
New study questions the use of BMI-for-age in defining obese children
http://mnt.to/l/4nxQ
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** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **
When treating stroke, poker and marketing strategies may aid doctors in decision-making
http://mnt.to/l/4nBM
Recommendations for medical education reform to address the physician shortage
http://mnt.to/l/4nyL
GPs' suspicion can predict serious disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nx5
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** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **
Risk of secondary cancers increased following radiation for prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nDq
Men with metastatic prostate cancer may live longer with chemo first
http://mnt.to/l/4nDL
The value of epigenetic test for markers of prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nBg
T cell repertoire changes predictive of anti-CTLA-4 cancer immunotherapy outcome
http://mnt.to/l/4nzG
Circumcision linked to reduced risk of prostate cancer in some men
http://mnt.to/l/4nyn
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** SENIORS / AGING News **
Place and cause of death in centenarians: a population-based observational study in England, 2001 to 2010
http://mnt.to/l/4nzM
The aging effects of toxins in the environment
http://mnt.to/l/4nzs
Uric acid is an intracellular antioxidant
http://mnt.to/l/4nxn
Medical injuries affect almost one in five older adults in receipt of Medicare
http://mnt.to/l/4nx3
For seniors, daily moderate exercise 'reduces risk of walking disability'
http://mnt.to/l/4nx2
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** SEXUAL HEALTH / STDS News **
Previous contraception education and moral attitudes influence women's contraceptive use
http://mnt.to/l/4nBf
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** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **
Does marijuana use cause sleep problems?
http://mnt.to/l/4nFw
Discovery of possible basis for treating circadian clock disorders and associated metabolic problems
http://mnt.to/l/4nDJ
Adherence to CPAP therapy for sleep apnea may be improved by family support
http://mnt.to/l/4nBJ
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** STATINS News **
Patients with terminal illnesses benefit from stopping statins
http://mnt.to/l/4nGq
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** STROKE News **
No sign of 'obesity paradox' in obese patients with stroke
http://mnt.to/l/4nFs
New research helps identify patients more likely to suffer from an aneurysm
http://mnt.to/l/4nCn
A possible new focus for stroke treatment - migrating stem cells
http://mnt.to/l/4nxy
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** TROPICAL DISEASES News **
Evidence for dangers of repellent DEET in question
http://mnt.to/l/4nDW
Promising step forward in search for universal antidote for snakebite
http://mnt.to/l/4nzw
Dilemma of testing on captive chimps to save wild apes highlighted by Ebola vaccine success
http://mnt.to/l/4nwS
Walking 6,000 steps may help improve knee arthritis, prevent disability.
The NPR (6/13, Shute) “Shots” blog reports, “Exercise is the easiest way to avoid or reduce the pain of knee arthritis, but most adults aren’t getting enough.”
HealthDay (6/13, Reinberg) reports that according to a study published June 12 in the journal Arthritis Care & Research, “walking the equivalent of an hour a day may help improve knee arthritis and prevent disability.” The study, which included some 1,800 adults, revealed that “6,000 steps was the threshold that predicted who would go on to develop disabilities or not.” It also “found that for every 1,000 steps taken, functional limitations were reduced 16 percent to 18 percent.” HealthDay notes that statistics from the National Institutes of Health reveal that “27 million Americans aged 25 and older have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis
Mushrooms Stabilize Blood Sugar
Consuming portabella mushrooms may help to decrease the post-meal glycemic response.
Low in calories, fat-free, and abundant in Vitamin D, mushrooms are shown to promote healthy weight and boost immune function. Peter Horvath, from the University of Buffalo (New York, USA), and colleagues explored the consumption of portabella mushrooms among healthy men and women, on glucose levels. Enrolling 8 men and women, average age 23 years, with an average body fat of 19.7%, the subjects completed 3 modified Oral Glucose Tolerance Tests (OGTTs) over a two-week period. The OGTTs were evaluated in subjects who consumed one of three drinks, each equally sweet: a 75 g glucose drink; a 75 g glucose drink with 9.5 g portabella mushroom powder; or 9.5 g portabella mushroom powder with stevia/flavored water. Fasting and 30-minute blood samples were collected for two hours. The data revealed that glucose levels were elevated after consumption of both the glucose-only and glucose- mushroom beverages, with levels of the latter higher in men at 30 minute, and women at 60 and 120 minutes. Insulin levels were higher after both glucose-only and glucose-mushroom beverage consumption than after mushroom-stevia beverage consumption; as well after mushroom-stevia, insulin levels showed a more gradual decline in women. Observing that: “Mushroom powder reduced postprandial hypoglycemia, rapid insulin decrease and elevated hunger in women compared to glucose alone,” the study authors submit that: “Mushrooms may moderate postprandial glucose related responses.”
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-05-benefits-mushroom-consumption.html
Coffee May Preserve Eyesight
A cup of coffee a day may help to prevent blindness from retinal degeneration due to glaucoma, aging and diabetes, suggests a lab animal model.
A thin tissue layer on the inside, back wall of the eye with millions of light-sensitive cells and other nerve cells that receive and organize visual information, the retina is one of the most metabolically active tissues, demanding high levels of oxygen and making it prone to oxidative stress. The lack of oxygen and production of free radicals can contribute to tissue damage and loss of sight. Chang Y. Lee, from Cornell University (New York, USA), and colleagues exposed the eyes of a group of laboratory mice to a compound that created oxidative stress and free radicals, with a second group of the animals first pretreated with chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant compound found abundantly in raw coffee. Whereas the mice that were not pretreated developed retinal degeneration, the mice that received chlorogenic acid did not develop retinal damage. The study authors submit that: “Our in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that coffee and its major component, [chlorogenic acid], significantly reduce apoptosis of retinal cells … and that coffee consumption may help in preventing retinal degeneration.”
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-04-cup-coffee-day-retinal.html
Reprint of "Heated vegetable oils and cardiovascular disease risk factors"
Ng CY1, Leong XF2, Masbah N1, Adam SK3, Kamisah Y1, Jaarin K4.
Author information
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It may result from the interactions between multiple genetic and environmental factors including sedentary lifestyle and dietary habits. The quality of dietary oils and fats has been widely recognised to be inextricably linked to the pathogenesis of CVD. Vegetable oil is one of the essential dietary components in daily food consumption. However, the benefits of vegetable oil can be deteriorated by repeated heating that leads to lipid oxidation. The practice of using repeatedly heated cooking oil is not uncommon as it will reduce the cost of food preparation. Thermal oxidation yields new functional groups which may be potentially hazardous to cardiovascular health. Prolonged consumption of the repeatedly heated oil has been shown to increase blood pressure and total cholesterol, cause vascular inflammation as well as vascular changes which predispose to atherosclerosis. The harmful effect of heated oils is attributed to products generated from lipid oxidation during heating process. In view of the potential hazard of oxidation products, therefore this review article will provide an insight and awareness to the general public on the consumption of repeatedly heated oils which is detrimental to health.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24846858
Sleep duration and incidence of lung cancer in ageing men Full Text
BMC Public Health, 06/02/2014 Clinical Article
Luojus MK, et al. – Previous studies have suggested an association between sleep duration and cancer. However, the information on sleep duration regard to risk of lung cancer is scanty. Sleep duration of less than 7-7.5 hours or more than 7-7.5 hours associates with increased lung cancer risk. The physiological factors underlying the association are complex, and they may relate to melatonin excretion patterns, low–grade inflammation in cancer development process or disruptions in circadian rhythmicity.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24684747
JAMA commentary: Exercising more, eating less will not lead to long-term weight loss in most people.
On its website, TIME (6/4, Sifferlin) reports that in a JAMA commentary, Dr. David Ludwig and Dr. Mark L. Friedman argue that simply exercising more and eating less will not lead to long-term weight loss in most people. Ludwig and Friedman “say we should stop viewing weight as something separate from other biological functions—like hormones and hunger and the effects of what foods we eat, not just how much of them.” They also say that “refined carbohydrates” are responsible for the “obesity epidemic.”
Centenarians may be less likely to die of chronic conditions.
On its website, TIME (6/4, Park) reports that research suggests that centenarians “are less likely to die of the chronic conditions that are the leading causes of death, such as heart disease and cancer, but more likely to die of sudden declines in their health caused by infections or frailty.” Investigators came to this conclusion “after reviewing death certificates of 35,867 centenarians who died between 2001 and 2010 in England.”
Is Colorectal Cancer Screening Indicated in Previously Unscreened Elders?
Screening previously unscreened elders for colorectal cancer (CRC) can be cost-effective as late as age 86, according to an Annals of Internal Medicine study.
Using modeling, researchers evaluated to what age colorectal cancer screening should be considered in unscreened, average-risk elders (age range, 76–90). Strategies included one-time colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or fecal immunochemical testing (FIT).
Compared with no screening, CRC screening at age 80 prevented 4.2 (FIT) to 10.7 (colonoscopy) CRC-related deaths for every 1000 people screened. Screening was cost-effective in those without comorbid conditions until ages 83 (colonoscopy), 84 (sigmoidoscopy), and 86 (FIT). In elders with severe comorbidities, screening was cost-effective until ages 77, 78, and 80, respectively.
Nearly a quarter of people older than 75 have never undergone colorectal cancer screening. Although we shouldn't base clinical decisions solely on simulation models, this study suggests that one-time screening for CRC in people older than 75 is cost-effective and probably should be considered in elders without comorbid conditions.
Dr. Moloo is an associate editor with NEJM Journal Watch General Medicine, from which this article is adapted.
Annals of Internal Medicine article (Free abstract)
Omega-3 fatty acids moderate effects of physical activity on cognitive function.
Leckie RL1, Manuck SB2, Bhattacharjee N2, Muldoon MF3, Flory JM4, Erickson KI5.
Author information
Abstract
Greater amounts of physical activity (PA) and omega-3 fatty acids have both been independently associated with better cognitive performance. Because of the overlapping biological effects of omega-3 fatty acids and PA, fatty acid intake may modify the effects of PA on neurocognitive function. The present study tested this hypothesis by examining whether the ratio of serum omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid levels would moderate the association between PA and executive and memory functions in 344 participants (Mean age=44.42 years, SD=6.72). The Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), serum fatty acid levels, and performance on a standard neuropsychological battery were acquired on all subjects. A principal component analysis reduced the number of cognitive outcomes to three factors: n-back working memory, Trail Making test, and Logical Memory. We found a significant interaction between PA and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid serum levels on Trail Making performance and n-back performance, such that higher amounts of omega-3 levels offset the deleterious effects of lower amounts of PA. These effects remained significant in a subsample (n=299) controlling for overall dietary fat consumption. There were no significant additive or multiplicative benefits of higher amounts of both omega-3 and PA on cognitive performance. Our results demonstrate that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids might mitigate the effect of lower levels of PA on cognitive performance. This study illuminates the importance of understanding dietary and PA factors in tandem when exploring their effects on neurocognitive health.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24813
Fracture Prediction After Discontinuation of 4 to 5 Years of Alendronate Therapy: The FLEX Study.
Bauer DC1, Schwartz A2, Palermo L2, Cauley J3, Hochberg M4, Santora A5, Cummings SR6, Black DM2.
Author information
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Discontinuation of bisphosphonate therapy after 3 to 5 years is increasingly considered, but methods to monitor fracture risk after discontinuation have not been established. OBJECTIVE To test methods of predicting fracture risk among women who have discontinued alendronate therapy after 4 to 5 years. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The prospective Fracture Intervention Trial Long-term Extension (FLEX) study randomized postmenopausal women aged 61 to 86 years previously treated with 4 to 5 years of alendronate therapy to 5 more years of alendronate or placebo from 1998 through 2003; the present analysis includes only the placebo group. Hip and spine dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were measured when placebo was begun (FLEX baseline) and after 1 to 3 years of follow-up. Two biochemical markers of bone turnover, urinary type 1 collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTX) and serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), were measured at FLEX baseline and after 1 and 3 years. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Symptomatic spine and nonspine fractures occurring after the follow-up measurement of DXA or bone turnover. RESULTS During 5 years of placebo, 94 of 437 women (22%) experienced 1 or more symptomatic fractures; 82 had fractures after 1 year. One-year changes in hip DXA, NTX, and BAP were not related to subsequent fracture risk, but older age and lower hip DXA at time of discontinuation were significantly related to increased fracture risk (lowest tertile of baseline femoral neck DXA vs other 2 tertiles relative hazard ratio, 2.17 [95% CI, 1.38-3.41]; total hip DXA relative hazard ratio, 1.87 [95% CI, 1.20-2.92]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among postmenopausal women who discontinue alendronate therapy after 4 to 5 years, age and hip BMD at discontinuation predict clinical fractures during the subsequent 5 years. Follow-up measurements of DXA 1 year after discontinuation and of BAP or NTX 1 to 2 years after discontinuation are not associated with fracture risk and cannot be recommended. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00398931.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24798675
Vegetarian diets and bone status.
Tucker KL.
Author information
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a common chronic condition associated with progressive loss of bone mineral density (BMD) and compromised bone strength, with increasing risk of fracture over time. Vegetarian diets have been shown to contain lower amounts of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B-12, protein, and n-3 (ω-3) fatty acids, all of which have important roles in maintaining bone health. Although zinc intakes are not necessarily lower quantitatively, they are considerably less bioavailable in vegetarian diets, which suggests the need for even higher intakes to maintain adequate status. At the same time, healthy vegetarian diets tend to contain more of several protective nutrients, including magnesium, potassium, vitamin K, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. On balance, there is evidence that vegetarians, and particularly vegans, may be at greater risk of lower BMD and fracture. Attention to potential shortfall nutrients through the careful selection of foods or fortified foods or the use of supplements can help ensure healthy bone status to reduce fracture risk in individuals who adhere to vegetarian diets.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24898237
Calcium intake and colorectal cancer risk: Dose-response meta-analysis of prospective observational studies
International Journal of Cancer, 06/02/2014 Evidence Based Medicine Clinical Article
Keum N, et al. – The authors conducted dose–response meta–analyses by sources of calcium intake, based on prospective observational studies published up to December 2013 identified from PubMed, Embase, and BIOSIS. Both dietary and supplementary calcium intake may continue to decrease CRC risk beyond 1000mg/day. Calcium supplements and non–dairy products fortified with calcium may serve as additional targets in the prevention of CRC. RCTs of calcium supplements with at least 10 years of follow–up are warranted to confirm a benefit of calcium supplements on CRC risk.
Methods
Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model.
For total calcium intake, each 300mg/day increase was associated with an approximately 8% reduced risk of CRC (summary RR=0.92, 95% CI=0.89-0.95, I2=47%, 15 studies with 12,305 cases, intake=250-1900 mg/day, follow-up=3.3-16 years).
Results
While the risk decreased less steeply in higher range of total calcium intake (Pnon-linearity=0.04), the degree of curvature was mild and statistical significance of non-linearity was sensitive to one study.
For supplementary calcium, each 300mg/day increase was associated with an approximately 9% reduced risk of CRC (summary RR=0.91, 95% CI=0.86-0.98, I2=67%, six studies with 8,839 cases, intake=0-1150 mg/day, follow-up=5-10 years).
The test for non-linearity was not statistically significant (Pnon-linearity=0.11).
In conclusion, both dietary and supplementary calcium intake may continue to decrease CRC risk beyond 1,000 mg/day. Calcium supplements and non-dairy products fortified with calcium may serve as additional targets in the prevention of CRC. RCTs of calcium supplements with at least 10 years of follow-up are warranted to confirm a benefit of calcium supplements on CRC risk.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24623471
Brief bursts of intense exercise may reduce blood glucose.
The Los Angeles Times (6/14, MacVean) reported that according to a study published last month in the journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, “a little intense exercise might be a good plan for people trying to control their blood sugar.” The study included seven obese patients with insulin resistance. Researchers found that “a brief burst of intense exercise is more effective than a moderate daily 30-minute workout at reducing glucose concentrations in people who are insulin resistant.”
Glycosylated hemoglobin and coronary artery disease in patients without diabetes mellitus.
Verdoia M1, Schaffer A1, Cassetti E1, Barbieri L1, Di Ruocco MV1, Perrone-Filardi P2, Marino P1, De Luca G3; Novara Atherosclerosis Study Group (NAS).
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Abnormal glucose metabolism is a major determinant of coronary artery disease (CAD) and mortality in developed countries. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a more stable, accurate parameter of glucose homeostasis than fasting glycemia, thus providing prognostic information in diabetics. However, its role and relationship with CAD remains unclear in non-diabetics.
PURPOSE:
To evaluate the relationship between HbA1c and CAD in a consecutive cohort of patients without diabetes mellitus.
METHODS:
Non-diabetic patients undergoing coronary angiography between April 2007 and October 2012 were included. Additionally carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) was evaluated during hospitalization in a consecutive cohort of patients.
RESULTS:
1,703 consecutive patients were included and divided according to HbA1c tertiles (<5.5%, 5.5%-5.79%, ≥5.8%). HbA1c was associated with aging (p<0.001); hypercholesterolemia (p=0.01); renal failure (p=0.006); hypertension (p=0.002); previous myocardial infarction (p=0.004); previous percutaneous coronary intervention (p=0.01); indication to angiography (p=0.01); use of angiotensin receptor blockers (p=0.01); beta-blockers (p=0.03); nitrates (p=0.02); statins (p=0.008); calcium antagonists (p=0.01); diuretics (p<0.001); acetylsalicylic acid (p<0.001); baseline glycemia (p<0.001); triglycerides (p=0.02); and uric acid (p=0.04). HbA1c, but not fasting glycemia, was significantly associated with the prevalence of CAD (adjusted OR=1.51, 95% CI=1.15, 1.97, p=0.002), with 5.8% identified by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve as the best cut-off value for CAD prediction. HbA1c was significantly associated with C-IMT and carotid plaques prevalence.
CONCLUSIONS:
Among non-diabetic patients, higher HbA1c even within the normal range is significantly associated with the risk of CAD. Future large studies are needed to evaluate whether more aggressive cardiovascular prevention can reduce the risk of CAD among patients with HbA1c≥5.8%.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24750972
Higher Protein Consumption Linked to Lower Stroke Risk
Higher protein intake is associated with reduced stroke risk, according to a meta-analysis in Neurology.
Researchers assessed the results of seven prospective cohort studies in roughly 250,000 participants. During a median follow-up of 14 years, participants with the highest self-reported protein intake had a 20% reduced risk for stroke after multivariable adjustment, compared with those with the lowest intake. For every additional 20 grams of protein consumed daily, there was a 26% reduction in stroke risk. Animal protein appeared to confer greater protection than vegetable protein.
The researchers note that in three of the studies, fish was a major source of protein, indicating that "stroke risk may be reduced by replacing red meat with other protein sources such as fish."
Editorialists conclude: "It seems that evidence tilts toward the Cretan Mediterranean diet, although the amount of protein is yet to be determined. In other words, eating vegetables, fruits, and protein every day will help to keep stroke away!"
Neurology article (Free abstract)
More protein in diet may be linked to lower risk of stroke.
In its “Well” blog, the New York Times (6/13, Bakalar) reported that, according to a review of studies published in Neurology, “getting more protein in your diet, though not red meat, may reduce your risk for stroke.”
Association of branched-chain amino acids with carotid intima-media thickness and coronary artery disease risk factors.
Yang R1, Dong J1, Zhao H2, Li H1, Guo H1, Wang S1, Zhang C2, Wang S1, Wang M2, Yu S2, Chen W3.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Recent studies have determined that branched-chain (BCAAs) and aromatic (AAAs) amino acids are strongly correlated with obesity and atherogenic dyslipidemia and are strong predictors of diabetes. However, it is not clear if these amino acids are capable of identifying subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD), particularly with subclinical atherosclerosis who are at risk of developing CAD.
METHODS:
Four hundred and seventy two Chinese subjects (272 males and 200 females, 42-97 y of age) undergoing physical exams were recruited at random for participation in the cross-sectional study. Serum BCAAs and AAAs were measured using our previously reported isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method. Bilateral B-mode carotid artery images for carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) were acquired at end diastole and cIMT values more than 0.9 mm were categorized as increased. Correlations of BCAAs with cIMT and other CAD risk factors were analyzed.
RESULTS:
BCAAs and AAAs were significantly and positively associated with risk factors of CAD, e.g., cIMT, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, TG, apoB, apoB/apoAI ratio, apoCII, apoCIII and hsCRP, and were significantly and negatively associated with HDL-C and apoAI. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age (β = 0.175, P<0.001), log BCAA (β = 0.147, P<0.001) and systolic blood pressure (β = 0.141, P = 0.012) were positively and independently associated with cIMT. In the logistic regression model, the most and only powerful laboratory factor correlated with increased cIMT was BCAA (the odds ratio of the fourth quartile compared to the first quartile was 2.679; P = 0.009).
CONCLUSION:
BCAAs are independently correlated with increased cIMT. This correlation would open a new field of research in the mechanistic understanding and risk assessment of CAD.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24910999
Health, beauty benefits of coconut oil examined.
The Los Angeles Times (6/16, Nelson) reported that coconut oil, which was once assailed for its heavy fat content, is now being touted as a health and beauty aid. The paper noted, citing research, “that more than half of the fat molecules in coconut oil are shorter than those in animal-derived saturated fat.” According to the paper, these “‘medium chain’ fatty acids appear to increase ‘good’ cholesterol’ and are easier to metabolize and digest.” However, the article warned, nearly 40 percent of the fatty acids are “long chain,” typically found in meat products and “linked to heart disease.”
The use of digoxin in patients with worsening chronic heart failure: reconsidering an old drug to reduce hospital admissions.
Ambrosy AP1, Butler J2, Ahmed A3, Vaduganathan M4, van Veldhuisen DJ5, Colucci WS6, Gheorghiade M7.
Author information
Abstract
Digoxin is the oldest cardiac drug still in contemporary use, yet its role in the management of patients with heart failure (HF) remains controversial. A purified cardiac glycoside derived from the foxglove plant, digoxin increases ejection fraction, augments cardiac output, and reduces pulmonary capillary wedge pressure without causing deleterious increases in heart rate or decreases in blood pressure. Moreover, it is also a neurohormonal modulator at low doses. In the pivotal DIG (Digitalis Investigation Group) trial, digoxin therapy was shown to reduce all-cause and HF-specific hospitalizations but had no effect on survival. With the discovery of neurohormonal blockers capable of reducing mortality in HF with reduced ejection fraction, the results of the DIG trial were viewed as neutral, and the use of digoxin declined precipitously. Although modern drug and device-based therapies have dramatically improved the survival of ambulatory patients with HF, outcomes for patients with worsening chronic HF, defined as deteriorating signs and symptoms on standard therapy often leading to unscheduled clinic or emergency department visits or hospitalization, have largely remained unchanged over the past 2 decades. The available data suggest that a therapeutic trial of digoxin may be appropriate in patients with worsening chronic heart failure who remain symptomatic.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24613328
Pentoxifylline in heart failure: a meta-analysis of clinical trials
Cardiovascular Therapeutics, 06/12/2014 Evidence Based Medicine
Champion S, et al. – Pentoxifylline possess anti–inflammatory and rheological properties and has been tested in heart failure (HF). The authors conducted a meta–analysis of randomized controlled trials versus placebo in HF. A meta–analysis evaluating pentoxifylline versus placebo in HF suggested a significant nearly fourfold decrease in all–cause mortality in the pentoxifylline group.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24758396
Effect of Dietary Modification on Incident Carotid Artery Disease in Postmenopausal Women: Results From the Women's Health Initiative Dietary Modification Trial.
Allison MA1, Aragaki A, Eaton C, Li W, Van Horn L, Daviglus ML, Berger JS.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Because the diagnosis and treatment of carotid artery disease may reduce the rate of stroke, the aim of this study was to determine whether a diet intervention was associated with incident carotid artery disease.
METHODS:
Participants were 48 835 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years who were randomly assigned to either the intervention or comparison group in the Women's Health Initiative Diet Modification Trial. Incident carotid artery disease was defined as an overnight hospitalization with either symptoms or a surgical intervention to improve flow.
RESULTS:
After a mean follow-up of 8.3 years from 1994 to 2005, there were 297 (0.61%) incident carotid artery events. In contrast to the comparison group, the risk of incident carotid disease did not differ from those assigned to the intervention group (hazard ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-1.4). In secondary analysis, there was no significant effect of the intervention on the risk for incident carotid disease during the 5 years of postintervention follow-up from 2005 to 2010 (hazard ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-1.7) and no significant effect during cumulative follow-up from 1994 to 2010 (hazard ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-1.4).
CONCLUSIONS:
Among postmenopausal women, a dietary intervention aimed at reducing total fat intake and encouraging increased intake of fruit, vegetables, and grains did not significantly change the risk for incident carotid artery disease.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24743440
Red Wine Counteracts Cavities
Abundant in polyphenols, red wine slows oral bacteria growth.
Cavities, periodontal disease and tooth loss affect an estimated 60 to 90 % of the global population. The problems start when certain bacteria in the mouth get together and form biofilms, which are communities of bacteria that are difficult to kill. They form plaque and produce acid, which starts damaging teeth. M. Victoria Moreno-Arribas, from the Instituto de Investigacion en Ciencias de la Alimentacion (CIAL), CSIC-UAM (Spain), and colleagues grew cultures of bacteria responsible for dental diseases as a biofilm. They dipped the biofilms for a couple of minutes in different liquids, including red wine, red wine without the alcohol, red wine spiked with grape seed extract, and water and 12 percent ethanol for comparison. ;knkn;Red wine with or without alcohol and wine with grape seed extract were the most effective at getting rid of the bacteria. Observing: “almost complete and early degradation … when incubating biofilms with the red wine extract,” the study authors submit that: “this is the first study of antimicrobial properties of wine in an oral biofilm model.”
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-05/acs-njf052114.php
Glass of Wine May Support Kidney Health
An occasional glass of wine might help keep your kidneys healthy, and among those with kidney disease, moderate wine drinking might help the heart.
Often caused by diabetes and high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Tapan Mehta, from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center (Colorado, USA), and colleagues analyzed data collected on nearly 6,000 subjects enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination, 2003-2006. The team found that those subjects with healthy kidneys who drank less than one glass of wine a day were at 37% lower risk of having chronic kidney disease than those who drank no wine. Further, the data revealed that those with chronic kidney disease who drank less than one glass a day had a 29% lower risk of cardiovascular than those who drank no wine. The study authors posit that drinking moderate amounts lowers levels of protein in the urine, elevated levels of which among those who have kidney disease are linked with an increased risk of progression of kidney disease. As well, they submit that the polyphenols found in wine have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help explain the protective heart effects.
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-04-wine-kidneys-healthy.html
Carrot & Parsley Compounds May Support Cancer Treatment
Falcarinol, a compound found abundantly in carrot and parsley, inhibits transport mechanisms in the body that select what compounds are absorbed into the body,
Carrot and parsley are rich sources of falcarinol, a bioactive plant compound. Arjan Scheepens, from the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research (New Zealand), and colleagues observe that falcarinol is able to inhibit transport mechanisms in the body that select what compounds are absorbed into the body,and eventually into cells. These same transport mechanisms are known to interfere with cancer chemotherapy treatment. From these observations, the researchers submit that falcarinol type compounds may support the delivery of drug compounds which fight breast cancer by addressing the over-expression of Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP/ABCG2), a protein that leads to some malignant tissues ability to become resistant to chemotherapy. The lead author comments that: "Our work is uncovering new means to alter how the body absorbs specific chemical and natural compounds. Ultimately we are interested in how food could be used to complement conventional treatments to potentially deliver better results for patients."
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-03/nzif-npc032614.php
Effect of docosahexaenoic acid-enriched fish oil supplementation in pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes on membrane fatty acids and fetal body composition-double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial.
Min Y1, Djahanbakhch O, Hutchinson J, Bhullar AS, Raveendran M, Hallot A, Eram S, Namugere I, Nateghian S, Ghebremeskel K.
Author information
Abstract
AIMS:
To test if docosahexaenoic acid-enriched fish oil supplementation rectifies red cell membrane lipid anomaly in pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes and their neonates, and alters fetal body composition.
METHODS:
Women with Type 2 diabetes (n = 88; 41 fish oil, 47 placebo) and healthy women (n = 85; 45 fish oil, 40 placebo) were supplemented from the first trimester until delivery. Blood fatty acid composition, fetal biometric and neonatal anthropometric measurements were assessed.
RESULTS:
A total of 117 women completed the trial. The women with Type 2 diabetes who took fish oil compared with those who received placebo had higher% docosahexaenoic acid in red cell phosphatidylethanolamine in the third trimester (12.0% vs. 8.9%, P = 0.000) and at delivery (10.7% vs. 7.4%, P = 0.001). Similarly, the neonates of the women with Type 2 diabetes supplemented with the fish oil had increased docosahexaenoic acid in the red cell phosphatidylethanolamine (9.2% vs. 7.7%, P = 0.027) and plasma phosphatidylcholine (6.1% vs. 4.7%, P = 0.020). Docosahexaenoic acid-rich fish oil had no effect on the body composition of the fetus and neonates of the women with Type 2 diabetes.
CONCLUSIONS:
A daily dose of 600 mg of docosahexaenoic acid was effective in ameliorating red cell membrane docosahexaenoic acid anomaly in pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes and neonates, and in preventing the decline of maternal docosahexaenoic acid during pregnancy. We suggest that the provision of docosahexaenoic acid supplement should be integrated in the antenatal care of pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24925713
Reduced risk of lung cancer with metformin therapy in diabetic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Zhang ZJ, Bi Y, Li S, Zhang Q, Zhao G, Guo Y, Song Q.
Abstract
Emerging evidence from epidemiologic studies and basic science suggests an inverse association between metformin use and cancer risk in diabetic patients. However, the association with lung cancer is not consistent. We summarized the evidence currently available (2009-2013) and explored sources of heterogeneity. Metformin therapy was associated with significantly lower risks of cancers of the lung (4 studies; pooled relative risk = 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.55, 0.95; P = 0.02) and respiratory system (6 studies; pooled relative risk = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.75, 0.96; P = 0.01). There was evidence of moderate heterogeneity (I(2) > 50%). The major sources of heterogeneity were smoking adjustment status and cancer site. The relative risk from studies that adjusted for smoking was 1.16-fold (95% CI: 1.00, 1.35) closer to the null than that from studies not adjusting for smoking. The relative risk of respiratory cancer was 1.23-fold (95% CI: 1.02, 1.49) closer to the null than that for lung cancer. In conclusion, metformin use appears to be associated with lower risks of lung and respiratory cancer in diabetic patients. However, caution regarding overestimation is needed, since adjustment for smoking attenuates the association.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24920786
Association of vegetable and fruit intake with gastric cancer risk among Japanese: a pooled analysis of four cohort studies.
Shimazu T1, Wakai K2, Tamakoshi A3, Tsuji I4, Tanaka K5, Matsuo K6, Nagata C7, Mizoue T8, Inoue M9, Tsugane S10, Sasazuki S10; Research Group for the Development and Evaluation of Cancer Prevention Strategies in Japan.
Collaborators (18)
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Prospective evidence is inconsistent regarding the association between vegetable/fruit intake and the risk of gastric cancer.
METHODS:
In an analysis of original data from four population-based prospective cohort studies encompassing 191 232 participants, we used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of gastric cancer incidence according to vegetable and fruit intake and conducted a meta-analysis of HRs derived from each study.
RESULTS:
During 2 094 428 person-years of follow-up, 2995 gastric cancer cases were identified. After adjustment for potential confounders, we found a marginally significant decrease in gastric cancer risk in relation to total vegetable intake but not total fruit intake: the multivariate-adjusted HR (95% CI; P for trend) for the highest versus the lowest quintile of total vegetable intake was 0.89 (0.77-1.03; P for trend = 0.13) among men and 0.83 (0.67-1.03; P for trend = 0.40) among women. For distal gastric cancer, the multivariate HR for the highest quintile of total vegetable intake was 0.78 (0.63-0.97; P for trend = 0.02) among men.
CONCLUSIONS:
This pooled analysis of data from large prospective studies in Japan suggests that vegetable intake reduces gastric cancer risk, especially the risk of distal gastric cancer among men.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24618149
Insulin or Sulfonylureas to Supplement Metformin in Patients with Diabetes?
Roumie CL et al., JAMA 2014 Jun 11; 311:2288
Insulin plus metformin was associated with higher all-cause mortality in a retrospective study.
Metformin and lifestyle modifications are the mainstay of initial treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes. The choice of a second medication for patients who do not achieve full control with this regimen is unclear. Investigators conducted a retrospective cohort study in the Veterans Affairs healthcare system and identified patients who had initiated metformin and then received either insulin or a sulfonylurea to achieve better glycemic control between 2001 and 2008. About 12,000 sulfonylurea recipients and about 2500 insulin recipients were matched closely for many demographic and clinical covariates through propensity scores. Median age was 60, and median glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level was 8.1% in both groups.
The combined endpoint of acute myocardial infarction and stroke occurred in a similar proportion of each group (10.2 per 1000 person-years for insulin vs. 11.9 per 1000 person-years for sulfonylureas), but all-cause mortality through 2009 was 44% more common in those receiving insulin — a significant difference.
'Tomato pill' hope for stopping heart disease
A small trial has shown promising results for a “tomato pill” in reducing risk factors for future cardiovascular events. Researchers at Cambridge University conducted a double-blind study in which 36 volunteers with and without known heart disease were given a daily tablet containing lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes. Compared to the control group, the “tomato pill” patients had significantly improved forearm blood flow; reduced forearm blood flow can be a predictor of future cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. No associations were seen between the pill and blood pressure, arterial stiffness, or fat levels in the blood.
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-27762995
Cut Stroke Risk with Fruits & Veggies
Consuming 200 grams (7 ounces) of fruits and vegetables daily reduces stroke risk by 32% and 11%, respectively.
Diet is the leading lifestyle factor in stroke risk. Fruits and vegetables are rich in key micro- and macro-nutrients that contribute to healthy blood vessels. Yan Qu, from Qingdao University (China), and colleagues completed a meta-analysis of 20 studies published over the last 19 years to assess the effects of fruit and vegetable consumption on risk of stroke globally. The combined studies involved 760,629 men and women who had 16,981 strokes. The data revealed that stroke risk decreases by 32% with every 200 grams (7 ounces) of fruit consumed each day and 11% with every 200 grams (7 ounces) of vegetables consumed daily. The study authors conclude that: “Fruits and vegetables consumption are inversely associated with the risk of stroke.”
http://newsroom.heart.org/news/eating-more-fruits-vegetables-may-cut-stroke-risk-worldwide
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids May Suppress RA Activity
At the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress (EULAR 2014), 2 studies shed insight on the relationship between dietary intake of monounsaturated fatty acids andcholesterol with disease activity inrheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), respectively.
The TOMORROW study (n=208) showed that daily intake of monounsaturated fatty acids as part of the Mediterranean diet was an independent predictor of remission in patients with RA. Food and nutrient intake was assessed using brief, self-administered diet history questionnaire and Mediterranean diet scores.
Scientists posed that monounsaturated fatty acids may be suppressing disease activity. Dietary intake of monounsaturated fatty acids was shown to be an independent predictor of remission in patients with RA (Odds: 0.51; 95% CI 0.25–1.02, P=0.057). The intake of monounsaturated fatty acids and of Mediterranean diet components was significantly lower in the RA than in the control group (P=0.003).
List of “powerhouse fruits and vegetables” released.
The Washington Post (6/6, Bernstein) “To Your Health” blog reports that in a brief published online June 5 in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease, a publication of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers have produced “a list of 41 ‘powerhouse fruits and vegetables’ ranked by the amounts of 17 critical nutrients they contain,” scoring the foods “by their content of fiber, potassium, protein, calcium, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin D and other nutrients.” Watercress achieved the top score of 100, but high scores also went to “Chinese cabbage (91.99), chard (89.27), beet greens (87.08), spinach (86.43) and chicory (73.36).”
The Huffington Post (6/6, Almendrala) points out that some fruits and vegetables did not make the list, such as blueberries, which many people consider to be a superfood. Blueberries “were not included because they were not rich sources of the qualifying nutrients.” Instead, “their health benefits are likely due in part to the presence of phytochemicals.”
Diet, exercise may be best for preventing diabetes in patients at risk for the disease.
Bloomberg News (6/17, Ostrow) reports that research presented at the American Diabetes Association meeting indicates that “diet and exercise remain the best bet for staving off diabetes in patients at risk for the disease.” Researchers found that “study participants who lost weight and increased physical activity had a 27 percent lower rate of developing Type 2 diabetes, compared with 17 percent of those given metformin, a first-line drug to lower blood sugar.” In a press briefing, Judy Fradkin, of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, said, “Diabetes is a disease that really develops across decades.” Fradkin added, “Although rates of diabetes have been increasing dramatically, outcomes for people with and at risk of diabetes have been improving dramatically.” The NIH funded the study.
Treatment options for hypertriglyceridemia: from risk reduction to pancreatitis
Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 06/09/2014 Clinical Article
Berglund L, et al. – While there has been considerable focus on the role and treatment of LDL cholesterol levels, a definitive role of triglycerides in the management of cardiovascular disease has been uncertain. Notably, with increasing triglyceride levels, there is a parallel increase in cholesterol levels carried by triglyceride–rich lipoproteins, which has prompted interest in the use of non–HDL cholesterol levels as a tool guiding interventions. The present paper summarizes the underlying evidence for a risk role for triglyceride levels in cardiovascular disease and pancreatitis, current treatment recommendations and areas of future research
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24840268
Carcinogenic Substances May Persist in Hair Dyes
(HealthDay News) — Hairdressers who use permanent hair dyes and hair waving treatments may be exposed to potentially carcinogenic substances, including toluidines, according to research published online June 9 in Occupational & Environmental Medicine.
Gabriella M. Johansson, of Lund University in Sweden, and colleagues collected lifestyle data and analyzed blood samples for potentially carcinogenic aromatic amines in 295 hairdressers, 32 users of hair dyes, and 60 controls. All participants were female nonsmokers.
The researchers observed no significant differences in adduct concentrations among hairdressers, consumers, or controls. Among hairdressers, concentrations of ortho (o)-toluidine and meta (m)-toluidine increased significantly with weekly number of episodes of hair waving (P=0.020) and permanent hair dyeing treatments (P=0.026), respectively. Increased concentrations of o-toluidine (P=0.076) and m-toluidine (P=0.080) were associated with the frequency of light-color permanent hair dye treatments.
"Analyses of hair waving and hair dye products should be performed to identify the possible sources of exposure to o- and m-toluidine," the authors write.
Abstract
Risk Factors for Shingles
Forbes HJ et al., BMJ 2014 May 13; 348:g2911
Age is most important, but many chronic conditions are associated with higher risk.
Age is an important risk factor for herpes zoster; the CDC recommends a single dose of shingles vaccine for older adults (age, ≥60). But whether younger people, especially those with chronic medical conditions, might benefit from vaccination is unclear. In this case-control study, U.K. investigators quantified the effects of potential risk factors for herpes zoster among 145,000 adults diagnosed with the condition between 2000 and 2011 and among 550,000 controls who were matched by age, sex, and practice with case patients.
The median age at diagnosis of zoster was 62; 45% of zoster cases occurred before age 60. Adjusted for multiple variables (including treatments), medical conditions associated with excess risk for shingles were HIV infection (odds ratio, 5.1), lymphoma (OR, 3.9), myeloma (OR, 2.1), leukemia (OR, 1.8), lupus (OR, 1.6), inflammatory bowel disease (OR, 1.3), type 1 diabetes (OR, 1.3), rheumatoid arthritis (OR, 1.2), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 1.2), depression (OR, 1.2), asthma (OR, 1.1), and chronic kidney disease (OR, 1.1). Higher risk was also noted among patients with prior hematopoietic stem cell transplant (OR, 13.7) and those who took oral corticosteroids (OR, 1.5) or inhaled corticosteroids (OR, 1.1). The relative effects of these risk factors decreased with increasing age.
Zoster Raises Risk for Stroke
Langan SM et al., Clin Infect Dis 2014 Jun 1; 58:1497
Excess risk for cerebrovascular accident in zoster patients persists for 6 months then disappears.
Case reports have suggested that herpes zoster acutely raises risk for cerebrovascular accident (CVA); postulated mechanisms include generalized endothelial dysfunction associated with acute infections and specific destructive effects of zoster on vascular walls. Researchers probed a clinical database of >5 million patients to characterize the association between zoster and CVA.
Among adults with new diagnoses of zoster, overall risk for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke rose significantly in the first month after diagnosis, slowly diminished during the following 6 months, and vanished by 1 year. The effect was mitigated by antiviral treatment: Among treated patients, risk for stroke in the first month was not significantly different from baseline and was about half that of untreated patients; stroke risk exceeded baseline only in the second and third months after diagnosis.
Both herpes zoster ophthalmicus and zoster in other trigeminal nerve branches raised stroke risk almost three times higher than zoster in other dermatomes. This risk peaked in the second and third month after diagnosis; it was somewhat attenuated by treatment but still remained significantly elevated over baseline.
Prediabetes Intervention Cuts Cardiovascular Risk
Treatment of prediabetes and restoration of normal glucose regulation reduces cardiovascular risk, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association.
Treatment of prediabetes and restoration of normal glucose regulation (NGR) reduces cardiovascular risk, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association, held from June 13 to 17 in San Francisco.
Leigh Perreault, MD, of the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine in Aurora, and colleagues analyzed cardiovascular risk for 2,775 participants in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study who were randomly assigned to intensive lifestyle, metformin, or placebo. Cardiovascular risk was assessed by Framingham score and individual risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
The researchers found that Framingham scores according to glycemic exposure did not differ between the groups. During 10 years of follow-up, mean Framingham scores were highest among those in the prediabetes group (16.2 versus 15.2 in those restored to NGR and 14.3 in those with diabetes), but this score declined over time. Higher medication use for treatment of elevated lipid and blood pressure levels partly explained the lower Framingham score in the diabetes group versus the other groups, a declining Framingham score in the pre-diabetes group, and favorable changes in individual cardiovascular risk factors.
"Regardless of type of initial treatment, participants who didn't develop diabetes had a 28 percent lower occurrence of the microvascular complications than those participants who did develop diabetes," a coauthor said in a statement. "These findings show that intervening in the prediabetes phase is important in reducing early stage complications."
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Does digoxin increase the risk of ischemic stroke and mortality in atrial fibrillation – a nationwide population-based cohort study
Canadian Journal of Cardiology, 06/13/2014 Clinical Article
Chao TF, et al. – The goal of the present study is to investigate the relationship between digoxin and the risk of ischemic stroke and mortality in Asians. Digoxin should be avoided for AF patients without heart failure since it was associated with an increased risk of clinical events. Beta–blockers may be a better choice for controlling ventricular rate.
Methods
This study used the “National Health Insurance Research Database” in Taiwan.
A total of 4,781 AF patients who did not receive any antithrombotic therapy were selected as the study population.
Among the study population, 829 subjects (17.3%) received the digoxin treatment.
The risks of ischemic stroke and mortality of patients with or without digoxin use were compared.
Results
The use of digoxin was associated with an increased risk of clinical events with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.41 (95% CI =1.17–1.70) for ischemic stroke and 1.21 (95% CI =1.01–1.44) for all–cause mortality.
In the subgroup analysis based on the coexistence with heart failure or not, digoxin was a risk factor of adverse events for patients without heart failure, but not for those with heart failure (interaction p<0.001 for either endpoint).
Among AF patients without heart failure, the use of beta–blockers was associated with better survival with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.
Conclusions
Digoxin should be avoided for AF patients without heart failure since it was associated with an increased risk of clinical events. Beta-blockers may be a better choice for controlling ventricular rate.
Among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), digoxin use was associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke and mortality for patients without heart failure, but not for those with heart failure. Among AF patients without heart failure, the use of beta-blockers seemed to have survival benefits. For controlling ventricular rate in AF patients without heart failure, digoxin should be used ìwith cautionî and beta-blockers may be a better choice for primary rate control therapy.
Risk of atrial fibrillation with use of oral and intravenous bisphosphonates.
Sharma A1, Einstein AJ2, Vallakati A3, Arbab-Zadeh A4, Walker MD5, Mukherjee D6, Homel P7, Borer JS8, Lichstein E9.
Author information
Abstract
Clinical studies suggest an association between bisphosphonate use and new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). Intravenous bisphosphonates more potently increase the release of inflammatory cytokines than do oral bisphosphonates; thus, the risk of developing AF may be greater with intravenous preparations. We have evaluated incidence of new-onset AF with use of oral and intravenous bisphosphonates through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and EMBASE databases for observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 1966 to April 2013 that reported the number of patients developing AF with use of oral or intravenous bisphosphonates. The random-effects Mantel-Haenszel test was used to evaluate the relative risk of AF with use of oral and intravenous bisphosphonates. Nine studies (5 RCTs and 4 observational studies) were included in the final analysis. Pooled data from RCTs and observational studies (n = 135,347) showed a statistically significantly increased risk of new-onset AF with both intravenous (relative risk 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.32 to 1.49) and oral (relative risk 1.22, 95% confidence interval 1.14 to 1.31) bisphosphonates. The z statistic, which assesses the difference between the 2 risk ratios, indicated higher risk of AF with intravenous bisphosphonates versus oral bisphosphonates (p = 0.03).
In conclusion, pooled data from RCTs and observational studies suggest that risk of AF is increased by use of oral or intravenous bisphosphonates but further suggest that risk is relatively greater with intravenous preparations.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24837258
Diet that promotes healthy gut may improve sense of wellbeing.
CNN (6/18, Stewart) reports on the importance of a healthy gut to general health, and explains that diets “high in sugar, fat, and processed food – can cause gas, discomfort, bloating and inflammation” due to the “less-beneficial” bacteria they promote, which may also “emit chemicals that compromise the intestinal lining,” according to Lita Proctor, of the Human Microbiome Project at the National Institutes of Health. Proctor is quoted saying, “This so-called ‘leaky gut’ allows nonnutritive materials to slip into our bodies and affect how we feel.” The bacteria content of the gut may also play a role in obesity as well as diabetes and heart disease. The article suggests incorporating yogurt with Lactobacillus rhamnosus as well as foods rich in “prebiotics” and avoiding fatty foods.
Reducing systolic blood pressure below a certain point may not benefit people with high blood pressure.
The New York Times (6/19, Bakalar) “Well” blog reports that research published online in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that reducing systolic blood pressure below a certain point may not benefit individuals with hypertension. In the study, researchers found that “cardiac events were more common in people whose blood pressure exceeded 140, and particularly among those with readings over 160.” however, “there was no difference in the risk for heart failure, stroke or heart attack between those in the normal range (120 to 140) and those with a level below 120.”
Studies suggest having moles may be linked to increased breast cancer risk.
On its website, TIME (6/11, Sifferlin) reports that “two new studies suggest that having moles is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.”
The CNN (6/11) “The Chart” blog reports that one “study in the United States and” the other “in France followed almost 175,000 middle age women for about 20 years.” Investigators “looked at women with few or no moles and compared their breast cancer risk to women who had lots of moles – defined in one study as more than 15 on one arm.”
On its website, NBC News (6/11, Fox) reports that the US study found that “those who had 15 or more moles were 35 percent more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than women who said they didn’t have any.” The investigators found that “after 24 years, women with no moles had about an 8 percent chance of developing breast cancer but the women with 15 or more had an 11 percent risk.” The French study found that “women who said they had “very many” moles at the beginning were 13 percent more likely to develop breast cancer.” The findings were published in PLOS Medicine. HealthDay (6/11, Norton) also covers the story.
High Levels of Calcium in Blood and Urine Seen in Older Women Given Supplements
Hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria are common in older women taking vitamin D and calcium supplements, according to a prospective study inMenopause.
Roughly 150 postmenopausal white women who were insufficient in vitamin D were randomized to receive vitamin D3 (400–4800 IU/day) or placebo. In addition, all participants were given calcium citrate supplements based on their dietary calcium intake, with a goal of 1200 mg of calcium daily.
Over a year, 9% of women developed hypercalcemia, and nearly a third developed hypercalciuria, with little overlap between the two groups. There was no association between the dose of vitamin D and hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria. Both conditions were observed in women taking placebo plus calcium, leading the authors to caution that "even a modest calcium supplementation of 600 mg/day may be too high for some women."
Menopause article (Free abstract)
Grapes May Alleviate Arthritis
Consuming grapes may confer benefits for knee osteoarthritis
The most common joint disease among Americans, osteoarthritis is a condition where the natural cushioning between joints – the cartilage – wears away. Because symptom management is often ineffective and joint replacement is invasive surgery, many osteoarthritis suffers seek natural approaches. Grapes are rich in anti-inflammatory polyphenols, compounds that have been shown to reduce inflammation. Shanil Juma, from Texas Woman's University (Texas, USA), and colleagues conducted a sixteen week clinical study, in which 72 men and women with knee osteoarthritis were assigned to either consume grapes in the form of a whole grape freeze-dried powder, or a placebo powder. The data revealed that both men and women consuming a grape-enriched diet had a significant decrease in self-reported pain related to activity and an overall decrease in total knee symptoms – notably, improved joint flexibility and overall mobility. This beneficial effect was more pronounced in females. Additionally, age-related differences were observed: there was a 70% increase in very hard activity for those under 64 years of age consuming the grape powder, while those receiving the placebo reported a significant decrease in very hard activity. Attributing these observed benefits to the polyphenols found in grapes, the lead investigator comments that: "These findings provide promising data that links grape consumption to two very important outcomes for those living with knee osteoarthritis: reduced pain and improvements in joint flexibility.”
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-05/ral-gcm050814.php
Omega-3s Reduce Deadly Blood Clot Risks
A diet abundant in fish, combined with omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, may reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism by nearly 50%.
Encompassing the conditions of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third most common cardiovascular illness after acute coronary syndrome and stroke. IJ Hansen-Krone, from University of Tromso (Norway), and colleagues analyzed data collected on 23,621 men and women , ages 25 to 97 years, who were enrolled in the Tromso Study which followed subjects for an average of 16 years. During this period, there were 536 documented cases of VTE. Through data analysis, researchers ascertained that tthose participants who ate three or more servings of fish per week reduced their risk of VTE by 22%. Adding fish oil dietary supplements further enhanced the dietary benefits, with omega-3 dietary supplement consumers experiencing a 48% lower risk of VTE. The study authors conclude that: “a high weekly intake ([at or more than] 3 times/wk) of fish was associated with a slightly reduced risk of [venous thromboembolism], and the addition of fish oil supplements strengthened the inverse effect.”
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Omega-3s-heart-health-Fish-and-supplements-may-slash-venous-thromboembolism-risk-says-new-study/
Link Between Cholesterol & Cancer
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) exerts a negative effect on the mechanism that controls cell migration – including that involved in cancer metastasis.
A generally established factor for heart disease, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as the “bad” cholesterol. Thomas Grewal, from the University of Sydney (Australia), and colleagues have identified that LDL cholesterol controls the trafficking of tiny vessels which also contain integrins – molecules that are thought to help cancer cells to metastasize. Observing that high amounts of 'bad' cholesterol seem to help the integrins in cancer cells to move and spread, the researchers also found that high levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol, kept integrins inside cells and may therefore protect against cancer cell spread. Observing that malignant cancer cells are known to take up increased amounts of 'bad' LDL cholesterol,” the study authors submit that: “fine-tuning of cholesterol levels at the [trans-Golgi network recycling endosomes] … may play a regulatory role in cell migration and invasion.”
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-05-bad-cholesterol-contributes-cancer-body.html
Mediterranean Diet May Up Diabetes Remission Rates
For newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients, a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet (LCMD) may be a lifestyle modification that leads to a greater reduction in HbA1c levels, higher rate of diabetes remission, and a delayed need for diabetes medication. A study of 215 overweight, middle-aged adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes randomized patients to a LCMD or a low-fat diet. After an average 6.1 years follow-up for the low-fat group and 8.1 years for the LCMD group, LCMD patients were more likely to experience partial or complete diabetes remission during the first year and year six compared to the low-fat group (14.7% and 5.0% vs. 4.1% and 0%, respectively). Other studies have found that the Mediterranean diet could reduce diabetes risk in older adults.
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/37/7/1824.short
The EURObservational Research Programme on Atrial Fibrillation Pilot Survey provides contemporary data on oral anticoagulation prescribing by European cardiologists for atrial fibrillation. Although the uptake of oral anticoagulation (mostly vitamin K antagonist therapy) has improved since the Euro Heart Survey a decade ago, antiplatelet therapy is still commonly prescribed, with or without oral anticoagulation, whereas elderly patients are commonly undertreated with oral anticoagulation. The American Journal of Medicine
Purpose In Life Adds Years to Life
Setting a direction and goals for what you wish to achieve may help you live longer.
A number of previous studies have suggested that finding a purpose in life lowers risk of mortality above and beyond other factors that are known to predict longevity. Patrick Hill from Carleton University (Canada), and colleagues utilized data collected on over 6,000 subjects enrolled in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. Over the 14-year follow-up period, 569 of the participants had died (about 9% of the sample). Those who had died had reported lower purpose in life and fewer positive relations than did survivors. Greater purpose in life consistently predicted lower mortality risk across the lifespan, showing the same benefit for younger, middle-aged, and older participants across the follow-up period. The study authors submit that: “having a purpose in life appears to widely buffer against mortality risk across the adult years.”
http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/news/releases/having-a-sense-of-purpose-in-life-may-add-years-to-your-life.html
Adding Nonfat Dairy to Diet May Lower BP
A new study has found that adding ≥4 servings of nonfat dairy products a day to one's diet can lower systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure in patients with hypertension. Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, those who added ≥4 servings of nonfat dairy products to their daily food consumption saw a decrease in systolic blood pressure (135 ± 1 to 127 ± 1mmHg) and pulse pressure (54 ± 1 to 48 ± 1mmHg) (both P<0.05) within 3 weeks. No reductions were seen in diastolic blood pressure for the nonfat dairy group or the control group with all dairy products removed from their diets.
Canola Oil, Low Glycemic Diet Beneficial in T2DM
(HealthDay News) — A low glycemic load (GL) diet including α-linolenic acid (ALA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) can improve glycemic control for patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online June 14 in Diabetes Care.
David J. A. Jenkins, MD, PhD, DSc, from the University of Toronto in Canada, and colleagues determined the combined effect of ALA, MUFA, and low GL on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in 141 participants with type 2 diabetes treated with oral antihyperglycemic agents. Participants were given dietary advice on a low-GL diet with a canola oil-enriched bread supplement containing ALA and MUFA, and/or whole-grain diet with a whole-wheat bread supplement (control).
The researchers found that the reduction in hemoglobin A1c was greater for the test diet than for the control diet (−0.47 vs. −0.31%, respectively; P=0.002), with the greatest benefit for participants with higher systolic blood pressure. The test diet correlated with greater reductions in the Framingham cardiovascular risk score, while the control diet correlated with increases in the reactive hyperemia index ratio.
"A canola oil-enriched low-GL diet improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, particularly in participants with raised systolic blood pressure, whereas whole grains improved vascular reactivity," the authors write.
The study breads were provided by Kensington Natural Bakers. The study was funded by Loblaw Companies. Several authors disclose financial ties to the medical and nutrition industries.
Abstract
Citrus Fruit May Lower Bladder Cancer Risk
Increased intake of citrus fruit is associated with a decreased risk of bladder cancer, according to a new meta-analysis published online ahead of print in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition.
The meta-analysis, by Sudong Liang, MD, of Soochow University in Yangzhou Jiangsu, China, and colleagues, included 8 case-control studies and 6 cohort studies totaling 7,372 cases and 935,800 subjects. Pooled data from the 14 studies showed that individuals with the highest intake of citrus fruit had a 15% decreased risk of bladder cancer risk compared with those who had the lowest intake. Analysis of data from the case-control studies showed a significant 23% decreased risk. Investigators found no association between fruit intake and bladder cancer risk in the cohort studies.
“Our results suggest that there is limited evidence for a protective association between high citrus fruit intake and bladder cancer risk,” the researchers wrote.
Dr. Liang's group explained that an inverse association between citrus fruit consumption and bladder cancer risk is biologically plausible. “Citrus fruits are good courses of multiple cancer-chemopreventive agents such as vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids, limonoids, folic acid, and dietary fiber.”
Metformin Use Decreases Risk of Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Use of the diabetes drug metformin is associated with a decreased risk of aprostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis, new findings suggest.
In a study of 12,226 men diagnosed with PCa and 122,260 population controls, Mark A. Preston, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and colleagues found that men who used metformin had a significant 16% decreased risk of a PCa diagnosis in adjusted analyses compared with non-users. Among men who had undergone PSA testing in the previous year, metformin use was associated with a significant 34% decreased risk of a PCa diagnosis.
Diabetics on no medication or on other oral hypoglycemic agents did have a significant decrease in the risk of a PCa diagnosis, the researchers reported online ahead of print in European Urology.
The researchers identified study subjects using the Danish Cancer Registry and the Aarhus University Prescription Database.
In a previous Canadian study of older diabetic men published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2013;105:1123-1131), researchers found no association between metformin use and PCa risk. The study included 5,306 PCa case subjects and 26,530 matched controls. A meta-analysis published in Cancer Epidemiology (2013;37:207-218) found that metformin can reduce the incidence of a number of cancers, but had no effect on PCa incidence.
Glycemic Response to Metformin Differs by Race, Ethnicity
(HealthDay News) — Race-ethnicity appears to influence the effect of metformin on glycemic control in patients with diabetes, according to research published online June 12 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
L. Keoki Williams, MD, MPH, of the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, and colleagues examined the effects of metformin on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements in 19,672 patients with diabetes, including 7,429 African Americans and 8,783 European Americans.
The researchers found that baseline HbA1c levels among patients with diabetes were higher in African Americans (7.81%; 61.8mmol/mol) than in European Americans (7.38%; 57.1mmol/mol). Metformin therapy, compared with no use, was associated with a 0.62% (6.8mmol/mol) reduction in HbA1c level. Reduction in HbA1c levels was significantly greater in African Americans than in European Americans (0.90% or 9.8mmol/mol vs. 0.42% or 4.6mmol/mol; P<0.001). Regardless of baseline HbA1c level, use of metformin was associated with lower HbA1c levels in African-American patients.
"African-American individuals appear to have a better glycemic response to metformin when compared with European Americans," the authors write. "Further studies are needed to determine whether this translates to commensurate reductions in diabetes complications."
Abstract
Blood Pressure Meds Taken At Bedtime May Cut Diabetes Risk
Hypertensive patients without diabetes may be at lower risk of new-onset diabetes if they take at least 1 blood pressure (BP)-lowering medication at bedtime, according to data presented at the American Society of Hypertension annual meeting in New York.
In a prospective, randomized trial of 2,012 hypertensive patients without diabetes mellitus, Ramón C. Hermida, PhD, Campus Universitario, Vigo, Spain, and colleagues found that subjects who took 1 or more BP medications at bedtime had a significant 57% decreased risk of new-onset diabetes than those who took all of their BP medications upon awakening. They also had improved ambulatory BP control.
Diabetes developed in 171 (8.5%) of the 2,012 patients during a median follow-up of 5.6 years.
The study population had a median age of 52.7 years and consisted of 976 men and 1,036 women.
Association of azithromycin with mortality and cardiovascular events among older patients hospitalized with pneumonia
JAMA, 06/22/2014 Evidence Based Medicine Clinical Article
Mortensen EM, et al. – Although clinical practice guidelines recommend combination therapy with macrolides, including azithromycin, as first–line therapy for patients hospitalized with pneumonia, recent research suggests that azithromycin may be associated with increased cardiovascular events. To examine the association of azithromycin use with all–cause mortality and cardiovascular events for patients hospitalized with pneumonia. Among older patients hospitalized with pneumonia, treatment that included azithromycin compared with other antibiotics was associated with a lower risk of 90–day mortality and a smaller increased risk of myocardial infarction. These findings are consistent with a net benefit associated with azithromycin use.
Methods
Retrospective cohort study comparing older patients hospitalized with pneumonia from fiscal years 2002 through 2012 prescribed azithromycin therapy and patients receiving other guideline–concordant antibiotic therapy.
This study was conducted using national Department of Veterans Affairs administrative data of patients hospitalized at any Veterans Administration acute care hospital.
Patients were included if they were aged 65 years or older, were hospitalized with pneumonia, and received antibiotic therapy concordant with national clinical practice guidelines.
Outcomes included 30– and 90–day all–cause mortality and 90–day cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and any cardiac event.
Propensity score matching was used to control for the possible effects of known confounders with conditional logistic regression.
Results
Of 73690 patients from 118 hospitals identified, propensity–matched groups were composed of 31863 patients exposed to azithromycin and 31863 matched patients who were not exposed.
There were no significant differences in potential confounders between groups after matching.
Ninety–day mortality was significantly lower in those who received azithromycin (exposed, 17.4%, vs unexposed, 22.3%; odds ratio [OR], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.70–0.76).
However, authors found significantly increased odds of myocardial infarction (5.1% vs 4.4%; OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.08–1.25) but not any cardiac event (43.0% vs 42.7%; OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.98–1.05), cardiac arrhythmias (25.8% vs 26.0%; OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.95–1.02), or heart failure (26.3% vs 26.2%; OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.97–1.04).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:
Among older patients hospitalized with pneumonia, treatment that included azithromycin compared with other antibiotics was associated with a lower risk of 90-day mortality and a smaller increased risk of myocardial infarction. These findings are consistent with a net benefit associated with azithromycin use.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24893087
Treatment of erosive osteoarthritis with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonist fenofibrate: a pilot study.
Shirinsky IV1, Shirinsky VS.
Author information
Abstract
Hand osteoarthritis (HOA) is a common condition associated with high disease burden and frequently accompanied by comorbidities including dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis and obesity. The most debilitating HOA phenotype is erosive HOA (EHOA), characterized by synovial inflammation, formation of erosions, and substantial decline in hand function. Currently, there is no proven symptomatic treatment for the EHOA. Due to their broad spectrum effects directed on lipid metabolism, inflammation and pain, the agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha or fibrates are a candidate class of drugs for the treatment of EHOA. In this study, we assessed the influence of fenofibrate treatment on clinical efficacy parameters, in vivo cytokine and adipokine production and concentrations of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in patients with EHOA. Fourteen patients received treatment with 145 mg of fenofibrate/day for 12 weeks. Fenofibrate treatment was associated with significant decreases in pain score, tender joint count, duration of morning stiffness, disease activity score, Cochin index, and ESR. Eight (57.14 %) patients developed Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials-Osteoarthritis Research Society response at the end of treatment. Paracetamol consumption did not change during the treatment course. There was a significant reduction in triglyceride levels. No changes were detected in serum pro-inflammatory cytokine and adipokine concentrations while circulating IL-10 levels significantly decreased. There were no differences in circulating EPC numbers before and after the treatment. Fenofibrate was well tolerated, no patient experienced disease flare during the treatment.
In conclusion, in EHOA patients, fenofibrate is associated with pleiotropic effects on pain, inflammation, and lipid profile. Larger, controlled studies are needed to confirm these results.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23620259
Chronic Inflammatory Disorders and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Coronary Heart Disease, and Stroke: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Patients with chronic inflammatory disorders like psoriasis, Crohn's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis may have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, with the risk linked to inflammation severity. This research from the journal Circulation measured new diagnoses of type 2 diabetes, stroke, or coronary heart disease in patients with severe psoriasis, mild psoriasis, bullous skin diseases, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic autoimmune disorders, and systemic vasculitis. The highest risks were seen in patients with systemic autoimmune disorders (1.32, CI: 1.16–1.44) and systemic vasculitis (1.29, CI: 1.16–1.44) while risks increased with organ-specific disorders, including severe psoriasis (1.29, CI: 1.12–1.47) and ulcerative colitis (1.26, CI: 1.14–1.40). Patients with the highest severity of inflammation had a greater risk of multiple outcomes compared to those with lower severity.
Conclusions—The risk of cardiovascular diseases and T2DM is increased across a range of organ-specific and multi-system chronic inflammatory disorders with evidence that risk is associated with severity of inflammation. Clinical management of patients with chronic inflammatory disorders should aim to reduce cardiovascular risk.
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2014/06/26/CIRCULATIONAHA.114.009990.short
Updated Guidelines on Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
The Infectious Diseases Society of America has released updated guidelines on diagnosing and treating skin and soft tissue infections.
The hefty guidelines, last updated in 2005, are available for free in Clinical Infectious Diseases. They include a new figure that simplifies the management of localized purulent staphylococcal infections given the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In addition, an algorithm provides a simpler approach for managing and treating surgical site infections.
Clinical Infectious Diseases article
Adverse Effects of Thiazide Diuretics in Older Patients
Makam AN et al., J Am Geriatr Soc 2014 Jun 62:1039
Hyponatremia, hypokalemia, or decline in renal function occurred fairly frequently during the first 9 months of thiazide use.
Low vitamin D may be linked to increased risk of premature death.
The New York Times (6/13, Bakalar) “Well” blog reports that research published online in The American Journal of Public Health suggests that “low blood levels of vitamin D” may be linked to an increased risk of premature death. Investigators analyzed “data from 32 studies and found that people with a blood level below 9 nanograms per milliliter had almost double the risk of premature death compared with those with levels of 50 or higher.”
Low vitamin D linked to increased mortality risk
People with low vitamin D levels had a higher risk of heart-disease-related death and all-cause mortality than people with the highest levels of vitamin D, according to an analysis of eight studies involving more than 26,000 nonsmoking people. Participants with a history of cancer and low vitamin levels had a 1.7 times higher risk of dying from cancer. The findings appear on the website of BMJ. HealthDay News
Calcium, vitamin D supplementation may reduce blood sugar levels in gestational diabetes.
The New York Times (6/27, Bakalar) “Well” blog reports that according to a study published online in the journal Diabetologia, “calcium and vitamin D supplementation can reduce blood sugar levels in women with gestational diabetes and improve other measures of metabolic health.” Researchers came to that conclusion after randomizing “56 women with gestational diabetes to receive either 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day along with 50,000 units of vitamin D twice during the six-week study, or to get placebo pills.” The women in the supplement group experienced improvements in “fasting blood glucose and cholesterol levels.”
HealthDay News) – Dietary calcium intake is inversely associated with prostate-cancer risk, according to a study published online January 12 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Preventing Chronic Disease.
Christina D. Williams, PhD, MPH, of Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center in North Carolina, and colleagues investigated the association between calcium intake and prostate-cancer risk. Data from a case-control study involving 108 men with biopsy-positive prostate cancer, 161 men with negative biopsy results for prostate cancer, and 237 healthy men were evaluated. Dietary calcium intake was assessed using the Harvard food frequency questionnaire. Cancer grade was established as low-grade (Gleason score <7) or high-grade (Gleason score ≥7).
The researchers observed an inverse association between calcium intake from food and prostate cancer risk when comparing cases and biopsy-negative controls (P=0.05) and cases and healthy controls (P=0.02). In analyses of healthy controls, for black men, total calcium was also associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. Finally, men in the highest tertile of calcium intake from food had a lower risk for high-grade cancer when comparing high-grade cases with biopsy-negative controls (odds ratio [OR], 0.37) or with healthy controls (OR, 0.38).
"Our findings suggest that, among men with diets that have moderate to low calcium intake, adequate calcium intake may reduce the risk for prostate cancer, particularly among black men, and reduce the risk for high-grade prostate cancer among all men," the authors write.
Full Text
Low Vitamin D May Increase Hypertension Risk
(HealthDay News) — People who have genetic variants tied to low production of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D)have an increased risk of hypertension, according to a study published online June 26 in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
Karani S. Vimaleswaran, PhD, from University College London, and colleagues utilized meta-analyzed data for up to 108,173 individuals from 35 studies in the D-CarDia collaboration. The authors sought to investigate associations between the allele score (a 25[OH]D synthesis score based on variants of genes that affect 25[OH]D synthesis or substrate availability) and blood pressure measurements.
In phenotypic analyses (up to 49,363 individuals), the researchers found that increased 25(OH)D concentration was associated with decreased systolic blood pressure (P=0.003) and reduced odds of hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 0.98; P=0.0003), but not with decreased diastolic blood pressure (P=0.37). Each 25(OH)D-increasing allele of the synthesis score in meta-analyses (146,581 individuals) was associated with a change of 0.10mmHg in systolic blood pressure (P=0.0498) and a change of 0.08mmHg in diastolic blood pressure (P=0.01). In a separate meta-analysis (142,255 individuals), the synthesis score was associated with a reduced odds of hypertension (OR per allele, 0.98; P=0.001).
"This finding warrants further investigation in an independent, similarly powered study," the authors write.
Several authors disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry.
Abstract
Vitamin D plus calcium may protect seniors from fractures
An analysis of data from 53 studies found that daily intake of vitamin D and calcium supplements appears to reduce the risk of fractures among high-risk seniors. Vitamin D supplements alone did not lower the risk, researchers reported in The Cochrane Library. Healio (free registration)
High-Potency Statins Are Associated with Excess Risk for Diabetes
Dormuth CR et al., BMJ 2014 May 29; 348:g3244
But the number need to treat for 2 years was 342 in a cohort of patients with cardiovascular disease.
Meta-analyses of randomized trials have shown that statin use is associated with excess risk for developing diabetes. These findings prompted the FDA to require label changes for statins to address this concern. In this study, investigators used data from eight population-based Canadian, U.S., and U.K. cohort studies to evaluate risk for developing diabetes in 137,000 patients (age, ≥40) who were hospitalized for major adverse cardiovascular events and who received new prescriptions for high-potency or low-potency statins.
Diabetes incidence in new users of high-potency statins (rosuvastatin [Crestor] ≥10 mg, atorvastatin ≥20 mg, or simvastatin ≥40 mg) was compared with incidence in new users of low-potency statins (all other statins). Within the first 2 years of statin use, new-onset diabetes was significantly more common with high-potency statins than with low-potency statins (rate ratio, 1.2). Risk was highest during the first 4 months of use (RR, 1.3).
Determinants associated with bone mineral density increase in response to daily teriparatide treatment in patients with osteoporosis.
Niimi R1, Kono T2, Nishihara A3, Hasegawa M4, Matsumine A5, Kono T6, Sudo A7.
Author information
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Several factors associated with bone mineral density (BMD) increase are reported with daily teriparatide treatment, but there has been no systematic analysis to summarize these associations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical determinants associated with BMD increase to daily teriparatide treatment.
METHODS:
This was a retrospective study. We performed an analysis of 306 patients diagnosed with osteoporosis. Teriparatide was administered at 20μg/day for 12months. The primary efficacy measure was a change in lumbar spine (LS) BMD from baseline at 12months. To determine the response variables of BMD changes, we investigated the clinical determinants using univariate and multivariate analyses.
RESULTS:
There was a 9.8±8.2% increase in LS BMD after 12months. Prior bisphosphonate treatment and baseline procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) concentration were significantly associated with LS BMD absolute response by univariate analyses. In the multiple regression model, patients with higher baseline PINP concentration had a significantly greater LS BMD absolute increase. Prior bisphosphonate use lost its correlation in the multiple regression models.
CONCLUSION:
Our results showed that baseline PINP concentration was a useful predictor of LS BMD absolute increase regardless of prior treatment.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24909538
Comparative effects of teriparatide and ibandronate on spine bone mineral density (BMD) and microarchitecture (TBS) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: A 2-year open-label study
Osteoporosis International, 06/25/2014 Clinical Article
Senn C, et al. – The study demonstrate that treatment effects over 2 years of teriparatide vs. ibandronate in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were compared using lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS). Furthermore, result suggest that in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, a 2–year treatment with teriparatide led to a significantly larger increase in lumbar spine (LS) BMD and TBS than IBN, suggesting that teriparatide had more pronounced effects on bone microarchitecture than ibandronate (IBN).
Methods
Two patient groups with matched age, body mass index (BMI), and baseline LS BMD, treated with either daily subcutaneous teriparatide (N=65) or quarterly intravenous IBN (N=122) during 2 years and with available LS BMD measurements at baseline and 2 years after treatment initiation were compared.
Results
Baseline characteristics (overall mean ± SD) were similar between groups in terms of age 67.9±7.4 years, body mass index 23.8±3.8 kg/m2, BMD L1–L4 0.741±0.100 g/cm2, and TBS 1.208±0.100.
Over 24 months, teriparatide induced a significantly larger increase in LS BMD and TBS than IBN (+7.6 %±6.3 vs. +2.9 %±3.3 and +4.3 %±6.6 vs. +0.3 %±4.1, respectively; P<0.0001 for both).
LS BMD and TBS were only weakly correlated at baseline (r 2=0.04) with no correlation between the changes in BMD and TBS over 24 months.
CONCLUSIONS:
In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, a 2-year treatment with teriparatide led to a significantly larger increase in LS BMD and TBS than IBN, suggesting that teriparatide had more pronounced effects on bone microarchitecture than IBN.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24760244
Cognitive engagement, intellectual activities may stave off dementia.
The Los Angeles Times (6/24, Healy) “Science Now” blog reports that in people “at higher genetic risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, completing more school and going on to a lifetime of mentally challenging work and leisurely pursuits can delay the onset of dementia by close to nine years,” according to a study published June 23 in JAMA Neurology.
Bloomberg News (6/24, Ostrow) reports that the study of 1,995 Minnesota seniors also revealed that “lifelong intellectual activities such as playing music or reading kept the mind fit as people aged and also delayed Alzheimer’s by years for those at risk of the disease who weren’t college educated or worked at challenging jobs.”
HealthDay (6/24, Mozes) reports that “at the time of the study’s launch, mental functioning was lower among carriers of the APOE4 genotype,” which is considered “the most significant genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s,” and “among those who scored lowest on education, job, and/or activity measures.” Surprisingly, the study “authors found that those with the lowest educational and occupational scores actually gained the most protection against dementia by embarking on intellectual activities from middle-age onward.” Reuters (6/24, Doyle) also covers the st
Study creates debate as to how memories are stored.
The New York Times (6/24, D2, Quenqua, Subscription Publication) reports that neuroscientists are debating whether “each memory is stored in a single neuron in a region of the brain called the hippocampus” after a recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences indicates “every memory is spread out, or distributed, across many neurons in that part of the brain.”
Changes in circulating leptin levels during acute stress and associations with craving in abstinent smokers: A preliminary investigation
Psychoneuroendocrinology, 06/20/2014 Clinical Article
Potretzke S, et al. – Recent research suggests a role for the appetite hormone leptin in cigarette smoking. This study examined patterns of change in leptin in response to stress and associations with craving during the initial phase of a quit attempt. The findings suggest that leptin levels may change in response to stress and that leptin could be a useful marker of craving for smoking.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24954303
Study: Regular aspirin use could cut risk of pancreatic cancer.
The New York Times (6/26, Bakalar) reported that a new study has found that “low-dose aspirin,” used to “reduce the risk for heart disease,” could also cut “the risk for pancreatic cancer.” In the study, published online in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, researchers compared “aspirin use in 362 pancreatic cancer patients with 690 randomly chosen controls.” They found regular aspirin use cut “the risk for pancreatic cancer by 48 percent.”
Bloomberg News (6/26, Ostrow) reported that while people “who took low-dose, about 75 to 325 milligrams, of aspirin daily” had “a 48 percent lower risk of pancreatic cancer,” those who took aspirin regularly for a decade reduced “the risk by 60 percent.” The article noted that “studies have found that regular aspirin use” cuts “the risk for colon, esophageal, lung and prostate cancers,” in addition to reducing heart attack and stroke risk.
The news was also covered by McClatchy (6/26, Pugh, Subscription Publication) and the New Haven (CT) Register (6/26).
One-Time AAA Screening for Male Smokers, Recommends USPSTF
HealthDay News) — The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has concluded that a one-time abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening should be offered to asymptomatic men, aged 65–75 years, who have ever smoked, while screening for non-smoking men should be selective. These findings are presented in a final recommendation statement published online June 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Michael L. LeFevre, MD, MSPH, on behalf of the USPSTF, conducted a systematic review to examine the evidence on the benefits and harms of screening for AAA among asymptomatic adults aged ≥50 years.
Based on the current evidence, the researches recommend one-time AAA screening with ultrasonography for men aged 65–75 years who have ever smoked (Grade B recommendation). For male never smokers, aged 65–75 years, they recommend that clinicians selectively offer screening (Grade C recommendation). For women aged 65–75 years who have never smoked, the evidence is currently insufficient to weigh the balance of benefits and harms for screening (I statement). For women who have never smoked, routine AAA screening is not recommended (Grade D recommendation).
"The good news is that, if you are a 65–75 year-old man who smokes or used to smoke, one-time AAA screening with an ultrasound, along with appropriate treatment, can reduce your risk of dying from rupture," USPSTF co-vice chair Albert Siu M.D, M.S.P.H., said in a statement.
http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1883338
Stroke risk with clopidogrel platelet reactivity
In patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, the presence of clopidogrel platelet reactivity to adenosine diphosphate is a risk factor for stroke. The American Journal of Cardiology
Study: Physicians may be spreading germs with handshakes.
Modern Healthcare (6/27, Robeznieks, Subscription Publication) reports that according to a viewpoint piece published June 25 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, physicians may be spreading germs by shaking patients’ hands. Researchers wrote, “Regulations to restrict the handshake from the healthcare setting, in conjunction with more robust hand hygiene programs, may help limit the spread of disease and thus could potentially decrease the clinical and economic burden associated with hospital-acquired infections and antimicrobial resistance.”
Olive Oil May Counter Cardiac Effects of Air Pollution
Consuming olive oil may help to reduce endothelial dysfunction, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet – with which a number of cardiovascular benefits are associated. Haiyan Tong, from the US Environmental Protection Agency (North Carolina, USA), and colleagues enrolled 42 healthy adults in a month-long study in which each received either 3 gram/day of olive oil, fish oil, or no supplements for 4 weeks before undergoing controlled 2-hour exposures to filtered air, followed on the next day by exposure to fine/ultrafine concentrated ambient particulate matter in a controlled-exposure chamber. The team assessed endothelial function by sonographic measurement of flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery before, immediately after, and 20 hours after exposure to air and the concentrated particulate matter. They also measure blood markers of vasoconstriction and fibrinolysis. Immediately after exposure to the concentrated particulate matter air, significant particulate matter mass-dependent reductions in flow-mediated dilation were observed in the control and fish oil groups, while the decrease in the olive oil group was not significant. Further, tissue plasminogen activator, a protein involved in the breakdown of blood clots, increased immediately after concentrated particulate matter air exposure in the olive oil group, and this effect persisted up to 20 hours. Olive oil supplementation also ameliorated changes in blood markers associated with vasoconstriction and fibrinolysis, while fish oil supplementation had no effect on endothelial function or fibrinolysis after exposure to concentrated particulate matter air. The study authors submit that: “These data suggest that [olive oil] supplementation may offer protection against the adverse vascular effects of exposure to air pollution particles.”
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-05/ats-oos051214.php
Pour It On: Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Could Reduce AF Risk
Martínez-González MÁ et al., Circulation 2014 Apr 30;
Post-hoc PREDIMED study findings suggest antiarrhythmic as well as anti-ischemic benefits of a Mediterranean diet with an extra helping of EVOO.
PPI-Induced Acute Interstitial Nephritis May Be On the Rise
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are emerging as an important contributing cause to acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), a study found. These medications are the most common cause of AIN in the outpatient setting.
Angela K. Muriithi, MBChB, MPH, of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and colleagues retrospectively studied 133 patients with biopsy-proven AIN. Drugs were the cause in 70% of cases, autoimmune diseases, 20%, and infections, 4%. Results showed that 49% of the drug-related cases were due to antibiotics, 14% were due to PPIs, and 11% were due to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
The top 3 drug causes were omeprazole (12%), amoxicillin (8%), and ciprofloxacin (8%), the researchers reported online ahead of print in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases. Patients with drug-related AIN were older and had higher baseline kidney function than those with non-drug-related AIN, but more severe acute kidney injury.
At 6 months post-biopsy, 49% of patients with drug-induced AIN treated with steroids achieved complete recovery, 39% had partial receovery, and 12% had no recovery. Longer duration of drug exposure and longer delays in starting steroid therapy were associated with poor recovery.
FDA: Risk for Venous Thromboembolism with All Testosterone Products
The FDA is requiring an expanded label change to all approved testosterone products to warn of the increased risk for venous thromboembolism. Labels currently address the risk for clots associated with polycythemia caused by testosterone treatment.
The action follows reports of blood clots in testosterone users unrelated to polycythemia. The agency says the warning is not related to an ongoing investigation announced in January about possible cardiovascular risks associated with testosterone treatment.
FDA drug safety update (Free)
Earlier FDA drug safety communication about testosterone products and risk for stroke and heart attack (Free)
Cancer Incidence Testosterone Therapy Does Not Up Prostate
(HealthDay News) – Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) appears to be safe and does not increase the incidence of prostate cancer, according to a study published online June 6 inThe Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Mark R. Feneley, MD, from University College Hospital, and Malcolm Carruthers, MD, from the Centre for Men's Health – both in London, conducted an updated audit to analyze the long-term incidence of prostate cancer for men receiving TRT. Data were reviewed from 1,365 men (mean age, 55 years) with symptomatic androgen deficiency receiving TRT (pellet implants, Restandol, mesterolone, and Testogel) and monitored for up to 20 years. All patients were prescreened for prostate cancer, and endocrine, biochemical, hematological, and urinary profiles were conducted at baseline and every six months.
After 2,966 man-years of treatment, the researchers found that 14 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed (one case per 212 years of treatment). The mean time to diagnosis was 6.3 years (range, 1–12 years). All of the tumors were suitable for potentially curative treatment and were clinically localized. Starting testosterone treatment had no statistically significant impact on total prostate-specific antigen (PSA), free PSA, or the ratio of free:total PSA. There was no association seen between any initial PSA change and subsequent diagnosis of cancer.
"This study adds to the considerable weight of evidence that with proper clinical monitoring, testosterone treatment is safe for the prostate and improves early detection of prostate cancer," the authors write. "Testosterone treatment with regular monitoring of the prostate may be safer for the individual than any alternative without surveillance."
Abstract
Psychiatric Rx May Protect Against Cartilage Decline in Osteoarthritis
(HealthDay News) — Lithium reduces catabolic events in interleukin-1 β (IL-1β)-treated human articular chondrocytes and protects against cartilage degradation in IL-1β-treated mouse knee joints, according to a study published in the May issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Takeshi Minashima, PhD, from New York University, and colleagues treated human articular chondrocytes with lithium chloride (LiCl) and IL-1β. Real-time polymerase chain reaction then determined expression levels of catabolic genes. Additionally, the activation of NF-KB was determined using luciferase reporter assays. Immunoblot analysis of total cell lysates determined the activities of MAPKs and the STAT-2 signaling pathway.
The researchers found that LiCl treatment resulted in decreased catabolic marker messenger RNA levels and activation of NF-KB, p38 MAPK, and STAT-3 signaling in IL-1β-treated articular chondrocytes. LiCl also directly inhibited IL-6-stimulated activation of STAT-3 signaling. Eight weeks after osteoarthritis induction surgery, the severity of cartilage destruction in LiCl-treated mouse knee joints or in LiCl-treated mouse femoral head explants after IL-1β treatment were markedly reduced versus in vehicle-treated joints or explants.
"LiCl reduced catabolic events in IL-1β-treated human articular chondrocytes and attenuated the severity of cartilage destruction in IL-1β-treated mouse femoral head explants and in the knee joints of mice with surgically induced OA," the authors write.
Abstract
Sublingual Dust Mite Tablets Are Effective for Allergic Rhinitis
After 1 year of treatment, benefits persist for at least 1 additional year, according to a randomized study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
In 2014, three sublingual allergen immunotherapy tablets have been approved by the FDA: Grastek contains Timothy extract; Oralair contains cross-reacting sweet vernal, orchard, perennial rye, Timothy, and Kentucky blue grass extracts; and Ragwitek contains ragweed extract. These tablets are started 3 to 4 months before, and continued throughout, their pollen seasons; they can be administered at home with very low risk for anaphylaxis.
In an industry-funded, European study, 509 allergic patients were randomized to receive sublingual house dust mite or placebo tablets daily for 1 year; patients were followed for 1 additional year. After 4 months of therapy, the active-treatment group had a mean adjusted symptom score that was about 20% lower than the placebo group's mean score. The dust mite tablets' effects were maintained in the following year with no additional treatment. No patient experienced anaphylaxis, one had difficulty swallowing due to sublingual edema, and about 10% dropped out due to oral irritation.
Noroviruses Cause Nearly a Fifth of Gastroenteritis Cases Worldwide
Noroviruses are found in 18% of patients with acute gastroenteritis worldwide, according to a meta-analysis in the Lancet Infectious Diseases.
Researchers examined data from 175 studies (published from 2008 to 2014) comprising nearly 190,000 patients with acute gastroenteritis in 48 countries. In all studies, polymerase chain reaction-based tests were performed on patients' stool samples to identify noroviruses and other pathogens.
The prevalence of noroviruses was the same in patients under 5 years of age and in older patients (18% in each group). The prevalence was somewhat higher in outpatient and community settings (20%–24%) than in inpatient settings (17%). Noroviruses also tended to be more common in developed countries than in high-mortality developing countries.
The authors and commentators emphasize the importance of developing vaccines against noroviruses.
Lancet Infectious Diseases article (Free abstract)
USPSTF recommends more research into effects of routine vitamin D screening
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has issued a draft recommendation calling for more research into the benefits of routine screening of symptom-free, healthy patients for vitamin D deficiency. The panel said although there was not enough evidence to support widespread screening, there is no clear evidence it is harmful. Challenges with screening include problems with vitamin D tests and interpretation and a lack of evidence suggesting supplements can stave off issues associated with low levels of the vitamin. USA Today (6/23), The New York Times (tiered subscription model)/Well blog
Study: Men who exercise have more gut microbes than men who do not.
The New York Times (6/18, Reynolds) “Well” blog reports that according to a study published in the June issue of the journal Gut, “in addition to its other health benefits, frequent exercise may influence our weight and overall health by altering the kinds of organisms that live inside of us.” After examining members of Ireland’s national rugby team while “the players were exercising strenuously for several hours every day” and comparing them to overweight and obese men, researchers found that “the rugby players had considerably more diversity in the make-up of their gut microbiomes, meaning that their intestinal tracts hosted a greater variety of germs than did those of the other men, especially the men in the group with the highest” body mass index.
Musical rhythms help Parkinson’s patients “unfreeze.”
NPR (6/18, Hamilton) reports in its “Shots” blog that dance and musical rhythms can help alleviate the abnormal patterns that are caused by the onset of epilepsy, schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s Disease. The diseases disturb the brain’s synapses’ ability to communicate with one another in rhythm, and people suffering from the illnesses “tend to develop abnormal firing patterns in their brains that result in tremor and other difficulties with movement.” NPR notes that dance and music provide an external rhythm that people are able to respond to and “unfreeze.”
Broccoli-sprout drink could help curb pollution’s effect on the body.
TIME (6/18, Sifferlin) reports that, according to a study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research, drinking broccoli-sprout beverages can help people with high exposure to pollutants detoxify their bodies. The researchers found that, in a study involving 300 Chinese men and women living in a rural community, among those who drank the broccoli-sprout infused drinks, “the rate of excretion of the carcinogen benzene increased 61% and the rate of excretion of the irritant acrolein rapidly increased 23%.”
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased mortality in ICU patients
Among 130 patients requiring mechanical ventilation, 107 were vitamin D-deficient (< 20 ng/ml). Of the patients who did not survive, the length of survival was shorter in the vitamin D-deficient patients (15.3 vs. 24.2 days, respectively).
Read the article summary
Coronary artery calcium increases cardiovascular risk in patients with T2DM and HTN
Researchers at Tel-Aviv University have conducted a study to determine the value of coronary artery calcium (CAC) measurements in cardiovascular risk stratification in patients with T2DM and HTN. The study involved 423 patients enrolled in the International Nifedipine Study: Intervention as Goal for Hypertension Therapy. The patients had baseline CT scans for CAC measurement at baseline and were shown to be free of disease. Follow-up CT scans were performed at 3 and 15 years. Cardiovascular events (CVEs) occurred in 41 of 423 patients at 3 years and 111 of 268 patients at 15 years of follow-up. CVEs occurred in 15% and 52% (CAC+) and 7% and 32% (CAC-) of patients with T2DM at 3 and 15 years of follow-up, respectively. Compared to patients without T2DM and no CAC, the HRs for a CVE were 6.6 and 3.9 in T2DM patients with and without CAC, respectively.
Read the article summary
CAC scores add predictability to Framingham
Researchers at Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam have evaluated 12 measures (N-terminal fragment of prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide levels, von Willebrand factor antigen levels, fibrinogen levels, chronic kidney disease, leukocyte count, C-reactive protein levels, homocysteine levels, uric acid levels, coronary artery calcium [CAC] scores, carotid intima–media thickness, peripheral arterial disease, and pulse wave velocity), in addition to Framingham risk scores for predicting coronary heart disease. heart disease.
Read the article summary Only the CAC was shown to add significantly to the Framingham risk score in predicting coronary
Boost Balance with Ballroom Dancing
About an hour of ballroom dancing 3 days a week, for 3 months, resulted in a 50% improvement in balance and fall reduction.
Banish These Beverages
Sugar sweetened beverages such as sodas and juice cocktails may elevate blood pressure.
Mushrooms Stabilize Blood Sugar
Consuming portabella mushrooms may help to decrease the post-meal glycemic response.
Fitness in 50s Is An Anti-Aging Essential
Poor physical ability in your 50s may raise your risk of an early death.
Red Wine Counteracts Cavities
Abundant in polyphenols, red wine slows oral bacteria growth.
Hazards of Problem-Plagued Relationships
Conflicts in relationships with friends, family and neighbors may contribute to an earlier death.
Omega-3s Reduce Deadly Blood Clot Risks
A diet abundant in fish, combined with omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, may reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism by nearly 50%.
Lack of Sleep Compromises the Brain
After a night of no sleep, even a healthy brain has elevated levels of amyloid-beta, the protein that characterizes Alzheimer’s Disease.
Heart Benefits of Lifelong Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight at any age in adulthood may confer long-term cardiovascular benefits.
DNA Nanoswitch for Early Cancer Detection
DNA-based nanosensor measures pH variation inside cells.
Fitness in 50s Is An Anti-Aging Essential
Poor physical ability in your 50s may raise your risk of an early death.
Hazards of Problem-Plagued Relationships
Conflicts in relationships with friends, family and neighbors may contribute to an earlier death.
Arthritis Raises Fall Risk
People ages 45 to 64 years who have arthritis may be at greater risk for falls, as well as fall-related injuries.
The Essentiality of Selenium
Proteins containing selenium exert an important antioxidant role in human health.
Six Key Longevity Principles
Potentially 37 million premature deaths over 15 years may be prevented, simply if people modulated six specific modifiable risk factors.
7-a-Day Dramatically Cuts Risk of Dying
Eating seven or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day can reduce the risk of dying by an impressive 42%.
Spike in Heat-Related Deaths Projected
The number of heat-related deaths in the United Kingdom is projected to rise 257% by 2050, because of climate change.
US Life Expectancy Now at 78.7 Years
Americans are enjoying continuation of the steady increase that started 50 years ago.
Never Too Late to Start Exercising
Regular physical activity commencing in later life can still slow mental and physical declines.
Internet Use Corresponds to Anti-Aging Health Habits
Older men and women who use the Internet frequently are more likely to engage in anti-aging health habits, most notably for cancer prevention.
Does digoxin increase the risk of ischemic stroke and mortality in atrial fibrillation – a nationwide population–based cohort study Extended Summary
Canadian Journal of Cardiology
Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: established oral anticoagulants versus novel anticoagulants––translating clinical trial data into practice Extended Summary
Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology
Protecting the brain and the heart: Antithrombotic treatment in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
Angiology
New versus traditional approaches to oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation
American Journal of Medicine
Safety of short–term use of dabigatran or rivaroxaban for direct–current cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter
The American Journal of Cardiology
Intracranial hemorrhage among patients with atrial fibrillation anticoagulated with warfarin or rivaroxaban Extended Summary
Stroke
A novel individualized substrate modification approach for the treatment of long–standing persistent atrial fibrillation: Preliminary results
International Journal of Cardiology
Antioxidants for prevention of atrial fibrillation: a potentially useful future therapeutic approach? A review of the literature and meta–analysis Review Article Evidence Based Medicine
EP Europace
Prevalence of risk factors for atrial fibrillation and stroke among 1210 patients with sleep disordered breathing Extended Summary
International Journal of Cardiology
Physician practices regarding contraindications to oral anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation: findings from the outcomes registry for better informed treatment of atrial fibrillation (ORBIT–AF) registry Extended Summary
American Heart Journal
Risk of atrial fibrillation with use of oral and intravenous bisphosphonates Extended Summary
The American Journal of Cardiology
Rate– and rhythm–control therapies in patients with atrial fibrillation: A systematic reviewEvidence Based Medicine Extended Summary
Annals of Internal Medicine
Combination therapy of cilostazol and bepridil suppresses recurrent ventricular fibrillation related to J–wave syndromes Extended Summary
Heart Rhythm
Periprocedural stroke risk in patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation on uninterrupted warfarin
Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology
Stroke and bleeding risk co–distribution in real–word patients with atrial fibrillation: the Euro Heart Survey Extended Summary
American Journal of Medicine
** ALLERGY News **
Immediate-type allergic reactions: triggers and treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4p3X
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** ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA News **
Could a cocoa extract prevent Alzheimer's?
http://mnt.to/l/4p5P
Boosting self-repair may preserve brain in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's
http://mnt.to/l/4p4c
Diverse Alzheimer's research approaches may be a rewarding investment
http://mnt.to/l/4nZz
MRC brings industry and academia together in new approach to accelerate dementias research, UK
http://mnt.to/l/4nZQ
Early Alzheimer's deficits may be triggered by blocking brain's endocannabinoids
http://mnt.to/l/4nZv
The brain has latent potential to orchestrate a self-repairing response
http://mnt.to/l/4nZr
How a new approach to funding Alzheimer's research could pay off
http://mnt.to/l/4nZ7
Findings in brain memory storage may shed light on how to treat neurological conditions like Alzheimer's and epilepsy
http://mnt.to/l/4nWs
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** ANXIETY / STRESS News **
Study shows no increase in post-traumatic symptoms years after awareness with recall during surgery
http://mnt.to/l/4p45
Department of Defense and Veterans Administration lack effective systems to evaluate PTSD treatment effectiveness
http://mnt.to/l/4p3Z
'Seeing' where memory fails student veterans: portable brain-mapping device
http://mnt.to/l/4nZ9
Stress linked to short-term memory loss in aging adults
http://mnt.to/l/4nXG
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** ARTHRITIS / RHEUMATOLOGY News **
Osteoarthritis in rats responds to stem cell mobilization therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4p2Z
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** BONES / ORTHOPEDICS News **
Key discovered to identifying, enriching mesenchymal stem cells
http://mnt.to/l/4p3V
In age-related muscle loss, mechanism identified that could help old muscle grow
http://mnt.to/l/4nYq
Experience with soccer-related facial fractures reviewed by Brazilian surgeons
http://mnt.to/l/4nYn
Potential for improved drugs for osteoporosis, diabetes offered by chemical strategy
http://mnt.to/l/4nXj
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** BREAST CANCER News **
Combination tumor imaging can distinguish malignant and benign breast tumors, help avoid unnecessary biopsies
http://mnt.to/l/4p4p
When breast cancer treatment includes weight loss, telephone support found to be effective
http://mnt.to/l/4p2p
Cancer testing mistakes lead to patients missing out on treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nZP
Detection rate for invasive breast cancers significantly higher with 3-D digital mammography
http://mnt.to/l/4nYz
The role of risk profiling in mammography readings, breast cancer diagnosis
http://mnt.to/l/4nYj
Cholesterol-busting compound may halt breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nXQ
Racial disparities in sentinel lymph node biopsy in women with breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nX6
How stiffness in breast tissue contributes to invasive carcinoma
http://mnt.to/l/4nWR
Hormone treatment used by the majority of older breast cancer patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nWm
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** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **
Overlooked DNA shuffling drives deadly paediatric brain tumour
http://mnt.to/l/4p4k
Smaller, cheaper two-mode imaging system could help surgeons see and remove cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4p3k
Improved understanding of how cells manage their vast array of proteins and how system failures can lead to cancer and other diseases
http://mnt.to/l/4p3h
HPV-positive head and neck cancer patients may be safely treated with lower radiation dose
http://mnt.to/l/4p3f
Bioengineers invent a way to speed up drug discovery: new technique can track a key family of proteins that regulate health or cause disease
http://mnt.to/l/4p2S
Previously unknown protein, VEGF-Ax, slows development of new blood vessels that allow tumors to expand and metastasize
http://mnt.to/l/4p2R
Study reveals 'escape mechanism' in cancer cells deprived of KRAS activity
http://mnt.to/l/4p2M
New tool for assessing financial risk of cancer patients and survivors
http://mnt.to/l/4p3F
Gardasil® approved in Europe for the prevention of anal cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nZN
Researchers find no link between soy food and endometrial cancer risk
http://mnt.to/l/4nYG
Heparin without its blood-thinning properties can suppress and shrink neuroblastoma tumors
http://mnt.to/l/4nY2
Cancer-killing virus therapy may be improved by low dose of targeted drug
http://mnt.to/l/4nXx
Foreign enzymes used to starve cancer cells from immune system shielded by nanoshell
http://mnt.to/l/4nXt
Nanoparticles aid the microscopic detection of a protein relevant for cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nWC
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** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **
Heart attack hospitalizations in China quadruple over 10 years
http://mnt.to/l/4p4B
Advanced CT scanners reduce patient radiation exposure
http://mnt.to/l/4p3Q
Potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis
http://mnt.to/l/4p3p
Women sometimes benefit more from cardiac resynchronization therapy than men
http://mnt.to/l/4p3H
No early impact shown by Massachusetts healthcare reform on racial, ethnic, gender and socioeconomic disparities in cardiovascular care
http://mnt.to/l/4p2w
Study shows early rule-out of acute myocardial infarction using Troponin together with Copeptin is safe
http://mnt.to/l/4nYw
Heart attack patients with kidney problems may not receive life-saving care
http://mnt.to/l/4nYc
----------------------------------------------
** COLORECTAL CANCER News **
Risk for colon, endometrial and lung cancers increased by sedentary behavior
http://mnt.to/l/4nWf
----------------------------------------------
** DEPRESSION News **
Maternal use of antidepressants resulted in increased fat accumulation and inflammation, may lead to childhood obesity and diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4p3P
Scientists "fingerprint" a culprit in depression, anxiety and other mood disorders
http://mnt.to/l/4p32
When youth antidepressant use went down after media coverage of drug warnings, suicide attempts went up
http://mnt.to/l/4nZF
Americans 'more susceptible than Europeans' to job loss depression
http://mnt.to/l/4nZ8
New compound to treat depression identified, may also lead to future therapy for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's
http://mnt.to/l/4nXC
----------------------------------------------
** DERMATOLOGY News **
FDA approves Sivextro to treat skin infections
http://mnt.to/l/4p4M
Common genetic link discovered in fatal autoimmune skin disease
http://mnt.to/l/4p29
Arthritis drug helps bald man grow full head of hair
http://mnt.to/l/4p2B
----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **
Metabolic profile of pregnant women with gestational diabetes improved by calcium and vitamin D supplementation
http://mnt.to/l/4p4Z
Battle of the bulge occurs in the liver
http://mnt.to/l/4p4P
BUSM researchers investigating ways to improve type 2 diabetes treatments
http://mnt.to/l/4p4L
High blood sugar 'raises depression risk' in diabetics
http://mnt.to/l/4p4y
Gene that regulates health of cell's powerhouse could be target for developing new diabetes drugs
http://mnt.to/l/4p2T
Potential target for protecting insulin-producing cells in type 1 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4p2D
Breaking the genetic code for diabetes in Greenland
http://mnt.to/l/4p23
Prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus among U.S. women
http://mnt.to/l/4p2m
Treatment could spur production of insulin in Type 1 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nYQ
Once-weekly dulaglutide shows similar reductions in average blood glucose levels as once-daily liraglutide in head-to-head trial
http://mnt.to/l/4nXq
Lilly announces detailed results from two Phase III studies testing both doses of dulaglutide vs. insulin glargine
http://mnt.to/l/4nXm
Vitamin A derivative potentially treats type 2 diabetes and prevents its cardiovascular complications
http://mnt.to/l/4nWZ
Continued reduction in diabetes development shown by long-term follow-up of diabetes prevention program
http://mnt.to/l/4nWh
New A1C target for children with type 1 diabetes set by diabetes association
http://mnt.to/l/4nWg
----------------------------------------------
** ENDOCRINOLOGY News **
Insufficient endocrinologists to meet demand
http://mnt.to/l/4nZg
How thyroid conditions affect workplace absenteeism
http://mnt.to/l/4nXR
----------------------------------------------
** FERTILITY News **
Scientists advise caution with regard to "three parents and a baby" artificial insemination method
http://mnt.to/l/4nXP
Key biological interaction uncovered that occurs during fertilization
http://mnt.to/l/4nWv
----------------------------------------------
** FLU / COLD / SARS News **
Equine influenza evolution led to canine offshoot which could mix with human influenza
http://mnt.to/l/4p3c
MERS-CoV not spread to household members or health care contacts of the two U.S. cases
http://mnt.to/l/4nYP
MERS not an emergency, says WHO panel
http://mnt.to/l/4nXX
Better understanding of influenza virus replication provided by computer simulation
http://mnt.to/l/4nX8
----------------------------------------------
** HYPERTENSION News **
Hypertensive women benefit from recreational football
http://mnt.to/l/4p2t
Older adults may be put at risk by common blood pressure medication
http://mnt.to/l/4nXd
----------------------------------------------
** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **
Improving a test for tracing food-borne illness to source
http://mnt.to/l/4p53
Many blacklegged ticks infected with Lyme disease and babesiosis: Single bite can pack double pathogen punch
http://mnt.to/l/4p3N
NHS issue urgent alert in wake of new-born case of legionnaires' disease
http://mnt.to/l/4p3r
How botulism-causing toxin enters bloodstream and novel approaches to preventing access
http://mnt.to/l/4p2N
CT identifies MERS-related abnormality distribution
http://mnt.to/l/4nZW
Researchers discover 6,200-year-old schistosomiasis parasite egg
http://mnt.to/l/4nYt
Hospital patients and people at home threatened by C. difficile epidemic
http://mnt.to/l/4nXr
----------------------------------------------
** MENTAL HEALTH News **
Experts petition governments to act citing 'urgent, acute' mental health issues, especially in Africa
http://mnt.to/l/4p46
Suicides among mental health patients under home treatment in England are double the number of suicides in mental health inpatient units
http://mnt.to/l/4nWJ
Mental health patients more than twice as likely to be victims of homicide than the general public
http://mnt.to/l/4nWF
----------------------------------------------
** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **
Knowledge of key receptors enhanced by architecture of signaling proteins
http://mnt.to/l/4p4h
Researchers discover how neurons equalize between excitation and inhibition
http://mnt.to/l/4p4f
Mitochondrial mutation identified that is linked to congenital myasthenic syndrome
http://mnt.to/l/4p3Y
Gene discovered that is critical for development of brain motor centre
http://mnt.to/l/4p3R
Anxiety in invertebrates opens research avenues
http://mnt.to/l/4p3G
Finding thoughts in speech
http://mnt.to/l/4p3D
'Sensitive people' show heightened activity in empathy-related brain regions
http://mnt.to/l/4p3w
Quantitative trait locus analysis enables researchers to explore how the nervous system develops
http://mnt.to/l/4p3d
New technique helps scientists unravel the inner connections of how thoughts, memories or diseases arise
http://mnt.to/l/4p2Q
Child abuse 'has serious consequences for brain development'
http://mnt.to/l/4p2s
How neurons can tell top from bottom and front from back
http://mnt.to/l/4p2n
Musical training 'improves executive brain function'
http://mnt.to/l/4nZ4
Exposure to TV violence related to irregular attention and brain structure
http://mnt.to/l/4nZZ
Cells prepared to shift brain from subdued to alert by fight-or-flight chemical
http://mnt.to/l/4nZs
Some neurons turn to neighbors to get rid of old mitochondria
http://mnt.to/l/4nXy
Novel dystonia mouse model may advance treatment for neurological disorders
http://mnt.to/l/4nYV
Parkinson's drugs reduce Rett syndrome symptoms in mice
http://mnt.to/l/4nWK
Scripps Florida Scientists pinpoint how genetic mutation causes early brain damage
http://mnt.to/l/4nWt
Group doctor visits may improve life for people with muscle disorders
http://mnt.to/l/4nTM
----------------------------------------------
** NUTRITION / DIET News **
Scientists concerned that nanoparticles from dietary supplement drinks may reach environment
http://mnt.to/l/4nZV
Kids who eat a Mediterranean diet '15% less likely to be obese'
http://mnt.to/l/4p3s
Should 'junk food' companies be sponsoring major sporting events?
http://mnt.to/l/4p27
Popular artificial sweetener not so sweet
http://mnt.to/l/4nWX
Study links vitamin D deficiency to 'all-cause mortality and cancer prognosis'
http://mnt.to/l/4nW5
----------------------------------------------
** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **
Hydrogel 'smart pill' shows promise as weight loss aid
http://mnt.to/l/4p5Q
Rhythm presents clinical data that RM-493 increases energy expenditure in obesity study
http://mnt.to/l/4p4T
'Good' brown fat stimulated by cold, study shows
http://mnt.to/l/4p4G
SLC13 transporters offer therapeutic potential for diabetes, obesity, aging
http://mnt.to/l/4nZm
Neighborhoods designed to encourage people to be more active reduce obesity, diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nY5
Reproductive pathway linked to obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4nXT
Soft-drink tax worth its weight in lost kilos
http://mnt.to/l/4nXw
Evolutionary adaptation may be cause of high-altitude weight loss
http://mnt.to/l/4nXb
Maternal stress during pregnancy may lead to obesity in adult offspring
http://mnt.to/l/4nWL
----------------------------------------------
** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **
Health safety net clinics could shrink by one-quarter due to federal funding cliff
http://mnt.to/l/4p28
Survey reveals concern by physicians regarding involvement in concealed-weapon permit process
http://mnt.to/l/4nZL
Thousands of strokes in people with common heart rhythm disorder are avoidable, says NICE
http://mnt.to/l/4nYY
----------------------------------------------
** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **
Playing football improves strength in men with prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4p2y
Specialists prefer treatments performed by their specialty rather than active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nX7
----------------------------------------------
** SENIORS / AGING News **
Screening tool may under-report malnutrition risk in hospitalised frail older people
http://mnt.to/l/4p4C
Examining lifetime intellectual enrichment and cognitive decline in older patients
http://mnt.to/l/4p3K
Lifespan of worms doubled by strict diet: scientists suspect same process at work in cancer cells
http://mnt.to/l/4p2V
Some older women taking calcium and vitamin D supplements may need to reduce the dose
http://mnt.to/l/4nYN
----------------------------------------------
** SEXUAL HEALTH / STDS News **
Bisexual men face unique challenges to their sexual health
http://mnt.to/l/4p2v
----------------------------------------------
** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **
Early interventions among Head Start preschool families improve sleep behaviors for kids, parents
http://mnt.to/l/4nYC
Cognition in aging populations improved by better sleep quality and duration
http://mnt.to/l/4nWW
----------------------------------------------
** STATINS News **
Researchers uncover 'predictors of adherence to statin therapy'
http://mnt.to/l/4p4q
----------------------------------------------
** STROKE News **
Stroke patients benefit from stem cell-based transplantation approach
http://mnt.to/l/4p2H
Stroke hospitalizations are up among middle-aged blacks in South Carolina
http://mnt.to/l/4nX5
Bleeding strokes and clot-induced strokes quickly differentiated by Strokefinder
http://mnt.to/l/4nWq
Stroke prevention in women; chronic hepatitis C and liver cancer screening
http://mnt.to/l/4nWd
----------------------------------------------
** TROPICAL DISEASES News **
Researchers review the effectiveness of rapid diagnostic tests in diagnosing patients with visceral leishmaniasis
http://mnt.to/l/4p49
A bacterial ballistic system
http://mnt.to/l/4p42
Review of rapid diagnostic tests for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis
http://mnt.to/l/4p3x
Effectiveness of different antimicrobial drugs reviewed in the treatment of cholera
http://mnt.to/l/4p33
Team sources killer disease using criminal profiling
http://mnt.to/l/4p2C
Aiming to prevent disease, researchers map gene differences in yellow fever, malaria mosquitoes
http://mnt.to/l/4nYg
Epidemic risk exacerbated by chikungunya mutation
http://mnt.to/l/4nWx
----------------------------------------------
** WOMEN'S HEALTH / GYNECOLOGY News **
Young depressed women 'more likely to suffer heart attack'
http://mnt.to/l/4nYR
New report reveals urgent need for NHS reprioritisation of CSU - a distressing and disfiguring form of chronic hives
http://mnt.to/l/4nTN
Killer fungus weeds out poison ivy
http://mnt.to/l/4nS9
Doctors discover dust mite extract can significantly reduce allergy risk in babies
http://mnt.to/l/4nSB
The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) calls for major prioritization of allergic diseases in the European political agenda
http://mnt.to/l/4nQQ
ALK presents Phase III data on house dust mite SLIT-tablet
http://mnt.to/l/4nNM
----------------------------------------------
** ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA News **
Reducing 'excessive inhibition' leads to rescue of Alzheimer's memory deficit
http://mnt.to/l/4nTJ
Lilly and Alzheimer's Disease International partner to address barriers that impact the accurate and timely diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nS7
New research shows that good design improves the independence of people with dementia and sight loss
http://mnt.to/l/4nQd
Late-life depression could increase risk of Alzheimer's
http://mnt.to/l/4nPy
In a mouse model the tangled path of Alzheimer's-linked brain cells has been mapped
http://mnt.to/l/4nNR
----------------------------------------------
** ANXIETY / STRESS News **
PTSD symptoms may be reduced by common hypertension treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nRD
----------------------------------------------
** ARTHRITIS / RHEUMATOLOGY News **
Randomised trial results for Inflectra™, demonstrates comparable reductions in disease activity to Remicade® over one year
http://mnt.to/l/4nVK
Musculoskeletal conditions should be prioritised by policy makers to address their impact on health care expenditure
http://mnt.to/l/4nTF
Predicting disease outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis patients, using genotyping
http://mnt.to/l/4nTD
First phase 3 study evaluating Cimzia® (certolizumab pegol) in early rheumatoid arthritis presented at EULAR 2014
http://mnt.to/l/4nTW
Exercise results in physiological changes that suppress inflammation in rheumatic disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nSg
Different mechanisms of response could explain poor treatment response in rheumatoid factor positive patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
http://mnt.to/l/4nTH
SoluMatrix® meloxicam demonstrates significant efficacy at 30 percent lower doses in the treatment of osteoarthritis
http://mnt.to/l/4nSJ
AVERT trial demonstrates high rates of DAS-defined remission with Orencia® in combination with methotrexate in patients with early RA
http://mnt.to/l/4nSw
Sanofi and Regeneron announce new, detailed data from positive sarilumab Phase 3 rheumatoid arthritis trial at EULAR
http://mnt.to/l/4nSh
Brodalumab treatment improved clinical signs and symptoms in Phase 2 psoriatic arthritis study
http://mnt.to/l/4nSb
Drivers of rheumatoid arthritis identified
http://mnt.to/l/4nRL
Study finds higher disease activity scores in obese RA patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nRs
Optimal dosing of adalimumab not received by one-third of psoriatic arthritis patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nRc
Intake of monounsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol influence disease activity in RA and OA respectively
http://mnt.to/l/4nR8
Early detection could help prevent severe disease in the most common form of arthritis
http://mnt.to/l/4nR7
6,000 steps a day keeps knee OA limitations away
http://mnt.to/l/4nQt
Heart disease risk tool created that is tailored to rheumatoid arthritis
http://mnt.to/l/4nPW
Detecting the inflammation involved in rheumatoid arthritis
http://mnt.to/l/4nPz
----------------------------------------------
** BONES / ORTHOPEDICS News **
Link discovered between severe scoliosis and rare mutations
http://mnt.to/l/4nVd
Orexins responsible for daytime sleepiness, also tied to bone formation, offer target for osteoporosis
http://mnt.to/l/4nTb
Implanted infection prevention
http://mnt.to/l/4nRS
In 'tennis elbow' tendon stimulation is the key to repair
http://mnt.to/l/4nRt
Use of cement in partial hip replacement linked to risk of death
http://mnt.to/l/4nQP
Muscle rejuvenation in seniors aided by 'trust hormone' oxytocin
http://mnt.to/l/4nQ8
----------------------------------------------
** BREAST CANCER News **
Pre-operative BRCA evaluation affects patients' breast cancer surgery plans
http://mnt.to/l/4nVr
Breast cancer surgery trends in Canada
http://mnt.to/l/4nTB
Faslodex and tamoxifen combo reverse tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nTz
A reduction in diagnosis of late-stage breast cancers due to mammography
http://mnt.to/l/4nQj
Advanced breast cancer: benefits of Trastuzumab (Herceptin®) outweigh the risk of harm
http://mnt.to/l/4nMR
For women with positive IGF1 receptor, limiting carbohydrates could reduce breast cancer recurrence
http://mnt.to/l/4nQc
Can breast cancer risk be predicted by skin moles?
http://mnt.to/l/4nPC
Antibody-based molecular imaging agent homes in on newly targeted cell receptor that hints at more aggressive breast cancers and potential therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4nPr
Physical activity plays a role in improving breast cancer outcomes
http://mnt.to/l/4nPq
Injection timing and increased dose of a common imaging agent boosts detection of advanced malignancy of the breast and lymph nodes
http://mnt.to/l/4nPj
Could red meat consumption increase breast cancer risk?
http://mnt.to/l/4nNV
Breast cancer risk greater for African-American women
http://mnt.to/l/4nNx
In breast cancer, needle biopsy underused, negatively impacting diagnosis and care
http://mnt.to/l/4nNs
----------------------------------------------
** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **
Compared to chemotherapy, treatment with selumetinib not associated with improved long term survival for patients with an uncommon eye cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nVT
Pediatric cancer should be considered a global health priority
http://mnt.to/l/4nQY
FDA approve Lymphoseek to evaluate head and neck cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nVF
Investing in cancer research boosts economy as well as health
http://mnt.to/l/4nV5
Cellular makeup of glioblastoma more diverse than previously thought
http://mnt.to/l/4nT2
Camel and llama antibodies act as guides to diseased cells
http://mnt.to/l/4nSz
US cancer survivors face significant economic burden
http://mnt.to/l/4nS8
A wide variety of cancers imaged and treated with new tumor-targeting agent
http://mnt.to/l/4nRp
Shifts in the composition of the oral microbiome may be promoters or causes of oral cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nRf
New research could provide key to overcoming resistance with HER2 targeted breast and gastric cancer treatments
http://mnt.to/l/4nQf
Discovery offers insights for the creation of better, more targeted therapies for various forms of cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nPK
Childhood cancer survivors hospitalized frequently years after cancer treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nP3
Low cholesterol linked with worse survival in patients with kidney cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nMJ
Researchers uncover molecular makeup of new form of cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nQn
Neuroendocrine cancer halted by chemo-radionuclide therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4nPD
Novel molecular imaging techniques combined to predict spread of cancer and patient survival based on outlier cancer cells in the blood
http://mnt.to/l/4nPw
More cancer diagnosed with presurgical SPECT/CT
http://mnt.to/l/4nPh
Leukaemia drug found to stimulate immunity against many cancer types
http://mnt.to/l/4nMK
----------------------------------------------
** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **
Peace I all comers registry results demonstrate efficacy of Biotronik pulsar-18 self-expanding stent
http://mnt.to/l/4nVM
Compound identified that reverses a lethal form of cardiomyopathy
http://mnt.to/l/4nRz
Why stress and fear trigger heart attacks may be explained by bacteria
http://mnt.to/l/4nPT
----------------------------------------------
** CHOLESTEROL News **
Low cholesterol not a good sign for patients with kidney cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nT6
----------------------------------------------
** DEPRESSION News **
New findings could lead to rapid-acting antidepressant with fewer side effects
http://mnt.to/l/4nTh
Ketamine shows 'game-changing' effect on suicide prevention
http://mnt.to/l/4nPV
----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **
Glucose monitoring for diabetes made easy with a blood-less method
http://mnt.to/l/4nW4
Sanofi reports positive Phase 3 results for Toujeo®
http://mnt.to/l/4nVX
Healthier eating provides benefit independent of other lifestyle changes in reducing risk for type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nVy
Study shows potential of text messaging for improving glycemic control in latinos
http://mnt.to/l/4nVv
Cholesterol levels in prediabetic people reduced by fasting over extended period of time
http://mnt.to/l/4nVq
Need for new therapeutic approach suggested by new theory of origin of diabetic complications
http://mnt.to/l/4nVm
Intensification of insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes led to less nighttime hypoglycemia during treatment with Januvia (Sitagliptin)
http://mnt.to/l/4nVk
The benefits of canola oil for people with type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nVj
Study of patients with type 2 diabetes taking JANUVIA® (sitagliptin) and metformin
http://mnt.to/l/4nVh
Researchers question whether new ACC/AHA guidelines for lipids are appropriate for diabetics
http://mnt.to/l/4nVc
Bionic pancreas 'could lead to cure for type 1 diabetes'
http://mnt.to/l/4nVL
Type 1 diabetes 'reversed' in mice
http://mnt.to/l/4nVp
New phase 3 study shows efficacy and safety of Victoza® for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults with moderate renal impairment
http://mnt.to/l/4nV9
New one-year data of IDegLira shows glucose-lowering effect was maintained for people with type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nV8
GSK presents new data for once-weekly Tanzeum/Eperzan (albiglutide) showing blood glucose lowering up to three years in type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nV3
Gut bacteria differs between young children with and without type 1 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nT7
Study suggests metformin controls blood sugar more effectively in African-Americans
http://mnt.to/l/4nSY
New imaging technique can track beta cell status in type 1 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nSn
Periodic fasting 'may protect against diabetes in at-risk groups'
http://mnt.to/l/4nTS
England sees rapid rise in prediabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nSN
Diabetes rise in the US is 'alarming,' say CDC
http://mnt.to/l/4nRm
Toward 24-7 glucose monitoring to help manage diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nRd
Potential non-invasive test to identify metabolic disease risk in children
http://mnt.to/l/4nPY
Hydrolized formula 'does not protect infants from type 1 diabetes'
http://mnt.to/l/4nQw
More than 29 million Americans have diabetes; 1 in 4 doesn't know
http://mnt.to/l/4nPQ
Helping beta cells survive in type 1 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nNP
----------------------------------------------
** ENDOCRINOLOGY News **
Growth hormone related with signs of aging
http://mnt.to/l/4nVZ
----------------------------------------------
** ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION / PREMATURE EJACULATION News **
Vitaros® (alprostadil), the first cream to treat men with erectile dysfunction, is now available for prescription in the UK
http://mnt.to/l/4nW8
----------------------------------------------
** FERTILITY News **
Cell phones may reduce sperm quality
http://mnt.to/l/4nPS
Male fertility may be affected by mobile phones
http://mnt.to/l/4nPg
Male fertility tests don't measure the right things
http://mnt.to/l/4nP7
----------------------------------------------
** GOUT News **
Gout diagnosis an important opportunity to detect possible silent coronary artery disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nSj
----------------------------------------------
** HYPERTENSION News **
Men with hypertension and type 2 diabetes benefit from recreational football
http://mnt.to/l/4nSR
----------------------------------------------
** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **
Parasitic worm genome and biology provides a solid basis for the development of new interventions
http://mnt.to/l/4nVz
'Education, awareness, and vaccination' are keys to fighting pertussis (whooping cough)
http://mnt.to/l/4nVt
Protecting gut microbiome using good bacteria armed with antibiotic resistance
http://mnt.to/l/4nTd
Naturally occurring protein could inhibit viral infections, including flu
http://mnt.to/l/4nT4
Gene discovery identifies molecular pathway to potential preventive treatment for strep throat
http://mnt.to/l/4nRM
Herpes virus originated in chimpanzees, jumping into humans 1.6 million years ago
http://mnt.to/l/4nQZ
New sensor to detect harmful bacteria on food industry surfaces
http://mnt.to/l/4nQR
For better preparedness, science and technology advances needed in microbial forensics
http://mnt.to/l/4nPb
Dormant viruses re-emerge in patients with lingering sepsis
http://mnt.to/l/4nMH
----------------------------------------------
** MENTAL HEALTH News **
Mental health disorders much more strongly linked to self-harm or suicide than gun violence
http://mnt.to/l/4nVf
Study finds link between poor cardiovascular health and mental impairment
http://mnt.to/l/4nQx
Attitudes towards mental health improving despite recession
http://mnt.to/l/4nPP
----------------------------------------------
** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **
Smart treatment predictions for brain trauma
http://mnt.to/l/4nW6
Poorly understood postural syndrome blights lives of young well educated women
http://mnt.to/l/4nVV
Tubular 'fantastic voyage' through brain cells
http://mnt.to/l/4nVx
Study provides new insight into the formation of the nervous system
http://mnt.to/l/4nV2
First Canadian Bell palsy guideline will help physicians treat patients with facial weakness
http://mnt.to/l/4nTK
New insight into how the brain regulates its blood flow
http://mnt.to/l/4nSX
New therapies for brain infections and cancers likely following discovery of fungal protein that can cross blood-brain barrier
http://mnt.to/l/4nSF
Researchers have confirmed how the body regulates high levels of CO2 in the blood
http://mnt.to/l/4nS4
'Neural noise' may influence free will, study suggests
http://mnt.to/l/4nPv
Copper compound could form basis for first Lou Gehrig's disease therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4nTV
Months, even years after traumatic brain injury, teenage cognitive performance can be improved
http://mnt.to/l/4nR4
Brain waves synchronize 'in order to learn'
http://mnt.to/l/4nSt
Mechanism explains complex brain wiring
http://mnt.to/l/4nQN
"All systems go" for a paralyzed person to kick off the World Cup
http://mnt.to/l/4nQC
Brain abnormalities in late preterm infants revealed by MRI
http://mnt.to/l/4nPM
What happens to the brain when it recovers from anesthetic?
http://mnt.to/l/4nQV
Specific gene linked to adult growth of brain cells, learning and memory
http://mnt.to/l/4nNJ
----------------------------------------------
** NUTRITION / DIET News **
What are the health benefits of tofu?
http://mnt.to/l/4nWr
Washing raw chicken increases risk of food poisoning
http://mnt.to/l/4nWb
Experts call for greater clarity on the prescribing and dispensing of vitamin D, UK
http://mnt.to/l/4nSM
Study links low vitamin D levels with premature death
http://mnt.to/l/4nQW
White bread helps boost some of the gut's 'good' microbes
http://mnt.to/l/4nR9
FDA and EPA issue draft updated advice for fish consumption
http://mnt.to/l/4nQv
150 calories of instant oatmeal provides greater satiety than equal calories of ready-to-eat oat cereal
http://mnt.to/l/4nQ4
----------------------------------------------
** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **
Studies show adolescent brains process sugar differently than adult brains; changes in adipose tissue begin at very young age for obese children
http://mnt.to/l/4nVB
Food marketing creates a false sense of 'healthy'
http://mnt.to/l/4nVs
Female hormones may play a key role in the obesity epidemic
http://mnt.to/l/4nVb
Practical wellness program popular with families - behavioral treatment for obesity in real-world setting
http://mnt.to/l/4nTp
Seeking a cure for obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4nSQ
Obesity in Aboriginal kids outstrips rates in non-Aboriginal
http://mnt.to/l/4nQL
Obesity gene linked to hormonal changes that can lead to obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4nRx
The importance of weight loss to reduce cardiovascular risk in obese OSA patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nRq
How to make statewide health campaigns more effective
http://mnt.to/l/4nQG
In the fight against obesity, targeting popular teens not all that effective
http://mnt.to/l/4nPs
To protect against child obesity both parent and child must get enough sleep
http://mnt.to/l/4nNz
----------------------------------------------
** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **
New poll finds the majority of GPs would like the choice of assisted dying to be available to them or did not discount it, UK
http://mnt.to/l/4nW2
Mental health of patients adversely affected by racism in healthcare
http://mnt.to/l/4nSC
----------------------------------------------
** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **
Recommendations address long-term needs of prostate cancer survivors
http://mnt.to/l/4nQ6
----------------------------------------------
** SENIORS / AGING News **
New analysis on Californians' experiences with long-term care: AP-NORC release
http://mnt.to/l/4nQK
----------------------------------------------
** SEXUAL HEALTH / STDS News **
Finding a sex partner via phone app increases STI risk
http://mnt.to/l/4nRZ
The Lancet: Sexual violence in conflict
http://mnt.to/l/4nQy
What matters most about contraception differs between women and health care providers
http://mnt.to/l/4nNr
----------------------------------------------
** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **
CPAP is 'most effective' for controlling blood pressure in sleep apnea patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nQs
Sleep disorder linked to development of progressive brain diseases such as Parkinson's
http://mnt.to/l/4nPx
Sleep loss causes brain vulnerability to toxic elements
http://mnt.to/l/4nNK
----------------------------------------------
** STATINS News **
Study uncovers why statins increase diabetes risk and offers solution
http://mnt.to/l/4nRQ
Statin use linked to less exercise in older men
http://mnt.to/l/4nNj
----------------------------------------------
** STROKE News **
'Strokefinder' helmet makes rapid stroke diagnoses
http://mnt.to/l/4nVJ
To prevent stroke in women, start young
http://mnt.to/l/4nR3
With the right rehabilitation, paralyzed rats learn to grip again
http://mnt.to/l/4nSK
Stroke risk lowered with a high-protein diet
http://mnt.to/l/4nQz
Allergy experts address pivotal questions in treatment of grass pollen allergy sufferers
http://mnt.to/l/4nN4
Anaphylaxis Campaign highlights the danger of allergies with moving short film ahead of Father's Day
http://mnt.to/l/4nMQ
Can exposing newborns to more dirt and germs lower allergy, asthma risk?
http://mnt.to/l/4nLq
Basis of allergic reaction to birch pollen identified
http://mnt.to/l/4nKq
----------------------------------------------
** ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA News **
Blockages in fruit fly brains quickly form and dissolve, findings could help treat Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases
http://mnt.to/l/4nMp
A legal and ethical gray area for people with dementia
http://mnt.to/l/4nLT
Stem cells spurring hippocampal cell regrowth tied to Wnt pathway and its link to Alzheimer's disease treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nLf
AFFiRiS announce results of a Phase II study in Alzheimer patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nLb
How we use the GPS inside our brain to navigate offers insight into memory loss in Alzheimer's
http://mnt.to/l/4nKV
New diagnostic tool developed for dementia
http://mnt.to/l/4nKC
Tailored light treatment can improve sleep, depression and agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia
http://mnt.to/l/4nJS
Memory complaints in young adults linked to poor health and lifestyle factors
http://mnt.to/l/4nHW
A molecular 'scaffold' comes apart in dementia and motor neuron disease, offers potential new target for drug discovery
http://mnt.to/l/4nHs
Promising treatment target molecule identified in mouse model of Alzheimer's
http://mnt.to/l/4nHq
Compound 'may form basis of Alzheimer's prevention drug'
http://mnt.to/l/4nH4
----------------------------------------------
** ANXIETY / STRESS News **
Stress hormone receptors in taste buds 'may help explain emotional eating'
http://mnt.to/l/4nHP
----------------------------------------------
** BONES / ORTHOPEDICS News **
Pathway between gut and liver regulates bone mass: Biological process behind role of vitamin B12 in bone formation unravelled
http://mnt.to/l/4nN6
Controlling how long 'disappearing' hydrogels remain at repair site aids tissue healing
http://mnt.to/l/4nMm
Orthopaedics in crisis and conflict situations: Evidence not heroism
http://mnt.to/l/4nM5
Fractures in the elderly: A major challenge for health systems in the future
http://mnt.to/l/4nL4
Nanotechnology has potential to revolutionise orthopaedics - experts call for research into safety
http://mnt.to/l/4nK4
Hard-to-heal fractures - new treatment strategies
http://mnt.to/l/4nJZ
People who are severely overweight need joint replacement twice as often and face double the risk of complications
http://mnt.to/l/4nJp
Infections in joint surgery: High risk for fracture patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nJn
Men made more new proteins in their muscles during interval training than women
http://mnt.to/l/4nFZ
----------------------------------------------
** BREAST CANCER News **
Older women are more vulnerable to breast cancer, but why?
http://mnt.to/l/4nLV
Scripps Florida scientists find new targets that could increase effectiveness and reduce side effects in breast cancer treatments
http://mnt.to/l/4nLw
Insufficient exercise compromises survival for breast cancer survivors
http://mnt.to/l/4nKp
Four new genes added to the 'inherited breast cancer' risk list
http://mnt.to/l/4nLH
Predicting breast cancer metastatic risk
http://mnt.to/l/4nHX
New path discovered to stop breast cancer cells from invading organs
http://mnt.to/l/4nHj
----------------------------------------------
** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **
Is hair dye to blame for hairdressers' increased risk of bladder cancer?
http://mnt.to/l/4nN3
Genes behind longer telomeres linked to raised risk of brain cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nML
Gene variants may promote overall health while increasing risk of gliomas
http://mnt.to/l/4nMz
Using silver nanoparticles to target tumors
http://mnt.to/l/4nMv
Structure of membrane protein that plays a role in signaling cell death could be new target for anticancer drugs
http://mnt.to/l/4nMr
A weakness discovered in metastatic cancer cells
http://mnt.to/l/4nLJ
Dogs and humans will benefit if research leads to new bladder cancer assay
http://mnt.to/l/4nLx
A new way discovered to control genetic material altered in cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nLp
Survey on moving toward quality patient-centered care conducted by GW Cancer Institute
http://mnt.to/l/4nK8
Our own treacherous immune genes can cause cancer after viral infection
http://mnt.to/l/4nK7
Study finds public awareness of head and neck cancers low
http://mnt.to/l/4nJr
AstraZeneca's Medimmune presents encouraging immunotherapy data at ASCO 2014
http://mnt.to/l/4nJd
The most aggressive cancer cells isolated by new device
http://mnt.to/l/4nHZ
Pivotal Phase III data show polycythemia vera patients on Jakavi® achieved significant improvement in disease control
http://mnt.to/l/4nHT
Liver cancer vaccine effective in mice
http://mnt.to/l/4nHK
Study shows Zykadia™ shrank tumors in the majority of patients with ALK+ NSCLC, regardless of prior ALK treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nHv
Engineered aptimer targets malignant and tumor-associated T cells
http://mnt.to/l/4nGT
What is science doing to improve the health and lives of cancer survivors?
http://mnt.to/l/4nHM
Researchers use new simple cost effective technology to unravel cancer through standard imaging
http://mnt.to/l/4nH2
Investigational immunotherapy MPDL3280A (anti-PDL1) shrinks tumours in 43% of people with advanced bladder cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nGD
Study suggests that expanded health coverage may improve cancer outcomes in young adults
http://mnt.to/l/4nFJ
Progression-free survival and overall survival in adults with low-grade brain cancer improved by chemotherapy following radiation treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nFD
Newly identified brain cancer mutation will aid drug development
http://mnt.to/l/4nDZ
Success Of 'Quadrapeutics' shown in preclinical study of hard-to-treat tumors
http://mnt.to/l/4nDX
----------------------------------------------
** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **
Tomato extract 'improves blood vessel function' in CVD patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nNH
Trauma patients with alcohol in the systems may be protected from later complications
http://mnt.to/l/4nM7
Researchers find the mechanism that forms cell-to-cell catch bonds
http://mnt.to/l/4nLQ
Call for comprehensive inclusion of patient reported outcomes in cardiovascular clinical trials in Europe
http://mnt.to/l/4nHL
100,000 lives could be saved across Europe each year by improving bystander resuscitation following cardiac arrest outside hospital
http://mnt.to/l/4nDY
Doctors reluctant to discuss end-of-life care with heart failure patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nCj
----------------------------------------------
** CHOLESTEROL News **
Data from Phase 3 TESLA study and Phase 2/3 TAUSSIG study presented at EAS 2014
http://mnt.to/l/4nGd
----------------------------------------------
** COLORECTAL CANCER News **
Half a million cancers prevented by colorectal cancer screening
http://mnt.to/l/4nHp
New study data find Avastin® (bevacizumab) and cetuximab help patients with KRAS wild-type advanced bowel cancer live similar length of time
http://mnt.to/l/4nH3
----------------------------------------------
** DEPRESSION News **
A small molecule discovered that predicts treatment response for depressed patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nMw
Depression with atypical features associated with obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4nH6
----------------------------------------------
** DERMATOLOGY News **
Acute bacterial skin infections treated effectively by new antibiotic
http://mnt.to/l/4nK6
----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **
Hydrolyzed infant formula does not reduce diabetes-associated autoantibodies in at-risk infants
http://mnt.to/l/4nNg
Gene variant associated with type 2 diabetes in Latino population
http://mnt.to/l/4nNf
Large increase seen in insulin use, out-of-pocket costs for type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nNd
For patients receiving metformin to treat diabetes, addition of insulin associated with increased risk of death
http://mnt.to/l/4nNc
Long-term follow-up after bariatric surgery shows greater rate of diabetes remission
http://mnt.to/l/4nNb
#BloodSugarSelfie is back for Diabetes Week! This time, get your donation doubled for type 1 diabetes charity
http://mnt.to/l/4nN5
'Jekyll and Hyde' protein linked to type 1 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nMT
In type 1 diabetes, improved glucose control slows progression to end-stage renal disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nLy
One-third of English adults have prediabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nM3
How doctor is paid can affect diabetes care
http://mnt.to/l/4nKZ
Mapping of cellular traffic control system has implications for diabetes, cancer and diverse neurological pathologies
http://mnt.to/l/4nKT
Researchers make progress in detecting glucose levels in saliva
http://mnt.to/l/4nJ8
New diabetes intervention programme launched for general practice
http://mnt.to/l/4nJm
----------------------------------------------
** FERTILITY News **
UK agency's update on "three-person IVF" leaves safety questions unresolved - Parliamentary vote would be premature, says public interest group
http://mnt.to/l/4nJj
----------------------------------------------
** FLU / COLD / SARS News **
Detection of MERS virus by airport scanners still several years from becoming effective, says GlobalData analyst
http://mnt.to/l/4nLm
Community flu rates fall when hospital workers get vaccines
http://mnt.to/l/4nJY
Enzyme discovery holds promise for SARS, MERS vaccine
http://mnt.to/l/4nJt
----------------------------------------------
** HYPERTENSION News **
How high blood pressure in middle age may affect memory in old age
http://mnt.to/l/4nCb
----------------------------------------------
** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **
Pakistan travellers must take note of new Polio threat
http://mnt.to/l/4nMN
Neglected zoonotic diseases need to be tackled in developing nations
http://mnt.to/l/4nMb
How herpesviruses fight against our immune system
http://mnt.to/l/4nM9
Keeping RNA household in order: YbeY is essential for fitness and virulence of V. cholerae,
http://mnt.to/l/4nL8
Deadly diseases, anthrax, brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis, overlooked for too long, scientists say
http://mnt.to/l/4nL7
Mass spectrometry reveals dynamics of the pervasive pathogen cytomegalovirus
http://mnt.to/l/4nKS
Loyola achieves 68 percent decrease in central line bloodstream infections
http://mnt.to/l/4nK2
Elucidating the pathogenic mechanism of meningococcal meningitis
http://mnt.to/l/4nKr
Genome experts show value of 'next-generation sequencing' in diagnosing infection, save life of critically ill boy
http://mnt.to/l/4nJJ
Life-threatening community-acquired pneumonia in infants prevented by pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
http://mnt.to/l/4nHc
YbeY is essential for fitness and virulence of Vibrio cholerae and keeps the RNA household in order
http://mnt.to/l/4nFv
Norovirus spread by restaurants, say CDC
http://mnt.to/l/4nH9
'Clever' DNA may help bacteria survive
http://mnt.to/l/4nGV
----------------------------------------------
** MEN'S HEALTH News **
Suicide is leading cause of death for men 35-49 in the UK
http://mnt.to/l/4nMM
----------------------------------------------
** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **
Studying escape behaviors in the fruit fly to unravel the circuits and processes that underlie decision making
http://mnt.to/l/4nMt
Rats 'experience regret, too'
http://mnt.to/l/4nMF
New gene found in Parkinson's disease research could lead to new treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nLN
Dental pulp stem cells may lead to heat stroke treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nL9
A young boy's journey to SDR for cerebral palsy
http://mnt.to/l/4nJs
Rhythmic brain activity used to track memories in progress
http://mnt.to/l/4nKy
Synthetic small molecule may help chemo get into brain
http://mnt.to/l/4nKj
Challenges faced by courts when linking genetics to criminal behavior
http://mnt.to/l/4nJy
It takes complex neural circuitry to keep you from biting your tongue
http://mnt.to/l/4nJ7
Physical fitness linked by brain signals to better language skills in children
http://mnt.to/l/4nHF
No significant positive effect on patient outcomes from reduced neurosurgical resident hours
http://mnt.to/l/4nHd
Using brain waves to steer a wheelchair
http://mnt.to/l/4nGM
New research: Brain tumour patients with poor quality of life, but less psychological distress than expected
http://mnt.to/l/4nGL
Driving ability and neurological diseases: New studies on accident risk
http://mnt.to/l/4nGK
MicroRNA-155 is a key player in the functioning of the blood-brain barrier
http://mnt.to/l/4nG4
Researchers identify first piece of new brain-repair circuit
http://mnt.to/l/4nFS
----------------------------------------------
** NUTRITION / DIET News **
What are the health benefits of collard greens?
http://mnt.to/l/4nMC
The chemical element bromine found to be essential to human life
http://mnt.to/l/4nLn
Genes behind food preferences 'may aid weight loss and disease prevention'
http://mnt.to/l/4nFp
Keeping bread fresh for longer: new edible film made with essential oils
http://mnt.to/l/4nJN
'Significant gap' in detection of malnutrition in Canadian hospital patients: Survey
http://mnt.to/l/4nHx
Impact of Montmorency tart cherries on inflammation and oxidative stress after high-intensity cycling
http://mnt.to/l/4nGP
Does skipping breakfast impact weight loss?
http://mnt.to/l/4nGW
The value of vitamin, mineral supplements: the debate is far from over
http://mnt.to/l/4nGk
----------------------------------------------
** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **
Gut bacteria diversity improves with exercise, study shows
http://mnt.to/l/4nMG
How obesity leads to type 2 diabetes, cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nKY
Obesity and diabetes may be treated by activating the immune system
http://mnt.to/l/4nKF
Expression of genetic obesity risk may be influenced by saturated fat intake
http://mnt.to/l/4nKd
Bariatric surgery not only helps reduce weight, but lowers cancer risk among obese people
http://mnt.to/l/4nKc
More fructose found in sodas than labels reveal
http://mnt.to/l/4nJD
Children of divorced parents 'more likely to be overweight or obese'
http://mnt.to/l/4nGX
Manipulation of light exposure may be a novel method of altering food intake and metabolism
http://mnt.to/l/4nGp
Helicobacter pylori in the stomach may protect you from obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4nG8
Brain cells that control appetite influenced by leptin
http://mnt.to/l/4nDR
----------------------------------------------
** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **
Coordinated approach improves quality of primary care
http://mnt.to/l/4nJ3
Study finds coordinated approach improves quality of primary care
http://mnt.to/l/4nHS
Healthcare providers needed for survey on patient health behaviors
http://mnt.to/l/4nGH
----------------------------------------------
** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **
Prostate cancer diagnosis may be more accurate with semen test
http://mnt.to/l/4nMs
In metastatic prostate cancer, drug combination extends survival by more than a year
http://mnt.to/l/4nFG
----------------------------------------------
** SENIORS / AGING News **
The dangers of gun ownership by the elderly
http://mnt.to/l/4nJ9
Suggested new health services to cope with increase in centenarians
http://mnt.to/l/4nHr
Diabetic drug 'slows aging process and increases lifespan,' study suggests
http://mnt.to/l/4nFW
----------------------------------------------
** SEXUAL HEALTH / STDS News **
Sustained cessation of sperm production not achieved by hormonal male contraception via testosterone in mouse model
http://mnt.to/l/4nFY
----------------------------------------------
** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **
Sleep strengthens memory after learning
http://mnt.to/l/4nMB
Large study links sleep apnea with diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nLX
Important physical evidence that sleep helps consolidate and strengthen new memories
http://mnt.to/l/4nLh
A wife's satisfaction in marriage affects how couples sleep together
http://mnt.to/l/4nKP
Night owls are more likely to be couch potatoes
http://mnt.to/l/4nHY
Slow-wave sleep improved with hypnosis, study suggests
http://mnt.to/l/4nGZ
Poor sleep takes huge toll on academic problems
http://mnt.to/l/4nFQ
----------------------------------------------
** STATINS News **
Statins associated with modestly lower physical activity in older men
http://mnt.to/l/4nN9
----------------------------------------------
** STROKE News **
Stroke patients in China fare better when hospitals follow guidelines
http://mnt.to/l/4nHf
----------------------------------------------
** ALLERGY News **
The worst times of day for people allergic to grass pollen
http://mnt.to/l/4nxR
----------------------------------------------
** ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA News **
Erasing and restoring a memory
http://mnt.to/l/4nDQ
Speaking a second language could prevent later-life cognitive decline
http://mnt.to/l/4nCP
Research has implications for understanding brain diseases caused by clumps of misshapen molecules
http://mnt.to/l/4nCv
NMDA receptor malfunction implicated in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, depression, schizophrenia, autism, and stroke
http://mnt.to/l/4nBV
Cynicism linked to dementia in new study
http://mnt.to/l/4nyR
----------------------------------------------
** ANXIETY / STRESS News **
Allowing patients to choose their PTSD treatment is cost-effective
http://mnt.to/l/4nBk
Stress linked to male fertility
http://mnt.to/l/4nC9
Neurons identified that determine whether an individual will be depressed or resilient
http://mnt.to/l/4ny4
Traffic accidents leave many children affected by post-traumatic stress disorder
http://mnt.to/l/4nxV
----------------------------------------------
** ARTHRITIS / RHEUMATOLOGY News **
FDA approves first generic versions of celecoxib
http://mnt.to/l/4nFj
----------------------------------------------
** BONES / ORTHOPEDICS News **
A major step towards better diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis
http://mnt.to/l/4nD5
New technology offers promise for engineering a better way to rebuild bone inside the body
http://mnt.to/l/4nC8
Genetic researchers take a major step towards better diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis
http://mnt.to/l/4nBx
3D model provides new insight into King Richard III's spinal condition
http://mnt.to/l/4nBn
Melatonin makes old bones stronger
http://mnt.to/l/4nxp
----------------------------------------------
** BREAST CANCER News **
New treatment option for young women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nFk
Study finds risk of recurrence low in smallest HER2+ breast cancer tumors
http://mnt.to/l/4nFh
Many breast cancer patients don't get treatment for heart problems
http://mnt.to/l/4nCf
Exposure to solvents prior to first childbirth 'linked to breast cancer risk'
http://mnt.to/l/4nCQ
Gene patterns responsible for normal breast tissue may also play a role in the development of cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nCz
Breast Cancer Care launches information pack for men with breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nCs
New drug regimen 'reduces early menopause risk' for breast cancer patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nCD
Researchers investigate cancer-fighing properties of mango
http://mnt.to/l/4nBr
Alterations in LRIG1 gene may increase the risk for breast cancer relapse and death
http://mnt.to/l/4nBp
In at-risk survivors of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma, MRI catches breast cancer early
http://mnt.to/l/4nzV
Improved access to health care may lead to unnecessary mammograms
http://mnt.to/l/4nz2
Scientists discover two new possible drug targets for triple negative breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nys
New suppressor of breast metastasis to the lung identified
http://mnt.to/l/4nyh
For eary-stage breast cancer patients, study identifies risk of chemotherapy related hospitalization
http://mnt.to/l/4nyf
Changing diet to fight breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nwV
----------------------------------------------
** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **
Advanced bladder cancer patients benefit from immune therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4nDv
It is estimated that there will be nearly 19 million cancer survivors in the U.S by 2024
http://mnt.to/l/4nDt
New clinical guidelines for cancer-related fatigue
http://mnt.to/l/4nDp
Overall survival benefit shown for patients with stage III soft tissue sarcomas
http://mnt.to/l/4nDj
Connection found between cancer, bioelectrical signals and the microbiome
http://mnt.to/l/4nyX
Early clinical study of intensity modulated proton therapy shows positive outcomes; quality of life benefits for head and neck cancer patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nyP
Women referred for bladder cancer less often than men
http://mnt.to/l/4nyM
Drug discovery accelerates immunotherapy for cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nyF
Lowering the viscosity of cancer pharmaceuticals
http://mnt.to/l/4nyq
How cancer-killing gene may actually work
http://mnt.to/l/4nyc
IARC/WHO and IACR launch new guidelines for planning and developing cancer registries in low- and middle-income settings
http://mnt.to/l/4nxd
Distribution of cancer types may be affected by an area's level of poverty or wealth
http://mnt.to/l/4nxc
----------------------------------------------
** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **
Preventive placement of ICDs in patients with less severe heart failure associated with improved survival
http://mnt.to/l/4nF8
'Off-pump' heart bypass surgery may reduce risk of postoperative kidney injury, although no improvement in long-term function
http://mnt.to/l/4nF6
More than 10 percent of heart attack patients may have undiagnosed diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nCh
Young women fare worse than young men after heart attack
http://mnt.to/l/4nCR
Clotting risks could be reduced by coating stents with vitamin C
http://mnt.to/l/4nzW
A genomic signature for lethal heart attacks in at risk patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nyv
Risk of sudden cardiac death tied to protein overproduction
http://mnt.to/l/4nyK
Epigenetic changes and atherosclerosis a result of disturbance in blood flow
http://mnt.to/l/4ny7
Taking prescribed anti-clotting drug may help save stent patients' lives
http://mnt.to/l/4nvw
----------------------------------------------
** COLORECTAL CANCER News **
Promising response to new combination therapy by patients with metastatic colon cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nDy
For some, screening for colorectal cancer should continue well past age 75
http://mnt.to/l/4nz7
FDA approves first-line use of Vectibix® (panitumumab) plus FOLFOX for patients with wild-type KRAS metastatic colorectal cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nx9
----------------------------------------------
** DEPRESSION News **
Research shows England's use of antidepressants rising faster than ever since the start of the recession
http://mnt.to/l/4nyW
----------------------------------------------
** DERMATOLOGY News **
Study finds high risk of recurrence of two life-threatening adverse drug reactions that affect the skin - SJS and TEN
http://mnt.to/l/4nFd
FDA to require warnings on sunlamp products
http://mnt.to/l/4nCM
Mystery of keloid development may be unlocked with the help of newly identified genes
http://mnt.to/l/4nCy
Alternative for burn treatment offered by skin grafts from genetically modified pigs
http://mnt.to/l/4nyj
Study examines risk factors for sagging eyelids
http://mnt.to/l/4nxJ
----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **
Depression linked to early death among seniors with diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nDb
When assessing vitamin D's role in diabetes, don't forget parathyroid hormone
http://mnt.to/l/4nBT
Diabetes linked with worse long-term outcomes following heart surgery
http://mnt.to/l/4nxN
Novel drug target linked to insulin secretion and type 2 diabetes treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nx6
----------------------------------------------
** EATING DISORDERS News **
Disorders of compulsivity share common pattern and brain structure
http://mnt.to/l/4nBQ
----------------------------------------------
** ENDOCRINOLOGY News **
Observation: Tanning beds associated with vitamin D toxicity?
http://mnt.to/l/4nzc
New functional roles identified on cell surfaces for estrogen
http://mnt.to/l/4nz9
----------------------------------------------
** FERTILITY News **
Quicker, cheaper, and accurate embryo screening offered by new genetic sequencing methods
http://mnt.to/l/4nD4
Eggs sacrificed in developing foetus for the greater good
http://mnt.to/l/4nBX
New genetic sequencing methods mean quicker, cheaper, and equally accurate embryo screening
http://mnt.to/l/4nBy
Study may explain how sperm travel long distances, through difficult terrain, to reach an egg
http://mnt.to/l/4nxT
Infertility: is it primarily seen as a woman's problem?
http://mnt.to/l/4nyg
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** FLU / COLD / SARS News **
Potent antiviral activity exhibited by new coronavirus inhibitor by blocking the viral hijacking of host membranes
http://mnt.to/l/4nBP
CDC concludes Indiana MERS patient did not spread virus to Illinois business associate
http://mnt.to/l/4nBq
Scientists identify compound that 'inhibits MERS and SARS'
http://mnt.to/l/4nB6
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** HYPERTENSION News **
Community program helps lower blood pressure among minorities
http://mnt.to/l/4nCS
Association between some high blood pressure drugs and increased risk of vision-threatening disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nBd
Improvements in blood pressure control may have prevented hundreds of thousands of major cardiovascular events in England over 17 years
http://mnt.to/l/4nBw
Systolic and diastolic blood pressures predict risk of different cardiovascular diseases
http://mnt.to/l/4nBv
Physician calls on FDA to address hidden risk: many drugs approved that predictably increase heart and stroke risk
http://mnt.to/l/4nyJ
Large database and computer model aids understanding of high blood pressure
http://mnt.to/l/4nxv
Future horizons for renal denervation defined by EuroPCR 2014 session
http://mnt.to/l/4nxf
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** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **
Scientists discover how deadly ebola virus 'punches' its way into human cells
http://mnt.to/l/4nFy
Measles cases in the United States reach 20-year high
http://mnt.to/l/4nF5
Rectal artesunate is probably beneficial in young children with severe malaria, but may be harmful in older children and adults
http://mnt.to/l/4nCW
Oral cholera vaccine highly effective during outbreak in Guinea
http://mnt.to/l/4nCT
Veterans to benefit from better identification of war wound infections
http://mnt.to/l/4nC7
Lyme disease older than human race - shown by ticks fossilized in amber
http://mnt.to/l/4nC6
If strep throat suspected, re-check negative rapid test results with lab culture
http://mnt.to/l/4nB8
To escape detection, sneaky bacteria change key protein's shape
http://mnt.to/l/4nzT
Study shows ultraviolet cleaning reduces hospital superbugs by 20 percent
http://mnt.to/l/4nyS
Immune suppressed persons at greater risk for acquiring new tick-borne disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nxX
Dirofilaria repens detected in Austria for the first time
http://mnt.to/l/4nxM
FDA approves Dalvance to treat skin infections
http://mnt.to/l/4nx7
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** MENTAL HEALTH News **
Study finds that suicides are far more likely to occur after midnight
http://mnt.to/l/4nFn
Mental illness threat to life expectancy similar to heavy smoking
http://mnt.to/l/4nxZ
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** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **
Scientists inactivate and reactivate memories in rats using light
http://mnt.to/l/4nFc
Youths who have committed homicide 'show differences in brain structure'
http://mnt.to/l/4nCV
Pleasant smells increase facial attractiveness
http://mnt.to/l/4nCc
Study is first to confirm that activity in ventral tegmental area of primate brain affects behavior
http://mnt.to/l/4nBY
Memory shown to be a dynamic and interactive process
http://mnt.to/l/4nzp
Brain cells may be kept alive by learning in adolescence
http://mnt.to/l/4nyQ
Researchers challenge scientific theory with the help of citizen scientists
http://mnt.to/l/4ny8
Delirium link to steroids prescribed in the ICU
http://mnt.to/l/4nxW
Did walking upright make humans smart?
http://mnt.to/l/4nxY
Psychiatric risks differ for boys and girls: brain blood flow diverges in puberty
http://mnt.to/l/4nxF
Does apolipoprotein E mimetic peptide reduce neuronal apoptosis induced by diffuse brain injury?
http://mnt.to/l/4nxm
Local stores accessible to neurons for communication needs
http://mnt.to/l/4nwX
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** NUTRITION / DIET News **
Saliva and common body proteins contain compounds that may fend off DNA-damaging chemicals
http://mnt.to/l/4nDg
Giving children a taste for vegetables 'often and early'
http://mnt.to/l/4nD6
What are the health benefits of cilantro?
http://mnt.to/l/4nDS
Industry-funded study implies diet soda is 'superior to water for weight loss'
http://mnt.to/l/4nCG
Microbial diversity in the gut may be hampered by variety in diet
http://mnt.to/l/4nzy
Helping children be healthy - the science of school lunch
http://mnt.to/l/4nyd
What are the health benefits of beetroot?
http://mnt.to/l/4nyT
Has public opinion turned against sugary drinks?
http://mnt.to/l/4nxK
School scheme unable to boost healthy eating and activity among kids
http://mnt.to/l/4nxw
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** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **
Weight loss aided by eating prunes
http://mnt.to/l/4nDr
Obesity and life satisfaction affected by where you live
http://mnt.to/l/4nC5
Worldwide obesity rates see 'startling' increase over past 3 decades
http://mnt.to/l/4nzg
Monosodium glutamate, obesity and fatty liver disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nyZ
New study questions the use of BMI-for-age in defining obese children
http://mnt.to/l/4nxQ
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** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **
When treating stroke, poker and marketing strategies may aid doctors in decision-making
http://mnt.to/l/4nBM
Recommendations for medical education reform to address the physician shortage
http://mnt.to/l/4nyL
GPs' suspicion can predict serious disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nx5
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** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **
Risk of secondary cancers increased following radiation for prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nDq
Men with metastatic prostate cancer may live longer with chemo first
http://mnt.to/l/4nDL
The value of epigenetic test for markers of prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nBg
T cell repertoire changes predictive of anti-CTLA-4 cancer immunotherapy outcome
http://mnt.to/l/4nzG
Circumcision linked to reduced risk of prostate cancer in some men
http://mnt.to/l/4nyn
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** SENIORS / AGING News **
Place and cause of death in centenarians: a population-based observational study in England, 2001 to 2010
http://mnt.to/l/4nzM
The aging effects of toxins in the environment
http://mnt.to/l/4nzs
Uric acid is an intracellular antioxidant
http://mnt.to/l/4nxn
Medical injuries affect almost one in five older adults in receipt of Medicare
http://mnt.to/l/4nx3
For seniors, daily moderate exercise 'reduces risk of walking disability'
http://mnt.to/l/4nx2
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** SEXUAL HEALTH / STDS News **
Previous contraception education and moral attitudes influence women's contraceptive use
http://mnt.to/l/4nBf
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** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **
Does marijuana use cause sleep problems?
http://mnt.to/l/4nFw
Discovery of possible basis for treating circadian clock disorders and associated metabolic problems
http://mnt.to/l/4nDJ
Adherence to CPAP therapy for sleep apnea may be improved by family support
http://mnt.to/l/4nBJ
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** STATINS News **
Patients with terminal illnesses benefit from stopping statins
http://mnt.to/l/4nGq
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** STROKE News **
No sign of 'obesity paradox' in obese patients with stroke
http://mnt.to/l/4nFs
New research helps identify patients more likely to suffer from an aneurysm
http://mnt.to/l/4nCn
A possible new focus for stroke treatment - migrating stem cells
http://mnt.to/l/4nxy
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** TROPICAL DISEASES News **
Evidence for dangers of repellent DEET in question
http://mnt.to/l/4nDW
Promising step forward in search for universal antidote for snakebite
http://mnt.to/l/4nzw
Dilemma of testing on captive chimps to save wild apes highlighted by Ebola vaccine success
http://mnt.to/l/4nwS