HHAL MEDICAL NEWS MAY 2014
Statins seen as offering risk, but little benefit for those without heart disease.
TIME (5/28, Park) reports on questions over the expanded use of statins as recommended last year by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology for “people with no history of a heart attack or other heart problems, but who had troubling signs that they might in the future.” Now “experts” are said to be warning that the benefits from statins for this population “don’t outweigh the risks,” of side effects including muscle problems, increased risk of diabetes for those with risk factors, and “growing reports from statin users that the medications put them in a fog and contribute to memory loss.” Though the article says that some of these negative reports may not be dispositive, the conclusion is that diet and exercise are of greater benefit than taking statins.
Being Underweight Deadlier than Being Obese
People who are underweight have a higher risk of dying than people who are severely obese.
New research suggests that being very thin may be even deadlier than being very fat. Dr Joel Ray, a physician-researcher at St Michael's Hospital in Toronto (Canada), and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of 51 studies evaluating the links between body mass index (BMI) and death from any cause. Results showed that adults who are underweight (a BMI of 18.5 or less) have a 1.8-times higher risk of dying compared to adults with a "normal" BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. In comparison, people who are obese (BMI of 30-34.9) were found to have a 1.2-times higher risk of dying, while people who are severely obese (a BMI of 35 or higher) were found to have a 1.3-times higher risk of dying. The relationship between being underweight and the higher risk of dying remained true even when factors such as smoking, alcohol use or lung disease were taken into account, and when adults with a chronic or terminal illness were excluded. "BMI reflects not only body fat, but also muscle mass. If we want to continue to use BMI in health care and public health initiatives, we must realize that a robust and healthy individual is someone who has a reasonable amount of body fat and also sufficient bone and muscle," said Dr Ray. "If our focus is more on the ills of excess body fat, then we need to replace BMI with a proper measure, like waist circumference."
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-03/smh-upa032614.php
The effect of ginger powder supplementation on insulin resistance and glycemic indices in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 05/11/2014 Clinical Article
Mozaffari–Khosravi H, et al. – The study aims to identify the effect of some herbal products on insulin resistance. Regarding the scientific evidences existing about ginger, this research was therefore carried out to identify the effect of ginger supplementation on insulin resistance and glycemic indices in diabetes mellitus. The study demonstrated that daily consumption of 3 one–gram capsules of ginger powder for 8 weeks is useful for patients with type 2 diabetes due to FBS and HbA1c reduction and improvement of insulin resistance indices such as QUICKI index.
Methods
This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which 88 participants affected by diabetes were randomly assigned into ginger (GG) and placebo (PG) groups.
The GG received 3 one-gram capsules containing ginger powder whereas the PG received 3 one-gram microcrystalline-containing capsules daily for 8 weeks.
HbA1c, fructosamine, fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), β-cell function (β%), insulin sensitivity (S%) and the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were assessed before and after the intervention.
Results
FBS mean showed a decrease of 10.5% (p=0.003) in the GG whereas the mean had an increase of 21% in the PG (p=0.01).
Variation in HbA1c mean was in line with that of FBS.
Statistical difference was found in the two groups before and after the intervention in terms of median of fasting insulin level, S% and HOMA-IR (P<0.005). Moreover QUICKI mean increased significantly in the two groups, the mean difference, however, was significantly higher in the GG.
CONCLUSIONS:
The study demonstrated that daily consumption of 3 one-gram capsules of ginger powder for 8 weeks is useful for patients with type 2 diabetes due to FBS and HbA1c reduction and improvement of insulin resistance indices such as QUICKI index.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24559810
Incidence of Lactic Acidosis in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes With and Without Renal Impairment Treated With Metformin: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether the use of metformin in type 2 diabetic patients with various kidney functions is associated with an increased risk of lactic acidosis (LA).
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This study was a retrospective analysis of U.K. patient records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink database from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2012. Inclusion criteria were 1) diagnosis of type 2 diabetes before 1 January 2007, 2) treatment with metformin, and 3) at least one assessment of renal function between 2007 and 2012. Renal function was assessed by glomerular filtration rate and categorized as normal (N), mildly reduced (Mi), moderately reduced (Mo), or severely reduced (Se) function. The outcome of the study was LA.
RESULTS A total of 77,601 patients treated with metformin for type 2 diabetes were identified. There were 35 LA events (10.37 [95% CI 7.22–14.42] per 100,000 patient-years) of which none were fatal and 23 were linked to a comorbidity. No significant difference in the incidence of LA was observed across N, Mi, Mo and Se renal function groups (7.6 [0.9–27.5], 4.6 [2.00–9.15], 17 [10.89–25.79], and 39 [4.72–140.89] cases per 100,000 patient-years, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS The overall LA incidence rate for patients on metformin in this study was within the range of rates reported in the literature for patients with type 2 diabetes, and no significant difference was observed among patients with N, Mi, Mo, and Se function.
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2014/05/21/dc14-0464.short
Melatonin in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: Associations with mood, sleep, climacteric symptoms, and quality of life
Menopause, 04/30/2014 Clinical Article
Toffol E, et al. – The aims of this study were to compare the serum concentrations of melatonin in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women and to evaluate melatonin's influence on mood, sleep, vasomotor symptoms, and quality of life. They concluded that the longitudinal research is needed to better understand the possible contributory role of menopause in lower melatonin levels.
Methods
Authors analyzed the data of 17 healthy perimenopausal women (aged 43–51 y) and 18 healthy postmenopausal women (aged 58–71 y) who participated in a prospective study.
On study night (9:00 pm–9:00 am), serum melatonin was sampled at 20–minute (9:00 pm–12:00 midnight; 6:00–9:00 am) and 1–hour (12:00 midnight–6:00 am) intervals.
Questionnaires were used to assess depression (Beck Depression Inventory), anxiety (State–Trait Anxiety Inventory), insomnia and sleepiness (Basic Nordic Sleep Questionnaire [BNSQ]), subjective sleep quality, vasomotor symptoms, and quality of life (EuroQoL).
Results
Postmenopausal women had lower nighttime serum melatonin concentrations than perimenopausal women.
The duration of melatonin secretion tended to be shorter in postmenopause, whereas melatonin peak time did not differ.
Mean melatonin concentrations and exposure levels did not correlate with follicle–stimulating hormone level, estradiol level, body mass index, Beck Depression Inventory score, State–Trait Anxiety Inventory score, BNSQ insomnia score, BNSQ sleepiness score, subjective sleep score, climacteric vasomotor score, or quality of life.
In perimenopause, the later is the melatonin peak, the higher is the level of anxiety (P = 0.022), and the longer is the melatonin secretion, the better is the quality of life (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS:
Longitudinal research is needed to better understand the possible contributory role of menopause in lower melatonin levels.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24065140
US Life Expectancy Now at 78.7 Years
Americans are enjoying continuation of the steady increase that started 50 years ago.
Life expectancy, the number of years that an individual is expected to live as determined by statistics, is on the rise in the United States. Americans born in 2009 can expect to live 78.5 years, up from 78.1 years just one year prior. For males, life expectancy rose from 75.6 years for those born in 2008 to 76 years for those born in 2009. For females, it went from 80.6 years to 80.9 years. In that life expectancy may be largely influenced by advances in medicine and the public health system, experts attribute much of the continued increase in life expectancy to better treatment of cardiovascular disease.
http://consumer.healthday.com/public-health-information-30/centers-for-disease-control-news-120/americans-living-longer-than-ever-683595.html
Patent foramen ovale and migraine attacks: A systematic review
American Journal of Medicine, 05/16/2014 Evidence Based Medicine Review Article
Lip PZY, et al. – This systematic review demonstrates firstly that migraine headache attack is associated with a higher prevalence of patent foramen ovale than among the general population. Observational data suggest that some improvement of migraine would be observed if the patent foramen ovale were to be closed.
Methods
An electronic literature search was performed to select studies between January 1980 and February 2013 that were relevant to the prevalence of patent foramen ovale and migraine, and the effects of intervention(s) on migraine attacks.
Of the initial 368 articles presented by the initial search, 20 satisfied the inclusion criteria assessing patent foramen ovale prevalence in migraineurs and 21 presented data on patent foramen ovale closure.
Results
In case series and cohort studies, patent foramen ovale prevalence in migraineurs ranged from 14.6% to 66.5%.
Case–control studies reported a prevalence ranging from 16.0% to 25.7% in controls, compared with 26.8% to 96.0% for migraine with aura.
The extent of improvement or resolution of migraine headache attack symptoms was variable.
In case series, intervention ameliorated migraine headache attack in 13.6% to 92.3% of cases.
One single randomized trial did not show any benefit from patent foramen ovale closure.
The data overall do not exclude the possibility of a placebo effect for resolving migraine following patent foramen ovale closure.
CONCLUSION:
This systematic review demonstrates firstly that migraine headache attack is associated with a higher prevalence of patent foramen ovale than among the general population. Observational data suggest that some improvement of migraine would be observed if the patent foramen ovale were to be closed. A proper assessment of any interventions for patent foramen ovale closure would require further large randomized trials to be conducted given uncertainties from existing trial data.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24355354
The Diabetes – Cancer Link
Death rates are higher among cancer patients who also have diabetes.
Pre-existing diabetes may increase the death risk of cancer patients; this excess mortality is larger among patients with diabetes treated with insulin. Kristina Ranc, from the Steno Diabetes Center (Denmark), and colleagues assessed all patients diagnosed with cancer in Denmark between 1995 and 2009 -- a total of 426,129 patients had incident cancer and 42,205 had diabetes before their cancer diagnosis. The team found that cancer patients with diabetes had higher overall mortality than those without diabetes, and this was the case for all cancers combined as well as for most individual cancer sites. Further, the researchers found that the risk appeared highest for diabetic cancer patients treated with oral diabetes drugs or insulin, and when assessed further, insulin-treated patients were at highest risk. Observing that: “Our study provides strong evidence that cancer patients with pre-existing diabetes experience higher mortality than cancer patients without diabetes,” the study authors posit that: “The higher mortality seen among cancer patients treated with [oral diabetes drugs] or insulin is in accordance with the existing evidence that more intensive diabetes treatment reflects a larger degree of comorbidity at the time of cancer diagnosis, and hence poorer survival.”
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Endocrinology/Diabetes/44761
Peach Compounds Inhibit Breast Cancer Growth
Compounds in peaches may inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells and their ability to spread.
Compounds found in peaches have been shown to inhibit both the growth of breast cancer cells and their ability to spread (metastasize). Dr. Luis Cisneros-Zevallos, a food scientist at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, and colleagues at both Texas A&M and Washington State University, implanted aggressive breast cancer cells under the skin of mice. After giving the cells a week to establish, the researchers began feeding the mice varying doses of peach polyphenols. Results showed that the mice fed with high-levels of polyphenols had tumors that grew less and without much of the blood vessel formation that helps cancer cells spread to other parts of the body. Furthermore, the tumors of the mice fed high-levels of the polyphenols also had less evidence of enzymes involved in the spread and invasion of cancer. “After determining the dose necessary to see the effects in mice, it was calculated that for humans it would be equivalent to consuming two to three peaches per day," said Dr Cisneros-Zevallos. Study co-author Giuliana Noratto, assistant professor of food science at Washington State University, said that the results emphasize the role of good nutrition in cancer prevention. "Having enough fruits and vegetables that can provide these compounds in our diet, we might have a similar preventive effect," said Noratto. "We are great believers that you can cure yourself by having a good diet and a good supply of medicinal plants."
Bigger Muscles Linked to Lower Risk of Dying
Older people who have above-average muscle mass also have a significantly lower risk of dying from all-causes.
Recent study results suggest that the more muscle mass an older person has, the less likely they are to die prematurely. Dr Preethi Srikanthan, an assistant clinical professor in the endocrinology division at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and colleagues analyzed body composition data obtained from 3,659 men (aged 55 and over) and women (aged 65 and over) who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III, between 1988 and 1994. The authors then determined how many of the participants had died from natural causes based on a follow-up survey carried out in 2004. Results showed that all-cause mortality was significantly lower in participants with the highest muscle mass index than it was in participants with the lowest muscle mass. "In other words, the greater your muscle mass, the lower your risk of death," said study co-author Dr. Arun Karlamangla, an associate professor in the geriatrics division at UCLA. "Thus, rather than worrying about weight or body mass index, we should be trying to maximize and maintain muscle mass."
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-03/uoc--oab031314.php
Exercise Stimulates Stem Cells
Moderate exercise helps to regenerate muscle mass, in a lab animal model.
Vast evidence demonstrates the beneficial effects of physical activity on weight, heart health, and other key aspects of health and wellness. University of Utah (Utah, USA) researchers report that moderate exercise helps to regenerate muscle mass, in a lab animal model. Typically, regeneration, maintenance and repair of adult skeletal muscle damage due to aging and/or chronic stress states require activation of satellite cells (stem cells). Rajasekaran Namakkal Soorappan and colleagues found that aged mice lacking Nrf2 that underwent two weeks of endurance exercise stress on treadmills showed poor stem cell regeneration, which is likely to hinder the recovery of lost muscle mass. Nrf2 is protein that regulates the production of antioxidants in the body. In the group that couldn't produce Nrf2, endurance exercise stress on the treadmills affected stem cell protein expression and limited skeletal muscle regenerative capacity. Commenting that: "Physical activity is the key to everything," the lead investigator submits that: “we believe that moderate exercise could be one of the key ways to induce stem cells to regenerate especially during senescence."
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-03/uouh-loa030814.php
Post-Exercise Hormone Predicts Biological Age
Irisin, a hormone released from muscle after exercise, correlates to telomere length.
In that calorie restriction has been observed to extend lifespan in mammals, irisin – a newly-identified hormone released from muscle after exercise – is thought to induce similar effects by increasing adipose tissue will energy expenditure by adipose tissue. James Brown, from Aston (University United Kingdom), and colleagues enrolled 81 healthy men and women, ages 18 to 83 years with a mean body mass index (BMI) of between 20 and 30 kg/m2, in a study to assess whether a molecular link exists between circulating irisin levels and the length of telomeres – the endcaps of chromosomes which are thought to be a marker of aging. The team found that those subjects with higher levels of Irisin also had longer telomeres. Writing that: "relative telomere length can be predicted by age and plasma irisin levels,” the study authors conclude that: "irisin may have a role in the modulation of both energy balance and the ageing process.”
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-02-hormone-biological-age.html
Vitamin A Transforms Pre-Cancerous Cells Back to Healthy Cells
A derivative of vitamin A has been shown to revert pre-cancerous breast cells back into normal, healthy breast cells.
Retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A found abundantly in sweet potato and carrots, has been shown to transform pre-cancerous breast cells back into their normal, healthy state. Sandra V. Fernandez, Ph.D., assistant research professor of medical oncology at Thomas Jefferson University, and colleagues, evaluated the effect of retinoic acid on 4 types of cells, each one representing a different stage of breast cancer: normal, pre-cancerous, cancerous, and a fully aggressive model. Results showed that the retinoic acid had a marked effect upon the pre-cancerous cells, not only making them look like healthy cells again, but also reverting their genetic signature back to normal. However, cells that were considered fully cancerous did not respond at all to retinoic acid, thus suggesting that there may only be a small window of opportunity for retinoic acid to be helpful in preventing cancer progression. In addition, only one concentration of retinoic acid (about 1 micro Molar) produced the anti-cancer effects – lower concentrations had no effect and higher concentrations produced a smaller effect. After the success of this study, the researchers are hoping to determine whether the amount of retinoic acid required can be maintained in an animal model.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-03/tju-cva033114.php
Improving Six Risk Factors Could Delay 37 Million Deaths
Achieving global targets for six modifiable risk factors could delay or prevent roughly 37 million deaths over 15 years, according to a Lancetstudy.
Researchers used country data on mortality to estimate the effects of achieving the following targets:
reducing prevalence of tobacco use by 30%
reducing per-person alcohol consumption by 10%
reducing mean population consumption of salt by 30%
reducing prevalence of hypertension by 25%
stopping the increase in diabetes prevalence
stopping the increase in obesity prevalence
If all six targets are achieved by 2025, it could lead to a roughly 20% reduction in the probability of premature death (ages 30 to 70) from four noncommunicable diseases. The largest benefits, the authors write, would come from reducing tobacco use and blood pressure.
A commentator writes: "These are remarkable potential health gains in view of the highly cost-effective interventions available, which could be readily scaled up in all countries."
Lancet article
Night eating in patients with type 2 diabetes. Associations with glycemic control, eating patterns, sleep, and mood
Appetite, 05/09/2014 Clinical Article
Hood MM, et al. – Night eating is a complex behavior associated with disruptions in eating, sleep, and mood regulation. While night eating has been associated with alterations in neuroendocrine functioning, night eating and Night Eating Syndrome (NES) are not well understood in patients with prevalent metabolic conditions, such as diabetes. Increasing understanding of the relationship between night eating and metabolic and psychosocial functioning in patients with diabetes may provide new avenues for treatment of these patients.
Methods
In this study, 194 adults with Type 2 diabetes completed questionnaires assessing night eating symptoms as well as eating, sleep, and depressive symptoms.
Glycemic control data, as measured by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), were gathered from patient medical charts.
Results
Results indicated that 7% of participants met criteria for NES.
Increased symptoms of night eating were associated with poorer glycemic control and disruptions in eating, sleep, and mood, including significantly increased likelihood of having HbA1c levels >7% and endorsing clinical levels of depressive symptoms.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24751916
A randomized controlled trial to investigate the impact of a low glycemic index (GI) diet on body mass index in obese adolescents Full Text
BMC Public Health, 05/01/2014 Clinical Article
Kong APS, et al. – Authors aim to evaluate the impact of low GI diet versus a conventional Chinese diet on the body mass index (BMI) and other obesity indices of obese adolescents. Low GI diet in the context of a comprehensive lifestyle modification program may be an alternative to conventional diet in the management of obese adolescents.
Methods
Obese adolescents aged 15–18 years were identified from population–recruited, territory–wide surveys.
Obesity was defined as BMI ≥95th percentile of Hong Kong local age– and sex–specific references.
Eligible subjects were randomized to either an intervention with low GI diet (consisting of 45–50% carbohydrate, 30–35% fat and 15–20% protein) or conventional Chinese diet as control (consisting of 55–60% carbohydrate, 25–30% fat and 10–15% protein).
Authors used random intercept mixed effects model to compare the differential changes across the time points from baseline to month 6 between the 2 groups.
Results
104 obese adolescents were recruited (52 in low GI group and 52 in control group; 43.3% boys).
Mean age was 16.7 ± 1.0 years and 16.8 ±1.0 years in low GI and control group respectively.
58.7% subjects completed the study at 6 months (65.4% in low GI group and 51.9% in control group).
After adjustment for age and sex, subjects in the low GI group had a significantly greater reduction in obesity indices including BMI, body weight and waist circumference (WC) compared to subjects in the control group (all p <0.05).
After further adjustment for physical activity levels, WC was found to be significantly lower in the low GI group compared to the conventional group (p = 0.018).
CONCLUSION:
Low GI diet in the context of a comprehensive lifestyle modification program may be an alternative to conventional diet in the management of obese adolescents.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24552366
Spironolactone for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
New England Journal of Medicine, 04/11/2014 Evidence Based Medicine Clinical Article
Pitt B, et al. – Mineralocorticoid–receptor antagonists improve the prognosis for patients with heart failure and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Authors evaluated the effects of spironolactone in patients with heart failure and a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. In patients with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction, treatment with spironolactone did not significantly reduce the incidence of the primary composite outcome of death from cardiovascular causes, aborted cardiac arrest, or hospitalization for the management of heart failure.
Methods
In this randomized, double–blind trial, authors assigned 3445 patients with symptomatic heart failure and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 45% or more to receive either spironolactone (15 to 45 mg daily) or placebo.
The primary outcome was a composite of death from cardiovascular causes, aborted cardiac arrest, or hospitalization for the management of heart failure.
Results
With a mean follow–up of 3.3 years, the primary outcome occurred in 320 of 1722 patients in the spironolactone group (18.6%) and 351 of 1723 patients in the placebo group (20.4%) (hazard ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77 to 1.04; P=0.14).
Of the components of the primary outcome, only hospitalization for heart failure had a significantly lower incidence in the spironolactone group than in the placebo group (206 patients [12.0%] vs. 245 patients [14.2%]; hazard ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.99, P=0.04).
Neither total deaths nor hospitalizations for any reason were significantly reduced by spironolactone.
Treatment with spironolactone was associated with increased serum creatinine levels and a doubling of the rate of hyperkalemia (18.7%, vs. 9.1% in the placebo group) but reduced hypokalemia.
With frequent monitoring, there were no significant differences in the incidence of serious adverse events, a serum creatinine level of 3.0 mg per deciliter (265 (mu)mol per liter) or higher, or dialysis.
CONCLUSIONS:
In patients with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction, treatment with spironolactone did not significantly reduce the incidence of the primary composite outcome of death from cardiovascular causes, aborted cardiac arrest, or hospitalization for the management of heart failure. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; TOPCAT ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00094302.).
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24716680
Watermelon Extract Lowers Blood Pressure
Watermelon may significantly reduce blood pressure in obese people.
Recent study results suggest that watermelon may help to lower blood pressure in people who are obese. Arturo Figueroa, an associate professor in nutrition, food, and exercise sciences at Florida State University, and colleagues carried out a 12-week study focused on 13 middle-aged, obese men and women who also had high blood pressure. The group was divided into 2, and for the first 6-weeks, one group was given a watermelon extract containing the amino acids 4 g L-citrulline and 2 g L-arginine each day. The other group was given a placebo for 6-weeks. After 6-weeks, the groups switched over for the second 6-weeks. During the study participants had to refrain from taking any anti-hypertensive medication or making any significant changes in their lifestyle. Results showed that consuming the amino acids from the watermelon reduced aortic blood pressure and myocardial oxygen demand both at rest and while under stress.
http://news.fsu.edu/More-FSU-News/Chowing-down-on-watermelon-could-lower-blood-pressure
Dietary Fiber After MI Linked to Improved Survival
Consuming more dietary fiber after myocardial infarction is associated with a reduced risk for death, a BMJ study finds.
Researchers analyzed long-term data about diet and other risk factors from more than 4000 healthcare professionals who had an MI. Nine years after the MI, people who were in the highest quintile of fiber consumption had a 25% lower risk for death from any cause. Overall, there was a 15% reduction in mortality risk associated with every 10-g/day increase in fiber intake.
The strongest association was observed for fiber derived from cereals and grains. A strong benefit was also found for people with the largest increases in fiber consumption after their MI. The findings remained significant after adjustment for other factors known to influence survival after MI. However, the authors acknowledge that they were unable to "fully adjust for all known or unknown healthy lifestyle changes."
The authors note that less than 5% of people in the U.S. consume the minimum recommended amount of fiber (25 g/day for women and 38 g/day for men).
BMJ article
FDA Approves New Omega-3 Supplement
The FDA has approved a new omega-3 supplement (brand name, Epanova) to treat adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia, defined as triglyceride levels 500 mg/dL or higher.
In its announcement, the manufacturer said that Epanova is the first omega-3 formulation approved by the FDA in free fatty acid form. It will be available in 1-g capsules and has been approved for 2-g and 4-g dosages, which can be taken with or without food.
There are currently two other prescription formulations of omega-3 supplements on the market: Lovaza and Vascepa. All three are approved only for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia, though studies of expanded indications are underway.
Manufacturer's press release (Free)
Thyroid hormone and seasonal rhythmicity
Frontiers in Endocrinology, 04/30/2014 Review Article
Dardente H, et al. – Living organisms show seasonality in a wide array of functions such as reproduction, fattening, hibernation, and migration. At temperate latitudes, changes in photoperiod maintain the alignment of annual rhythms with predictable changes in the environment. The authors also focus on recent findings which indicate that, beyond the photoperiodic control of its conversion, thyroid hormone (TH) might also be involved in longer–term timing processes of seasonal programs. Finally, they examine the potential implication of kisspeptin and RFRP3, two RF–amide peptides expressed within the medio–basal hypothalamus (MBH), in seasonal rhythmicity.
The Skinny on Pistachios
Consuming pistachio nuts may improve cardiovascular markers, without causing weight gain.
Containing more than 10% of the Daily Value of fiber and essential vitamins and minerals, pistachios are a naturally low-fat, cholesterol free snack. Bonny Burns-Whitmore, from California State Polytechnic University (California, USA), and colleagues recruited a group f 48 healthy young women, average age 21 years, to consume a diet to which pistachios were added (to comprise 20% of daily calories), for a ten-week period. The study authors report that: “Inclusion of 20% of Kcals as pistachios in the diet does not contribute to weight gain or body fat changes, and may even potentially improve blood lipids and [blood pressure].”
The Essentiality of Selenium
Proteins containing selenium exert an important antioxidant role in human health.
Selenium is a mineral that plays a role in aging, cancer and chronic diseases, with selenoproteins – proteins that incorporate selenium through the use of an amino acid – now identified as having an important role in antioxidant defense mechanisms. Sharon Rozovsky, from the University of Delaware (Delaware, USA), and colleagues employed state-of-the-science analysis techniques to study selenium in redox biology, revealing the molecular basis by which selenoproteins exert their antioxidant effects.
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-04-antioxidant-role-proteins-selenium.html
Caffeine May Lower Erectile Dysfunction Prevalence
ORLANDO—Drinking caffeinated beverages may be associated with a lower likelihood of erectile dysfunction (ED), according to study findings presented at the American Urological Association 2014 annual meeting.
David S. Lopez, DrPH, MPH, MS, of the University of Texas Medical School in Houston, and colleagues analyzed data from 3,724 men aged 20 years and older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2004), a cross-sectional survey of the general U.S. population. The researchers looked at 24-hour dietary recall to estimate intake of caffeine and caffeinated beverages.
Overall, men in the 3rd quintile of total caffeine intake (85-170 mg/day) and the 4th quintile (171-303 mg/day) were less likely to report ED compared with men in the first (reference) quintile (0-7 mg/day).
Among overweight and obese men and those with hypertension, the researchers found a significantly decreased likelihood of reported ED among men in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th quintiles compared with the reference quartile, after adjusting for multiple variables.
The authors concluded that total caffeine intake equivalent to about 2-3 cups of coffee (250-375 mg/day) is associated with a significantly lower likelihood to report ED.
Dr. Lopez's team noted that their study is strengthened by the use of a large representative sample of men in the U.S. and validated dietary recall methodology from NHANES. As NHANES is a cross-sectional study, they cannot infer causality or suggest a clinical practice change, the researchers pointed out.
High-Intensity Interval Exercise Improves Glycemic Control
In individuals with insulin resistance, short bursts of intense exercise may be an effective alternative to a prolonged bout of continuous, moderate exercise for improving glycemic control, according to research published online inDiabetologia.
Monique E. Francois, of the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, and colleagues assigned nine individuals with insulin resistance to 3 exercise interventions (before meals) in randomized order: 30 minutes of continuous, moderate-intensity incline walking (CONT); exercise snacking (ES) consisting of 6 1-minute intervals of intense incline walking; or composite ES consisting of 6 1-minute intervals of alternating walking and resistance training (CES).
The researchers found that ES reduced mean 3-hour postprandial glucose concentration following breakfast (by 1.4 mmol/L) but not following lunch (by 0.4 mmol/L). ES was more effective than CONT in reducing mean 3-hour postprandial glucose concentration following dinner (lower by 0.7 mmol/L). ES reduced 24-hour mean glucose concentration by 0.7 mmol/L, and this reduction continued for the next 24 hours (lower by 0.6 mmol/L than CONT relative to their baseline values). CES was as effective for improving glycemic control as ES.
"Dosing exercise as brief, intense 'exercise snacks' before main meals is a time-efficient and effective approach to improve glycemic control in individuals with insulin resistance," the authors wrote.
This article originally appeared here.
Serum Marker Predicts Cardiovascular Events in Diabetes
Elevated levels of polyclonal serum immunoglobulin combined free light chains (cFLCs) may indicate adversecardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to study findings published online in Diabetes Care.
Srikanth Bellary, MBBS, of Aston University in Birmingham, U.K., and colleagues conducted a cohort study of 352 South Asian patients with type 2 diabetes to assess the association between cFLCs and cardiovascular disease events. Among patients with type 2 diabetes who had CVD events during two years of follow-up, cFLC levels were significantly elevated in 8% (50.7 vs. 42.8 mg/L). On multivariable analysis, elevated cFLC level (greater than 57.2 mg/L) was associated with a significant 3-fold increased odds of adverse CVD outcomes. This association remained significant after adjustment for age, albumin-to-creatinine ratio, diabetes duration, or treatment.
"cFLC elevation is a novel marker for CVD outcomes in type 2 diabetes that warrants further investigation," the authors wrote.
Updated Guidelines for Preventing Recurrent Stroke
The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association have released updated guidelines for preventing recurrent stroke in patients who've experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack.
Here are a few of the changes from the groups' 2011 guidelines:
Systolic blood pressure below 140 mm Hg and diastolic pressure below 90 mm Hg are reasonable goals.
Vitamin K antagonist therapy, apixaban, and dabigatran are indicated to prevent recurrent stroke in patients who have nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, while rivaroxaban is considered a reasonable option.
For patients over age 70, carotid endarterectomy may have better outcomes than carotid angioplasty with stenting. In younger patients, the two approaches are similar in their risks for perioperative complications and long-term ipsilateral stroke.
Additional recommendations on medical and surgical management are included.
Stroke article (Free PDF)
Effects of pomegranate juice consumption on inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 05/11/2014 Clinical Article
Sohrab G, et al. – Diabetes causes the increased concentration of circulatory cytokines as a result of inflammation. Considering that pomegranate juice (PJ) is known to have antioxidant and anti–inflammatory properties, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of PJ consumption on markers of inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). PJ consumption by patients with T2D does not affect FPG or the insulin resistance index (HOMA–IR), whereas it does reduce Interlukin–6 and hs–CRP concentrations in plasma. Therefore, PJ consumption may have an anti–inflammatory effect in patients with T2D.
Methods
In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial study, 50 patients with T2D (40-65 years old) were randomly assigned to one of two groups.
Participants in each group received either 250 mL/day PJ or a control beverage for 12 weeks.
Biochemical markers including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin and inflammatory markers were assayed on the baseline and follow-up blood samples.
Results
In all,44 patients in two groups were included in the analysis: PJ (n = 22) and placebo (n = 22).
After 12 weeks of intervention, in the PJ group, there were 32% and 30% significant decreases in plasma C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and Interlukin-6, respectively (P < 0.05).
The mean ± SD plasma interlukin-6 (7.1 ± 5.6 vs. 11.9 ± 14.4 mg/L) and hs-CRP (1791 ± 1657 and 1953 ± 1561 ng/mL) concentrations in the PJ group were significantly lower than the placebo group after intervention (P < 0.05).
"Exercise Snacking" Improves Glycemic Control
(HealthDay News) — In individuals with insulin resistance, short bursts of intense exercise may be an effective alternative to a prolonged bout of continuous, moderate exercise for improving glycemic control, according to research published online May 8 in Diabetologia.
Monique E. Francois, of the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, and colleagues assigned nine individuals with insulin resistance to three exercise interventions (before meals) in randomized order: 30 minutes of continuous, moderate-intensity incline walking (CONT); exercise snacking (ES) consisting of six one-minute intervals of intense incline walking; or composite ES consisting of six one-minute intervals of alternating walking and resistance training (CES).
The researchers found that ES reduced mean three-hour postprandial glucose concentration following breakfast (by 1.4±1.5mmol/L; P=0.02) but not following lunch (by 0.4±1.0mmol/L; P=0.22). ES was more effective than CONT in reducing mean three-hour postprandial glucose concentration following dinner (lower by 0.7±1.5mmol/L; P=0.04). ES reduced 24-hour mean glucose concentration by 0.7±0.6mmol/L (P=0.01), and this reduction continued for the next 24 hours (lower by 0.6±0.4mmol/L than CONT relative to their baseline values; P=0.01). CES was as effective for improving glycemic control as ES (P>0.05 for all glycemic variables).
"Dosing exercise as brief, intense 'exercise snacks' before main meals is a time-efficient and effective approach to improve glycemic control in individuals with insulin resistance," the authors write.
Abstract
4) Full Text Articles (823) Top Read since last login Focus on Dementia Article Summary
Screening Older Adults for Cognitive Impairment
Jamaluddin Moloo, MD, MP Reviewing Moyer VA et al., Ann Intern Med 2014 Mar 25;
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force finds the evidence inconclusive to support or reject such screening.
Sponsoring Organization: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
Target Audience: Primary care clinicians
Background and Objective
The prevalence of dementia increases from 5% among people in their 70s to 24% among people in their 80s. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) does not affect activities of daily living and is more difficult to quantify on a population basis — estimates range from 3% to 42% in older adults (age, ≥65). In this review, the USPSTF updates its 2003 recommendation (Ann Intern Med 2003; 138:925) on screening for dementia (but not MCI) in community-dwelling asymptomatic older adults.
Key Points
—Risks for MCI or dementia
Age is the strongest predictor for cognitive impairment. Other risk factors include cardiovascular diseases, head trauma, learning disabilities, depression, alcohol abuse, physical frailty, low education level, and never being married.
Some data suggest that specific lifestyle factors can lower risk for cognitive impairment. Examples include adherence to a Mediterranean diet or a diet high in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, and cognitive engagement.
—Screening tests: The most commonly used test is the Mini-Mental State Examination, with a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 86% for detecting cognitive impairment.
—Interventions: Many pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions for mild-to-moderate dementia yielded statistically significant benefits that were of unknown clinical importance.
—The USPSTF concluded that evidence is insufficient to make a recommendation on screening for MCI or early dementia (Grade: I [no recommendation]).
What's Changed
In its 2003 review, the Task Force didn't evaluate MCI. However, the 2003 group also concluded that evidence was insufficient to make a recommendation on dementia screening.
Long-term metformin usage and cognitive function among older adults with diabetes
Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 05/09/2014 Clinical Article
Ng TP, et al. – Evidence strongly supports the important role of insulin resistance in cognitive decline and dementia and suggests that insulin sensitizers may protect against cognitive decline in diabetic and pre–diabetic individuals. No significant interactive effects of metformin use with APOE–ε4, depression, or fasting glucose level were observed. Among individuals with diabetes, long–term treatment with metformin may reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Methods
The authors studied 365 older persons aged 55 and over in the population-based Singapore Longitudinal Aging Study with diabetes who were followed up over 4 years.
The odds ratios (OR) of association of metformin use (n = 204) versus non-use (n = 161) with cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Exam ≤ 23), and by duration: up to 6 years (n = 114) and more than 6 years (n = 90) were evaluated in cross-sectional and longitudinal multivariate analyses.
Controlling for age, education, diabetes duration, fasting blood glucose, vascular and non-vascular risk factors, metformin use showed a significant inverse association with cognitive impairment in longitudinal analysis (OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.25–0.95).
Results
Metformin use showed significant linear trends of association across duration of use in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses (p = 0.018 and p = 0.002, respectively), with use for more than 6 years significantly associated with lowest risk of cognitive impairment in both cross-sectional analysis (OR = 0.30, 95% CI 0.11–0.80) and in longitudinal analysis (OR = 0.27, 95% CI 0.12–0.60).
Among individuals with diabetes, long-term treatment with metformin may reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Further studies should establish the role of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, and the protective role of metformin in the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24577463
Donepezil and life expectancy in Alzheimer's disease Full Text
BMC Neurology, 05/09/2014 Clinical Article
Meguro K, et al. – The authors found a positive effect of donepezil on lifetime expectancy after onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This may be due to a decreased mortality rate caused by reduction of concomitant diseases such as pneumonia. The similar life expectancies in patients taking donepezil at home and those not taking donepezil in a nursing home indicated a positive health economic effect of the drug.
Methods
All outpatients at the Tajiri Clinic from 1999–2012 with available medical records and death certificates were included in a retrospective analysis.
The entry criteria were a dementia diagnosis based on DSM–IV criteria and diagnosis of AD using NINCDS–ADRDA criteria; medical treatment for more than 3 months; and follow up until less than 1 year before death.
Results
The authors identified 390 subjects with medical records and death certificates, of whom 275 had a diagnosis of dementia that met the entry criteria.
Of 100 patients diagnosed with AD, 52 had taken donepezil and 48 patients had not received the drug due to treatment prior to the introduction of donepezil in 1999 in Japan.
The lifetime expectancies after onset were 7.9 years in the donepezil group and 5.3 years in the non–donepezil group.
There was a significant drug effect with a significant covariate effect of nursing home residency.
Other covariates did not reach a significant level.
CONCLUSIONS:
Although this report has the limitation of all retrospective analyses: the lack of randomization, we found a positive effect of donepezil on lifetime expectancy after onset of AD. This may be due to a decreased mortality rate caused by reduction of concomitant diseases such as pneumonia. The similar life expectancies in patients taking donepezil at home and those not taking donepezil in a nursing home indicated a positive health economic effect of the drug.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24720852
Metformin-Statin Combo Cuts PCa Recurrence Rate
ORLANDO—Diabetic prostate cancer (PCa) patients who take both metformin and a statin may lower their risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy, researchers reported at theAmerican Urological Association 2014 annual meeting.
“Studies on the effect of metformin or statins on BCR in men following radical prostatectomy (RP) have yielded mixed results,” they stated in their study abstract. “Given the variety of pathways by which these drugs are thought to act, we sought to determine if the two drugs have a synergistic effect on BCR.”
Matthew Danzig, MD, and collaborators at Columbia University in New York analyzed data from 3,031 patients who underwent RP from 1987- 2010 and who had at least 6 months of follow-up. They excluded patients who received neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy.
The overall BCR rate was 23.7%. Diabetics had a rate of 30.5%, which was reduced to 28.3% with metformin use and 23.5% with statin use. Combined use further reduced the rate to 15%, similar to the 13% rate observed in non-diabetics who were taking statins.
Statins but not metformin was associated with a reduced BCR rate on univariate analysis, and neither drug individually showed any significant change in multivariate analysis.
“The synergy between these two medications should be considered when designing clinical trials to determine the effect of either drug on PCa progression and survival,” the authors concluded.
Low Testosterone May Signal Need for PCa Reclassification
Men under active surveillance for prostate cancer who have reductions in testosterone levels may be at increased risk for disease reclassification, according to research published inBJU International.
Ignacio F. San Francisco, M.D., of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, and colleagues analyzed data from a cohort of 154 men on active surveillance for prostate cancer to assess the association between testosterone levels and risk of disease reclassification.
The researchers found that patients who had disease that was reclassified, compared with those who did not, had significantly lower levels of free testosterone (0.75 versus 1.02 ng/dL; P = 0.03). A higher rate of reclassification of disease was observed in patients with free testosterone levels <0.45 ng/dL than in those with levels ≥0.45 ng/dL (P = 0.032).
Patients with free testosterone levels <0.45 ng/dL were at increased risk of disease reclassification (odds ratio, 4.3; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.25 to 14.73). Independent predictors of disease reclassification included free testosterone level and family history of prostate cancer.
"Men with moderately severe reductions in free testosterone level are at increased risk of disease reclassification," the authors write.
Conclusions
Free testosterone levels were lower in men with PCa who had reclassification during AS. Men with moderately severe reductions in free testosterone level are at increased risk of disease reclassification.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bju.12682/abstract
AUA Kidney Stone Guidelines Unveiled
The guidelines also recommend that:
All stone formers should be advised to drink enough fluids to achieve a urine volume of at least 2.5 liters daily.
Patients with calcium stones and high urinary calcium should be advised to limit their sodium intake and to consume the recommended daily allowance of calcium of 1,000 to 1,200 mg daily.
Patients with uric acid stones and calcium stones and high urinary uric acid should be advised to limit their intake of non-dairy animal protein. About 30% of urinary uric acid is derived from dietary purine intake, and animal protein accounts for most purine intake, Dr. Pearle noted.
Patients with high urinary calcium and recurrent calcium stones should be offered thiazide diuretics because these medications act directly on the distal renal tubule and indirectly at the proximal renal tubule to promote renal calcium reabsorption.
Patients with recurrent calcium stones and low urinary citrate should be offered potassium citrate because this medication provides an alkali load that promotes a citraturic response and increases urinary inhibitory activity.
Patients with recurrent calcium stones and who have hyperuricosuria should be offered allopurinol.
Thiazide diuretics and/or potassium citrate should be offered to patients with recurrent calcium stones in whom no metabolic abnormality is identified or in whom appropriate metabolic abnormalities have been addressed but stone formation persists.
Allopurinol should not routinely be offered as first-line therapy to patients with uric acid stones. Uric acid nephrolithiasis is primarily a disease of urinary acidification, and at a pH greater than 6 to 6.5, most uric acid will be found in its soluble or dissociated form, and even high amounts of uric acid at these higher urinary pHs will be fully solublized, Dr. Pearle explained.
http://www.renalandurologynews.com/aua-kidney-stone-guidelines-unveiled/article/348309/?DCMP=EMC-RENALUROLOGY_TODAYSUPDATE_cp&CPN=invoneph&spMailingID=8659667&spUserID=MzEwNzk3NDcxNDUS1&spJobID=302425161&spReportId=MzAyNDI1MTYxS0
Industry-Funded Study Finds Diet Soda Consumption Didn't Hinder Weight Loss
Edited by André Sofair, MD, MPH, and William E. Chavey, MD, MS
Patients may ask about a study in Obesity finding that people who drank diet soda while in a weight-loss program lost more weight than those who drank water. The study was funded by the American Beverage Association.
Roughly 300 adults (mean BMI, 33) who regularly drank diet soda were randomized to either continue drinking diet soda (24 ounces daily) or switch to water. Both groups attended weekly behavioral weight-loss meetings.
At 12 weeks, participants in the diet soda group had lost significantly more weight than those in the water group (5.95 kg vs. 4.09 kg). Weekly hunger scores were slightly lower in the diet soda group.
The authors conclude: "These results strongly suggest that [diet sodas] can be part of an effective weight loss strategy and individuals who desire to consume them should not be discouraged from doing so because of concerns that they will undermine short-term weight loss efforts."
Obesity article
Animal protein intake is associated with higher-level functional capacity in elderly adults: The Ohasama study
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 03/05/2014 Clinical Article
Imai E, et al. – This study aims to determine the association between protein intake and risk of higher–level functional decline in older community–dwelling adults. Higher protein, particularly animal protein, was associated with lower risk of decline in higher–level functional capacity in older men. Animal protein intake may be a modifiable indicator for early detection and prevention of higher–level functional decline in elderly adults.
Methods
A prospective study.
Residents (N = 1,007; mean age 67.4 ± 5.5) free of functional decline at baseline; follow–up was conducted for 7 years.
Nutrient and food intakes were determined using a validated 141–item food frequency questionnaire.
Participants were divided into quartiles according to intake levels of total, animal, and plant protein.
Subscales of the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence subscales were used to assess higher–level functional decline.
Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the future risk of higher–level functional decline in relation to protein intake, with lowest protein intake as reference.
Results
During the study period, 24.4% of eligible participants reported declines in higher–level functional capacity.
After adjustment for putative confounding factors, men in the highest quartile of animal protein intake had significantly lower risk of higher–level functional decline than those in the lowest quartile (odds ratio (OR) = 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.20–0.83; P for trend .01).
These associations were not seen in women (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.41–1.34; P for trend .37).
No consistent association was observed between plant protein intake and future higher–level functional decline in either sex.
CONCLUSION:
Higher protein, particularly animal protein, was associated with lower risk of decline in higher-level functional capacity in older men. Animal protein intake may be a modifiable indicator for early detection and prevention of higher-level functional decline in elderly adults.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24576149
Inflammatory markers and risk of hip fracture in older white women: the study of osteoporotic fractures
Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 05/06/2014 Clinical Article
Barbour KE, et al. – Hip fractures are the most devastating consequence of osteoporosis and impact 1 in 6 white women leading to a 2–3 fold increased mortality risk in the first year. Despite evidence of inflammatory markers in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, few studies have examined their effect on hip fracture. Older white women with high inflammatory burden are at increased risk of hip fracture in part due to poor renal function and low bone mineral density (BMD).
Older white women with high inflammatory burden are at increased risk of hip fracture in part due to poor renal function and low BMD.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24723386
t (14) Full Text Articles (823) Top Read since last login Focus on Dementia Article Summary
Vitamin D Blood Levels and Supplementation and Cause-Specific Death
Chowdhury R et al., BMJ 2014 Apr 1; 348:g1903
Vitamin D3 seems like the better choice for supplementation.
Despite considerable research, the health benefits of vitamin D supplementation in the general population remain controversial. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, investigators determined whether blood vitamin D levels and vitamin D supplementation were associated with risk for death.
One analysis involved 73 observational studies (mean follow-up, 0.3–29 years) that involved 850,000 participants (median age, 63; median baseline blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level, 20.7 ng/mL). Overall, compared with participants whose blood 25(OH)D levels were in the top third, those whose levels were in the bottom third had significantly greater risks for cardiovascular (CV)-related death (adjusted relative risk, 1.4), cancer-related death (ARR, 1.1), and all-cause death (ARR, 1.4). For each 10 ng/mL lower increment of 25(OH)D, risk for all-cause death increased by 16%.
Another analysis involved 22 randomized, placebo-controlled trials (31,000 older participants; mean follow-up, 0.4–6.8 years) with data on the effect of vitamin D supplementation on all-cause mortality; 8 trials provided vitamin D2 (dose range, 208–4500 IU/day), and 14 trials provided vitamin D3 (dose range, 10–6000 IU/day). Vitamin D3 supplementation significantly lowered mortality risk (relative risk, 0.9), but vitamin D2 supplementation did not.
In this analysis, the observational data showed an inverse association between blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and death, but reverse causality is possible (i.e., ill people having low vitamin D levels rather than low vitamin D levels causing illness). In randomized trials, vitamin D3supplementation modestly lowered all-cause mortality risk; however, the optimal dose and duration of vitamin D3 supplementation are unknown. Thus, widespread vitamin D supplementation should not be recommended.
Relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis Full Text
Medical Principles and Practice, 05/06/2014 Evidence Based Medicine Clinical Article
Vujosevic S, et al. – The aim of the study was to determine a correlation between the level of 25–hydroxivitamin D (25–OHD) and the incidence of diabetes. This study showed that the patients with postmenopausal OS and hypovitaminosis D, besides a high BMI, elevated triglyceride levels and insulin resistance, had an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Methods
In this prospective observational study, 97 (out of an initial 100) Caucasian women with osteoporosis (OS) were monitored for 2 years for the incidence of diabetes.
Logistic regression analysis was used to establish an association with and prognostic value of vitamin D for the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as insulin resistance, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the development of diabetes.
The serum level of 25–OHD was measured using immunochemiluminescence in March and April 2011.
Results
Of the 97 patients (mean age 51.64 ± 5.86 years, range 36.0–73.0), 21 (21.65%) were diagnosed with diabetes during the observational period.
The study showed that the 22 patients with low levels of vitamin D were more susceptible to diabetes (odds ratio = 0.958).
The cut–off value of vitamin D using a receiver operating characteristic curve was 62.36 nmol/l with a sensitivity of 39.5% and a specificity of 90.5%.
With an increase in BMI and triglyceride levels, women were, respectively, 1,591 and 2,821 times more likely to get diabetes than those without an increase.
Conclusion: This study showed that the patients with postmenopausal OS and hypovitaminosis D, besides a high BMI, elevated triglyceride levels and insulin resistance, had an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24662713
Reduced 25-hydroxyvitamin D and risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia
Alzheimer's & Dementia, 05/09/2014 Clinical Article
Afzal S, et al. – The authors observed an association of reduced plasma 25–hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) with increased risk of the combined end point of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia in this prospective cohort study of the general population.
Methods
The authors measured baseline plasma 25(OH)D in 10,186 white individuals from the Danish general population.
Results
During 30 years of follow-up, 418 participants developed AD and 92 developed vascular dementia.
Multivariable adjusted hazard ratios for AD were 1.25 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95–1.64) for 25(OH)D less than 25 nmol/L vs. greater than or equal to 50 nmol/L, and 1.29 (95% CI, 1.01–1.66) for less than the 25th seasonally adjusted 25(OH)D percentile vs. more than the 50th seasonally adjusted 25(OH)D percentile.
Multivariable adjusted hazard ratios for vascular dementia were 1.22 (95% CI, 0.77–1.91) for 25(OH)D less than 50 nmol/L vs. greater than or equal to 50 nmol/L, and 1.22 (95% CI, 0.79–1.87) for less than or equal to the 50th vs. more than the 50th seasonally adjusted 25(OH)D percentile.
Last, multivariable adjusted hazard ratios for the combined end point were 1.28 (95% CI, 1.00–1.64) for 25(OH)D less than 25 nmol/L vs. greater than or equal to 50 nmol/L, and 1.27 (95% CI, 1.01–1.60) for less than the 25th vs. more than the 50th seasonally adjusted 25(OH)D.
CONCLUSIONS:
We observed an association of reduced plasma 25(OH)D with increased risk of the combined end point of AD and vascular dementia in this prospective cohort study of the general population.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23871764
Vitamin D deficiency in community-acquired pneumonia: Low levels of 1,25(OH)2 D are associated with disease severity Full Text
Respiratory Research, 05/12/2014 Clinical Article
Pletz MW, et al. – For 1,25-OH2, authors found a significant and independent (controlled for age, season and pathogen) negative correlation to pneumonia severity. Supplementation of non–activated vitamin D to protect from pneumonia may be non–sufficient in patients that have a decreased capacity to hydroxylate 25–OH to 1,25–OH2.
Methods
Vitamin D levels (both, the reservoir form 25-OH and the activated form 1,25-OH2) of 300 randomly selected patients with community-acquired pneumonia due to pre-specified pathogens included in the German competence network (CAPNETZ) study were measured.
Prior to statistical analysis, values of 25-OH and 1,25-OH2 were power-transformed to achieve parametric distribution.
All further analyses were performed with seasonally and age adjusted values.
Results
There was only a modest (Spearman Coefficient 0.38) positive correlation between 25-OH and 1,25-OH2.
For 1,25-OH2 but not 25-OH, the general linear model revealed a significant inverse correlation between serum concentration and CURB score (p = 0.011).
Liver and respiratory co-morbidity were associated with significantly lower 25-OH values and renal co-morbidity with significantly lower 1,25-OH2 values.
No significant differences of 1,25-OH2 or 25-OH between different pathogens (influenza virus, Legionella spp., Streptococcus pneumoniae) were detected.
CONCLUSION:
For 1,25-OH2, we found a significant and independent (controlled for age, season and pathogen) negative correlation to pneumonia severity. Therefore, supplementation of non-activated vitamin D to protect from pneumonia may be non-sufficient in patients that have a decreased capacity to hydroxylate 25-OH to 1,25-OH2.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24766747
Vitamin D supplementation and body weight status: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Obesity Reviews, 05/01/2014 Evidence Based Medicine Review Article Clinical Article
Pathak K, et al. – Vitamin D is anticipated to have many extra–skeletal health benefits. The authors questioned whether supplementation with the vitamin influenced body weight and composition. Vitamin D supplementation did not decrease measures of adiposity in the absence of caloric restriction. A potential confounding by age and gender was encountered.
Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on high-quality, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that had supplemented vitamin D without imposing any caloric restriction.
Eighteen trials reporting either body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), percentage fat mass (%FM) or lean body mass (LBM) met the criteria.
Twelve studies provided the required data for the meta-analysis.
Results
Vitamin D supplementation did not influence the standardized mean difference (SMD) for body weight, FM, %FM or LBM.
A small but non-significant decrease in BMI (SMD = -0.097, 95% confidence interval: [-0.210, 0.016], P = 0.092) was observed.
Meta-regression confirmed that neither the absolute vitamin D status achieved nor its change from baseline influenced the SMD of any obesity measure.
However, increasing age of the subjects predicted a shift in the SMD for FM towards the placebo treatment, whereas a greater percentage of women in these studies favoured a decrease in FM following vitamin D.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24528624
Vitamin D supplementation for depressive symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Psychosomatic Medicine, 05/10/2014 Evidence Based Medicine Review Article Clinical Article
Shaffer JA, et al. – The aim of this study was to review the effects of vitamin D supplementation on depressive symptoms in randomized controlled trials. Although low vitamin D levels have been observationally associated with depressive symptoms, the effect of vitamin D supplementation as an antidepressant remains uncertain. Vitamin D supplementation may be effective for reducing depressive symptoms in patients with clinically significant depression; however, further high–quality research is needed.
Methods
MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, PsycINFO, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, and references of included reports (through May 2013) were searched.
Two independent reviewers identified and extracted data from randomized trials that compared the effect of vitamin D supplementation on depressive symptoms to a control condition.
Two additional reviewers assessed study quality using The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.
Seven trials (3191 participants) were included.
Results
Vitamin D supplementation had no overall effect on depressive symptoms (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.33 to 0.05, p = .16), although considerable heterogeneity was observed.
Subgroup analysis showed that vitamin D supplementation for participants with clinically significant depressive symptoms or depressive disorder had a moderate, statistically significant effect (2 studies: SMD, -0.60; 95% CI, -1.19 to -0.01; p = .046), but a small, nonsignificant effect for those without clinically significant depression (5 studies: SMD, -0.04; 95% CI, -0.20 to 0.12; p = .61).
Most trials had unclear or high risk of bias.
Studies varied in the amount, frequency, duration, and mode of delivery of vitamin D supplementation.
CONCLUSIONS:
Vitamin D supplementation may be effective for reducing depressive symptoms in patients with clinically significant depression; however, further high-quality research is needed.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24632894
Plasma vitamin D and prostate cancer risk; results from the selenium and vitamin E cancer prevention trial
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 05/08/2014 Clinical Article
Kristal AR, et al. – The results of this study suggests that both low and high vitamin D concentrations were associated with increased risk of prostate cancer, and more strongly for high–grade disease.
Methods
Data for this case (n=1,731)–cohort (n=3,203) analysis are from the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial.
Cox proportional hazard models were used to test whether baseline plasma vitamin D (25–hydroxy) concentration, adjusted for season of blood collection, was associated with the risk of total and Gleason Score 2–6, 7–10 and 8–10 prostate cancer.
Results
There were U–shaped associations of vitamin D with total cancer risk: compared to the first quintile, hazard ratios were 0.83 (95% CI 0.66–1.03, p=0.092), 0.74 (95% CI 0.59–0.92, p=0.008), 0.86 (95% CI 0.69–1.07, p=0.181) and 0.98 (95% CI 0.78–1.21, p=0.823), for the 2nd through 5th quintiles, respectively.
For Gleason 7–10 cancer, corresponding hazard ratios were 0.63 (95% CI 0.45–0.90, p=0.010), 0.66 (95% CI 0.47–0.92, p=0.016), 0.79 (95% CI 0.56–1.10, p=0.165) and 0.88 (95% CI 0.63–1.22, p=0.436).
Among African American men (n=250 cases), higher vitamin D was associated with reduced risk of Gleason 7–10 cancer only: in the a posteriori contrast of quintiles 1–2 vs 3–5, the hazard ratio was 0.55 (95% CI 0.31–0.97, p=0.037), with no evidence of dose–response or a U–shaped association.
Conclusions:Both low and high vitamin D concentrations were associated with increased risk of prostate cancer, and more strongly for high-grade disease. Impact:The optimal range of circulating vitamin D for prostate cancer prevention may be narrow. Supplementation of men with adequate levels may be harmful.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24732629
Low maternal serum vitamin D during pregnancy and the risk for postpartum depression symptoms
Archives of Women's Mental Health, 05/10/2014 Clinical Article
Robinson M, et al. – The authors hypothesise that low levels of 25(OH)–vitamin D in maternal serum during pregnancy will be associated with a higher incidence of postpartum depressive symptoms. Low vitamin D during pregnancy is a risk factor for the development of postpartum depression symptoms.
The authors prospectively collected sera at 18 weeks gestation from 796 pregnant women in Perth (1989–1992) who were enrolled in the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study and measured levels of 25(OH)–vitamin D.
Women reported postnatal depressive symptoms at 3 days post–delivery.
Women in the lowest quartile for 25(OH)–vitamin D status were more likely to report a higher level of postnatal depression symptoms than women who were in the highest quartile for vitamin D, even after accounting for a range of confounding variables including season of birth, body mass index and sociodemographic factors.
Low vitamin D during pregnancy is a risk factor for the development of postpartum depression symptoms.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24663685
Coffee intake and gastric cancer risk
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 05/08/2014 Clinical Article
Ainslie–Waldman CE, et al. – Despite experimental evidence showing chemopreventive effects of coffee–related compounds on gastric carcinogenesis, epidemiologic studies generally do not support coffee–gastric cancer associations. Observational data are lacking among high–risk populations with sufficient regular coffee consumption. Daily coffee consumption may reduce the risk of gastric cancer in high–risk populations, especially among women.
Methods
Authors examined the association between caffeinated coffee intake and gastric cancer risk in a population–based cohort that enrolled 63,257 Chinese men and women ages 45 to 74 years between 1993 and 1998 in Singapore.
Incident gastric cancer cases (n = 647) were identified after a mean follow–up of 14.7 years.
Biomarkers of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection were measured in a subset of gastric cancer cases with blood collected before cancer diagnosis and their matched controls.
Results
In the total cohort, daily versus nondaily coffee intake was associated with a statistically nonsignificant decrease in gastric cancer risk [HR = 0.85; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.69–1.04].
In women, the inverse association strengthened and reached statistical significance (HR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.46–0.87).
In analyses restricted to never smokers and nondrinkers of alcohol, inverse associations strengthened in the total cohort (HR = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.52–0.91) and in women (HR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.37–0.74).
There was no coffee–gastric cancer risk association among men, regardless of smoking status or alcohol consumption.
Similar results were observed in the nested case–control study after adjustment for H. pylori infection.
CONCLUSION:
Daily coffee consumption may reduce the risk of gastric cancer in high-risk populations, especially among women.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24608187
Adenona detection rate and risk of colorectal cancer and death
New England Journal of Medicine, 05/08/2014 Evidence Based Medicine Clinical Article
Corley DA, et al. – The proportion of screening colonoscopic examinations performed by a physician that detect one or more adenomas (the adenoma detection rate) is a recommended quality measure. However, little is known about the association between this rate and patients' risks of a subsequent colorectal cancer (interval cancer) and death. The adenoma detection rate was inversely associated with the risks of interval colorectal cancer, advanced–stage interval cancer, and fatal interval cancer.
Methods
Using data from an integrated health care delivery organization, authors evaluated the associations between the adenoma detection rate and the risks of colorectal cancer diagnosed 6 months to 10 years after colonoscopy and of cancer–related death.
With the use of Cox regression, the estimates of attributable risk were adjusted for the demographic characteristics of the patients, indications for colonoscopy, and coexisting conditions.
Results
Authors evaluated 314,872 colonoscopies performed by 136 gastroenterologists; the adenoma detection rates ranged from 7.4 to 52.5%.
During the follow–up period, they identified 712 interval colorectal adenocarcinomas, including 255 advanced–stage cancers, and 147 deaths from interval colorectal cancer.
The unadjusted risks of interval cancer according to quintiles of adenoma detection rates, from lowest to highest, were 9.8, 8.6, 8.0, 7.0, and 4.8 cases per 10,000 person–years of follow–up, respectively.
Among patients of physicians with adenoma detection rates in the highest quintile, as compared with patients of physicians with detection rates in the lowest quintile, the adjusted hazard ratio for any interval cancer was 0.52 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39 to 0.69), for advanced–stage interval cancer, 0.43 (95% CI, 0.29 to 0.64), and for fatal interval cancer, 0.38 (95% CI, 0.22 to 0.65).
Each 1.0% increase in the adenoma detection rate was associated with a 3.0% decrease in the risk of cancer (hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96 to 0.98).
CONCLUSIONS:
The adenoma detection rate was inversely associated with the risks of interval colorectal cancer, advanced-stage interval cancer, and fatal interval cancer. (Funded by the Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit program and the National Cancer Institute.)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24693890
Dairy products and pancreatic cancer risk: A pooled analysis of 14 cohort studies
Annals of Oncology, 05/08/2014 Review Article
Genkinger JM, et al. – Pancreatic cancer has few early symptoms, is usually diagnosed at late stages, and has a high case–fatality rate. Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial to reducing pancreatic cancer morbidity and mortality. These findings do not support the hypothesis that consumption of dairy foods, calcium, or vitamin D during adulthood is associated with pancreatic cancer risk.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24631943
Tea consumption and the risk of five major cancers: A dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies Full Text
BMC Cancer, 05/08/2014 Evidence Based Medicine Review Article
Yu F, et al. – The authors conducted a dose–response meta–analysis of prospective studies to summarize evidence of the association between tea consumption and the risk of breast, colorectal, liver, prostate, and stomach cancer. The results did not show a protective role of tea in five major cancers. Additional large prospective cohort studies are needed to make a convincing case for associations.
Methods
The authors searched PubMed and two other databases.
Prospective studies that reported risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of cancer risk for >=3 categories of tea consumption were included.
They estimated an overall RR with 95% CI for an increase of three cups/day of tea consumption, and, usingrestricted cubic splines, they examined a nonlinear association between tea consumption and cancer risk.
Results
Forty–one prospective studies, with a total of 3,027,702 participants and 49,103 cancer cases, were included.
From the pooled overall RRs, no inverse association between tea consumption and risk of five major cancers was observed.
However, subgroup analysis showed that increase in consumption of three cups of black tea per day was a significant risk factor for breast cancer (RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.05–1.32).
CONCLUSION:
Our results did not show a protective role of tea in five major cancers. Additional large prospective cohort studies are needed to make a convincing case for associations
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24636229
Inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation and the 2-year course of depressive disorders in antidepressant users
Neuropsychopharmacology, 05/10/2014 Clinical Article
Vogelzangs N, et al. – Scarce evidence suggests that inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation predicts poor response to antidepressants, which could result in worse depression outcome. This study prospectively examined whether inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation predicted the 2–year course of depressive disorders among antidepressant users. Inflammatory and metabolic dysregulations were found to predict a more chronic course of depressive disorders among patients using antidepressants. This could suggest that inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation worsens depression course owing to reduced antidepressant treatment response and that alternative intervention treatments may be needed for depressed persons with inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation.
Methods
Data were from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety, including 315 persons (18–65years) with a current depressive disorder (major depressive disorder, dysthymia) at baseline according to the DSM-IV criteria and using antidepressants.
Inflammatory (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor-necrosis factor-α) and metabolic (waist circumference, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, blood pressure, fasting glucose) factors were measured at baseline.
Results
Primary outcome for course of depression was indicated by whether or not a DSM-IV depressive disorder diagnosis was still/again present at 2-year follow-up, indicating chronicity of depression.
Elevated IL-6, low HDL cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperglycemia were associated with chronicity of depression in antidepressant users.
Persons showing 4 inflammatory or metabolic dysregulations had a 1.90 increased odds of depression chronicity (95% CI=1.12–3.23).
Among persons who recently (ie, at most 3 months) started antidepressant medication (N=103), having 4 dysregulations was associated with a 6.85 increased odds of depression chronicity (95% CI=1.95–24.06).
Inflammatory and metabolic dysregulations were found to predict a more chronic course of depressive disorders among patients using antidepressants.
This could suggest that inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation worsens depression course owing to reduced antidepressant treatment response and that alternative intervention treatments may be needed for depressed persons with inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24442097
Exercise: Can There Be Too Much of a Good Thing?
Two studies in the journal Heart suggest that health benefits may be curtailed in people who exercise very frequently or very intensely.
In the first study, researchers analyzed data from exercise questionnaires and hospital records of nearly 45,000 Swedish men. Men who exercised intensively more than 5 hours a week at the age of 30 were more likely to develop atrial fibrillation (AF) than men who exercised less than 1 hour a week. Their risk was even higher if they subsequently quit exercising later in life.
In the second study, researchers followed more than 1000 patients with coronary heart disease. Overall, patients who exercised strenuously 2–4 days a week had the lowest risk for death and cardiovascular events. But there was an increase in risk in both the group who rarely exercised and in those who exercised every day.
Editorialists speculate that intensive exercise may have a proinflammatory effect that may be especially harmful in some people with atherosclerotic disease.
Heart article #1 (Free abstract)
Heart article #2 (Free abstract)
Heart editorial (Subscription required)
Early treatment with corticosteroids in patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia: A randomized clinical trial Full Text
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, 05/12/2014 Exclusive Author Commentary Clinical Article
Huang L, et al. – Corticosteroids have been evaluated for management of severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MP) in children. However, it is unclear whether the timing of treatment with corticosteroids affects the patients’ clinical outcome. Early treatment with corticosteroids was associated with a better outcome in patients with severe MP.
Methods
The authors did a prospective randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effect of early use of corticosteroids.
Fifty-three patients were randomly assigned to treatment with corticosteroids within 24h after admission (cases), and 53 patients were treated 72h after admission (control patients).
Results
Cases had a shorter fever duration [6 days (range 5–11) vs. 10 days (range 8–23), p<0.001] and length of hospital stay [8 days (range 5–15) vs. 10 days (range 5–21), p=0.001].
Four cases (1.9%) had a complete radiographic resolution time >4 weeks compared with 10 control patients (17.5%; p = 0.038; Table 2).
Conclusions: Early treatment with corticosteroids was associated with a better outcome in patients with severe MP.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24710342
Serum Marker Predicts Cardiovascular Events in Diabetes
Elevated levels of polyclonal serum immunoglobulin combined free light chains (cFLCs) may indicate adversecardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to study findings published online in Diabetes Care.
Srikanth Bellary, MBBS, of Aston University in Birmingham, U.K., and colleagues conducted a cohort study of 352 South Asian patients with type 2 diabetes to assess the association between cFLCs and cardiovascular disease events. Among patients with type 2 diabetes who had CVD events during two years of follow-up, cFLC levels were significantly elevated in 8% (50.7 vs. 42.8 mg/L). On multivariable analysis, elevated cFLC level (greater than 57.2 mg/L) was associated with a significant 3-fold increased odds of adverse CVD outcomes. This association remained significant after adjustment for age, albumin-to-creatinine ratio, diabetes duration, or treatment.
"cFLC elevation is a novel marker for CVD outcomes in type 2 diabetes that warrants further investigation," the authors wrote.
Glycated hemoglobin measurement and prediction of cardiovascular disease
JAMA, 05/11/2014 Evidence Based Medicine
The value of measuring levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) for the prediction of first cardiovascular events is uncertain. To determine whether adding information on HbA1c values to conventional cardiovascular risk factors is associated with improvement in prediction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. In a study of individuals without known CVD or diabetes, additional assessment of HbA1c values in the context of CVD risk assessment provided little incremental benefit for prediction of CVD risk.
Methods
Analysis of individual–participant data available from 73 prospective studies involving 294998 participants without a known history of diabetes mellitus or CVD at the baseline assessment.
Measures of risk discrimination for CVD outcomes (eg, C–index) and reclassification (eg, net reclassification improvement) of participants across predicted 10–year risk categories of low (<5%), intermediate (5% to <7.5%), and high (>=7.5%) risk.
Results
During a median follow–up of 9.9 (interquartile range, 7.6–13.2) years, 20 840 incident fatal and nonfatal CVD outcomes (13 237 coronary heart disease and 7603 stroke outcomes) were recorded.
In analyses adjusted for several conventional cardiovascular risk factors, there was an approximately J–shaped association between HbA1c values and CVD risk.
The association between HbA1c values and CVD risk changed only slightly after adjustment for total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations or estimated glomerular filtration rate, but this association attenuated somewhat after adjustment for concentrations of high–density lipoprotein cholesterol and C–reactive protein.
The C–index for a CVD risk prediction model containing conventional cardiovascular risk factors alone was 0.7434 (95% CI, 0.7350 to 0.7517).
The addition of information on HbA1c was associated with a C–index change of 0.0018 (0.0003 to 0.0033) and a net reclassification improvement of 0.42 (–0.63 to 1.48) for the categories of predicted 10–year CVD risk.
The improvement provided by HbA1c assessment in prediction of CVD risk was equal to or better than estimated improvements for measurement of fasting, random, or postload plasma glucose levels.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:
In a study of individuals without known CVD or diabetes, additional assessment of HbA1c values in the context of CVD risk assessment provided little incremental benefit for prediction of CVD risk.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24668104
Fish Compound Hooks Better Sleep
Higher blood levels of omega-3 correspond to longer sleep with fewer awakenings, among children.
An ever-expanding library of data suggests a variety of potential health-improving benefits of omega-3 fatty acids – compounds found abundantly in “fatty fish” such as salmon, herring, and sardines. Previous studies have suggested links between poor sleep and low blood levels of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, among infants and in children and adults with behavior or learning difficulties. Paul Montgomery, from Oxford University (United Kingdom), and colleagues assessed eep in 362 healthy 7-9 year old UK school children in relation to the levels of omega-3 and omega-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) found in fingerstick blood samples. The children who took part in the study were not selected for sleep problems, but were all struggling readers at a mainstream primary school. At the outset, the parents filled in a child sleep questionnaire, which revealed that four in ten of the children in the study suffered from regular sleep disturbances. Of the children rated as having poor sleep, the researchers fitted wrist sensors to 43 of them to monitor their movements in bed over five nights. This exploratory pilot study showed that the children on a course of daily supplements of omega-3 had nearly one hour (58 minutes) more sleep and seven fewer waking episodes per night compared with the children taking the corn or soybean placebo. Writing that: “Cautiously, we conclude that higher blood levels of docosahexaenoic acid may relate to better child sleep, as rated by parents,” the study authors submit that: “objective evidence from actigraphy suggests that docosahexaenoic acid supplementation may improve children's sleep.”
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-03/uoo-ssh030614.php
Is Cynicism Linked to Dementia, Death?
(HealthDay News) — Cynical distrust in late life may be associated with mortality and dementia, although the correlations are affected by confounders, according to a study published online May 28 in Neurology.
Elisa Neuvonen, from the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio, and colleagues examined the correlations between late-life cynical distrust and incident dementia and mortality. Dementia analyses included data on exposure, outcome, and confounders for 622 individuals (46 cases of dementia), while data were available for 1,146 individuals (361 deaths) for the mortality analyses. Confounders included age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, socioeconomic background, smoking, alcohol use, self-reported heath, and APOE genotype.
The researchers found that, in the crude analyses, cynical distrust was not associated with dementia, but after adjustment for confounders, those with the highest level of cynical distrust had a significantly increased risk of dementia (relative risk, 3.13). In the crude analyses, higher cynical distrust correlated with higher mortality (hazard ratio, 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.87), but after adjustment for confounders, the correlation was attenuated (hazard ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.86–1.61).
"This novel finding suggests that both psychosocial and lifestyle-related risk factors may be modifiable targets for interventions," the authors write. "We acknowledge the need for larger replication studies."
Abstract
Full Text
http://www.neurology.org/content/early/2014/05/28/WNL.0000000000000528.abstract
Low-Dose Estrogen and Venlafaxine Similarly Effective for Menopausal Symptoms
Low-dose estradiol and venlafaxine are both effective treatments for vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women, a JAMA Internal Medicine study finds.
Some 340 peri- or postmenopausal women with bothersome vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats) were randomized to receive low-dose estradiol (0.5 mg/day), low-dose venlafaxine (a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor; 75 mg/day), or placebo daily for 8 weeks.
Symptom frequency was reduced significantly more with estradiol (by 53%) and with venlafaxine (48%) than with placebo (29%). Both active treatments were well tolerated, although estradiol was more often associated with abnormal vaginal bleeding and venlafaxine with blood pressure increases.
The researchers note that "while the efficacy of low-dose estradiol may be slightly superior to that of venlafaxine, the difference is small and of uncertain clinical relevance." They conclude: "Treatment decisions should weigh the risk profile of each agent for each individual woman, taking into account her risk factor status and personal preferences regarding treatment options."
JAMA Internal Medicine article (Free abstract)
ASCO Guidelines Recommend Tamoxifen for 10 Years for Breast Cancer
Tamoxifen is now recommended for 10 years instead of just 5 for women with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, according to new guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Studies have shown improved survival with extended tamoxifen, as well as reduced risk for recurrence and contralateral breast cancer.
Women who are pre- or perimenopausal should begin with 5 years of tamoxifen. After that, if they are still pre- or perimenopausal, they should take tamoxifen for another 5 years. If they have become postmenopausal, however, they should be given the choice of tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor for 5 years.
Women who are postmenopausal at diagnosis should be offered the choice of 10 years of tamoxifen, 5 years of an aromatase inhibitor, or either 2-3 or 5 years of tamoxifen followed by up to 5 years of an aromatase inhibitor.
Journal of Clinical Oncology article (Free abstract)
Large Study Uncovers New Details About the Role of Hypertension in Cardiovascular Disease
Different types of hypertension at different stages of life have different cardiovascular effects, according to a large study in the Lancet.
U.K. researchers analyzed data on 1.25 million people aged 30 or older and without baseline cardiovascular disease. Among the findings, over roughly 5 years' follow-up:
Elevated systolic blood pressure (BP) was strongly linked to intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and stable angina, but had only a weak association with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
Diastolic BP was a less powerful predictor of most cardiovascular diseases than systolic pressure, though it was a strong predictor of AAA.
Pulse pressure (systolic pressure minus diastolic) had an inverse correlation with AAA but was a strong predictor of peripheral arterial disease.
In contrast to some previous studies, there was no evidence for a J-shaped curve showing that the lowest BP levels were associated with increased risk. Instead, people with the lowest BP levels (90–114 mm Hg systolic and 60–74 mm Hg diastolic) had the lowest risk for cardiovascular disease.
Adapted from CardioExchange
Lancet article
Zinc Supplementation Cuts Diarrhea Incidence
(HealthDay News) For children aged 6 months to 12 years,zinc supplementation has no clear effect on mortality but seems to reduce diarrhea morbidity, according to a review published online May 15 in The Cochrane Library.
Evan Mayo-Wilson, DPhil, from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, and colleagues examined the effects of zinc supplementation on preventing mortality and morbidity, and on promoting growth in young children. Eighty randomized controlled trials of preventive zinc supplementation involving 205,401 children aged 6 months to 12 years of age were included.
The researchers found that zinc supplementation correlated with risk ratios (RRs) of 0.95 for all-cause mortality (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86–1.05); 0.95 for cause-specific mortality due to diarrhea (95% CI, 0.69–1.31); 0.86 for lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI; 95% CI, 0.64–1.15); and 0.90 for malaria (95% CI, 0.77–1.06). Diarrhea morbidity was reduced with supplementation, including incidence of all-cause diarrhea (RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.85–0.89); the results for LRTI and malaria were imprecise. Moderate-quality evidence indicated a very small improvement in height with supplementation (standardized mean difference, −0.09). There was an increased risk of at least one vomiting episode associated with supplementation (RR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.14–1.46)
"The effect of preventive zinc supplementation on all-cause mortality was not statistically significant, but these results are consistent with a small reduction in mortality," the authors write. "In our opinion, the benefits of preventive zinc supplementation outweigh the harms in areas where the risk of zinc deficiency is relatively high. Further research should determine optimal intervention characteristics such as supplement dose."
Abstract
Vitamin C Supplementation for Pregnant Smoking Women and Pulmonary Function in Their Newborn Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Conclusions and Relevance Supplemental vitamin C taken by pregnant smokers improved newborn PFT results and decreased wheezing through 1 year in the offspring. Vitamin C in pregnant smokers may be an inexpensive and simple approach to decrease the effects of smoking in pregnancy on newborn pulmonary function and respiratory morbidities.
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleID=1873133&utm_source=Silverchair%20Information%20Systems&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JAMA%3AOnlineFirst05%2F18%2F2014
Sugar may have modest effect on blood pressure, lipids.
TIME (5/30, Sifferlin) reports a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates sugar can affect both blood pressure and lipids. According to lead study author Lisa Te Morenga, “Although the effects of sugars on blood pressure and lipids are relatively modest, our findings support public health recommendations to reduce added sugar in our diets as one of the measures which might be expected to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular diseases.”
Kidney dysfunction may increase risk of renal cancer.
The Salt Lake (UT) Tribune (5/30) reports on a study published online in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology finding that “even moderate kidney dysfunction may carry increased risk” of renal cancer. The study found that “among 1.2 million older adults, those with stage 3 kidney disease were 39 percent to 100 percent more likely to be diagnosed with renal cancer over five years than people with stage 2 kidney disease.” They were also 48 percent more likely “to develop urothelial, or urinary bladder, cancer.” The study was based on data from “1.2 million adult patients of Kaiser Permanente, those age 40 and older with known kidney function and no history of cancer, dialysis or a kidney transplant.”
Melatonin for Drug-Induced Metabolic Syndrome
-Nava F et al., Bipolar Disord 2014 Mar 17;
In an early study, melatonin seems to decrease the weight gain that occurs with atypical antipsychotics.
In an early study, melatonin seems to decrease the weight gain that occurs with atypical antipsychotics.
Weight gain and other adverse metabolic consequences are common with atypical antipsychotics. Based on results from animal studies, researchers receiving industry support hypothesized that melatonin could help to attenuate these effects.
The 50 participants had been taking clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, or quetiapine for <3 months and were randomized to 8 weeks of slow-release melatonin (5 mg) or placebo at 8 pm. Among the 24 patients with schizophrenia and 20 with bipolar disorder who completed the study (mean age, 29; 22 men), those taking melatonin had significantly lower mean diastolic blood pressure (BP), gained less weight (mean, 1.5 vs. 2.2 kg), and had less of an increase in waist circumference. After adjustment for baseline factors, melatonin in patients also taking mood stabilizers improved BP and yielded greater benefit on fat mass.
In disorder-specific analyses, melatonin-associated changes in fat mass percentage, fat mass, and diastolic blood pressure were found only in the bipolar group. Melatonin was associated with significant differences in diastolic BP with medium-risk atypicals and in changes in lean mass and total body water with high-risk atypicals.
Simple Tests of Physical Capability Predict Mortality in Middle Age
Cooper R et al., BMJ 2014 Apr 29; 348:g2219
These tests included grip strength, chair rise speed, and standing balance time.
Regular walks may help people with chronic kidney disease live longer.
The Huffington Post (5/23, Chan) reports that research published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology suggests that “taking regular walks could help people with chronic kidney disease live longer.” Investigators found that walking was linked to “a decreased risk of death, as well as a decreased risk of needing a kidney transplant or dialysis, among people with chronic kidney disease.”
Activated Charcoal: Are There Benefits Beyond Poison Control?
Say the word "charcoal" to almost any American and the immediate mental image will be steaks on a grill. However, say that same word in an emergency department and the image will be drastically different.
A squeeze bottle of a black, thick solution; a nasogastric tube, and either a combative patient or an unconscious one will be the scenario. The use of activated charcoal in acute poisoning is an age-old practice dating back as far as as 1500 B.C.1
Background
Medicinal activated charcoal is available in many different forms. It is a carbon molecular structure made from a variety of inert materials that have been treated with intense heat and oxygen, making it "activated."1 This process yields a highly porous particle. It is estimated that a teaspoon of activated charcoal has a surface area of nearly 10,000 square feet.1
Science
The utility of activated charcoal in the treatment of acute poisoning and overdose is well-established. When administered orally, the porous particles selectively bind to (absorb) the toxic chemical. This carbon/toxin complex then passes out of the body intact.
When given appropriately, activated charcoal absorbs up to 60% of the chemical toxins it encounters. The provider must understand, however, that this complex is unstable and can reverse over time. Consequently, a cathartic such as sorbitol is frequently coadministered to speed gastric emptying.2,3
Once the absorptive capacity of activated charcoal was established, investigators studied the possibility of using this substance to absorb other undesirable compounds in the body, such as cholesterol. One active control trial compared the efficacy of cholestyramine (Locholest, Prevalite, Questran) and activated charcoal in six patients with known hyperlipidemia.4
After a one-week dietary control, the patients were given three weeks of each treatment on widely separate occasions. Activated charcoal reduced plasma cholesterol levels by an average of 5% more than did the cholestyramine. Since that time, however, more rigorous trials have failed to show any favorable difference between the two therapies.
Summary
The use of activated charcoal is not mainstream medicine. However, activated charcoal is a relatively benign product and certainly one that has withstood the test of time. With its relatively low risk profile, using this substance would be a neutral decision.
No well-done clinical trials validate significant health benefits, but the results are not negative. Patients who feel that activated charcoal is helpful should be advised to avoid using it with other medications.
http://www.empr.com/activated-charcoal-are-there-benefits-beyond-poison-control/article/349387/2/
Study suggests colon cancer screening may be beneficial for individuals older than 75.
The AP (6/3, Neergaard) reports, “A surprising number of people older than 75 haven’t ever been screened for colon cancer,” but research published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests “that it’s not too late for them to get caught up.” Investigators “used computer modeling to compare the potential effects of different colon checks on 10 million previously unscreened people ages 76 to 90.” The researchers found that an individual who is “very healthy should consider some form of screening up to age 86 – but even a person with severe health problems could benefit from a first-time check up to age 80.”
Bilingualism may be protective of aging brain.
The Los Angeles Times (6/3, Khan) reports in “Science Now” that according to a study published online June 2 in the Annals of Neurology, “picking up a new language even a little later in life can have serious cognitive benefits for the aging brain.” The study “found that bilingual speakers performed much better than expected from their baseline cognitive ability, particularly in reading and in general intelligence.” The study also revealed that “bilingualism’s effects were comparable to factors such as ‘the effect of variation in the gene for apolipoprotein E, physical fitness, and (not) smoking.’”
The Huffington Post (6/2, Emling) reports that in reaching these conclusions, investigators “relied on data from 835 native speakers of English who were born and living in the area of Edinburgh, Scotland.” Study “participants were given an intelligence test in 1947 at age 11 and then again in their early 70s, between 2008 and 2010.”
Also covering the story are TIME (6/3, Park) and the NPR (6/3, Shute) “Shots” blo
Fight Flu with Ginseng
Panax Korean red ginseng extract may help treat and prevent influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, in cell-based and lab animal models.
Seasonal influenza is a serious respiratory disease that causes annual epidemics in humans worldwide, resulting in about three to five million cases of severe illness and about 250,000 to 500,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization. Respiratory syncytial virus is the leading cause of inflammatory bronchiolitis pneumonia and viral death in infants and in some elderly adults. Sang-Moo Kang, from Georgia State University (Georgia, USA), and colleagues investigated whether Panax Korean red ginseng extract has preventive effects on influenza A virus infection. After infection with influenza A virus, mice that were orally administered ginseng over a long time showed multiple immune modifying effects, such as stimulated antiviral production of proteins important in immune response and fewer inflammatory cells in their bronchial walls. Further, the team found that red ginseng extract improves the survival of human lung epithelial cells infected with influenza virus. Also, treatment with red ginseng extract reduced the expression of genes that cause inflammation. The study authors report that: “these results suggested that [Panax Korean red ginseng extract] has antiviral activity against [respiratory syncytial virus] infection.”
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-04/gsu-gct042114.php
Two Foods that Assist Cardiovascular Health
Abundant in nitrate, spinach – and apples – plentiful in flavonoids, raise nitric oxide in the body.
Nitric oxide (NO) is an important molecule for cardiovascular and cognitive health, as it exerts effects on blood flow and blood vessel function. Catherine Bondonno, from the University of Western Australia (Australia), and colleagues enrolled 30 healthy female and male volunteers, and screened them through a medical history questionnaire, electrocardiography, BMI, height and weight, blood pressure, and fasting blood samples. Subjects were randomly assigned into one of four interventions—a) apple: high flavonoid low nitrate; b) spinach: low flavonoid high nitrate; c) apple + spinach: high flavonoid high nitrate; d) control: low flavonoid low nitrate. Measuring plasma NO status in plasma, urine and saliva, and assessing cognitive performance and mood via standardized scales, separately the apples and spinach increased markers of NO in the plasma; and the spinach alone, and the apple + spinach combination, significantly improved markers of NO in saliva and urine as well. The study authors conclude that: “flavonoid-rich apples and nitrate-rich spinach augmented [nitric oxide] status acutely with no concomitant improvements or deterioration in cognitive function and mood.”
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-05-spinach-apples-important-molecule-cardiovascular.html
Popeye is right: spinach makes you stronger, study shows
Famous cartoon character Popeye is right to down a can of spinach when he wants his biceps to bulge, according to a Swedish study presented Monday showing why the leafy vegetable makes us stronger.
Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm said Monday they had conducted a study showing how nitrate, found naturally in spinach and several other vegetables, tones up muscles.
For the study, which will be published in the Journal of Physiology, the research team had placed nitrate directly in the drinking water of a group of mice for one week and then dissected them and compared their muscle functions to that of a control group.
"The mice that had been on consistent nitrate had much stronger muscles," they said in a statement.
The nitrate used "was equivalent to a human's consumption of about 200 to 250 grammes of spinach a day, so it's a very easily obtained amount," one of the researchers at the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Andres Hernandez, told AFP.
"Well, it is if you eat spinach. For people who don't eat their vegetables it will be more tricky," he added.
While no effect could be seen in the so-called slow-twitch muscles used for moderate exercise and endurance, the scientists saw a clear change could be seen in the fast-twitch muscles used for strength and more high-intensity exercises, Hernandez said.
The tricky question, he said, was determining why this happened.
The researchers discovered that the nitrates had prompted an increase in two proteins, found naturally in the muscles, that are used for storing and releasing calcium, which is vital to making muscles contract.
The protein increase in turn led to higher quantities of calcium released in the muscles, Hernandez said, pointing out that "if you have more calcium released, you have a stronger contraction."
Translated into human terms, consuming nitrates from for instance spinach increases the muscle strength available for things like lifting weights or sprinting up a steep hill.
It could also increase endurance, Hernandez said, pointing out that when stronger, the fast-twitch muscles, which fatigue faster than other muscles, do not need to contract as frequently.
This is not only good news for exercise buffs looking to improve their performance.
"The really exciting part is to go ahead and look at people with muscle weakness, with muscle diseases, and even aging, and see if this can actually improve their muscle function," Hernandez said.
He said the research team aimed to conduct a few more studies on mice but hoped to also carry out studies on humans soon.
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-06-popeye-spinach-stronger.html#nRlv
Inflammatory activity of epicardial adipose tissue and atrial fibrillation
This study concluded that inflammatory activity of epicardial adipose tissue reflected by standardized uptake value is higher in atrial fibrillation patients than in controls. Inflammatory activity of epicardial adipose tissue adjacent to the left atrium, atrioventricular groove and left main artery is greater than in subcutaneous or visceral thoracic tissue. The American Journal of Cardiology
Diets to prevent coronary heart disease
Our understanding of the potential cardioprotective properties of nutrition is relatively recent, with most relevant studies completed in the last several decades. During that time, there has been an evolution in the focus of nutritional intervention. Early trials emphasized reduction of dietary fat with the goal of preventing heart disease by reducing serum cholesterol. Results from trials focused exclusively on dietary fat reduction were disappointing, prompting subsequent studies incorporating a whole diet approach with a nuanced recommendation for fat intake. The Mediterranean-style diet, with a focus on vegetables, fruit, fish, whole grains, and olive oil, has proven to reduce cardiovascular events to a degree greater than low-fat diets and equal to or greater than the benefit observed in statin trials. The American Journal of Medicine
Physical fitness and academic achievement
In a cross-sectional study, Torrijos-Niño et al measured academic achievement, physical fitness, weight, height and parental education for 893 children aged 9 to 11 years from Cuenca, Spain. Overall, academic achievement scores were positively related to fitness levels. Obese boys had lower scores for academic achievement than overweight or normal-weight boys. Good cardiorespiratory and speed/agility levels were associated with high academic achievement after controlling for confounders. Schools should consider strategies to improve fitness as part of their overall strategy for improving academic achievement.The Journal of Pediatrics
FDA advises against aspirin use in patients with no history of heart disease
Aspirin should not be used for stroke or heart attack prevention in people with no history of heart disease, the FDA said on Monday. Although evidence indicates that aspirin's benefits outweigh its bleeding risks for patients with a history of a cardiovascular event, the data do not support the use of the drug for the prevention of first heart attack, the agency said. The FDA released the statement in response to Bayer's request to change its aspirin product labeling. Bloomberg
Study: Intensive diabetes Tx doesn't yield better microvascular outcomes
Type 2 diabetes patients who received early intensive multifactorial therapy did not exhibit greater reductions in the occurrence of retinopathy and neuropathy at five years compared with those who received routine care, a study indicated. The results appear in Diabetes Care. ClinicalAdvisor.com/HealthDay News
Effects of prescribed antihypertensives and other cardiovascular drugs on mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation and hypertension: A cohort study from Sweden
Hypertension Research, 05/28/2014 Clinical Article
Carlsson AC, et al. – The aim of this study is to study mortality rates in men and women separately with hypertension and AF prescribed different cardiovascular pharmacotherapies. AF patients with hypertension prescribed statins, non–selective β–blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers had low relative mortality risks, suggesting that these prescribed pharmacotherapies were beneficial. This needs to be further explored in other clinical settings.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24599014
Correlations between serum uric acid and coronary atherosclerosis before and during statin therapy
Coronary Artery Disease, 05/08/2014 Clinical Article
Nozue T, et al. – The purpose of this preliminary study was to evaluate the relationship between serum uric acid (UA) and coronary atherosclerosis. The result suggested that serum UA levels correlated with coronary atherosclerosis before and during statin therapy. It remains unknown whether these correlations are a direct effect of UA itself or a marker of increased risk.
Methods
Coronary atherosclerosis in the nonculprit lesions was evaluated using virtual histology intravascular ultrasound in 119 patients with angina pectoris at the time of percutaneous coronary intervention and 8 months after statin therapy.
Results
Serum UA levels showed weak but significant positive correlations with external elastic membrane volume (baseline: r=0.236, P=0.02; 8-month follow-up: r=0.307, P=0.0009) and with plaque volume (baseline: r=0.263, P=0.007; 8-month follow-up: r=0.349, P=0.0001).
Significant decreases in the fibrofatty and fibrous components and increases in the necrotic core and dense calcium components were observed during statin therapy.
Serum UA (r=0.257, P=0.009) and unstable angina pectoris (r=0.208, P=0.02) correlated significantly with change in the calcified plaque volume, whereas the estimated glomerular filtration rate trended (r=-0.166, P=0.07).
Multivariate regression analyses showed that UA was a significant independent predictor associated with an increase in the dense calcium plaque volume during statin therapy (β=0.244, P=0.03).
CONCLUSION:
In this preliminary study, serum UA levels correlated with coronary atherosclerosis before and during statin therapy. It remains unknown whether these correlations are a direct effect of UA itself or a marker of increased risk.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24448173
No Benefit of Physical Therapy for Hip Osteoarthritis
Bennell KL et al., JAMA 2014 May 21; 311:1987
The intervention might have been “too little, too late.”
(HealthDay News) — Physical therapy does not help pain or function among adults with hip osteoarthritis, according to a study published in the May 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Kim L. Bennell, PhD, from the University of Melbourne in Australia, and colleagues randomized 102 community volunteers with hip pain levels of ≥40 (on a visual analog scale of 100mm) and hip osteoarthritis confirmed by radiograph to either an active group (49 patients) or a sham group (53 patients). The intervention was 12 weeks (with 24 weeks of follow-up) and included 10 treatment sessions of education, manual therapy, home exercise, and gait aid (active group) or inactive ultrasound and inert gel (sham).
The researchers found that between-group differences for improvements in pain were not significant for the 96 patients completing week 13 (pain score at 13 weeks of 40.1 for the active group vs. 35.2 for the sham group). The sham group was also favored for the 13-week physical function scores. The active group did have greater week-13 improvement in the balance step test. Forty-one percent of the active group reported mild adverse effects, compared to 14% in the sham group (P=.003).
"Among adults with painful hip osteoarthritis, physical therapy did not result in greater improvement in pain or function compared with sham treatment, raising questions about its value for these patients," the authors write.
Two authors disclosed receiving royalties for a commercially available shoe from ASICS Oceania.
Abstract
Diets to prevent coronary heart disease
Our understanding of the potential cardioprotective properties of nutrition is relatively recent, with most relevant studies completed in the last several decades. During that time, there has been an evolution in the focus of nutritional intervention. Early trials emphasized reduction of dietary fat with the goal of preventing heart disease by reducing serum cholesterol. Results from trials focused exclusively on dietary fat reduction were disappointing, prompting subsequent studies incorporating a whole diet approach with a nuanced recommendation for fat intake. The Mediterranean-style diet, with a focus on vegetables, fruit, fish, whole grains, and olive oil, has proven to reduce cardiovascular events to a degree greater than low-fat diets and equal to or greater than the benefit observed in statin trials. The American Journal of Medicine
Mediterranean diet may reduce obesity in children.
HealthDay (5/28, Preidt) reports that a study presented at the European Congress on Obesity finds that “children who eat a Mediterranean-style diet are less likely to be overweight or obese.” The diet is characterized by being “rich in fish, nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits.” The study was based on data from over 9,000 children from eight European countries.
Different forms of vitamin E linked to positive, negative effects on lungs.
The New York Times (5/29, O'Connor) reports that a study published in the journal Respiratory Research may help explain the conflicting results of research into the health effects of vitamin E. An analysis of data from the National Institutes of Health-sponsored Cardia study found that the gamma tocopherol form of the vitamin, found in “corn, canola and soybean oils, was linked to poor lung function in adults.” In contrast, alpha tocopherol, found in olive and sunflower oils, “seemed to have a beneficial effect on the lungs.” Study author Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine associate professor Dr. Joan Cook-Mills noted that “gamma tocopherol is increasingly common in American food products” and that US asthma rates increased in the last 40 years even as the use of vegetable oils rich in gamma tocopherol rose. Still, she “cautioned that the research is observational.”
Dietary ascorbic acid and subsequent change in body weight and waist circumference: Associations may depend on genetic predisposition to obesity - A prospective study of three independent cohorts Full Text
Nutrition Journal, 05/29/2014 Clinical Article
Larsen SC, et al. – In this study, authors examined whether dietary ascorbic acid, possibly in interaction with the genetic predisposition to a high BMI, WC or waist–hip ratio adjusted for BMI (WHR), associates with subsequent annual changes in weight (ΔBW) and waist circumference (ΔWC). They revealed this study does not support an association between dietary ascorbic acid and ΔBW or ΔWC, but a diet with a high content of ascorbic acid may be weakly associated to higher WC gain among people who are genetically predisposed to a high WHR. However, given the quite limited association any public health relevance is questionable.
CONCLUSION:
In general, our study does not support an association between dietary ascorbic acid and [increment]BW or [increment]WC, but a diet with a high content of ascorbic acid may be weakly associated to higher WC gain among people who are genetically predisposed to a high WHR. However, given the quite limited association any public health relevance is questionable.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24886192
The impact of obesity on subclinical coronary atherosclerosis according to the risk of cardiovascular disease
Obesity, 05/29/2014 Clinical Article
Lee SY, et al. – The study aims to evaluate whether the association of obesity with coronary atherosclerosis depends on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Obesity is differentially associated with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, according to the burden of CVD risk. In low–risk adults, the relative distribution of abdominal fat, as well as whole body fat, is important to coronary atherosclerosis.
CONCLUSIONS:
Obesity is differentially associated with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, according to the burden of CVD risk. In low-risk adults, the relative distribution of abdominal fat, as well as whole body fat, is important to coronary atherosclerosis.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24719352
Subclinical vascular inflammation in subjects with normal weight obesity and its association with body Fat: an 18F-FDG-PET/CT study Full Text
Cardiovascular Diabetology, 05/29/2014 Clinical Article
Kang S, et al. – Normal weight obesity (NWO) is associated with a higher degree of subclinical vascular inflammation, of which BF is a major contributing factor. These results warrant investigations for subclinical atherosclerosis in NWO patients.
CONCLUSIONS:
NWO is associated with a higher degree of subclinical vascular inflammation, of which BF is a major contributing factor. These results warrant investigations for subclinical atherosclerosis in NWO patients.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24708764
A Recipe to Achieve Healthy Weight
For some women, a high-protein meal followed by 30 minutes of moderate exercise is an effective way of burning calories.
Exercise scientists at the University of Arkansas (Arkansas, USA) have identified a novel interaction between food, exercise, and total energy expenditure. Ashley Binns and colleagues assessed 10 college-age women of normal body weight, who were categorized as "recreationally active” – subjects normally exercised at least twice a week, but they weren't athletes or severely overweight. Each participant was given either a high-protein meal, low-protein meal, or no food at all, before walking on a treadmill. The team found that the high-protein meal followed by 30 minutes of moderate exercise was an effective way to burn calories, as compared to exercising on an empty stomach. The lead author submits that: “with exercise, there is a trend for a continued increase in caloric expenditure with higher protein consumption. Additionally, the consumption of the high- or low-protein meals resulted in greater energy expenditure than the fasted state. That means that eating prior to exercise does provide fuel to burn, making us more like an energy-burning machine."
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-03-protein-recipe-calorie-burning-success-women.html
B Vitamin for Bone Health
Higher dietary intake of pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) associates with reduced risk of hip fracture, among women.
Previously, studies have investigated the role of B vitamins to maintain bone health. Z Dai, from National University of Singapore (Singapore), and colleagues analyzed data from 63,257 men and women, ages 45 to 74 years, enrolled in the Singapore Chinese Health Study. The researchers found that those women with the highest quartile intake of Vitamin B6 (0.78-1.76 mg/1,000 kcal/day) had a 22 % reduction in hip fracture risk, as compared to women in the lowest quartile intake (0.37-0.61 mg/1,000 kcal/day). Dietary intakes of the other B vitamins of interest were not related to hip fracture risk; and no correlative effects were seen in men. The study authors conclude that: “Our findings suggest that maintaining adequate intake of pyridoxine may prevent osteoporotic fractures among elderly women.
http://www.foodconsumer.org/newsite/Nutrition/Vitamins/pyridoxine_supplements_prevent_hip_fracture_1217121129.html
DHEA Helps to Improve Symptoms of Menopause
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, helps to alleviate menopausal symptoms.
Dehydroepiandrosterone, better known as DHEA, is the most abundant steroid in the human body involved and is involved in the manufacture of testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and corticosterone. DHEA levels continue to rise up to about age twenty-five, when production drops off sharply: by age 65, the human body makes only 10 to 20% of what it did at age 20. Andrea Genazzani, from the University of Pisa (Italy), and colleagues followed a group of 48 post-menopausal women troubled by symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, loss of sex drive and mood swings. Over a one-year period, 12 women took vitamin D and calcium, 12 took DHEA, 12 took standard hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and 12 took a synthetic steroid called tibolone (used to alleviate menopausal symptoms). The women's menopausal symptoms, sexual interest and activity were measured using a standard questionnaire. After 12 months, all the women on both DHEA and HRT had improvements in menopausal symptoms, but those taking vitamin D and calcium did not show any significant improvement. At the start of the trial, all groups had similar sexual activity, but after the year, those taking calcium and vitamin D scored an average of 34.9 on the questionnaire scale, while those taking DHEA had a score of 48.6, showing that those on DHEA had more sexual interest and activity. The study authors report that: “Daily oral DHEA therapy … provided a significant improvement in comparison with vitamin D in sexual function and in frequency of sexual intercourse in early postmenopausal women.”
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/20/us-menopause-dhea-sex-idUSTRE7BJ00A20111220
The Essentiality of Selenium
Proteins containing selenium exert an important antioxidant role in human health
.
Selenium is a mineral that plays a role in aging, cancer and chronic diseases, with selenoproteins – proteins that incorporate selenium through the use of an amino acid – now identified as having an important role in antioxidant defense mechanisms. Sharon Rozovsky, from the University of Delaware (Delaware, USA), and colleagues employed state-of-the-science analysis techniques to study selenium in redox biology, revealing the molecular basis by which selenoproteins exert their antioxidant effects.
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-04-antioxidant-role-proteins-selenium.html
Chronic Medical Conditions Associated with Increased Zoster Risk
Researchers have identified several risk factors for herpes zoster that appear to pose a higher risk for younger adults, particularly those under age 50. The case-control study appears in BMJ.
Using a U.K. primary care database, researchers identified nearly 150,000 incident cases of zoster over 11 years, matched with roughly 550,000 controls who didn't have zoster at their index visit.
The following conditions were associated with increased zoster risk: systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, chronic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, and depression. These conditions had greater effects among younger patients. The authors ask "whether targeted zoster vaccination of specific high risk groups at younger ages is warranted."
Patients with contraindications to the vaccine (e.g., lymphoma and HIV) were at highest risk for zoster, "highlighting the need to identify strategies to reduce the risk of zoster among these groups," they write.
BMJ article
Focused Screening Strategy for Prostate Cancer
Wilt TJ and Dahm P., BMJ 2014 Apr 15; 348:g2559
Men whose prostate-specific antigen levels at age 60 are ≥2 ng/mL might benefit most from screening.
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.
Two Foods that Assist Cardiovascular Health
Abundant in nitrate, spinach – and apples – plentiful in flavonoids, raise nitric oxide in the body.
How Oxygen Damages the Adult Heart
While a major function of the heart is to circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, oxygen is a highly reactive element and oxidizing agent that contrib
Eyeing Your Vision Risks
What are common factors that may increase a person’s vulnerability to ultraviolet-related eye diseases?
Poor Dental Health Linked to Depression
The more dental problems a person has, the greater their likelihood of being depressed.
Walking A Key Step Towards Creativity
Creative thinking may be fueled by taking a walk.
Device Aims to Restore Memory
An implantable neural interface directly interfaces with the hippocampus, enabling the restoration of the ability to recollect people, events, facts and figures
Coral Reefs Home to Potent Anti-HIV Protein
Cnidarins are capable of blocking the HIV virus from penetrating T-cells.
Superbug Invades Homes
Once mainly prevalent primarily in hospitals and nursing homes, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is becoming commonplace in private homes.
Anti-Aging Tip Sheet: Beware the Chair
There are at least 12 health-promoting reasons to engage in a regimen of physical activity: A4M shares 4 key ways to achieve this cornerstone of the anti-aging
How Oxygen Damages the Adult Heart
While a major function of the heart is to circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, oxygen is a highly reactive element and oxidizing agent that contrib
Multiple Benefits of Massage
Massage therapy improves general blood flow and alleviates muscle soreness after exercise.
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.
Single Men & Women at Increased Risk of Heart Conditions
People who are married have lower rates of several cardiovascular diseases, as compared with those who are single, divorced or widowed.
Strawberries Improve Cholesterol Levels
Abundant in flavonoids,strawberries may help to lower total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.
Fruits & Veggies Boost Women’s Cardiovascular Health
Women who eat a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables as young adults may be far less likely to have plaque build-up in their arteries 20 years later.
Heart Attack Gene Triggers Clot Formation
Research shows that the so-called heart attack gene MRP-14 triggers the formation of blood clots.
Bariatric Surgery Cuts Risk of Dying
Bariatric surgery can dramatically reduce an obese person's risk of all-cause mortality and nearly halve their risk of heart attack and stroke.
Stable, Committed Relationship Promotes Heart Health
Women who are married or living with a partner are 28% less likely to die from heart disease.
Polluted Air Affects Heart Physiology
Traffic-related air pollution associates with changes in right ventricular structure and function.
Attitude Influences Eating Habits
Among women, optimism helps them to adopt and follow healthy dietary guidelines.
Fruits & Veggies Boost Women’s Cardiovascular Health
Women who eat a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables as young adults may be far less likely to have plaque build-up in their arteries 20 years later.
Sports Participation May Lower Breast Cancer Risk
Engaging in sports for more than an hour day may reduce the risk of contracting breast cancer, regardless of women's age and weight.
Drugs May Cut Need for Preventive Cancer Surgery
Currently available drugs may help women at high risk of breast and ovarian cancers avoid the need for radical preventive surgery.
Stable, Committed Relationship Promotes Heart Health
Women who are married or living with a partner are 28% less likely to die from heart disease.
Physical Activity Linked to Reduced Breast Cancer
Research suggests that physical activity reduces the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women by as much as 25%.
Exercise Reduces Breast Cancer Risk
Research suggests that exercise reduces a woman’s breast cancer risk by increasing the production of “good” estrogen metabolites.
B Vitamin for Bone Health
Higher dietary intake of pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) associates with reduced risk of hip fracture, among women.
DHEA Helps to Improve Symptoms of Menopause
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, helps to alleviate menopausal symptoms.
Popular Dietary Supplements Linked to Increased Risk of Death in Older Women
Study results suggest that regularly taking certain supplements, including multivitamins, folic acid, iron, and copper, may increase the risk of death in older
Eco-Atkins diet credited with lowering risk of heart disease.
FOX News (5/27) reports that a study published in BMJ Open based on 39 overweight patients, men and women, over the period April 2005 to November 2006, found that patients on “a low-carb, vegan diet – referred to as the ‘Eco-Atkins’ diet” lost more weight (four pounds on average) and “had 10 percent lower cholesterol” than those on “a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet.” The authors concluded that the Eco-Atkins diet could lead to “a 10 percent reduced risk of heart disease over a 10-year period.”
Some allergic reactions may be caused by mobile phones
http://mnt.to/l/4nrL
----------------------------------------------
** ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA News **
Potential new Alzheimer's treatment may come from an unexpected protein
http://mnt.to/l/4ntQ
Failing animal research is delaying cures for alzheimer's disease, says new paper in Drug Discovery Today
http://mnt.to/l/4ntt
Distinguishing between Alzheimer's and normal aging - new cognitive test shows promise
http://mnt.to/l/4ns7
A new route to good dementia care: RCGP launch online tool aimed at doctors and providers of community care
http://mnt.to/l/4nrW
Nationwide interest in cost-saving, coordinated brain care model for older adults
http://mnt.to/l/4nrR
Researchers 'reverse symptoms of Alzheimer's' in mice with novel compound
http://mnt.to/l/4nsk
Study shows dementia patients benefit from holistic exercise program
http://mnt.to/l/4nqL
4 new microRNAs involved in regulation of BDNF levels found
http://mnt.to/l/4nqB
----------------------------------------------
** ANXIETY / STRESS News **
Cannabis effects on PTSD: Can smoking medical marijuana reduce symptoms?
http://mnt.to/l/4ntR
Post-traumatic stress disorder: We need more awareness about events that trigger it
http://mnt.to/l/4nrg
ICU patients at high risk for PTSD
http://mnt.to/l/4npX
----------------------------------------------
** ARTHRITIS / RHEUMATOLOGY News **
Physical therapy for hip osteoarthritis does not appear to provide greater improvement for pain or function
http://mnt.to/l/4nqf
----------------------------------------------
** BREAST CANCER News **
Breast cancer metastasis enabled by signals that recruit host animals' cells
http://mnt.to/l/4nww
Lifestyle changes improve biomarkers associated with breast cancer recurrence and mortality
http://mnt.to/l/4nvZ
Potentially powerful new way to treat HER2-positive breast cancer validated
http://mnt.to/l/4np3
Double mastectomy 'not necessary' for most women, study says
http://mnt.to/l/4nsB
----------------------------------------------
** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **
Key mechanism identified in metabolic pathway that fuels cancers
http://mnt.to/l/4nwx
Promising results from clinical trials designed to block autophagy in multiple cancers
http://mnt.to/l/4nwt
Poverty linked to development of certain cancers
http://mnt.to/l/4nw9
Misguided DNA-repair proteins caught in the act
http://mnt.to/l/4nvn
UN officials warn refugees are struggling to access cancer treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4ntX
Analysis shows cancer center ads heavy on emotion, light on information
http://mnt.to/l/4nsv
New anticancer compound discovered using accelerated drug screening process
http://mnt.to/l/4nt8
Worse side effects from chemotherapy experienced when biological rhythms interrupted
http://mnt.to/l/4nt3
Tumor modeling predicts most effective drugs targeting brain cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nsM
Height hormone offers target for fighting cancer and diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nsK
Structure discovered of cancer drug candidate
http://mnt.to/l/4nr2
Scripps Research Institute chemists discover structure of cancer drug candidate
http://mnt.to/l/4nqZ
Recruiting more Hispanics to cancer clinical trials crucial to reducing health disparities
http://mnt.to/l/4nqN
Cardiac screening guidelines for survivors of childhood cancer may need revision
http://mnt.to/l/4nqK
----------------------------------------------
** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **
Study examines variation in cardiology practice guidelines over time
http://mnt.to/l/4nwh
Mapping atherosclerotic arteries: Combined approach developed
http://mnt.to/l/4nwb
Dassault Systèmes unveils 3D simulated heart, breaking new ground in the study of heart disease and personalised treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nvr
Some transitional care interventions more effective than others for reducing mortality, readmissions after heart failure
http://mnt.to/l/4nsy
Damage to blood vessels as we age reduced by protective proteins
http://mnt.to/l/4nt6
Home-based exercise programs 'improve mobility for PAD patients'
http://mnt.to/l/4nqx
----------------------------------------------
** CHOLESTEROL News **
Cholesterol plays a key role in cell migration
http://mnt.to/l/4nsF
High cholesterol linked to infertility
http://mnt.to/l/4nqs
----------------------------------------------
** COLORECTAL CANCER News **
How streptococcal bacteria can be used to fight colon cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nrX
----------------------------------------------
** DEPRESSION News **
'Alternative teens nearly 7 times more likely to attempt suicide'
http://mnt.to/l/4nw4
Functional brain imaging enables empathy training
http://mnt.to/l/4nsP
Study suggests more maternal mental health surveillance needed
http://mnt.to/l/4nsj
Comparing effectiveness of duloxetine and fluoxetine in treatment of pediatric major depressive disorder
http://mnt.to/l/4nqV
----------------------------------------------
** DERMATOLOGY News **
Smart bandages ready to take wound management to a new level
http://mnt.to/l/4nw7
----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **
Women with diabetes 44 percent more likely to develop coronary heart disease than men with diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nvD
Technology supports diabetic patients and their doctors
http://mnt.to/l/4nty
How online games can help diabetic patients make healthier choices
http://mnt.to/l/4ntd
Newly discovered compound slows natural degradation of insulin in the body
http://mnt.to/l/4nsN
Scientists identify gene that 'leads to development of bad body fat'
http://mnt.to/l/4nrQ
Mechanisms that regulate metabolism revealed by 'supermodel' mouse
http://mnt.to/l/4nsc
----------------------------------------------
** EATING DISORDERS News **
Discovery of genes that link circadian clock with eating schedule
http://mnt.to/l/4nvc
----------------------------------------------
** ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION / PREMATURE EJACULATION News **
Chemists develop new approach to detect counterfeit Viagra and other medicines on the Internet
http://mnt.to/l/4nrV
----------------------------------------------
** FLU / COLD / SARS News **
Implications of mandatory flu vaccinations for health care workers
http://mnt.to/l/4ns6
European research recommends vaccinating everyone against flu
http://mnt.to/l/4ntM
In school flu vaccines limited by insurer reimbursement
http://mnt.to/l/4nrY
----------------------------------------------
** HYPERTENSION News **
Doctors and nurses use free online game to improve patients' hypertension
http://mnt.to/l/4nrv
Olive oil on your salad may ward off hypertension
http://mnt.to/l/4nqd
----------------------------------------------
** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **
In the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria researchers make promising discovery
http://mnt.to/l/4nws
Children may benefit from breakthrough in respiratory syncytial virus research
http://mnt.to/l/4nwn
New test to diagnose cancer- and infertility-causing parasite
http://mnt.to/l/4ntp
Researchers test novel approach to disinfecting wounds in animal study
http://mnt.to/l/4ntm
The potential of bacterial gene clusters unlocked in the search for new antibiotics
http://mnt.to/l/4nsf
Biofilm defense: mechanisms and actions of a new class of broad-spectrum antimicrobials
http://mnt.to/l/4nrb
Existing and experimental drugs active against MERS-coronavirus
http://mnt.to/l/4nqM
Kawasaki disease may be triggered by airborne aerosols from northeast China
http://mnt.to/l/4nqJ
Special dogs deter gulls, reduce beach contamination
http://mnt.to/l/4nqF
Favorable phase II data announced for investigational C. difficile vaccine
http://mnt.to/l/4npS
Two thirds of healthy American adults 'infected with HPV,' study suggests
http://mnt.to/l/4npP
----------------------------------------------
** MEN'S HEALTH News **
Brain steroids in bluebanded gobies make for good dads
http://mnt.to/l/4nr7
----------------------------------------------
** MENTAL HEALTH News **
Many mental illnesses reduce life expectancy more than heavy smoking
http://mnt.to/l/4nvH
----------------------------------------------
** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **
Brain's visual system also processes sound
http://mnt.to/l/4nwJ
Clues about chronic fatigue syndrome revealed by brain imaging
http://mnt.to/l/4nwG
New report by IRCM ethics experts raises important questions and concerns about neurostimulation
http://mnt.to/l/4nvX
Survival extended in animal model of spinal muscular atrophy through gene therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4nvG
Mechanisms of decision making in humans and primates also found to match the behaviour of fruit flies
http://mnt.to/l/4nv4
How the 'gut feeling' shapes fear
http://mnt.to/l/4ntN
One third of all brain aneurysms rupture: the size of an aneurysm is not a significant risk factor
http://mnt.to/l/4ntH
New method enables development of functional nerve cells from skin cells
http://mnt.to/l/4ntg
Basic mechanism discovered that paves the way for understanding serious diseases
http://mnt.to/l/4nt5
Important breakthrough could lead to pills being replaced by nasal sprays
http://mnt.to/l/4nt2
Experience and recognition of faces, letters
http://mnt.to/l/4nsZ
New model aids understanding of neural self-regulation
http://mnt.to/l/4nsS
Altruism/egoism: a question of points of view
http://mnt.to/l/4nrS
Diffuse optical tomography goes where other brain scanners can't
http://mnt.to/l/4nqP
----------------------------------------------
** NUTRITION / DIET News **
Mitochondria adjust their 'fuel burners' to burn the right nutrient molecules
http://mnt.to/l/4nvy
For maximum muscle health we need a full serving of protein at each meal
http://mnt.to/l/4nrC
Stem cells offer potential for eco-friendly meat
http://mnt.to/l/4nry
Olive oil, greens explain Mediterranean diet's beneficial effect on blood pressure
http://mnt.to/l/4nrj
----------------------------------------------
** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **
Weight loss at any age in adulthood can benefit heart health
http://mnt.to/l/4nwH
How common obesity gene contributes to weight gain
http://mnt.to/l/4nwv
After childbirth, 'I can' mentality helps women improve their fitness
http://mnt.to/l/4nvV
Are intuitions about the causes of rising obesity wrong?
http://mnt.to/l/4nvx
Fat-storage gene mutation identified that may increase diabetes risk
http://mnt.to/l/4nvk
Obesity to top smoking as most common risk for heart disease in Canada
http://mnt.to/l/4ns3
Women can maintain metabolically healthy obesity through exercise
http://mnt.to/l/4nrt
U.S. elections plagued by weight bias
http://mnt.to/l/4nr8
"Battle of the bulge" may be
linked to body clock in immune cells
http://mnt.to/l/4nqW
Adults who lose weight at any age could enjoy improved cardiovascular health
http://mnt.to/l/4nqG
----------------------------------------------
** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **
Improved GP access in standard hours may trump extended opening times
http://mnt.to/l/4nrK
----------------------------------------------
** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **
Immunotherapy for prostate cancer in sight
http://mnt.to/l/4nxj
Image fusion-guided biopsy improves accuracy of prostate cancer diagnosis
http://mnt.to/l/4ntw
Prolaris® test predicts mortality risk in prostate cancer biopsy study
http://mnt.to/l/4nrh
Metabolic syndrome disorders, diet may boost prostate cancer risk
http://mnt.to/l/4nqw
New biopsy method more accurately identifies men at low risk for prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nqm
For older men, robot-assisted prostate cancer surgery as safe as but more expensive than open surgery
http://mnt.to/l/4nqc
----------------------------------------------
** SENIORS / AGING News **
Moderate-intensity physical activity program for older adults reduces mobility problems
http://mnt.to/l/4nwf
Rapamycin mimics effects of dietary restriction, may slow aging and related disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nsd
Expectations and reality for long-term care in America
http://mnt.to/l/4nrf
Study of prematurely aging children may help explain effects of normal aging
http://mnt.to/l/4nqr
Sense of taste may affect length of life
http://mnt.to/l/4nqp
----------------------------------------------
** SEXUAL HEALTH / STDS News **
Women's feelings should be taken into account when men suffer premature ejaculation
http://mnt.to/l/4ns4
----------------------------------------------
** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **
New study suggests chronic disruption of circadian rhythms negatively affects intestinal flora
http://mnt.to/l/4ntq
No gender difference in sleep apnea-stroke connection
http://mnt.to/l/4nrs
----------------------------------------------
** STROKE News **
Technique can predict which stroke patients will be helped -- or harmed -- by clot-busting treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nr4
Vocabulary held together in memory by keywords
http://mnt.to/l/4nq7
Moving closer to a drug therapy for allergy
http://mnt.to/l/4ngF
----------------------------------------------
** ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA News **
Discovery may lead to new drug candidates to treat Alzheimer's disease
http://mnt.to/l/4njc
Could a commonly prescribed antidepressant slow onset of Alzheimer's?
http://mnt.to/l/4njM
In familial Alzheimer's disease the role of calcium clarified
http://mnt.to/l/4nhP
----------------------------------------------
** ANXIETY / STRESS News **
Watching stressful movies triggers changes to your heartbeat
http://mnt.to/l/4nkW
----------------------------------------------
** ARTHRITIS / RHEUMATOLOGY News **
Molecules identified that are involved in rheumatoid arthritis angiogenesis
http://mnt.to/l/4nnS
Protection from osteoarthritis may lie in our own joints, study suggests
http://mnt.to/l/4nkH
Crescendo Bioscience's Vectra(R) DA predicts radiographic progression in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis
http://mnt.to/l/4nk2
No detectable benefit for arthroscopy of the knee joint for arthrosis
http://mnt.to/l/4nhH
----------------------------------------------
** BONES / ORTHOPEDICS News **
Pioneering hip and stem cell surgery
http://mnt.to/l/4nnN
Potential solution to 'sticky' problems inspired by spider silk
http://mnt.to/l/4nnM
Ground breaking hip surgery with a 3D printed implant and bone stem cell graft
http://mnt.to/l/4nn6
Longer hospital stays, higher costs for obese total knee replacement patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nkx
Using nature as a model for low-friction bearings
http://mnt.to/l/4njx
Ranking of hospitals based on complications after hip and knee replacement surgeries
http://mnt.to/l/4nhq
----------------------------------------------
** BREAST CANCER News **
Distress during breast cancer treatment reduced by cognitive behavioral or relaxation training
http://mnt.to/l/4nnP
Tumor cells in the blood may indicate poor prognosis in early breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nnb
Phase contrast improves mammography
http://mnt.to/l/4nkR
Researchers suggest new way to predict response to chemo in triple-negative breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nkr
Ethnicity, socioeconomic status and triple negative breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nh6
----------------------------------------------
** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **
Ultra-sensitive nano-chip capable of detecting cancer at early stages
http://mnt.to/l/4np5
Destroying brain tumors using herpes-loaded stem cells
http://mnt.to/l/4nnQ
Dose of measles virus destroys woman's incurable cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nnp
Proof that cancer stem cells exist?
http://mnt.to/l/4nng
VHL Alliance and NORD launch new international databank
http://mnt.to/l/4nn9
New tool to grow cancer cells streamlines laboratory research
http://mnt.to/l/4nn8
Genetic tracking identifies cancer stem cells in human patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nn3
Studies suggest that longer echocardiographic screening intervals for childhood cancer survivors effective, cost-effective for detecting heart issues
http://mnt.to/l/4njT
Detailed studies reveal how key cancer-fighting protein is held in check
http://mnt.to/l/4nmk
For patients with advanced PVNS, Phase I data suggest PLX3397 is a potential therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4nky
SapC-DOPS technology may help with imaging brain tumors
http://mnt.to/l/4nkk
Symposium at Albert Einstein College of Medicine put cancer stem cells under the microscope
http://mnt.to/l/4njd
Chemo-radiosensitivity enhanced by autophagic activation with nimotuzumab
http://mnt.to/l/4nhZ
New, high-tech device developed for transferring DNA into cells
http://mnt.to/l/4nhR
Successful surgery to treat rare bone cancer allows professional surfer to return to the water
http://mnt.to/l/4nhD
Genetic factors identified that may aid survival from brain cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nhr
New agent may enhance effectiveness of radiotherapy
http://mnt.to/l/4nhJ
Scientists slow brain tumor growth in mice
http://mnt.to/l/4nh7
Dartmouth scientists identify genetic blueprint for rare, aggressive cancerous tumors of the appendix
http://mnt.to/l/4nh4
----------------------------------------------
** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **
IN-TIME shows equal benefit of home telemonitoring in ICD and CRT-D patients
http://mnt.to/l/4npB
Hospitalizations and health care costs for atrial fibrillation 'on the rise'
http://mnt.to/l/4npv
Loss of protein changes cell membrane structure, protects against arrhythmia
http://mnt.to/l/4np7
Sleeping pills 'increase risk of poor outcomes' for heart failure patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nm7
Heart failure hospitalisation more than doubles in IBD flares
http://mnt.to/l/4njY
Low-dose anticoagulation therapy can be used safely with new design mechanical heart valve
http://mnt.to/l/4nm4
Recommendations published to guide minimally invasive valve therapy programs for patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nkf
----------------------------------------------
** CHOLESTEROL News **
Combination therapy a potential strategy for treating Niemann Pick disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nmS
----------------------------------------------
** COLORECTAL CANCER News **
CRYSTAL analysis shows clinical benefit of Erbitux in RAS wild-type mCRC patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nmr
Cancer Council Australia welcomes new bowel cancer screening and medical research investment
http://mnt.to/l/4njw
Link discovered between colon cancer and metabolism
http://mnt.to/l/4nhy
Tailored intervention has low impact on colorectal cancer screening
http://mnt.to/l/4nhc
First trial restored under new initiative casts doubt on repeat bowel cancer surgery
http://mnt.to/l/4ngg
----------------------------------------------
** DERMATOLOGY News **
Potential therapeutic target identified for wound-healing and cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nhf
Aspirin delays wound healing: knowledge will impact treatment of chronic wounds
http://mnt.to/l/4ngy
----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **
Women with diabetes 'less likely to breastfeed'
http://mnt.to/l/4nqh
Physical activity could stop gestational diabetes progressing to type 2
http://mnt.to/l/4npJ
Lifestyle interventions are better than genetic tests for preventing type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4npn
Two large meals better than 6 small meals (same calories) for controlling weight and blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nn2
A natural molecule discovered to treat type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nh9
----------------------------------------------
** ENDOCRINOLOGY News **
New studies highlight benefits and risks of testosterone therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4npM
Pfizer Inc. receives Kosher Certification for Elelyso (taliglucerase alfa) for injection, for the treatment of Type 1 Gaucher Disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nmx
----------------------------------------------
** FERTILITY News **
Study links male infertility to mortality
http://mnt.to/l/4nnm
Male infertility linked to increased mortality
http://mnt.to/l/4nmn
Protein discovered that controls DNA organization during sperm development
http://mnt.to/l/4nhz
----------------------------------------------
** FLU / COLD / SARS News **
How to detect a moving target: infectious influenza virus in clinical specimens
http://mnt.to/l/4nn4
Vaccination during 'optimal window' is the key to saving lives and money in next flu pandemic
http://mnt.to/l/4njS
New study gets diverse MD community views on healthcare disaster planning
http://mnt.to/l/4nk6
Study of the 1918 flu pandemic can be used to help inform current policies related to epidemic health issues
http://mnt.to/l/4njJ
----------------------------------------------
** HYPERTENSION News **
Google, YouTube, iPhones and the Affordable Care Act are featured in new research for their role in the hypertension epidemic
http://mnt.to/l/4njL
Higher risk of high blood pressure for socially disadvantaged
http://mnt.to/l/4njs
Moderate fitness reduces mortality rate in elderly men with high blood pressure
http://mnt.to/l/4ngx
----------------------------------------------
** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **
Study of hospital deaths in US reveals that sepsis contributes to as many as half
http://mnt.to/l/4np9
Protein sharpens salmonella needle for attack
http://mnt.to/l/4nmt
New early warning system predicts dengue fever risk during the football World Cup in Brazil
http://mnt.to/l/4nm3
WHO: two confirmed US MERS cases, but still 'no public health emergency'
http://mnt.to/l/4nkK
Molecules designed for controlling bacterial behavior
http://mnt.to/l/4nj4
New research could help in the fight against viral pandemics
http://mnt.to/l/4nhs
How some trypanosomes cause sleeping sickness while others don't
http://mnt.to/l/4nfY
The surprising truth about cell wall growth
http://mnt.to/l/4ngL
Human microbiome studies should include a wider diversity of populations
http://mnt.to/l/4nfG
Carbohydrate-binding proteins fill in gaps in immune defenses
http://mnt.to/l/4nfD
----------------------------------------------
** MENTAL HEALTH News **
Middle-aged adults especially vulnerable as US foreclosures drive up suicide rate
http://mnt.to/l/4nnt
Task Force finds insufficient evidence to recommend for or against screening for suicide risk
http://mnt.to/l/4njQ
Study reveals one in ten 16-year-olds surveyed have considered self-harm
http://mnt.to/l/4nkV
Researchers discover genetic marker linked to OCD
http://mnt.to/l/4nhb
----------------------------------------------
** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **
New technique allows scientists to monitor the entire nervous system of a small worm
http://mnt.to/l/4np4
Effect of repeated-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation at the Guangming point on EEGs
http://mnt.to/l/4nnw
Neuronal activation by acupuncture at Yongquan and sham acupoints for DOC: A PET study
http://mnt.to/l/4nnv
Harvard researchers identify neurons that regulate parental behavior in both male and female mice
http://mnt.to/l/4nmK
UH Case Medical Center neurosurgeon uses depth electrodes for speech mapping
http://mnt.to/l/4nmm
Scientists develop new way to decode specific aspects of movement in the human brain
http://mnt.to/l/4nkz
Little-studied mechanism offers new avenue for opening and closing the blood-brain barrier
http://mnt.to/l/4nk9
How DHA omega-3 fatty acid reaches the brain
http://mnt.to/l/4nk8
Hippocampus 'is reduced in volume' in psychotic disorder patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nhK
----------------------------------------------
** NUTRITION / DIET News **
Animal model may help improve understanding of omega fatty acids' impact on human health
http://mnt.to/l/4nnr
Sugar implicated in cardiovascular disease risk independent of weight gain
http://mnt.to/l/4nmQ
Pediatric immune systems boosted by zinc supplementation
http://mnt.to/l/4nkD
What are the health benefits of pineapple?
http://mnt.to/l/4nm6
----------------------------------------------
** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **
Phase 3a data from largest trial with liraglutide 3 mg demonstrates significantly greater weight loss versus placebo for adults with obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4nps
Increased risk of birth asphyxia in babies born to overweight and obese women
http://mnt.to/l/4npm
Study finds overweight teens more likely to be rejected as friends by normal weight peers
http://mnt.to/l/4nmW
A child's physical activity may be increased by virtual pet
http://mnt.to/l/4nkB
How 'body clock' dysregulation underlies obesity, diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nkv
Free fitness center-based exercise referral program not well utilized
http://mnt.to/l/4nkc
----------------------------------------------
** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **
Online game helps doctors improve patients' blood pressure faster
http://mnt.to/l/4nmH
Shared decision making improves patient-centered care
http://mnt.to/l/4nhV
----------------------------------------------
** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **
Important findings presented by Mount Sinai at the 2014 American Urological Association Meeting
http://mnt.to/l/4nnC
Suppressing prostate cancer progression with MicroRNA
http://mnt.to/l/4nnn
Dogs 'sniff out prostate cancer with 98% accuracy,' study finds
http://mnt.to/l/4npk
UCLA study finds "low-risk" prostate cancer often not low-risk when targeted biopsy is used
http://mnt.to/l/4nkJ
Aggressive prostate cancer driven by two genes working together
http://mnt.to/l/4ngR
----------------------------------------------
** SENIORS / AGING News **
Technology: improving the quality of life for dependent elderly adults?
http://mnt.to/l/4npC
----------------------------------------------
** SEXUAL HEALTH / STDS News **
IMDx receives FDA clearance for IMDx HSV-1/2 for Abbott m2000 assay
http://mnt.to/l/4npx
Contraception changes affect relationships
http://mnt.to/l/4nk3
----------------------------------------------
** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **
Implantable device treats heart failure patients with central sleep apnea
http://mnt.to/l/4npK
FDA requiring lower starting dose for sleep drug Lunesta
http://mnt.to/l/4nmz
Interrupted breathing during sleep affects brain neurons necessary to regulate heart rate
http://mnt.to/l/4nmy
----------------------------------------------
** STATINS News **
In sepsis patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, statins fail to reduce mortality rate
http://mnt.to/l/4np6
The structural secrets of enzyme used to make popular anti-cholesterol drug
http://mnt.to/l/4njb
BMJ authors withdraw statements about adverse effects of statins
http://mnt.to/l/4nkL
----------------------------------------------
** STROKE News **
Stroke recovery should include exercise prescription
http://mnt.to/l/4nmP
Role of pro-urokinase in neuronal apoptosis and revascularization after ACI
http://mnt.to/l/4ngD
ALLERGY News **
Experts call for healthcare professionals to take heed of official guidelines to better manage hay fever and asthma patients
http://mnt.to/l/4ng3
----------------------------------------------
** ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA News **
Workplace solvent exposure linked to later-life cognitive decline
http://mnt.to/l/4ng7
Hippocampal neurons protected by geniposide via the non-classical estrogen signaling pathway
http://mnt.to/l/4nc9
----------------------------------------------
** ANXIETY / STRESS News **
Addressing students' test anxiety may help prevent more severe problems
http://mnt.to/l/4ndW
Frequent arguing 'dramatically increases risk of middle-aged death'
http://mnt.to/l/4nbw
How does stress increase your risk for stroke and heart attack?
http://mnt.to/l/4n8f
Stress and depression impair physical health, increase risk for stroke and heart attack
http://mnt.to/l/4n7C
Researchers find racism a common 'toxic stressor' among African-American, Afro-Caribbean youth
http://mnt.to/l/4n78
----------------------------------------------
** ARTHRITIS / RHEUMATOLOGY News **
Adding grapes to diet resulted in less activity-related pain in knee osteoarthritis
http://mnt.to/l/4nfj
----------------------------------------------
** BONES / ORTHOPEDICS News **
No association found between calcium supplements and increased risk of cardiovascular disease in women
http://mnt.to/l/4nfv
Neuromuscular training could save $275 per athlete, per season in injury-related costs
http://mnt.to/l/4ndP
Bioscaffold material degrades as bone grows to replace it
http://mnt.to/l/4nbR
Nerve damage after hip surgery may be due to inflammation
http://mnt.to/l/4n8R
New approach to treating brittle bone disease
http://mnt.to/l/4n7n
----------------------------------------------
** BREAST CANCER News **
Genetic counseling for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer often not received by high-risk women
http://mnt.to/l/4ndT
Important insights into carcinoma-associated fibroblasts
http://mnt.to/l/4ndv
Preventive health screening for low-income women: better or worse under new health care reform?
http://mnt.to/l/4ndr
Scientists identify 'high-priority' chemicals that may cause breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nfZ
Need for ultrasound, biopsies, reduced by breast tomosynthesis after screening mammography
http://mnt.to/l/4ncs
Breast cancer screening and chemoprevention
http://mnt.to/l/4ncn
Women may avoid mammography screening due to overestimation of radiation exposure
http://mnt.to/l/4ncd
Two key proteins found that regulate the growth of mammary stem cells and could contribute to breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nbH
Mammography controversy needs greater participation to inform decisions
http://mnt.to/l/4n83
A transcription factor called SLUG helps determine type of breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n6T
More sleep for women with advanced breast cancer improves survival time
http://mnt.to/l/4n6L
Thwarting the process required for breast cancer cells to become mobile and invasive
http://mnt.to/l/4n63
----------------------------------------------
** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **
Drug delivery method sneaks drugs into cancer cells before triggering release
http://mnt.to/l/4nfz
Nanoparticles that stagger delivery of 2 chemotherapy drugs knock out aggressive tumors in mice
http://mnt.to/l/4ndZ
Some immune cells produce steroids
http://mnt.to/l/4ndN
Tumors shrank or disappeared in some pediatric patients with advanced neuroblastoma in a Phase I study
http://mnt.to/l/4ndt
Tracking cancer cells circulating in the blood using florescent proteins
http://mnt.to/l/4nd8
DNA used to build tool that may literally shine light on cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nbQ
Tunable virus delivers cancer therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4n9M
Fragile sites in areas of the genome where DNA's copy machine pauses can be a breeding ground for human cancers
http://mnt.to/l/4n9t
Management of hypertension in cancer patients being treated with VEGFIs
http://mnt.to/l/4n9p
Non-invasive focused ultrasound thermal therapy reduces pain from bone metastases
http://mnt.to/l/4n99
RPCI study confirms clinical benefit for interleukin-2 immunotherapy in patients with advanced kidney cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nbj
Esophageal cancer test identifies patients who are resistant to standard pre-surgical chemoradiation therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4nb5
Guidance offered by molecular tumor board in advanced cancer cases
http://mnt.to/l/4n8W
Promising biomarker discovered for esophageal cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n8m
Gene expression patterns suggest an antimicrobial may help treat advanced kidney cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n7S
Experienced surgeons means fewer splenic injuries in operations for esophageal cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n87
----------------------------------------------
** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **
Almost all implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) procedures are performed on insured patients with the majority being male
http://mnt.to/l/4ngn
Potentially serious complications could be avoided in heart patients who need defibrillator implants
http://mnt.to/l/4ndg
Cardiovascular surgical care model improves care value, predictability and the patient experience
http://mnt.to/l/4n9Y
How heart stem cells orchestrate regeneration
http://mnt.to/l/4n9b
Population screening for sudden cardiac death in young people is feasible with a basic screening programme
http://mnt.to/l/4n8k
An important step towards understanding how hearts are formed in developing embryos
http://mnt.to/l/4n7D
Balancing protein turnover in the heart
http://mnt.to/l/4n65
----------------------------------------------
** CHOLESTEROL News **
Monoclonal antibody combined with statin results in further reduction of cholesterol levels
http://mnt.to/l/4nfQ
Cancer spreads with help from 'bad' cholesterol
http://mnt.to/l/4nd3
Study explores connection between diets high in monounsaturated fat with emerging cardiovascular disease risk factors: new Hass avocado research
http://mnt.to/l/4n6H
----------------------------------------------
** COLORECTAL CANCER News **
Study findings question benefit of additional imaging before cancer surgery
http://mnt.to/l/4nfS
Study provides potential target for cutting off growth of colon cancer stem cells
http://mnt.to/l/4ndh
Mixed messages on DNA test a risk to bowel cancer screening, Australia
http://mnt.to/l/4nbk
Laparoscopic-assisted colonoscopy with polypectomy to remove precancerous colon polyps may substantially reduce health-care costs
http://mnt.to/l/4n8q
----------------------------------------------
** DEPRESSION News **
Simple paper test can help identify depressed teenagers
http://mnt.to/l/4nfs
Favorable outcomes emerge from integrating mental health into obstetics/gynecology services
http://mnt.to/l/4ncF
A couple's love life may be tainted even 20 years later by early depression, anger
http://mnt.to/l/4nbV
Research study available for older adults living with low back pain and depression
http://mnt.to/l/4ndF
How will identifying biomarkers for depression improve patients' lives?
http://mnt.to/l/4ncr
Maintenance therapy for medication-free patients with major depression shows promise in pilot study
http://mnt.to/l/4n7K
----------------------------------------------
** DERMATOLOGY News **
Promising role for Interleukin-10 in scarless wound healing
http://mnt.to/l/4ncZ
----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **
Intensified insulin therapy 'improves survival for diabetic heart attack patients'
http://mnt.to/l/4ngH
Launch of a new alliance for the global assessment of retinopathy
http://mnt.to/l/4ngv
Reduced inflammation seen in diabetic patients on low-carbohydrate diet
http://mnt.to/l/4ndy
Short bursts of intense exercise before meals control blood sugar better than 1 continuous 30 minute session
http://mnt.to/l/4ndm
Technology detects low blood sugar in sleeping diabetics and stops insulin delivery
http://mnt.to/l/4nbL
Could a maternal gluten-free diet protect offspring against type 1 diabetes?
http://mnt.to/l/4ncm
----------------------------------------------
** EATING DISORDERS News **
A risk factor for food addiction - impulsivity
http://mnt.to/l/4nb7
----------------------------------------------
** ENDOCRINOLOGY News **
No credible evidence to support cardiac risk of testosterone therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4n8r
----------------------------------------------
** FERTILITY News **
Leptin-dependent regulation of reproduction
http://mnt.to/l/4nf5
Toothpaste, sunscreen chemicals 'interfere with sperm function'
http://mnt.to/l/4nfX
----------------------------------------------
** FLU / COLD / SARS News **
An important role in immune regulation during infection played by SOCS4
http://mnt.to/l/4nd7
SOCS4 prevents a cytokine storm and helps to clear influenza virus from the lung
http://mnt.to/l/4n8S
IL-27 balances the immune response to influenza and reduces lung damage
http://mnt.to/l/4n8J
CDC announces first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus infection (MERS) in the United States
http://mnt.to/l/4n7Z
----------------------------------------------
** HYPERTENSION News **
Researchers developing new method for lowering high blood pressure without side effects
http://mnt.to/l/4ng5
Living near foreclosed property may increase blood pressure
http://mnt.to/l/4nfP
Treating hypertension using implantable device
http://mnt.to/l/4ndn
Implantable device 'lowers blood pressure' through electrical brain pulses
http://mnt.to/l/4ndL
Discovery of new cause of high blood pressure and heart disease
http://mnt.to/l/4n8w
Hypertension related to new cancer therapies - a new syndrome emerges
http://mnt.to/l/4n8X
----------------------------------------------
** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **
Euclid study reveals more than 39,000 cases of clostridium difficile infection may be missed each year
http://mnt.to/l/4ngt
Parasitic infections also occur in the United States
http://mnt.to/l/4nfN
After 2015: Infectious diseases in a new era of health and development
http://mnt.to/l/4ndD
Rapid detection of multiple pathogens in a single test via luminescent nanocrystal tags and high-speed scanner
http://mnt.to/l/4ncC
Curved bacterial helps in the study of the evolution of bacteria
http://mnt.to/l/4ncB
Surgical site infection guidelines provide real-world strategies
http://mnt.to/l/4n9H
Prioritized strategies to reduce prevalence of C. difficile in healthcare settings
http://mnt.to/l/4n9F
The British Polio Fellowship supports new regulations to prevent spread of Polio
http://mnt.to/l/4nb8
Benign bug bests salmonella
http://mnt.to/l/4n8B
Researchers focus on salmonella's invasion strategy
http://mnt.to/l/4n8t
----------------------------------------------
** MEN'S HEALTH News **
Shorter men live longer: Honolulu-based study
http://mnt.to/l/4nf9
Research studies likely compromised by black male incarceration
http://mnt.to/l/4n9R
----------------------------------------------
** MENTAL HEALTH News **
Men from ethnic minorities take longer to recover from mental illness, study finds
http://mnt.to/l/4ng8
Parental abuse of alcohol increases risk of suicide by adult offspring
http://mnt.to/l/4n9J
Reducing suicide with the help of virtual patients, medical records and sleep queries
http://mnt.to/l/4n8D
----------------------------------------------
** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **
Experiencing letters as colours: new insights into synaesthesia
http://mnt.to/l/4ng4
Large increase seen in emergency departments visits for traumatic brain injury
http://mnt.to/l/4nfT
Study of two rare childhood neurodegenerative diseases suggests new source of DNA damage that may play a role in a wide range of health problems
http://mnt.to/l/4nfr
Gene behind hemifacial microsomia (HFM), a highly prevalent facial anomaly, identified
http://mnt.to/l/4nfm
Increasing the survival rate of motor neurons after spinal root avulsion
http://mnt.to/l/4nfh
Findings may open a new way to study individual differences in people's visual tracking abilities
http://mnt.to/l/4ndM
Brain boost offered by anti-aging factor
http://mnt.to/l/4ndc
New clues to cognitive decline
http://mnt.to/l/4ncG
Radiation dose for pediatric brain CT reduced by iterative reconstruction techniques
http://mnt.to/l/4ncp
The hippocampus seems to play a more complex role in learning than previously thought
http://mnt.to/l/4nc7
Miniature neurotransmission appears to play key role in synapse development
http://mnt.to/l/4nbK
Recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries could be aided by social workers
http://mnt.to/l/4n9Z
New protein identified in the neurological disorder dystonia
http://mnt.to/l/4n9B
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction related to AMPK and inflammatory mediators
http://mnt.to/l/4n9x
Seeking out key molecular switches that control age-related memory impairment
http://mnt.to/l/4n9w
Tracking the source of "selective attention" problems in brain-injured veterans
http://mnt.to/l/4n88
Simple technique may help older adults better remember written information, UF researchers say
http://mnt.to/l/4nbf
Pregnancy alters perception of facial expressions
http://mnt.to/l/4nbb
Recovery time after concussion may be longer for men
http://mnt.to/l/4n95
Novel transgenic mouse model of Chinese Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2L
http://mnt.to/l/4n8Y
Investigators discover how key protein enhances memory and learning
http://mnt.to/l/4n7Y
Rejuvenating the functioning of aged brains and muscles in mice
http://mnt.to/l/4n7h
An active role played by the motor cortex in learning movement patterns
http://mnt.to/l/4n7g
Circuitry of fundamental motor circuit revealed
http://mnt.to/l/4n6J
----------------------------------------------
** NUTRITION / DIET News **
Health benefits of red wine antioxidant questioned in study
http://mnt.to/l/4ngk
What are the health benefits of onions?
http://mnt.to/l/4ngf
Today's college students are increasing the risk of cancer later on, especially racial minorities
http://mnt.to/l/4n9V
Glutamine supplements in ICU may increase risk of patient death
http://mnt.to/l/4n96
Human nutrition 'threatened' by increasing CO<sub>2</sub> concentrations
http://mnt.to/l/4n8v
----------------------------------------------
** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **
Adult obesity projected to be prevalent in almost all European countries by 2030
http://mnt.to/l/4nfn
The impact of extended childhood poverty on obesity rates in young adults
http://mnt.to/l/4nf8
Bariatric surgery prevents obese patients from developing atrial fibrillation
http://mnt.to/l/4nfc
Obesity drug failing patients due to lack of education about side-effects
http://mnt.to/l/4ncX
Labelling teens as overweight can be counterproductive
http://mnt.to/l/4ncL
Vascular inflammation linked to obesity and atherosclerosis
http://mnt.to/l/4nb6
In children, snacking quality appears to decline with age
http://mnt.to/l/4n9C
During pregnancy, watching TV at mealtimes may set stage for childhood obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4n9c
Obese teens at risk of nutritional deficiencies
http://mnt.to/l/4n7p
Bariatric surgery can reverse early-stage liver fibrosis
http://mnt.to/l/4n7d
Childhood obesity can be positively impacted by motivational interviewing
http://mnt.to/l/4n75
----------------------------------------------
** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **
Transforming health care through 'insourcing' innovation
http://mnt.to/l/4nc6
----------------------------------------------
** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **
Prostate cancer treatment: 'no benefit for older patients with other health problems'
http://mnt.to/l/4ngX
For men with prostate cancer, low testosterone levels may indicate worsening of disease
http://mnt.to/l/4n7w
----------------------------------------------
** SENIORS / AGING News **
Yeast study identifies relationship between cell stress response and aging
http://mnt.to/l/4ndk
Free radicals 'do not cause aging, they combat it,' study suggests
http://mnt.to/l/4ncH
Test can measure the speed of aging
http://mnt.to/l/4nc4
Robot caregivers help the elderly
http://mnt.to/l/4n8x
Scientists take steps to unlock the secrets to the fountain of youth
http://mnt.to/l/4n7m
----------------------------------------------
** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **
Promising new treatment for narcolepsy
http://mnt.to/l/4nbJ
A real but overlooked sleep disorder: 'exploding head syndrome'
http://mnt.to/l/4n9X
----------------------------------------------
** STROKE News **
FDA approves Zontivity to reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke in high-risk patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nfV
Stroke risk could be cut worldwide by increased consumption of fruits and vegetables
http://mnt.to/l/4ndq
Eating more fruits and vegetables could lower worldwide stroke risk
http://mnt.to/l/4ndz
----------------------------------------------
** TROPICAL DISEASES News **
New method enables single cell genome sequencing of malaria parasites
http://mnt.to/l/4ndd
Need for better global response highlighted by recent Ebola outbreak
http://mnt.to/l/4nch
The severity of malaria is not determined solely by parasite levels in blood
http://mnt.to/l/4ncf
Seeking a sustainable solution to control intestinal parasites
http://mnt.to/l/4n9z
Mass vaccination campaigns 'greatly reduce yellow fever burden in Africa'
http://mnt.to/l/4n8b
----------------------------------------------
** WOMEN'S HEALTH / GYNECOLOGY News **
Women who experienced physical or sexual violence perpetrated by their partner were 58 percent more likely to be smokers
http://mnt.to/l/4n8H
Milk supply problems for new mothers associated with factors leading to diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4n7J
aring for horses may ease symptoms of Alzheimer's
http://mnt.to/l/4n82
The genetics behind Alzheimer's resiliency
http://mnt.to/l/4n6W
Gene expression, the immune system and risk for neurodegenerative and other diseases
http://mnt.to/l/4n5n
Indigenous develop dementia earlier and in greater numbers, Australia
http://mnt.to/l/4n4n
600,000 Americans may have 'commonly misdiagnosed' Alzheimer's subtype
http://mnt.to/l/4n5D
In animal models of Alzheimer's disease, 7.0T NMR assesses changes in hippocampal neurons
http://mnt.to/l/4n3J
Study ties ABCC9 anomalies, sulfonylurea exposure to HS-A
http://mnt.to/l/4n3g
Medicare patients with dementia nearly 20 percent more likely to be readmitted within 30 days of discharge
http://mnt.to/l/4n2W
Charity launches Facebook app simulating symptoms of dementia
http://mnt.to/l/4mZ6
----------------------------------------------
** ANXIETY / STRESS News **
Merely observing stressful situations can trigger a physical stress response
http://mnt.to/l/4n4J
Vulnerability to diet-related metabolic risk heightened by chronic stress
http://mnt.to/l/4n3j
Male experimenters stress lab mice, potentially distorting findings
http://mnt.to/l/4n4k
----------------------------------------------
** ARTHRITIS / RHEUMATOLOGY News **
Subcutaneous RoACTEMRA receives European approval for patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis
http://mnt.to/l/4mZm
Better targeting of therapies could improve arthritis treatments
http://mnt.to/l/4mZ9
----------------------------------------------
** BONES / ORTHOPEDICS News **
Study looks at predicting fracture risk after women stop bisphosphonate therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4n5X
Need for osteoporosis treatment likely underestimated by WHO tool
http://mnt.to/l/4n2f
The toll of trampoline fractures on children
http://mnt.to/l/4mZS
----------------------------------------------
** BREAST CANCER News **
Scientists solve a 30-year breast cancer puzzle
http://mnt.to/l/4n6B
Type of breast cancer surgery women undergo influenced by surgeons and health care settings
http://mnt.to/l/4n44
Existing leukemia drug brings new hope in fighting aggressive breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n4H
Study finds lymph node ultrasounds more accurate in obese breast cancer patients
http://mnt.to/l/4n4B
Among breast, colorectal and other cancers, Vitamin D may raise survival rates
http://mnt.to/l/4n2g
Gene expression profiling test important for breast cancer patients
http://mnt.to/l/4mZW
Women who have chemotherapy for breast cancer are less likely to be employed 4 years later
http://mnt.to/l/4mYq
----------------------------------------------
** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **
Improved identification of cancer-associated genes from microarray data via novel analyses
http://mnt.to/l/4n6X
For patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer, hyperfractionated radiation therapy may improve local-regional control
http://mnt.to/l/4n5G
Potential for developing novel interventional cancer therapies by targeting regulatory T-cells
http://mnt.to/l/4n5d
How illness affects the risk of divorce
http://mnt.to/l/4n52
Stem cells derived from human body fat used to deliver treatment for deadly glioblastoma in mice
http://mnt.to/l/4n4Z
A plausible mechanism for DNA cleavage by bleomycin
http://mnt.to/l/4n4X
Study identifies novel regulator of key gene expression in cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n4R
Water-based 'engine' propels tumor cells through tight spaces in the body
http://mnt.to/l/4n4M
Radiation and chemotherapy damage control
http://mnt.to/l/4n3V
Work in mice advances potential for nanoparticles to treat brain cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n2R
The protein DAZAP1 plays "master regulator" role in how genes are expressed in cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n2L
A new strategy to personalise cancer therapies
http://mnt.to/l/4n2G
New approach to immunotherapy could increase cancer patient survival
http://mnt.to/l/4n27
Shorter life expectancy and higher cancer risk for men likely due to loss of Y chromosome
http://mnt.to/l/4mZZ
A single cell type could explain why cancer vaccines can't stimulate the immune system to fight tumors
http://mnt.to/l/4mZR
----------------------------------------------
** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **
Daily aspirin to prevent first heart attack does not get FDA backing
http://mnt.to/l/4n7y
For seniors, increasing physical activity 'reduces risk of heart attack'
http://mnt.to/l/4n6q
After heart surgery, home health visits greatly lower readmissions
http://mnt.to/l/4n5y
Largest ever analysis on the use of a polypill in cardiovascular disease shows potential for improvements in patient care
http://mnt.to/l/4n6s
EHealth: The dawn of a new era in cardiovascular disease prevention and management
http://mnt.to/l/4n4r
Survival among children increases when emergency dispatchers give bystanders CPR instruction
http://mnt.to/l/4n42
Simple educational initiative dramatically reduces pre-hospital delay for patients with heart attack/angina symptoms
http://mnt.to/l/4n38
Scientists find first genetic link to a heart muscle disease that affects children
http://mnt.to/l/4mZJ
Eplerenone reduces primary endpoint in acute myocardial infarction patients
http://mnt.to/l/4mZD
Increasing fiber intake after a heart attack may prolong survival
http://mnt.to/l/4mYN
----------------------------------------------
** COLORECTAL CANCER News **
1st published data for VolitionRx's diagnostic blood tests for bowel cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n3F
----------------------------------------------
** DEPRESSION News **
Observation: Copious coffee consumption while taking MAO inhibitors may lead to severe hypertension
http://mnt.to/l/4n4j
High-profile newspaper coverage of suicide linked to 'copy-cat suicides'
http://mnt.to/l/4n3N
Depression is detectable in the blood
http://mnt.to/l/4n3m
Depressive symptoms postpartum associated with dampening of positive feelings
http://mnt.to/l/4n2w
New mothers' mental health jeopardized by abuse
http://mnt.to/l/4mZT
One in three people struggle to cope at work due to depression or stress according to new survey
http://mnt.to/l/4mZj
Response to deep brain stimulation in depression can be improved by precise brain mapping
http://mnt.to/l/4mZ8
----------------------------------------------
** DERMATOLOGY News **
Bacteria living on skin may affect how wounds heal
http://mnt.to/l/4n53
Bacteria on the skin: New insights on our invisible companions
http://mnt.to/l/4n2x
----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **
Diabetes type 1 and 2 'on the rise' in American youth
http://mnt.to/l/4n6r
Study shows NovoRapid® (insulin aspart) and Levemir® (insulin detemir) significantly reduce severe hypoglycaemia
http://mnt.to/l/4n6m
Women who consume high-protein breakfasts may decrease their risk for diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4n37
Amniotic membrane wound graft effective treatment for diabetic foot ulcers
http://mnt.to/l/4n3v
How race, risk and behaviors affect type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4n2t
Longer duration of diabetes associated with brain volume loss
http://mnt.to/l/4n29
Genetic risk for diabetes may be reduced by higher calcium intake
http://mnt.to/l/4mZK
Dangerous overnight blood sugar levels cause surprisingly irregular heart rhythms in diabetics
http://mnt.to/l/4mZt
----------------------------------------------
** ENDOCRINOLOGY News **
Key protein behind aggressive forms of endometrial cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n6k
'Bomb fuse' DNA linked to health problems in Cushing's
http://mnt.to/l/4n6j
Sniffing out human sex pheromones
http://mnt.to/l/4n59
Low testosterone levels may indicate worsening of disease for men with low-risk prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n3K
New source of fat tissue stem cells discovered
http://mnt.to/l/4n4V
Thyroid medication has no effect on death rates in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism
http://mnt.to/l/4n4T
----------------------------------------------
** FERTILITY News **
Converting skin cells into sperm
http://mnt.to/l/4n56
Infertile women feel a lack of support and suggests ways loved ones can help
http://mnt.to/l/4n4W
----------------------------------------------
** HYPERTENSION News **
Program helps low-income women control blood pressure
http://mnt.to/l/4n6t
----------------------------------------------
** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **
Pathogens in meat inhibited by antimicrobial edible films
http://mnt.to/l/4n5V
A hotbed for new diseases: China study improves understanding of disease spread
http://mnt.to/l/4n5g
How bacteria are able to evade vaccines and rapidly become drug-resistant
http://mnt.to/l/4n5f
Potential threat to global health: live virus implicates camels in MERS outbreak
http://mnt.to/l/4n2m
Scientists recommend further research and delay in destruction of last stocks of smallpox virus ahead of impending World Health Assembly decision
http://mnt.to/l/4mXD
Weekly emails to hospital C-suite halt two decades of superbug outbreak
http://mnt.to/l/4mZF
Treating antibiotic resistant bacteria with NDM enzyme remains 'enormous challenge', new PHE study reveals
http://mnt.to/l/4mZz
Monkey model established of hantavirus disease
http://mnt.to/l/4mZ7
----------------------------------------------
** MEN'S HEALTH News **
Mice and rats stressed by male experimenters; reaction may skew research findings
http://mnt.to/l/4n22
----------------------------------------------
** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **
Insight into mechanisms that provide and regulate feedback during motor performance
http://mnt.to/l/4n6w
Monitoring neural function deep in the brain
http://mnt.to/l/4n5k
Speaking on the same wavelength - how our brains understand one another
http://mnt.to/l/4n4K
MRI sensor allows neuroscientists to map neural activity with molecular precision
http://mnt.to/l/4n4D
Study sheds new light on sports-related brain injuries
http://mnt.to/l/4n2V
Watch out: Children more prone to looking but not seeing
http://mnt.to/l/4n3z
Deep brain stimulation for obsessive-compulsive disorder releases dopamine in the brain
http://mnt.to/l/4n3s
Almost half of homeless men had traumatic brain injury: study
http://mnt.to/l/4mZb
Strategic thinking strengthens intellectual capacity
http://mnt.to/l/4mYY
----------------------------------------------
** NUTRITION / DIET News **
Investigators find something fishy with the classical evidence for dietary fish recommendations
http://mnt.to/l/4n67
Scientists identify mechanism underlying health benefits of red wine, blueberries
http://mnt.to/l/4n64
Many toddlers consume too little potassium and dietary fiber
http://mnt.to/l/4n2C
----------------------------------------------
** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **
Obesity by age 25 linked to severe late-life obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4n86
Children in an obesity intervention who lived closer to a supermarket ate more fruits and vegetables
http://mnt.to/l/4n6Q
Three simple ideas for overcoming childhood obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4n62
Lots of fruits and vegetables, but lots of high-fat snacks: Home food environment of overweight women
http://mnt.to/l/4n4m
Researchers discover a gene that controls fat metabolism
http://mnt.to/l/4n4G
The beneficial effects of whey on diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk factors in obese adults
http://mnt.to/l/4n46
Obese patients with no heart disease have greater risk of future disease
http://mnt.to/l/4n3Z
Discovery of new fluid fats in frozen flies has implications for the human obesity crisis
http://mnt.to/l/4n3R
Anti-appetite molecule released by fiber could lead to non-surgical treatments for obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4n3C
Weight-loss efforts can be simplified by information technology
http://mnt.to/l/4n39
Leading medics say UK in need of 'urgent referral' as country struggles to get to grips with obesity crisis
http://mnt.to/l/4mZh
----------------------------------------------
** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **
Creating a workforce equipped for new health care environment
http://mnt.to/l/4n5H
Only half of England's hospitals have non-executive directors with medical or nursing background
http://mnt.to/l/4n4L
5-year trends in health-care access, quality, costs, and outcomes show wide differences; room for improvement in every state
http://mnt.to/l/4n3L
Candid 'insider' views on quality and safety in the NHS could help detect reasons for poor care, say researchers
http://mnt.to/l/4n3x
----------------------------------------------
** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **
'eNose' that sniffs out prostate cancer shows promise
http://mnt.to/l/4n54
Vitamin D deficiency may predict aggressive prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n3y
New model can predict therapy outcomes in prostate cancer with bone metastasis
http://mnt.to/l/4n2N
Oncogenex announces top-line survival results of Phase 3 SYNERGY trial evaluating custirsen for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n2B
----------------------------------------------
** SENIORS / AGING News **
'Young blood reverses age-related brain impairments in old mice'
http://mnt.to/l/4n7x
Discovery could lead to new treatments for progeria
http://mnt.to/l/4n5w
----------------------------------------------
** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **
Link between sleep apnea and maternal deaths in hospital
http://mnt.to/l/4n6Y
Newly recognized genetic syndrome caused by mutations in AHDC1
http://mnt.to/l/4n5p
Sleep habits associated with memory in old-age
http://mnt.to/l/4n5m
Adults with insomnia benefit from tart cherry juice
http://mnt.to/l/4mZL
----------------------------------------------
** STATINS News **
Statin therapy lowered patients' LDL cholesterol but did not prevent kidney failure
http://mnt.to/l/4n58
----------------------------------------------
** STROKE News **
Vitamin E could prevent or reduce brain damage from stroke
http://mnt.to/l/4n6n
A central receptor for blood coagulation decoded; potential for new drugs to treat stroke and heart attacks
http://mnt.to/l/4n47
Stroke: the risks, symptoms and increasing awareness
http://mnt.to/l/4n4z
Stroke risk reduced if brain blood vessel disorder is left alone
http://mnt.to/l/4n3r
Thousands run the risk of stroke by ignoring early warning signs
http://mnt.to/l/4mZV
Blood pressure control, lifestyle changes key to preventing subsequent strokes
http://mnt.to/l/4mZQ
Reduced exposure to rural microbes may increase risk of asthma, allergies
http://mnt.to/l/4mXw
FDA approves Ragwitek for short ragweed pollen allergies
http://mnt.to/l/4mS6
----------------------------------------------
** ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA News **
In people at risk for Alzheimer's, exercise keeps hippocampus healthy
http://mnt.to/l/4mVz
Gene therapy reverses memory loss in mouse models of Alzheimer's
http://mnt.to/l/4mVg
Why do some people with Alzheimer's disease die without cognitive impairment, while others do?
http://mnt.to/l/4mWf
NeuroPhage discovers GAIM-changing molecules to combat Alzheimer's and related diseases
http://mnt.to/l/4mTx
Mild cognitive impairment linked to early death in new research
http://mnt.to/l/4mTg
New approach 'DICE' may help manage the most troubling symptoms of dementia, lessen use of drugs
http://mnt.to/l/4mSS
Potential new approach to Alzheimer's treatment offered by 'Chaperone' compounds
http://mnt.to/l/4mRV
----------------------------------------------
** ANXIETY / STRESS News **
Youth who work with horses experience a substantial reduction in stress
http://mnt.to/l/4mXL
Depression and marital stress linked
http://mnt.to/l/4mYh
Inflammation in PTSD linked to changes in microRNA
http://mnt.to/l/4mWr
Anxiety makes neurotic people 'afraid of action'
http://mnt.to/l/4mY3
Community-wide PTSD greatly exacerbated by recurring post-war violence
http://mnt.to/l/4mXF
----------------------------------------------
** ARTHRITIS / RHEUMATOLOGY News **
First psoriatic arthritis registry in the U.S. to collect both patient and physician data
http://mnt.to/l/4mXz
----------------------------------------------
** BONES / ORTHOPEDICS News **
Soy-dairy protein blend increases muscle mass reaffirmed by study
http://mnt.to/l/4mXJ
----------------------------------------------
** BREAST CANCER News **
New study helps to explain why breast cancer often spreads to the lung
http://mnt.to/l/4mXv
Breast cancer replicates brain development process
http://mnt.to/l/4mWX
Breast cancer patients 'face unemployment due to chemotherapy'
http://mnt.to/l/4mVq
The antimicrobial ingredient triclosan may spur growth of breast cancer cells
http://mnt.to/l/4mVT
Gene can predict the prognosis of patients with breast cancer and their response to treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4mVM
Gold nanoparticles help target, quantify breast cancer gene segments in a living cell
http://mnt.to/l/4mVj
Anxiety over false-positive mammogram results is 'only temporary'
http://mnt.to/l/4mSz
----------------------------------------------
** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **
Two breath compounds could be associated with larynx cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4mYQ
Discovery may lead to development of a method for early detection of cancer cells
http://mnt.to/l/4mXV
Immunogenic mutations predicted from tumor genomes correlate with increased patient survival
http://mnt.to/l/4mWN
Researchers tweak cellular mechanisms that help worms overcome infertility, resulting in longevity generations later
http://mnt.to/l/4mYd
Potential medical uses for graphene include brain cancer treatment, neuroregeneration, functional neurosurgery
http://mnt.to/l/4mYc
Palliation is rarely a topic in studies on advanced cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4mWZ
New insights into the anti-cancer effects of the PTEN gene
http://mnt.to/l/4mWM
The role of postoperative radiation therapy for endometrial cancer: ASTRO issues guideline
http://mnt.to/l/4mWn
Scientists identify way to target drug-resistant cancer cells
http://mnt.to/l/4mXb
Cancer specific cell for potential treatment of gastric cancer identified
http://mnt.to/l/4mVw
Finnish team of researchers finds a mutation in a tumour of the jaw
http://mnt.to/l/4mVJ
New European recommendations published on the management of emotional and psycho-oncological needs of people with head and neck cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4mVB
Study identifies enzymes that help fix cancer-causing DNA defects
http://mnt.to/l/4mVk
Death rates from pancreatic cancer are rising while rates for all other cancers, except female lung cancer, continue to fall in Europe
http://mnt.to/l/4mTf
'Dustman' protein helps bin cancer cells
http://mnt.to/l/4mSX
Fast, simple-to-use assay reveals the 'family tree' of cancer metastases
http://mnt.to/l/4mSW
FDA approves Cyramza for stomach cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4mSn
Advanced abdominal cancer: 20 years of data shows treatment technique improvement
http://mnt.to/l/4mRn
----------------------------------------------
** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **
Very low 30-day mortality can give false sense of complacency in arterial switch operations
http://mnt.to/l/4mXM
The heart's ability to regenerate diminished by oxygen
http://mnt.to/l/4mXC
Cardiovascular health affected by stem cells in circulating blood
http://mnt.to/l/4mV5
Protein expression gets the heart pumping during the postnatal period
http://mnt.to/l/4mTL
Breastfeeding may protect against inflammation and heart disease in young adulthood
http://mnt.to/l/4mTY
No benefit in survival offered by adrenaline after cardiac arrest
http://mnt.to/l/4mRq
----------------------------------------------
** CHOLESTEROL News **
Scientists alter fat metabolism in animals to prevent most common type of heart disease
http://mnt.to/l/4mTk
----------------------------------------------
** COLORECTAL CANCER News **
Promising new approach targets cancer protein to slow tumor growth
http://mnt.to/l/4mY4
Patient-focused enhanced recovery approach for colorectal surgery
http://mnt.to/l/4mXh
Targeting chemo-resistant cells has implications for treating colon cancer, breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4mWS
Aspirin can reduce colorectal cancer risks for those with specific gene
http://mnt.to/l/4mVc
Scientists find key steps linking dietary fats and colon cancer tumor growth
http://mnt.to/l/4mSV
----------------------------------------------
** DEPRESSION News **
High doses of antidepressants appear to increase risk of self-harm in children and young adults
http://mnt.to/l/4mYJ
Depressed? Researchers identify new anti-depressant mechanisms, therapeutic approaches
http://mnt.to/l/4mTb
Breakthroughs could lead to 'powerful treatment for depression'
http://mnt.to/l/4mTr
Depression in retirement likely reduced by internet use
http://mnt.to/l/4mRk
----------------------------------------------
** DERMATOLOGY News **
Animals could be replaced in drug and cosmetics testing by skin layer grown from human stem cells
http://mnt.to/l/4mXr
Malfunction in molecular 'proofreader' prevents repair of UV-induced DNA damage
http://mnt.to/l/4mSk
----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **
Increased coffee consumption may reduce risk of type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4mXf
Weight loss and reduced medication use achieved in community-based program to aid diabetes management
http://mnt.to/l/4mV4
New study shows routine blood glucose measurements can accurately estimate hemoglobin A1c in diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4mTR
Breakthrough artificial pancreas study
http://mnt.to/l/4mTc
Diabetes.co.uk releases one of the largest diabetes studies ever performed
http://mnt.to/l/4mSJ
----------------------------------------------
** ENDOCRINOLOGY News **
Large clinical trials to evaluate risks of testosterone treatment urgently needed
http://mnt.to/l/4mYF
What is testosterone? What does testosterone do?
http://mnt.to/l/4mXW
What is oxytocin? Why is oxytocin called the love hormone?
http://mnt.to/l/4mSv
----------------------------------------------
** ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION / PREMATURE EJACULATION News **
Testosterone deficiency can be identified with new screening questionnaire
http://mnt.to/l/4mVP
----------------------------------------------
** FLU / COLD / SARS News **
Why was 1918 flu pandemic so deadly? Research offers new clue
http://mnt.to/l/4mYT
Ginseng can treat and prevent influenza and RSV in mice, researcher finds
http://mnt.to/l/4mSM
----------------------------------------------
** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **
Comprehensive study shows effect of vaccination on spread and diversification of whooping cough
http://mnt.to/l/4mVh
Measles outbreaks prompt concern about physician knowledge gaps
http://mnt.to/l/4mWb
The independent evolution of harmful organisms from one bacterial family
http://mnt.to/l/4mST
Improving premature infants' bacterial environment could fend off infections
http://mnt.to/l/4mRQ
New insight has the potential to improve treatment for sepsis
http://mnt.to/l/4mRy
----------------------------------------------
** MEN'S HEALTH News **
Y chromosome loss: shorter life expectancy and higher cancer risk in men
http://mnt.to/l/4mYD
----------------------------------------------
** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **
Key regulator discovered in the pacemakers of the brain and heart
http://mnt.to/l/4mY5
Quantitative volumetric analysis of optic radiation in the normal human brain
http://mnt.to/l/4mXX
Controlling brain waves to improve vision
http://mnt.to/l/4mXN
Switching off cells with light becomes as easy as switching them on
http://mnt.to/l/4mXd
Neural signature for mistake correction discovered
http://mnt.to/l/4mXc
Almost half of homeless men taking part in study had suffered traumatic brain injury
http://mnt.to/l/4mYf
Researchers discover that a hypertension drug prevents epilepsy following brain injury
http://mnt.to/l/4mXt
Fast or slow? Interplay of rhythms makes brain centers communicate
http://mnt.to/l/4mX9
New genetic brain disorder discovered in humans
http://mnt.to/l/4mWV
Simple animal models provide new insight into basic brain function
http://mnt.to/l/4mWG
Much-needed tool for neuroscience: an 'off switch' to shut down neural activity
http://mnt.to/l/4mWF
Animal studies suggest that some astronauts may be at risk for cognitive impairment
http://mnt.to/l/4mWq
Mirror neurons: fundamental discoveries, theoretical perspectives and clinical implications
http://mnt.to/l/4mVH
Researchers discover brain pathway involved in emotional behaviors
http://mnt.to/l/4mTM
Scripps Florida scientists identify critical new protein complex involved in learning and memory
http://mnt.to/l/4mTQ
First brain images of African infants enable research into cognitive effects of nutrition
http://mnt.to/l/4mTD
Scientists discover a new way to enhance nerve growth following injury
http://mnt.to/l/4mTB
Longer education linked to better recovery from traumatic brain injury
http://mnt.to/l/4mSy
Short-term environmental enrichment exposure induces maturity of newborn neurons
http://mnt.to/l/4mSm
When bad news is good news for neurodegenerative diseases - 'anticipation' discovered in familial amyloid polyneuropathy
http://mnt.to/l/4mSB
Acetazolamide helps improve vision for patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension
http://mnt.to/l/4mSb
Conservative management of vascular abnormality in brain associated with better outcomes
http://mnt.to/l/4mS8
Risky business: Research could improve understanding of risky behavior and addiction
http://mnt.to/l/4mS3
Harvard neuroscientists have made a discovery that turns 160 years of neuroanatomy on its head
http://mnt.to/l/4mRF
----------------------------------------------
** NUTRITION / DIET News **
Almonds examined for effects on diet quality, appetite, adiposity and cardiovascular disease risk factors
http://mnt.to/l/4mXS
Unhealthy foodscape at youth baseball field
http://mnt.to/l/4mXj
Low dietary intake of seafood linked to cognitive decline
http://mnt.to/l/4mYv
Researchers find highest consumption of sugary beverages among young black males
http://mnt.to/l/4mXy
What are the health benefits of mint?
http://mnt.to/l/4mWx
What are the health benefits of mangoes?
http://mnt.to/l/4mW4
----------------------------------------------
** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **
Being called 'fat' may increase obesity risk for girls
http://mnt.to/l/4mZn
Discovery of anti-appetite molecule released by fibre could help tackle obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4mYR
The influence of genetic factors on differences between children's BMI increases from 43 percent at age 4 to 82 percent at age 10
http://mnt.to/l/4mV2
Bile acids could be a new target for treating obesity and diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4mTX
----------------------------------------------
** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **
Clinics not bogged down by red tape can ease health cost burdens
http://mnt.to/l/4mTd
----------------------------------------------
** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **
BET bromodomain inhibitors look promising for castration-resistant prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4mV3
Link between chronic inflammation and 'high-grade' prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4mRK
----------------------------------------------
** SENIORS / AGING News **
Laughter may be the best medicine for age-related memory loss
http://mnt.to/l/4mYx
Over 60's in America at greater risk of food insecurity
http://mnt.to/l/4mVS
Mobility in old age limited by midlife occupational and leisure-time physical activity
http://mnt.to/l/4mVd
American centenarians and baby boomers feel 'younger than their years'
http://mnt.to/l/4mWs
Inverse effects of midlife occupational and leisure time physical activity on mobility limitation in old age
http://mnt.to/l/4mWh
Vitamin D supplements have little effect on risk of falls in older people
http://mnt.to/l/4mTs
----------------------------------------------
** SEXUAL HEALTH / STDS News **
Relationship between female sexual behavior and hip width
http://mnt.to/l/4mVf
Pain 'reduces sex drive of women but not men,' study suggests
http://mnt.to/l/4mSc
More than a quarter of emergency contraceptives found in South America were counterfeit
http://mnt.to/l/4mRJ
----------------------------------------------
** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **
Protein crucial for development of biological rhythms identified in mice
http://mnt.to/l/4mWK
Rapid-eye-movement sleep behaviour disorder linked to brain disease
http://mnt.to/l/4mTC
----------------------------------------------
** STROKE News **
Only about half of strokes may be attributable to known causative risk factors
http://mnt.to/l/4mYz
Technology inspired by airport security could help doctors decide on stroke treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4mVN
Neuronal regeneration after cerebral infarction improved by functional electrical stimulation
http://mnt.to/l/4mVx
Specialized ambulance improves treatment time for stroke
http://mnt.to/l/4mSf
Study examines patient preferences for emergency treatment of stroke
http://mnt.to/l/4mSd
Quality improvement program helps lower risk of bleeding, death following stroke
http://mnt.to/l/4mS7
New cause of brain bleeding immediately after stroke identified; could lead to novel therapies for minimizing damage
http://mnt.to/l/4mRh
Statins seen as offering risk, but little benefit for those without heart disease.
TIME (5/28, Park) reports on questions over the expanded use of statins as recommended last year by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology for “people with no history of a heart attack or other heart problems, but who had troubling signs that they might in the future.” Now “experts” are said to be warning that the benefits from statins for this population “don’t outweigh the risks,” of side effects including muscle problems, increased risk of diabetes for those with risk factors, and “growing reports from statin users that the medications put them in a fog and contribute to memory loss.” Though the article says that some of these negative reports may not be dispositive, the conclusion is that diet and exercise are of greater benefit than taking statins.
Being Underweight Deadlier than Being Obese
People who are underweight have a higher risk of dying than people who are severely obese.
New research suggests that being very thin may be even deadlier than being very fat. Dr Joel Ray, a physician-researcher at St Michael's Hospital in Toronto (Canada), and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of 51 studies evaluating the links between body mass index (BMI) and death from any cause. Results showed that adults who are underweight (a BMI of 18.5 or less) have a 1.8-times higher risk of dying compared to adults with a "normal" BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. In comparison, people who are obese (BMI of 30-34.9) were found to have a 1.2-times higher risk of dying, while people who are severely obese (a BMI of 35 or higher) were found to have a 1.3-times higher risk of dying. The relationship between being underweight and the higher risk of dying remained true even when factors such as smoking, alcohol use or lung disease were taken into account, and when adults with a chronic or terminal illness were excluded. "BMI reflects not only body fat, but also muscle mass. If we want to continue to use BMI in health care and public health initiatives, we must realize that a robust and healthy individual is someone who has a reasonable amount of body fat and also sufficient bone and muscle," said Dr Ray. "If our focus is more on the ills of excess body fat, then we need to replace BMI with a proper measure, like waist circumference."
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-03/smh-upa032614.php
The effect of ginger powder supplementation on insulin resistance and glycemic indices in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 05/11/2014 Clinical Article
Mozaffari–Khosravi H, et al. – The study aims to identify the effect of some herbal products on insulin resistance. Regarding the scientific evidences existing about ginger, this research was therefore carried out to identify the effect of ginger supplementation on insulin resistance and glycemic indices in diabetes mellitus. The study demonstrated that daily consumption of 3 one–gram capsules of ginger powder for 8 weeks is useful for patients with type 2 diabetes due to FBS and HbA1c reduction and improvement of insulin resistance indices such as QUICKI index.
Methods
This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which 88 participants affected by diabetes were randomly assigned into ginger (GG) and placebo (PG) groups.
The GG received 3 one-gram capsules containing ginger powder whereas the PG received 3 one-gram microcrystalline-containing capsules daily for 8 weeks.
HbA1c, fructosamine, fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), β-cell function (β%), insulin sensitivity (S%) and the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were assessed before and after the intervention.
Results
FBS mean showed a decrease of 10.5% (p=0.003) in the GG whereas the mean had an increase of 21% in the PG (p=0.01).
Variation in HbA1c mean was in line with that of FBS.
Statistical difference was found in the two groups before and after the intervention in terms of median of fasting insulin level, S% and HOMA-IR (P<0.005). Moreover QUICKI mean increased significantly in the two groups, the mean difference, however, was significantly higher in the GG.
CONCLUSIONS:
The study demonstrated that daily consumption of 3 one-gram capsules of ginger powder for 8 weeks is useful for patients with type 2 diabetes due to FBS and HbA1c reduction and improvement of insulin resistance indices such as QUICKI index.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24559810
Incidence of Lactic Acidosis in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes With and Without Renal Impairment Treated With Metformin: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether the use of metformin in type 2 diabetic patients with various kidney functions is associated with an increased risk of lactic acidosis (LA).
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This study was a retrospective analysis of U.K. patient records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink database from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2012. Inclusion criteria were 1) diagnosis of type 2 diabetes before 1 January 2007, 2) treatment with metformin, and 3) at least one assessment of renal function between 2007 and 2012. Renal function was assessed by glomerular filtration rate and categorized as normal (N), mildly reduced (Mi), moderately reduced (Mo), or severely reduced (Se) function. The outcome of the study was LA.
RESULTS A total of 77,601 patients treated with metformin for type 2 diabetes were identified. There were 35 LA events (10.37 [95% CI 7.22–14.42] per 100,000 patient-years) of which none were fatal and 23 were linked to a comorbidity. No significant difference in the incidence of LA was observed across N, Mi, Mo and Se renal function groups (7.6 [0.9–27.5], 4.6 [2.00–9.15], 17 [10.89–25.79], and 39 [4.72–140.89] cases per 100,000 patient-years, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS The overall LA incidence rate for patients on metformin in this study was within the range of rates reported in the literature for patients with type 2 diabetes, and no significant difference was observed among patients with N, Mi, Mo, and Se function.
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2014/05/21/dc14-0464.short
Melatonin in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: Associations with mood, sleep, climacteric symptoms, and quality of life
Menopause, 04/30/2014 Clinical Article
Toffol E, et al. – The aims of this study were to compare the serum concentrations of melatonin in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women and to evaluate melatonin's influence on mood, sleep, vasomotor symptoms, and quality of life. They concluded that the longitudinal research is needed to better understand the possible contributory role of menopause in lower melatonin levels.
Methods
Authors analyzed the data of 17 healthy perimenopausal women (aged 43–51 y) and 18 healthy postmenopausal women (aged 58–71 y) who participated in a prospective study.
On study night (9:00 pm–9:00 am), serum melatonin was sampled at 20–minute (9:00 pm–12:00 midnight; 6:00–9:00 am) and 1–hour (12:00 midnight–6:00 am) intervals.
Questionnaires were used to assess depression (Beck Depression Inventory), anxiety (State–Trait Anxiety Inventory), insomnia and sleepiness (Basic Nordic Sleep Questionnaire [BNSQ]), subjective sleep quality, vasomotor symptoms, and quality of life (EuroQoL).
Results
Postmenopausal women had lower nighttime serum melatonin concentrations than perimenopausal women.
The duration of melatonin secretion tended to be shorter in postmenopause, whereas melatonin peak time did not differ.
Mean melatonin concentrations and exposure levels did not correlate with follicle–stimulating hormone level, estradiol level, body mass index, Beck Depression Inventory score, State–Trait Anxiety Inventory score, BNSQ insomnia score, BNSQ sleepiness score, subjective sleep score, climacteric vasomotor score, or quality of life.
In perimenopause, the later is the melatonin peak, the higher is the level of anxiety (P = 0.022), and the longer is the melatonin secretion, the better is the quality of life (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS:
Longitudinal research is needed to better understand the possible contributory role of menopause in lower melatonin levels.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24065140
US Life Expectancy Now at 78.7 Years
Americans are enjoying continuation of the steady increase that started 50 years ago.
Life expectancy, the number of years that an individual is expected to live as determined by statistics, is on the rise in the United States. Americans born in 2009 can expect to live 78.5 years, up from 78.1 years just one year prior. For males, life expectancy rose from 75.6 years for those born in 2008 to 76 years for those born in 2009. For females, it went from 80.6 years to 80.9 years. In that life expectancy may be largely influenced by advances in medicine and the public health system, experts attribute much of the continued increase in life expectancy to better treatment of cardiovascular disease.
http://consumer.healthday.com/public-health-information-30/centers-for-disease-control-news-120/americans-living-longer-than-ever-683595.html
Patent foramen ovale and migraine attacks: A systematic review
American Journal of Medicine, 05/16/2014 Evidence Based Medicine Review Article
Lip PZY, et al. – This systematic review demonstrates firstly that migraine headache attack is associated with a higher prevalence of patent foramen ovale than among the general population. Observational data suggest that some improvement of migraine would be observed if the patent foramen ovale were to be closed.
Methods
An electronic literature search was performed to select studies between January 1980 and February 2013 that were relevant to the prevalence of patent foramen ovale and migraine, and the effects of intervention(s) on migraine attacks.
Of the initial 368 articles presented by the initial search, 20 satisfied the inclusion criteria assessing patent foramen ovale prevalence in migraineurs and 21 presented data on patent foramen ovale closure.
Results
In case series and cohort studies, patent foramen ovale prevalence in migraineurs ranged from 14.6% to 66.5%.
Case–control studies reported a prevalence ranging from 16.0% to 25.7% in controls, compared with 26.8% to 96.0% for migraine with aura.
The extent of improvement or resolution of migraine headache attack symptoms was variable.
In case series, intervention ameliorated migraine headache attack in 13.6% to 92.3% of cases.
One single randomized trial did not show any benefit from patent foramen ovale closure.
The data overall do not exclude the possibility of a placebo effect for resolving migraine following patent foramen ovale closure.
CONCLUSION:
This systematic review demonstrates firstly that migraine headache attack is associated with a higher prevalence of patent foramen ovale than among the general population. Observational data suggest that some improvement of migraine would be observed if the patent foramen ovale were to be closed. A proper assessment of any interventions for patent foramen ovale closure would require further large randomized trials to be conducted given uncertainties from existing trial data.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24355354
The Diabetes – Cancer Link
Death rates are higher among cancer patients who also have diabetes.
Pre-existing diabetes may increase the death risk of cancer patients; this excess mortality is larger among patients with diabetes treated with insulin. Kristina Ranc, from the Steno Diabetes Center (Denmark), and colleagues assessed all patients diagnosed with cancer in Denmark between 1995 and 2009 -- a total of 426,129 patients had incident cancer and 42,205 had diabetes before their cancer diagnosis. The team found that cancer patients with diabetes had higher overall mortality than those without diabetes, and this was the case for all cancers combined as well as for most individual cancer sites. Further, the researchers found that the risk appeared highest for diabetic cancer patients treated with oral diabetes drugs or insulin, and when assessed further, insulin-treated patients were at highest risk. Observing that: “Our study provides strong evidence that cancer patients with pre-existing diabetes experience higher mortality than cancer patients without diabetes,” the study authors posit that: “The higher mortality seen among cancer patients treated with [oral diabetes drugs] or insulin is in accordance with the existing evidence that more intensive diabetes treatment reflects a larger degree of comorbidity at the time of cancer diagnosis, and hence poorer survival.”
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Endocrinology/Diabetes/44761
Peach Compounds Inhibit Breast Cancer Growth
Compounds in peaches may inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells and their ability to spread.
Compounds found in peaches have been shown to inhibit both the growth of breast cancer cells and their ability to spread (metastasize). Dr. Luis Cisneros-Zevallos, a food scientist at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, and colleagues at both Texas A&M and Washington State University, implanted aggressive breast cancer cells under the skin of mice. After giving the cells a week to establish, the researchers began feeding the mice varying doses of peach polyphenols. Results showed that the mice fed with high-levels of polyphenols had tumors that grew less and without much of the blood vessel formation that helps cancer cells spread to other parts of the body. Furthermore, the tumors of the mice fed high-levels of the polyphenols also had less evidence of enzymes involved in the spread and invasion of cancer. “After determining the dose necessary to see the effects in mice, it was calculated that for humans it would be equivalent to consuming two to three peaches per day," said Dr Cisneros-Zevallos. Study co-author Giuliana Noratto, assistant professor of food science at Washington State University, said that the results emphasize the role of good nutrition in cancer prevention. "Having enough fruits and vegetables that can provide these compounds in our diet, we might have a similar preventive effect," said Noratto. "We are great believers that you can cure yourself by having a good diet and a good supply of medicinal plants."
Bigger Muscles Linked to Lower Risk of Dying
Older people who have above-average muscle mass also have a significantly lower risk of dying from all-causes.
Recent study results suggest that the more muscle mass an older person has, the less likely they are to die prematurely. Dr Preethi Srikanthan, an assistant clinical professor in the endocrinology division at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and colleagues analyzed body composition data obtained from 3,659 men (aged 55 and over) and women (aged 65 and over) who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III, between 1988 and 1994. The authors then determined how many of the participants had died from natural causes based on a follow-up survey carried out in 2004. Results showed that all-cause mortality was significantly lower in participants with the highest muscle mass index than it was in participants with the lowest muscle mass. "In other words, the greater your muscle mass, the lower your risk of death," said study co-author Dr. Arun Karlamangla, an associate professor in the geriatrics division at UCLA. "Thus, rather than worrying about weight or body mass index, we should be trying to maximize and maintain muscle mass."
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-03/uoc--oab031314.php
Exercise Stimulates Stem Cells
Moderate exercise helps to regenerate muscle mass, in a lab animal model.
Vast evidence demonstrates the beneficial effects of physical activity on weight, heart health, and other key aspects of health and wellness. University of Utah (Utah, USA) researchers report that moderate exercise helps to regenerate muscle mass, in a lab animal model. Typically, regeneration, maintenance and repair of adult skeletal muscle damage due to aging and/or chronic stress states require activation of satellite cells (stem cells). Rajasekaran Namakkal Soorappan and colleagues found that aged mice lacking Nrf2 that underwent two weeks of endurance exercise stress on treadmills showed poor stem cell regeneration, which is likely to hinder the recovery of lost muscle mass. Nrf2 is protein that regulates the production of antioxidants in the body. In the group that couldn't produce Nrf2, endurance exercise stress on the treadmills affected stem cell protein expression and limited skeletal muscle regenerative capacity. Commenting that: "Physical activity is the key to everything," the lead investigator submits that: “we believe that moderate exercise could be one of the key ways to induce stem cells to regenerate especially during senescence."
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-03/uouh-loa030814.php
Post-Exercise Hormone Predicts Biological Age
Irisin, a hormone released from muscle after exercise, correlates to telomere length.
In that calorie restriction has been observed to extend lifespan in mammals, irisin – a newly-identified hormone released from muscle after exercise – is thought to induce similar effects by increasing adipose tissue will energy expenditure by adipose tissue. James Brown, from Aston (University United Kingdom), and colleagues enrolled 81 healthy men and women, ages 18 to 83 years with a mean body mass index (BMI) of between 20 and 30 kg/m2, in a study to assess whether a molecular link exists between circulating irisin levels and the length of telomeres – the endcaps of chromosomes which are thought to be a marker of aging. The team found that those subjects with higher levels of Irisin also had longer telomeres. Writing that: "relative telomere length can be predicted by age and plasma irisin levels,” the study authors conclude that: "irisin may have a role in the modulation of both energy balance and the ageing process.”
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-02-hormone-biological-age.html
Vitamin A Transforms Pre-Cancerous Cells Back to Healthy Cells
A derivative of vitamin A has been shown to revert pre-cancerous breast cells back into normal, healthy breast cells.
Retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A found abundantly in sweet potato and carrots, has been shown to transform pre-cancerous breast cells back into their normal, healthy state. Sandra V. Fernandez, Ph.D., assistant research professor of medical oncology at Thomas Jefferson University, and colleagues, evaluated the effect of retinoic acid on 4 types of cells, each one representing a different stage of breast cancer: normal, pre-cancerous, cancerous, and a fully aggressive model. Results showed that the retinoic acid had a marked effect upon the pre-cancerous cells, not only making them look like healthy cells again, but also reverting their genetic signature back to normal. However, cells that were considered fully cancerous did not respond at all to retinoic acid, thus suggesting that there may only be a small window of opportunity for retinoic acid to be helpful in preventing cancer progression. In addition, only one concentration of retinoic acid (about 1 micro Molar) produced the anti-cancer effects – lower concentrations had no effect and higher concentrations produced a smaller effect. After the success of this study, the researchers are hoping to determine whether the amount of retinoic acid required can be maintained in an animal model.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-03/tju-cva033114.php
Improving Six Risk Factors Could Delay 37 Million Deaths
Achieving global targets for six modifiable risk factors could delay or prevent roughly 37 million deaths over 15 years, according to a Lancetstudy.
Researchers used country data on mortality to estimate the effects of achieving the following targets:
reducing prevalence of tobacco use by 30%
reducing per-person alcohol consumption by 10%
reducing mean population consumption of salt by 30%
reducing prevalence of hypertension by 25%
stopping the increase in diabetes prevalence
stopping the increase in obesity prevalence
If all six targets are achieved by 2025, it could lead to a roughly 20% reduction in the probability of premature death (ages 30 to 70) from four noncommunicable diseases. The largest benefits, the authors write, would come from reducing tobacco use and blood pressure.
A commentator writes: "These are remarkable potential health gains in view of the highly cost-effective interventions available, which could be readily scaled up in all countries."
Lancet article
Night eating in patients with type 2 diabetes. Associations with glycemic control, eating patterns, sleep, and mood
Appetite, 05/09/2014 Clinical Article
Hood MM, et al. – Night eating is a complex behavior associated with disruptions in eating, sleep, and mood regulation. While night eating has been associated with alterations in neuroendocrine functioning, night eating and Night Eating Syndrome (NES) are not well understood in patients with prevalent metabolic conditions, such as diabetes. Increasing understanding of the relationship between night eating and metabolic and psychosocial functioning in patients with diabetes may provide new avenues for treatment of these patients.
Methods
In this study, 194 adults with Type 2 diabetes completed questionnaires assessing night eating symptoms as well as eating, sleep, and depressive symptoms.
Glycemic control data, as measured by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), were gathered from patient medical charts.
Results
Results indicated that 7% of participants met criteria for NES.
Increased symptoms of night eating were associated with poorer glycemic control and disruptions in eating, sleep, and mood, including significantly increased likelihood of having HbA1c levels >7% and endorsing clinical levels of depressive symptoms.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24751916
A randomized controlled trial to investigate the impact of a low glycemic index (GI) diet on body mass index in obese adolescents Full Text
BMC Public Health, 05/01/2014 Clinical Article
Kong APS, et al. – Authors aim to evaluate the impact of low GI diet versus a conventional Chinese diet on the body mass index (BMI) and other obesity indices of obese adolescents. Low GI diet in the context of a comprehensive lifestyle modification program may be an alternative to conventional diet in the management of obese adolescents.
Methods
Obese adolescents aged 15–18 years were identified from population–recruited, territory–wide surveys.
Obesity was defined as BMI ≥95th percentile of Hong Kong local age– and sex–specific references.
Eligible subjects were randomized to either an intervention with low GI diet (consisting of 45–50% carbohydrate, 30–35% fat and 15–20% protein) or conventional Chinese diet as control (consisting of 55–60% carbohydrate, 25–30% fat and 10–15% protein).
Authors used random intercept mixed effects model to compare the differential changes across the time points from baseline to month 6 between the 2 groups.
Results
104 obese adolescents were recruited (52 in low GI group and 52 in control group; 43.3% boys).
Mean age was 16.7 ± 1.0 years and 16.8 ±1.0 years in low GI and control group respectively.
58.7% subjects completed the study at 6 months (65.4% in low GI group and 51.9% in control group).
After adjustment for age and sex, subjects in the low GI group had a significantly greater reduction in obesity indices including BMI, body weight and waist circumference (WC) compared to subjects in the control group (all p <0.05).
After further adjustment for physical activity levels, WC was found to be significantly lower in the low GI group compared to the conventional group (p = 0.018).
CONCLUSION:
Low GI diet in the context of a comprehensive lifestyle modification program may be an alternative to conventional diet in the management of obese adolescents.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24552366
Spironolactone for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
New England Journal of Medicine, 04/11/2014 Evidence Based Medicine Clinical Article
Pitt B, et al. – Mineralocorticoid–receptor antagonists improve the prognosis for patients with heart failure and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Authors evaluated the effects of spironolactone in patients with heart failure and a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. In patients with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction, treatment with spironolactone did not significantly reduce the incidence of the primary composite outcome of death from cardiovascular causes, aborted cardiac arrest, or hospitalization for the management of heart failure.
Methods
In this randomized, double–blind trial, authors assigned 3445 patients with symptomatic heart failure and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 45% or more to receive either spironolactone (15 to 45 mg daily) or placebo.
The primary outcome was a composite of death from cardiovascular causes, aborted cardiac arrest, or hospitalization for the management of heart failure.
Results
With a mean follow–up of 3.3 years, the primary outcome occurred in 320 of 1722 patients in the spironolactone group (18.6%) and 351 of 1723 patients in the placebo group (20.4%) (hazard ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77 to 1.04; P=0.14).
Of the components of the primary outcome, only hospitalization for heart failure had a significantly lower incidence in the spironolactone group than in the placebo group (206 patients [12.0%] vs. 245 patients [14.2%]; hazard ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.99, P=0.04).
Neither total deaths nor hospitalizations for any reason were significantly reduced by spironolactone.
Treatment with spironolactone was associated with increased serum creatinine levels and a doubling of the rate of hyperkalemia (18.7%, vs. 9.1% in the placebo group) but reduced hypokalemia.
With frequent monitoring, there were no significant differences in the incidence of serious adverse events, a serum creatinine level of 3.0 mg per deciliter (265 (mu)mol per liter) or higher, or dialysis.
CONCLUSIONS:
In patients with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction, treatment with spironolactone did not significantly reduce the incidence of the primary composite outcome of death from cardiovascular causes, aborted cardiac arrest, or hospitalization for the management of heart failure. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; TOPCAT ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00094302.).
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24716680
Watermelon Extract Lowers Blood Pressure
Watermelon may significantly reduce blood pressure in obese people.
Recent study results suggest that watermelon may help to lower blood pressure in people who are obese. Arturo Figueroa, an associate professor in nutrition, food, and exercise sciences at Florida State University, and colleagues carried out a 12-week study focused on 13 middle-aged, obese men and women who also had high blood pressure. The group was divided into 2, and for the first 6-weeks, one group was given a watermelon extract containing the amino acids 4 g L-citrulline and 2 g L-arginine each day. The other group was given a placebo for 6-weeks. After 6-weeks, the groups switched over for the second 6-weeks. During the study participants had to refrain from taking any anti-hypertensive medication or making any significant changes in their lifestyle. Results showed that consuming the amino acids from the watermelon reduced aortic blood pressure and myocardial oxygen demand both at rest and while under stress.
http://news.fsu.edu/More-FSU-News/Chowing-down-on-watermelon-could-lower-blood-pressure
Dietary Fiber After MI Linked to Improved Survival
Consuming more dietary fiber after myocardial infarction is associated with a reduced risk for death, a BMJ study finds.
Researchers analyzed long-term data about diet and other risk factors from more than 4000 healthcare professionals who had an MI. Nine years after the MI, people who were in the highest quintile of fiber consumption had a 25% lower risk for death from any cause. Overall, there was a 15% reduction in mortality risk associated with every 10-g/day increase in fiber intake.
The strongest association was observed for fiber derived from cereals and grains. A strong benefit was also found for people with the largest increases in fiber consumption after their MI. The findings remained significant after adjustment for other factors known to influence survival after MI. However, the authors acknowledge that they were unable to "fully adjust for all known or unknown healthy lifestyle changes."
The authors note that less than 5% of people in the U.S. consume the minimum recommended amount of fiber (25 g/day for women and 38 g/day for men).
BMJ article
FDA Approves New Omega-3 Supplement
The FDA has approved a new omega-3 supplement (brand name, Epanova) to treat adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia, defined as triglyceride levels 500 mg/dL or higher.
In its announcement, the manufacturer said that Epanova is the first omega-3 formulation approved by the FDA in free fatty acid form. It will be available in 1-g capsules and has been approved for 2-g and 4-g dosages, which can be taken with or without food.
There are currently two other prescription formulations of omega-3 supplements on the market: Lovaza and Vascepa. All three are approved only for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia, though studies of expanded indications are underway.
Manufacturer's press release (Free)
Thyroid hormone and seasonal rhythmicity
Frontiers in Endocrinology, 04/30/2014 Review Article
Dardente H, et al. – Living organisms show seasonality in a wide array of functions such as reproduction, fattening, hibernation, and migration. At temperate latitudes, changes in photoperiod maintain the alignment of annual rhythms with predictable changes in the environment. The authors also focus on recent findings which indicate that, beyond the photoperiodic control of its conversion, thyroid hormone (TH) might also be involved in longer–term timing processes of seasonal programs. Finally, they examine the potential implication of kisspeptin and RFRP3, two RF–amide peptides expressed within the medio–basal hypothalamus (MBH), in seasonal rhythmicity.
The Skinny on Pistachios
Consuming pistachio nuts may improve cardiovascular markers, without causing weight gain.
Containing more than 10% of the Daily Value of fiber and essential vitamins and minerals, pistachios are a naturally low-fat, cholesterol free snack. Bonny Burns-Whitmore, from California State Polytechnic University (California, USA), and colleagues recruited a group f 48 healthy young women, average age 21 years, to consume a diet to which pistachios were added (to comprise 20% of daily calories), for a ten-week period. The study authors report that: “Inclusion of 20% of Kcals as pistachios in the diet does not contribute to weight gain or body fat changes, and may even potentially improve blood lipids and [blood pressure].”
The Essentiality of Selenium
Proteins containing selenium exert an important antioxidant role in human health.
Selenium is a mineral that plays a role in aging, cancer and chronic diseases, with selenoproteins – proteins that incorporate selenium through the use of an amino acid – now identified as having an important role in antioxidant defense mechanisms. Sharon Rozovsky, from the University of Delaware (Delaware, USA), and colleagues employed state-of-the-science analysis techniques to study selenium in redox biology, revealing the molecular basis by which selenoproteins exert their antioxidant effects.
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-04-antioxidant-role-proteins-selenium.html
Caffeine May Lower Erectile Dysfunction Prevalence
ORLANDO—Drinking caffeinated beverages may be associated with a lower likelihood of erectile dysfunction (ED), according to study findings presented at the American Urological Association 2014 annual meeting.
David S. Lopez, DrPH, MPH, MS, of the University of Texas Medical School in Houston, and colleagues analyzed data from 3,724 men aged 20 years and older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2004), a cross-sectional survey of the general U.S. population. The researchers looked at 24-hour dietary recall to estimate intake of caffeine and caffeinated beverages.
Overall, men in the 3rd quintile of total caffeine intake (85-170 mg/day) and the 4th quintile (171-303 mg/day) were less likely to report ED compared with men in the first (reference) quintile (0-7 mg/day).
Among overweight and obese men and those with hypertension, the researchers found a significantly decreased likelihood of reported ED among men in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th quintiles compared with the reference quartile, after adjusting for multiple variables.
The authors concluded that total caffeine intake equivalent to about 2-3 cups of coffee (250-375 mg/day) is associated with a significantly lower likelihood to report ED.
Dr. Lopez's team noted that their study is strengthened by the use of a large representative sample of men in the U.S. and validated dietary recall methodology from NHANES. As NHANES is a cross-sectional study, they cannot infer causality or suggest a clinical practice change, the researchers pointed out.
High-Intensity Interval Exercise Improves Glycemic Control
In individuals with insulin resistance, short bursts of intense exercise may be an effective alternative to a prolonged bout of continuous, moderate exercise for improving glycemic control, according to research published online inDiabetologia.
Monique E. Francois, of the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, and colleagues assigned nine individuals with insulin resistance to 3 exercise interventions (before meals) in randomized order: 30 minutes of continuous, moderate-intensity incline walking (CONT); exercise snacking (ES) consisting of 6 1-minute intervals of intense incline walking; or composite ES consisting of 6 1-minute intervals of alternating walking and resistance training (CES).
The researchers found that ES reduced mean 3-hour postprandial glucose concentration following breakfast (by 1.4 mmol/L) but not following lunch (by 0.4 mmol/L). ES was more effective than CONT in reducing mean 3-hour postprandial glucose concentration following dinner (lower by 0.7 mmol/L). ES reduced 24-hour mean glucose concentration by 0.7 mmol/L, and this reduction continued for the next 24 hours (lower by 0.6 mmol/L than CONT relative to their baseline values). CES was as effective for improving glycemic control as ES.
"Dosing exercise as brief, intense 'exercise snacks' before main meals is a time-efficient and effective approach to improve glycemic control in individuals with insulin resistance," the authors wrote.
This article originally appeared here.
Serum Marker Predicts Cardiovascular Events in Diabetes
Elevated levels of polyclonal serum immunoglobulin combined free light chains (cFLCs) may indicate adversecardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to study findings published online in Diabetes Care.
Srikanth Bellary, MBBS, of Aston University in Birmingham, U.K., and colleagues conducted a cohort study of 352 South Asian patients with type 2 diabetes to assess the association between cFLCs and cardiovascular disease events. Among patients with type 2 diabetes who had CVD events during two years of follow-up, cFLC levels were significantly elevated in 8% (50.7 vs. 42.8 mg/L). On multivariable analysis, elevated cFLC level (greater than 57.2 mg/L) was associated with a significant 3-fold increased odds of adverse CVD outcomes. This association remained significant after adjustment for age, albumin-to-creatinine ratio, diabetes duration, or treatment.
"cFLC elevation is a novel marker for CVD outcomes in type 2 diabetes that warrants further investigation," the authors wrote.
Updated Guidelines for Preventing Recurrent Stroke
The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association have released updated guidelines for preventing recurrent stroke in patients who've experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack.
Here are a few of the changes from the groups' 2011 guidelines:
Systolic blood pressure below 140 mm Hg and diastolic pressure below 90 mm Hg are reasonable goals.
Vitamin K antagonist therapy, apixaban, and dabigatran are indicated to prevent recurrent stroke in patients who have nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, while rivaroxaban is considered a reasonable option.
For patients over age 70, carotid endarterectomy may have better outcomes than carotid angioplasty with stenting. In younger patients, the two approaches are similar in their risks for perioperative complications and long-term ipsilateral stroke.
Additional recommendations on medical and surgical management are included.
Stroke article (Free PDF)
Effects of pomegranate juice consumption on inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 05/11/2014 Clinical Article
Sohrab G, et al. – Diabetes causes the increased concentration of circulatory cytokines as a result of inflammation. Considering that pomegranate juice (PJ) is known to have antioxidant and anti–inflammatory properties, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of PJ consumption on markers of inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). PJ consumption by patients with T2D does not affect FPG or the insulin resistance index (HOMA–IR), whereas it does reduce Interlukin–6 and hs–CRP concentrations in plasma. Therefore, PJ consumption may have an anti–inflammatory effect in patients with T2D.
Methods
In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial study, 50 patients with T2D (40-65 years old) were randomly assigned to one of two groups.
Participants in each group received either 250 mL/day PJ or a control beverage for 12 weeks.
Biochemical markers including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin and inflammatory markers were assayed on the baseline and follow-up blood samples.
Results
In all,44 patients in two groups were included in the analysis: PJ (n = 22) and placebo (n = 22).
After 12 weeks of intervention, in the PJ group, there were 32% and 30% significant decreases in plasma C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and Interlukin-6, respectively (P < 0.05).
The mean ± SD plasma interlukin-6 (7.1 ± 5.6 vs. 11.9 ± 14.4 mg/L) and hs-CRP (1791 ± 1657 and 1953 ± 1561 ng/mL) concentrations in the PJ group were significantly lower than the placebo group after intervention (P < 0.05).
"Exercise Snacking" Improves Glycemic Control
(HealthDay News) — In individuals with insulin resistance, short bursts of intense exercise may be an effective alternative to a prolonged bout of continuous, moderate exercise for improving glycemic control, according to research published online May 8 in Diabetologia.
Monique E. Francois, of the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, and colleagues assigned nine individuals with insulin resistance to three exercise interventions (before meals) in randomized order: 30 minutes of continuous, moderate-intensity incline walking (CONT); exercise snacking (ES) consisting of six one-minute intervals of intense incline walking; or composite ES consisting of six one-minute intervals of alternating walking and resistance training (CES).
The researchers found that ES reduced mean three-hour postprandial glucose concentration following breakfast (by 1.4±1.5mmol/L; P=0.02) but not following lunch (by 0.4±1.0mmol/L; P=0.22). ES was more effective than CONT in reducing mean three-hour postprandial glucose concentration following dinner (lower by 0.7±1.5mmol/L; P=0.04). ES reduced 24-hour mean glucose concentration by 0.7±0.6mmol/L (P=0.01), and this reduction continued for the next 24 hours (lower by 0.6±0.4mmol/L than CONT relative to their baseline values; P=0.01). CES was as effective for improving glycemic control as ES (P>0.05 for all glycemic variables).
"Dosing exercise as brief, intense 'exercise snacks' before main meals is a time-efficient and effective approach to improve glycemic control in individuals with insulin resistance," the authors write.
Abstract
4) Full Text Articles (823) Top Read since last login Focus on Dementia Article Summary
Screening Older Adults for Cognitive Impairment
Jamaluddin Moloo, MD, MP Reviewing Moyer VA et al., Ann Intern Med 2014 Mar 25;
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force finds the evidence inconclusive to support or reject such screening.
Sponsoring Organization: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
Target Audience: Primary care clinicians
Background and Objective
The prevalence of dementia increases from 5% among people in their 70s to 24% among people in their 80s. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) does not affect activities of daily living and is more difficult to quantify on a population basis — estimates range from 3% to 42% in older adults (age, ≥65). In this review, the USPSTF updates its 2003 recommendation (Ann Intern Med 2003; 138:925) on screening for dementia (but not MCI) in community-dwelling asymptomatic older adults.
Key Points
—Risks for MCI or dementia
Age is the strongest predictor for cognitive impairment. Other risk factors include cardiovascular diseases, head trauma, learning disabilities, depression, alcohol abuse, physical frailty, low education level, and never being married.
Some data suggest that specific lifestyle factors can lower risk for cognitive impairment. Examples include adherence to a Mediterranean diet or a diet high in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, and cognitive engagement.
—Screening tests: The most commonly used test is the Mini-Mental State Examination, with a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 86% for detecting cognitive impairment.
—Interventions: Many pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions for mild-to-moderate dementia yielded statistically significant benefits that were of unknown clinical importance.
—The USPSTF concluded that evidence is insufficient to make a recommendation on screening for MCI or early dementia (Grade: I [no recommendation]).
What's Changed
In its 2003 review, the Task Force didn't evaluate MCI. However, the 2003 group also concluded that evidence was insufficient to make a recommendation on dementia screening.
Long-term metformin usage and cognitive function among older adults with diabetes
Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 05/09/2014 Clinical Article
Ng TP, et al. – Evidence strongly supports the important role of insulin resistance in cognitive decline and dementia and suggests that insulin sensitizers may protect against cognitive decline in diabetic and pre–diabetic individuals. No significant interactive effects of metformin use with APOE–ε4, depression, or fasting glucose level were observed. Among individuals with diabetes, long–term treatment with metformin may reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Methods
The authors studied 365 older persons aged 55 and over in the population-based Singapore Longitudinal Aging Study with diabetes who were followed up over 4 years.
The odds ratios (OR) of association of metformin use (n = 204) versus non-use (n = 161) with cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Exam ≤ 23), and by duration: up to 6 years (n = 114) and more than 6 years (n = 90) were evaluated in cross-sectional and longitudinal multivariate analyses.
Controlling for age, education, diabetes duration, fasting blood glucose, vascular and non-vascular risk factors, metformin use showed a significant inverse association with cognitive impairment in longitudinal analysis (OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.25–0.95).
Results
Metformin use showed significant linear trends of association across duration of use in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses (p = 0.018 and p = 0.002, respectively), with use for more than 6 years significantly associated with lowest risk of cognitive impairment in both cross-sectional analysis (OR = 0.30, 95% CI 0.11–0.80) and in longitudinal analysis (OR = 0.27, 95% CI 0.12–0.60).
Among individuals with diabetes, long-term treatment with metformin may reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Further studies should establish the role of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, and the protective role of metformin in the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24577463
Donepezil and life expectancy in Alzheimer's disease Full Text
BMC Neurology, 05/09/2014 Clinical Article
Meguro K, et al. – The authors found a positive effect of donepezil on lifetime expectancy after onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This may be due to a decreased mortality rate caused by reduction of concomitant diseases such as pneumonia. The similar life expectancies in patients taking donepezil at home and those not taking donepezil in a nursing home indicated a positive health economic effect of the drug.
Methods
All outpatients at the Tajiri Clinic from 1999–2012 with available medical records and death certificates were included in a retrospective analysis.
The entry criteria were a dementia diagnosis based on DSM–IV criteria and diagnosis of AD using NINCDS–ADRDA criteria; medical treatment for more than 3 months; and follow up until less than 1 year before death.
Results
The authors identified 390 subjects with medical records and death certificates, of whom 275 had a diagnosis of dementia that met the entry criteria.
Of 100 patients diagnosed with AD, 52 had taken donepezil and 48 patients had not received the drug due to treatment prior to the introduction of donepezil in 1999 in Japan.
The lifetime expectancies after onset were 7.9 years in the donepezil group and 5.3 years in the non–donepezil group.
There was a significant drug effect with a significant covariate effect of nursing home residency.
Other covariates did not reach a significant level.
CONCLUSIONS:
Although this report has the limitation of all retrospective analyses: the lack of randomization, we found a positive effect of donepezil on lifetime expectancy after onset of AD. This may be due to a decreased mortality rate caused by reduction of concomitant diseases such as pneumonia. The similar life expectancies in patients taking donepezil at home and those not taking donepezil in a nursing home indicated a positive health economic effect of the drug.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24720852
Metformin-Statin Combo Cuts PCa Recurrence Rate
ORLANDO—Diabetic prostate cancer (PCa) patients who take both metformin and a statin may lower their risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy, researchers reported at theAmerican Urological Association 2014 annual meeting.
“Studies on the effect of metformin or statins on BCR in men following radical prostatectomy (RP) have yielded mixed results,” they stated in their study abstract. “Given the variety of pathways by which these drugs are thought to act, we sought to determine if the two drugs have a synergistic effect on BCR.”
Matthew Danzig, MD, and collaborators at Columbia University in New York analyzed data from 3,031 patients who underwent RP from 1987- 2010 and who had at least 6 months of follow-up. They excluded patients who received neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy.
The overall BCR rate was 23.7%. Diabetics had a rate of 30.5%, which was reduced to 28.3% with metformin use and 23.5% with statin use. Combined use further reduced the rate to 15%, similar to the 13% rate observed in non-diabetics who were taking statins.
Statins but not metformin was associated with a reduced BCR rate on univariate analysis, and neither drug individually showed any significant change in multivariate analysis.
“The synergy between these two medications should be considered when designing clinical trials to determine the effect of either drug on PCa progression and survival,” the authors concluded.
Low Testosterone May Signal Need for PCa Reclassification
Men under active surveillance for prostate cancer who have reductions in testosterone levels may be at increased risk for disease reclassification, according to research published inBJU International.
Ignacio F. San Francisco, M.D., of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, and colleagues analyzed data from a cohort of 154 men on active surveillance for prostate cancer to assess the association between testosterone levels and risk of disease reclassification.
The researchers found that patients who had disease that was reclassified, compared with those who did not, had significantly lower levels of free testosterone (0.75 versus 1.02 ng/dL; P = 0.03). A higher rate of reclassification of disease was observed in patients with free testosterone levels <0.45 ng/dL than in those with levels ≥0.45 ng/dL (P = 0.032).
Patients with free testosterone levels <0.45 ng/dL were at increased risk of disease reclassification (odds ratio, 4.3; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.25 to 14.73). Independent predictors of disease reclassification included free testosterone level and family history of prostate cancer.
"Men with moderately severe reductions in free testosterone level are at increased risk of disease reclassification," the authors write.
Conclusions
Free testosterone levels were lower in men with PCa who had reclassification during AS. Men with moderately severe reductions in free testosterone level are at increased risk of disease reclassification.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bju.12682/abstract
AUA Kidney Stone Guidelines Unveiled
The guidelines also recommend that:
All stone formers should be advised to drink enough fluids to achieve a urine volume of at least 2.5 liters daily.
Patients with calcium stones and high urinary calcium should be advised to limit their sodium intake and to consume the recommended daily allowance of calcium of 1,000 to 1,200 mg daily.
Patients with uric acid stones and calcium stones and high urinary uric acid should be advised to limit their intake of non-dairy animal protein. About 30% of urinary uric acid is derived from dietary purine intake, and animal protein accounts for most purine intake, Dr. Pearle noted.
Patients with high urinary calcium and recurrent calcium stones should be offered thiazide diuretics because these medications act directly on the distal renal tubule and indirectly at the proximal renal tubule to promote renal calcium reabsorption.
Patients with recurrent calcium stones and low urinary citrate should be offered potassium citrate because this medication provides an alkali load that promotes a citraturic response and increases urinary inhibitory activity.
Patients with recurrent calcium stones and who have hyperuricosuria should be offered allopurinol.
Thiazide diuretics and/or potassium citrate should be offered to patients with recurrent calcium stones in whom no metabolic abnormality is identified or in whom appropriate metabolic abnormalities have been addressed but stone formation persists.
Allopurinol should not routinely be offered as first-line therapy to patients with uric acid stones. Uric acid nephrolithiasis is primarily a disease of urinary acidification, and at a pH greater than 6 to 6.5, most uric acid will be found in its soluble or dissociated form, and even high amounts of uric acid at these higher urinary pHs will be fully solublized, Dr. Pearle explained.
http://www.renalandurologynews.com/aua-kidney-stone-guidelines-unveiled/article/348309/?DCMP=EMC-RENALUROLOGY_TODAYSUPDATE_cp&CPN=invoneph&spMailingID=8659667&spUserID=MzEwNzk3NDcxNDUS1&spJobID=302425161&spReportId=MzAyNDI1MTYxS0
Industry-Funded Study Finds Diet Soda Consumption Didn't Hinder Weight Loss
Edited by André Sofair, MD, MPH, and William E. Chavey, MD, MS
Patients may ask about a study in Obesity finding that people who drank diet soda while in a weight-loss program lost more weight than those who drank water. The study was funded by the American Beverage Association.
Roughly 300 adults (mean BMI, 33) who regularly drank diet soda were randomized to either continue drinking diet soda (24 ounces daily) or switch to water. Both groups attended weekly behavioral weight-loss meetings.
At 12 weeks, participants in the diet soda group had lost significantly more weight than those in the water group (5.95 kg vs. 4.09 kg). Weekly hunger scores were slightly lower in the diet soda group.
The authors conclude: "These results strongly suggest that [diet sodas] can be part of an effective weight loss strategy and individuals who desire to consume them should not be discouraged from doing so because of concerns that they will undermine short-term weight loss efforts."
Obesity article
Animal protein intake is associated with higher-level functional capacity in elderly adults: The Ohasama study
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 03/05/2014 Clinical Article
Imai E, et al. – This study aims to determine the association between protein intake and risk of higher–level functional decline in older community–dwelling adults. Higher protein, particularly animal protein, was associated with lower risk of decline in higher–level functional capacity in older men. Animal protein intake may be a modifiable indicator for early detection and prevention of higher–level functional decline in elderly adults.
Methods
A prospective study.
Residents (N = 1,007; mean age 67.4 ± 5.5) free of functional decline at baseline; follow–up was conducted for 7 years.
Nutrient and food intakes were determined using a validated 141–item food frequency questionnaire.
Participants were divided into quartiles according to intake levels of total, animal, and plant protein.
Subscales of the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence subscales were used to assess higher–level functional decline.
Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the future risk of higher–level functional decline in relation to protein intake, with lowest protein intake as reference.
Results
During the study period, 24.4% of eligible participants reported declines in higher–level functional capacity.
After adjustment for putative confounding factors, men in the highest quartile of animal protein intake had significantly lower risk of higher–level functional decline than those in the lowest quartile (odds ratio (OR) = 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.20–0.83; P for trend .01).
These associations were not seen in women (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.41–1.34; P for trend .37).
No consistent association was observed between plant protein intake and future higher–level functional decline in either sex.
CONCLUSION:
Higher protein, particularly animal protein, was associated with lower risk of decline in higher-level functional capacity in older men. Animal protein intake may be a modifiable indicator for early detection and prevention of higher-level functional decline in elderly adults.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24576149
Inflammatory markers and risk of hip fracture in older white women: the study of osteoporotic fractures
Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 05/06/2014 Clinical Article
Barbour KE, et al. – Hip fractures are the most devastating consequence of osteoporosis and impact 1 in 6 white women leading to a 2–3 fold increased mortality risk in the first year. Despite evidence of inflammatory markers in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, few studies have examined their effect on hip fracture. Older white women with high inflammatory burden are at increased risk of hip fracture in part due to poor renal function and low bone mineral density (BMD).
Older white women with high inflammatory burden are at increased risk of hip fracture in part due to poor renal function and low BMD.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24723386
t (14) Full Text Articles (823) Top Read since last login Focus on Dementia Article Summary
Vitamin D Blood Levels and Supplementation and Cause-Specific Death
Chowdhury R et al., BMJ 2014 Apr 1; 348:g1903
Vitamin D3 seems like the better choice for supplementation.
Despite considerable research, the health benefits of vitamin D supplementation in the general population remain controversial. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, investigators determined whether blood vitamin D levels and vitamin D supplementation were associated with risk for death.
One analysis involved 73 observational studies (mean follow-up, 0.3–29 years) that involved 850,000 participants (median age, 63; median baseline blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level, 20.7 ng/mL). Overall, compared with participants whose blood 25(OH)D levels were in the top third, those whose levels were in the bottom third had significantly greater risks for cardiovascular (CV)-related death (adjusted relative risk, 1.4), cancer-related death (ARR, 1.1), and all-cause death (ARR, 1.4). For each 10 ng/mL lower increment of 25(OH)D, risk for all-cause death increased by 16%.
Another analysis involved 22 randomized, placebo-controlled trials (31,000 older participants; mean follow-up, 0.4–6.8 years) with data on the effect of vitamin D supplementation on all-cause mortality; 8 trials provided vitamin D2 (dose range, 208–4500 IU/day), and 14 trials provided vitamin D3 (dose range, 10–6000 IU/day). Vitamin D3 supplementation significantly lowered mortality risk (relative risk, 0.9), but vitamin D2 supplementation did not.
In this analysis, the observational data showed an inverse association between blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and death, but reverse causality is possible (i.e., ill people having low vitamin D levels rather than low vitamin D levels causing illness). In randomized trials, vitamin D3supplementation modestly lowered all-cause mortality risk; however, the optimal dose and duration of vitamin D3 supplementation are unknown. Thus, widespread vitamin D supplementation should not be recommended.
Relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis Full Text
Medical Principles and Practice, 05/06/2014 Evidence Based Medicine Clinical Article
Vujosevic S, et al. – The aim of the study was to determine a correlation between the level of 25–hydroxivitamin D (25–OHD) and the incidence of diabetes. This study showed that the patients with postmenopausal OS and hypovitaminosis D, besides a high BMI, elevated triglyceride levels and insulin resistance, had an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Methods
In this prospective observational study, 97 (out of an initial 100) Caucasian women with osteoporosis (OS) were monitored for 2 years for the incidence of diabetes.
Logistic regression analysis was used to establish an association with and prognostic value of vitamin D for the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as insulin resistance, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the development of diabetes.
The serum level of 25–OHD was measured using immunochemiluminescence in March and April 2011.
Results
Of the 97 patients (mean age 51.64 ± 5.86 years, range 36.0–73.0), 21 (21.65%) were diagnosed with diabetes during the observational period.
The study showed that the 22 patients with low levels of vitamin D were more susceptible to diabetes (odds ratio = 0.958).
The cut–off value of vitamin D using a receiver operating characteristic curve was 62.36 nmol/l with a sensitivity of 39.5% and a specificity of 90.5%.
With an increase in BMI and triglyceride levels, women were, respectively, 1,591 and 2,821 times more likely to get diabetes than those without an increase.
Conclusion: This study showed that the patients with postmenopausal OS and hypovitaminosis D, besides a high BMI, elevated triglyceride levels and insulin resistance, had an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24662713
Reduced 25-hydroxyvitamin D and risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia
Alzheimer's & Dementia, 05/09/2014 Clinical Article
Afzal S, et al. – The authors observed an association of reduced plasma 25–hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) with increased risk of the combined end point of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia in this prospective cohort study of the general population.
Methods
The authors measured baseline plasma 25(OH)D in 10,186 white individuals from the Danish general population.
Results
During 30 years of follow-up, 418 participants developed AD and 92 developed vascular dementia.
Multivariable adjusted hazard ratios for AD were 1.25 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95–1.64) for 25(OH)D less than 25 nmol/L vs. greater than or equal to 50 nmol/L, and 1.29 (95% CI, 1.01–1.66) for less than the 25th seasonally adjusted 25(OH)D percentile vs. more than the 50th seasonally adjusted 25(OH)D percentile.
Multivariable adjusted hazard ratios for vascular dementia were 1.22 (95% CI, 0.77–1.91) for 25(OH)D less than 50 nmol/L vs. greater than or equal to 50 nmol/L, and 1.22 (95% CI, 0.79–1.87) for less than or equal to the 50th vs. more than the 50th seasonally adjusted 25(OH)D percentile.
Last, multivariable adjusted hazard ratios for the combined end point were 1.28 (95% CI, 1.00–1.64) for 25(OH)D less than 25 nmol/L vs. greater than or equal to 50 nmol/L, and 1.27 (95% CI, 1.01–1.60) for less than the 25th vs. more than the 50th seasonally adjusted 25(OH)D.
CONCLUSIONS:
We observed an association of reduced plasma 25(OH)D with increased risk of the combined end point of AD and vascular dementia in this prospective cohort study of the general population.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23871764
Vitamin D deficiency in community-acquired pneumonia: Low levels of 1,25(OH)2 D are associated with disease severity Full Text
Respiratory Research, 05/12/2014 Clinical Article
Pletz MW, et al. – For 1,25-OH2, authors found a significant and independent (controlled for age, season and pathogen) negative correlation to pneumonia severity. Supplementation of non–activated vitamin D to protect from pneumonia may be non–sufficient in patients that have a decreased capacity to hydroxylate 25–OH to 1,25–OH2.
Methods
Vitamin D levels (both, the reservoir form 25-OH and the activated form 1,25-OH2) of 300 randomly selected patients with community-acquired pneumonia due to pre-specified pathogens included in the German competence network (CAPNETZ) study were measured.
Prior to statistical analysis, values of 25-OH and 1,25-OH2 were power-transformed to achieve parametric distribution.
All further analyses were performed with seasonally and age adjusted values.
Results
There was only a modest (Spearman Coefficient 0.38) positive correlation between 25-OH and 1,25-OH2.
For 1,25-OH2 but not 25-OH, the general linear model revealed a significant inverse correlation between serum concentration and CURB score (p = 0.011).
Liver and respiratory co-morbidity were associated with significantly lower 25-OH values and renal co-morbidity with significantly lower 1,25-OH2 values.
No significant differences of 1,25-OH2 or 25-OH between different pathogens (influenza virus, Legionella spp., Streptococcus pneumoniae) were detected.
CONCLUSION:
For 1,25-OH2, we found a significant and independent (controlled for age, season and pathogen) negative correlation to pneumonia severity. Therefore, supplementation of non-activated vitamin D to protect from pneumonia may be non-sufficient in patients that have a decreased capacity to hydroxylate 25-OH to 1,25-OH2.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24766747
Vitamin D supplementation and body weight status: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Obesity Reviews, 05/01/2014 Evidence Based Medicine Review Article Clinical Article
Pathak K, et al. – Vitamin D is anticipated to have many extra–skeletal health benefits. The authors questioned whether supplementation with the vitamin influenced body weight and composition. Vitamin D supplementation did not decrease measures of adiposity in the absence of caloric restriction. A potential confounding by age and gender was encountered.
Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on high-quality, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that had supplemented vitamin D without imposing any caloric restriction.
Eighteen trials reporting either body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), percentage fat mass (%FM) or lean body mass (LBM) met the criteria.
Twelve studies provided the required data for the meta-analysis.
Results
Vitamin D supplementation did not influence the standardized mean difference (SMD) for body weight, FM, %FM or LBM.
A small but non-significant decrease in BMI (SMD = -0.097, 95% confidence interval: [-0.210, 0.016], P = 0.092) was observed.
Meta-regression confirmed that neither the absolute vitamin D status achieved nor its change from baseline influenced the SMD of any obesity measure.
However, increasing age of the subjects predicted a shift in the SMD for FM towards the placebo treatment, whereas a greater percentage of women in these studies favoured a decrease in FM following vitamin D.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24528624
Vitamin D supplementation for depressive symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Psychosomatic Medicine, 05/10/2014 Evidence Based Medicine Review Article Clinical Article
Shaffer JA, et al. – The aim of this study was to review the effects of vitamin D supplementation on depressive symptoms in randomized controlled trials. Although low vitamin D levels have been observationally associated with depressive symptoms, the effect of vitamin D supplementation as an antidepressant remains uncertain. Vitamin D supplementation may be effective for reducing depressive symptoms in patients with clinically significant depression; however, further high–quality research is needed.
Methods
MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, PsycINFO, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, and references of included reports (through May 2013) were searched.
Two independent reviewers identified and extracted data from randomized trials that compared the effect of vitamin D supplementation on depressive symptoms to a control condition.
Two additional reviewers assessed study quality using The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.
Seven trials (3191 participants) were included.
Results
Vitamin D supplementation had no overall effect on depressive symptoms (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.33 to 0.05, p = .16), although considerable heterogeneity was observed.
Subgroup analysis showed that vitamin D supplementation for participants with clinically significant depressive symptoms or depressive disorder had a moderate, statistically significant effect (2 studies: SMD, -0.60; 95% CI, -1.19 to -0.01; p = .046), but a small, nonsignificant effect for those without clinically significant depression (5 studies: SMD, -0.04; 95% CI, -0.20 to 0.12; p = .61).
Most trials had unclear or high risk of bias.
Studies varied in the amount, frequency, duration, and mode of delivery of vitamin D supplementation.
CONCLUSIONS:
Vitamin D supplementation may be effective for reducing depressive symptoms in patients with clinically significant depression; however, further high-quality research is needed.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24632894
Plasma vitamin D and prostate cancer risk; results from the selenium and vitamin E cancer prevention trial
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 05/08/2014 Clinical Article
Kristal AR, et al. – The results of this study suggests that both low and high vitamin D concentrations were associated with increased risk of prostate cancer, and more strongly for high–grade disease.
Methods
Data for this case (n=1,731)–cohort (n=3,203) analysis are from the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial.
Cox proportional hazard models were used to test whether baseline plasma vitamin D (25–hydroxy) concentration, adjusted for season of blood collection, was associated with the risk of total and Gleason Score 2–6, 7–10 and 8–10 prostate cancer.
Results
There were U–shaped associations of vitamin D with total cancer risk: compared to the first quintile, hazard ratios were 0.83 (95% CI 0.66–1.03, p=0.092), 0.74 (95% CI 0.59–0.92, p=0.008), 0.86 (95% CI 0.69–1.07, p=0.181) and 0.98 (95% CI 0.78–1.21, p=0.823), for the 2nd through 5th quintiles, respectively.
For Gleason 7–10 cancer, corresponding hazard ratios were 0.63 (95% CI 0.45–0.90, p=0.010), 0.66 (95% CI 0.47–0.92, p=0.016), 0.79 (95% CI 0.56–1.10, p=0.165) and 0.88 (95% CI 0.63–1.22, p=0.436).
Among African American men (n=250 cases), higher vitamin D was associated with reduced risk of Gleason 7–10 cancer only: in the a posteriori contrast of quintiles 1–2 vs 3–5, the hazard ratio was 0.55 (95% CI 0.31–0.97, p=0.037), with no evidence of dose–response or a U–shaped association.
Conclusions:Both low and high vitamin D concentrations were associated with increased risk of prostate cancer, and more strongly for high-grade disease. Impact:The optimal range of circulating vitamin D for prostate cancer prevention may be narrow. Supplementation of men with adequate levels may be harmful.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24732629
Low maternal serum vitamin D during pregnancy and the risk for postpartum depression symptoms
Archives of Women's Mental Health, 05/10/2014 Clinical Article
Robinson M, et al. – The authors hypothesise that low levels of 25(OH)–vitamin D in maternal serum during pregnancy will be associated with a higher incidence of postpartum depressive symptoms. Low vitamin D during pregnancy is a risk factor for the development of postpartum depression symptoms.
The authors prospectively collected sera at 18 weeks gestation from 796 pregnant women in Perth (1989–1992) who were enrolled in the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study and measured levels of 25(OH)–vitamin D.
Women reported postnatal depressive symptoms at 3 days post–delivery.
Women in the lowest quartile for 25(OH)–vitamin D status were more likely to report a higher level of postnatal depression symptoms than women who were in the highest quartile for vitamin D, even after accounting for a range of confounding variables including season of birth, body mass index and sociodemographic factors.
Low vitamin D during pregnancy is a risk factor for the development of postpartum depression symptoms.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24663685
Coffee intake and gastric cancer risk
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 05/08/2014 Clinical Article
Ainslie–Waldman CE, et al. – Despite experimental evidence showing chemopreventive effects of coffee–related compounds on gastric carcinogenesis, epidemiologic studies generally do not support coffee–gastric cancer associations. Observational data are lacking among high–risk populations with sufficient regular coffee consumption. Daily coffee consumption may reduce the risk of gastric cancer in high–risk populations, especially among women.
Methods
Authors examined the association between caffeinated coffee intake and gastric cancer risk in a population–based cohort that enrolled 63,257 Chinese men and women ages 45 to 74 years between 1993 and 1998 in Singapore.
Incident gastric cancer cases (n = 647) were identified after a mean follow–up of 14.7 years.
Biomarkers of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection were measured in a subset of gastric cancer cases with blood collected before cancer diagnosis and their matched controls.
Results
In the total cohort, daily versus nondaily coffee intake was associated with a statistically nonsignificant decrease in gastric cancer risk [HR = 0.85; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.69–1.04].
In women, the inverse association strengthened and reached statistical significance (HR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.46–0.87).
In analyses restricted to never smokers and nondrinkers of alcohol, inverse associations strengthened in the total cohort (HR = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.52–0.91) and in women (HR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.37–0.74).
There was no coffee–gastric cancer risk association among men, regardless of smoking status or alcohol consumption.
Similar results were observed in the nested case–control study after adjustment for H. pylori infection.
CONCLUSION:
Daily coffee consumption may reduce the risk of gastric cancer in high-risk populations, especially among women.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24608187
Adenona detection rate and risk of colorectal cancer and death
New England Journal of Medicine, 05/08/2014 Evidence Based Medicine Clinical Article
Corley DA, et al. – The proportion of screening colonoscopic examinations performed by a physician that detect one or more adenomas (the adenoma detection rate) is a recommended quality measure. However, little is known about the association between this rate and patients' risks of a subsequent colorectal cancer (interval cancer) and death. The adenoma detection rate was inversely associated with the risks of interval colorectal cancer, advanced–stage interval cancer, and fatal interval cancer.
Methods
Using data from an integrated health care delivery organization, authors evaluated the associations between the adenoma detection rate and the risks of colorectal cancer diagnosed 6 months to 10 years after colonoscopy and of cancer–related death.
With the use of Cox regression, the estimates of attributable risk were adjusted for the demographic characteristics of the patients, indications for colonoscopy, and coexisting conditions.
Results
Authors evaluated 314,872 colonoscopies performed by 136 gastroenterologists; the adenoma detection rates ranged from 7.4 to 52.5%.
During the follow–up period, they identified 712 interval colorectal adenocarcinomas, including 255 advanced–stage cancers, and 147 deaths from interval colorectal cancer.
The unadjusted risks of interval cancer according to quintiles of adenoma detection rates, from lowest to highest, were 9.8, 8.6, 8.0, 7.0, and 4.8 cases per 10,000 person–years of follow–up, respectively.
Among patients of physicians with adenoma detection rates in the highest quintile, as compared with patients of physicians with detection rates in the lowest quintile, the adjusted hazard ratio for any interval cancer was 0.52 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39 to 0.69), for advanced–stage interval cancer, 0.43 (95% CI, 0.29 to 0.64), and for fatal interval cancer, 0.38 (95% CI, 0.22 to 0.65).
Each 1.0% increase in the adenoma detection rate was associated with a 3.0% decrease in the risk of cancer (hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96 to 0.98).
CONCLUSIONS:
The adenoma detection rate was inversely associated with the risks of interval colorectal cancer, advanced-stage interval cancer, and fatal interval cancer. (Funded by the Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit program and the National Cancer Institute.)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24693890
Dairy products and pancreatic cancer risk: A pooled analysis of 14 cohort studies
Annals of Oncology, 05/08/2014 Review Article
Genkinger JM, et al. – Pancreatic cancer has few early symptoms, is usually diagnosed at late stages, and has a high case–fatality rate. Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial to reducing pancreatic cancer morbidity and mortality. These findings do not support the hypothesis that consumption of dairy foods, calcium, or vitamin D during adulthood is associated with pancreatic cancer risk.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24631943
Tea consumption and the risk of five major cancers: A dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies Full Text
BMC Cancer, 05/08/2014 Evidence Based Medicine Review Article
Yu F, et al. – The authors conducted a dose–response meta–analysis of prospective studies to summarize evidence of the association between tea consumption and the risk of breast, colorectal, liver, prostate, and stomach cancer. The results did not show a protective role of tea in five major cancers. Additional large prospective cohort studies are needed to make a convincing case for associations.
Methods
The authors searched PubMed and two other databases.
Prospective studies that reported risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of cancer risk for >=3 categories of tea consumption were included.
They estimated an overall RR with 95% CI for an increase of three cups/day of tea consumption, and, usingrestricted cubic splines, they examined a nonlinear association between tea consumption and cancer risk.
Results
Forty–one prospective studies, with a total of 3,027,702 participants and 49,103 cancer cases, were included.
From the pooled overall RRs, no inverse association between tea consumption and risk of five major cancers was observed.
However, subgroup analysis showed that increase in consumption of three cups of black tea per day was a significant risk factor for breast cancer (RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.05–1.32).
CONCLUSION:
Our results did not show a protective role of tea in five major cancers. Additional large prospective cohort studies are needed to make a convincing case for associations
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24636229
Inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation and the 2-year course of depressive disorders in antidepressant users
Neuropsychopharmacology, 05/10/2014 Clinical Article
Vogelzangs N, et al. – Scarce evidence suggests that inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation predicts poor response to antidepressants, which could result in worse depression outcome. This study prospectively examined whether inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation predicted the 2–year course of depressive disorders among antidepressant users. Inflammatory and metabolic dysregulations were found to predict a more chronic course of depressive disorders among patients using antidepressants. This could suggest that inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation worsens depression course owing to reduced antidepressant treatment response and that alternative intervention treatments may be needed for depressed persons with inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation.
Methods
Data were from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety, including 315 persons (18–65years) with a current depressive disorder (major depressive disorder, dysthymia) at baseline according to the DSM-IV criteria and using antidepressants.
Inflammatory (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor-necrosis factor-α) and metabolic (waist circumference, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, blood pressure, fasting glucose) factors were measured at baseline.
Results
Primary outcome for course of depression was indicated by whether or not a DSM-IV depressive disorder diagnosis was still/again present at 2-year follow-up, indicating chronicity of depression.
Elevated IL-6, low HDL cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperglycemia were associated with chronicity of depression in antidepressant users.
Persons showing 4 inflammatory or metabolic dysregulations had a 1.90 increased odds of depression chronicity (95% CI=1.12–3.23).
Among persons who recently (ie, at most 3 months) started antidepressant medication (N=103), having 4 dysregulations was associated with a 6.85 increased odds of depression chronicity (95% CI=1.95–24.06).
Inflammatory and metabolic dysregulations were found to predict a more chronic course of depressive disorders among patients using antidepressants.
This could suggest that inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation worsens depression course owing to reduced antidepressant treatment response and that alternative intervention treatments may be needed for depressed persons with inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24442097
Exercise: Can There Be Too Much of a Good Thing?
Two studies in the journal Heart suggest that health benefits may be curtailed in people who exercise very frequently or very intensely.
In the first study, researchers analyzed data from exercise questionnaires and hospital records of nearly 45,000 Swedish men. Men who exercised intensively more than 5 hours a week at the age of 30 were more likely to develop atrial fibrillation (AF) than men who exercised less than 1 hour a week. Their risk was even higher if they subsequently quit exercising later in life.
In the second study, researchers followed more than 1000 patients with coronary heart disease. Overall, patients who exercised strenuously 2–4 days a week had the lowest risk for death and cardiovascular events. But there was an increase in risk in both the group who rarely exercised and in those who exercised every day.
Editorialists speculate that intensive exercise may have a proinflammatory effect that may be especially harmful in some people with atherosclerotic disease.
Heart article #1 (Free abstract)
Heart article #2 (Free abstract)
Heart editorial (Subscription required)
Early treatment with corticosteroids in patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia: A randomized clinical trial Full Text
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, 05/12/2014 Exclusive Author Commentary Clinical Article
Huang L, et al. – Corticosteroids have been evaluated for management of severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MP) in children. However, it is unclear whether the timing of treatment with corticosteroids affects the patients’ clinical outcome. Early treatment with corticosteroids was associated with a better outcome in patients with severe MP.
Methods
The authors did a prospective randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effect of early use of corticosteroids.
Fifty-three patients were randomly assigned to treatment with corticosteroids within 24h after admission (cases), and 53 patients were treated 72h after admission (control patients).
Results
Cases had a shorter fever duration [6 days (range 5–11) vs. 10 days (range 8–23), p<0.001] and length of hospital stay [8 days (range 5–15) vs. 10 days (range 5–21), p=0.001].
Four cases (1.9%) had a complete radiographic resolution time >4 weeks compared with 10 control patients (17.5%; p = 0.038; Table 2).
Conclusions: Early treatment with corticosteroids was associated with a better outcome in patients with severe MP.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24710342
Serum Marker Predicts Cardiovascular Events in Diabetes
Elevated levels of polyclonal serum immunoglobulin combined free light chains (cFLCs) may indicate adversecardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to study findings published online in Diabetes Care.
Srikanth Bellary, MBBS, of Aston University in Birmingham, U.K., and colleagues conducted a cohort study of 352 South Asian patients with type 2 diabetes to assess the association between cFLCs and cardiovascular disease events. Among patients with type 2 diabetes who had CVD events during two years of follow-up, cFLC levels were significantly elevated in 8% (50.7 vs. 42.8 mg/L). On multivariable analysis, elevated cFLC level (greater than 57.2 mg/L) was associated with a significant 3-fold increased odds of adverse CVD outcomes. This association remained significant after adjustment for age, albumin-to-creatinine ratio, diabetes duration, or treatment.
"cFLC elevation is a novel marker for CVD outcomes in type 2 diabetes that warrants further investigation," the authors wrote.
Glycated hemoglobin measurement and prediction of cardiovascular disease
JAMA, 05/11/2014 Evidence Based Medicine
The value of measuring levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) for the prediction of first cardiovascular events is uncertain. To determine whether adding information on HbA1c values to conventional cardiovascular risk factors is associated with improvement in prediction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. In a study of individuals without known CVD or diabetes, additional assessment of HbA1c values in the context of CVD risk assessment provided little incremental benefit for prediction of CVD risk.
Methods
Analysis of individual–participant data available from 73 prospective studies involving 294998 participants without a known history of diabetes mellitus or CVD at the baseline assessment.
Measures of risk discrimination for CVD outcomes (eg, C–index) and reclassification (eg, net reclassification improvement) of participants across predicted 10–year risk categories of low (<5%), intermediate (5% to <7.5%), and high (>=7.5%) risk.
Results
During a median follow–up of 9.9 (interquartile range, 7.6–13.2) years, 20 840 incident fatal and nonfatal CVD outcomes (13 237 coronary heart disease and 7603 stroke outcomes) were recorded.
In analyses adjusted for several conventional cardiovascular risk factors, there was an approximately J–shaped association between HbA1c values and CVD risk.
The association between HbA1c values and CVD risk changed only slightly after adjustment for total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations or estimated glomerular filtration rate, but this association attenuated somewhat after adjustment for concentrations of high–density lipoprotein cholesterol and C–reactive protein.
The C–index for a CVD risk prediction model containing conventional cardiovascular risk factors alone was 0.7434 (95% CI, 0.7350 to 0.7517).
The addition of information on HbA1c was associated with a C–index change of 0.0018 (0.0003 to 0.0033) and a net reclassification improvement of 0.42 (–0.63 to 1.48) for the categories of predicted 10–year CVD risk.
The improvement provided by HbA1c assessment in prediction of CVD risk was equal to or better than estimated improvements for measurement of fasting, random, or postload plasma glucose levels.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:
In a study of individuals without known CVD or diabetes, additional assessment of HbA1c values in the context of CVD risk assessment provided little incremental benefit for prediction of CVD risk.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24668104
Fish Compound Hooks Better Sleep
Higher blood levels of omega-3 correspond to longer sleep with fewer awakenings, among children.
An ever-expanding library of data suggests a variety of potential health-improving benefits of omega-3 fatty acids – compounds found abundantly in “fatty fish” such as salmon, herring, and sardines. Previous studies have suggested links between poor sleep and low blood levels of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, among infants and in children and adults with behavior or learning difficulties. Paul Montgomery, from Oxford University (United Kingdom), and colleagues assessed eep in 362 healthy 7-9 year old UK school children in relation to the levels of omega-3 and omega-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) found in fingerstick blood samples. The children who took part in the study were not selected for sleep problems, but were all struggling readers at a mainstream primary school. At the outset, the parents filled in a child sleep questionnaire, which revealed that four in ten of the children in the study suffered from regular sleep disturbances. Of the children rated as having poor sleep, the researchers fitted wrist sensors to 43 of them to monitor their movements in bed over five nights. This exploratory pilot study showed that the children on a course of daily supplements of omega-3 had nearly one hour (58 minutes) more sleep and seven fewer waking episodes per night compared with the children taking the corn or soybean placebo. Writing that: “Cautiously, we conclude that higher blood levels of docosahexaenoic acid may relate to better child sleep, as rated by parents,” the study authors submit that: “objective evidence from actigraphy suggests that docosahexaenoic acid supplementation may improve children's sleep.”
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-03/uoo-ssh030614.php
Is Cynicism Linked to Dementia, Death?
(HealthDay News) — Cynical distrust in late life may be associated with mortality and dementia, although the correlations are affected by confounders, according to a study published online May 28 in Neurology.
Elisa Neuvonen, from the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio, and colleagues examined the correlations between late-life cynical distrust and incident dementia and mortality. Dementia analyses included data on exposure, outcome, and confounders for 622 individuals (46 cases of dementia), while data were available for 1,146 individuals (361 deaths) for the mortality analyses. Confounders included age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, socioeconomic background, smoking, alcohol use, self-reported heath, and APOE genotype.
The researchers found that, in the crude analyses, cynical distrust was not associated with dementia, but after adjustment for confounders, those with the highest level of cynical distrust had a significantly increased risk of dementia (relative risk, 3.13). In the crude analyses, higher cynical distrust correlated with higher mortality (hazard ratio, 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.87), but after adjustment for confounders, the correlation was attenuated (hazard ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.86–1.61).
"This novel finding suggests that both psychosocial and lifestyle-related risk factors may be modifiable targets for interventions," the authors write. "We acknowledge the need for larger replication studies."
Abstract
Full Text
http://www.neurology.org/content/early/2014/05/28/WNL.0000000000000528.abstract
Low-Dose Estrogen and Venlafaxine Similarly Effective for Menopausal Symptoms
Low-dose estradiol and venlafaxine are both effective treatments for vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women, a JAMA Internal Medicine study finds.
Some 340 peri- or postmenopausal women with bothersome vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats) were randomized to receive low-dose estradiol (0.5 mg/day), low-dose venlafaxine (a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor; 75 mg/day), or placebo daily for 8 weeks.
Symptom frequency was reduced significantly more with estradiol (by 53%) and with venlafaxine (48%) than with placebo (29%). Both active treatments were well tolerated, although estradiol was more often associated with abnormal vaginal bleeding and venlafaxine with blood pressure increases.
The researchers note that "while the efficacy of low-dose estradiol may be slightly superior to that of venlafaxine, the difference is small and of uncertain clinical relevance." They conclude: "Treatment decisions should weigh the risk profile of each agent for each individual woman, taking into account her risk factor status and personal preferences regarding treatment options."
JAMA Internal Medicine article (Free abstract)
ASCO Guidelines Recommend Tamoxifen for 10 Years for Breast Cancer
Tamoxifen is now recommended for 10 years instead of just 5 for women with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, according to new guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Studies have shown improved survival with extended tamoxifen, as well as reduced risk for recurrence and contralateral breast cancer.
Women who are pre- or perimenopausal should begin with 5 years of tamoxifen. After that, if they are still pre- or perimenopausal, they should take tamoxifen for another 5 years. If they have become postmenopausal, however, they should be given the choice of tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor for 5 years.
Women who are postmenopausal at diagnosis should be offered the choice of 10 years of tamoxifen, 5 years of an aromatase inhibitor, or either 2-3 or 5 years of tamoxifen followed by up to 5 years of an aromatase inhibitor.
Journal of Clinical Oncology article (Free abstract)
Large Study Uncovers New Details About the Role of Hypertension in Cardiovascular Disease
Different types of hypertension at different stages of life have different cardiovascular effects, according to a large study in the Lancet.
U.K. researchers analyzed data on 1.25 million people aged 30 or older and without baseline cardiovascular disease. Among the findings, over roughly 5 years' follow-up:
Elevated systolic blood pressure (BP) was strongly linked to intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and stable angina, but had only a weak association with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
Diastolic BP was a less powerful predictor of most cardiovascular diseases than systolic pressure, though it was a strong predictor of AAA.
Pulse pressure (systolic pressure minus diastolic) had an inverse correlation with AAA but was a strong predictor of peripheral arterial disease.
In contrast to some previous studies, there was no evidence for a J-shaped curve showing that the lowest BP levels were associated with increased risk. Instead, people with the lowest BP levels (90–114 mm Hg systolic and 60–74 mm Hg diastolic) had the lowest risk for cardiovascular disease.
Adapted from CardioExchange
Lancet article
Zinc Supplementation Cuts Diarrhea Incidence
(HealthDay News) For children aged 6 months to 12 years,zinc supplementation has no clear effect on mortality but seems to reduce diarrhea morbidity, according to a review published online May 15 in The Cochrane Library.
Evan Mayo-Wilson, DPhil, from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, and colleagues examined the effects of zinc supplementation on preventing mortality and morbidity, and on promoting growth in young children. Eighty randomized controlled trials of preventive zinc supplementation involving 205,401 children aged 6 months to 12 years of age were included.
The researchers found that zinc supplementation correlated with risk ratios (RRs) of 0.95 for all-cause mortality (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86–1.05); 0.95 for cause-specific mortality due to diarrhea (95% CI, 0.69–1.31); 0.86 for lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI; 95% CI, 0.64–1.15); and 0.90 for malaria (95% CI, 0.77–1.06). Diarrhea morbidity was reduced with supplementation, including incidence of all-cause diarrhea (RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.85–0.89); the results for LRTI and malaria were imprecise. Moderate-quality evidence indicated a very small improvement in height with supplementation (standardized mean difference, −0.09). There was an increased risk of at least one vomiting episode associated with supplementation (RR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.14–1.46)
"The effect of preventive zinc supplementation on all-cause mortality was not statistically significant, but these results are consistent with a small reduction in mortality," the authors write. "In our opinion, the benefits of preventive zinc supplementation outweigh the harms in areas where the risk of zinc deficiency is relatively high. Further research should determine optimal intervention characteristics such as supplement dose."
Abstract
Vitamin C Supplementation for Pregnant Smoking Women and Pulmonary Function in Their Newborn Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Conclusions and Relevance Supplemental vitamin C taken by pregnant smokers improved newborn PFT results and decreased wheezing through 1 year in the offspring. Vitamin C in pregnant smokers may be an inexpensive and simple approach to decrease the effects of smoking in pregnancy on newborn pulmonary function and respiratory morbidities.
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleID=1873133&utm_source=Silverchair%20Information%20Systems&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JAMA%3AOnlineFirst05%2F18%2F2014
Sugar may have modest effect on blood pressure, lipids.
TIME (5/30, Sifferlin) reports a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates sugar can affect both blood pressure and lipids. According to lead study author Lisa Te Morenga, “Although the effects of sugars on blood pressure and lipids are relatively modest, our findings support public health recommendations to reduce added sugar in our diets as one of the measures which might be expected to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular diseases.”
Kidney dysfunction may increase risk of renal cancer.
The Salt Lake (UT) Tribune (5/30) reports on a study published online in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology finding that “even moderate kidney dysfunction may carry increased risk” of renal cancer. The study found that “among 1.2 million older adults, those with stage 3 kidney disease were 39 percent to 100 percent more likely to be diagnosed with renal cancer over five years than people with stage 2 kidney disease.” They were also 48 percent more likely “to develop urothelial, or urinary bladder, cancer.” The study was based on data from “1.2 million adult patients of Kaiser Permanente, those age 40 and older with known kidney function and no history of cancer, dialysis or a kidney transplant.”
Melatonin for Drug-Induced Metabolic Syndrome
-Nava F et al., Bipolar Disord 2014 Mar 17;
In an early study, melatonin seems to decrease the weight gain that occurs with atypical antipsychotics.
In an early study, melatonin seems to decrease the weight gain that occurs with atypical antipsychotics.
Weight gain and other adverse metabolic consequences are common with atypical antipsychotics. Based on results from animal studies, researchers receiving industry support hypothesized that melatonin could help to attenuate these effects.
The 50 participants had been taking clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, or quetiapine for <3 months and were randomized to 8 weeks of slow-release melatonin (5 mg) or placebo at 8 pm. Among the 24 patients with schizophrenia and 20 with bipolar disorder who completed the study (mean age, 29; 22 men), those taking melatonin had significantly lower mean diastolic blood pressure (BP), gained less weight (mean, 1.5 vs. 2.2 kg), and had less of an increase in waist circumference. After adjustment for baseline factors, melatonin in patients also taking mood stabilizers improved BP and yielded greater benefit on fat mass.
In disorder-specific analyses, melatonin-associated changes in fat mass percentage, fat mass, and diastolic blood pressure were found only in the bipolar group. Melatonin was associated with significant differences in diastolic BP with medium-risk atypicals and in changes in lean mass and total body water with high-risk atypicals.
Simple Tests of Physical Capability Predict Mortality in Middle Age
Cooper R et al., BMJ 2014 Apr 29; 348:g2219
These tests included grip strength, chair rise speed, and standing balance time.
Regular walks may help people with chronic kidney disease live longer.
The Huffington Post (5/23, Chan) reports that research published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology suggests that “taking regular walks could help people with chronic kidney disease live longer.” Investigators found that walking was linked to “a decreased risk of death, as well as a decreased risk of needing a kidney transplant or dialysis, among people with chronic kidney disease.”
Activated Charcoal: Are There Benefits Beyond Poison Control?
Say the word "charcoal" to almost any American and the immediate mental image will be steaks on a grill. However, say that same word in an emergency department and the image will be drastically different.
A squeeze bottle of a black, thick solution; a nasogastric tube, and either a combative patient or an unconscious one will be the scenario. The use of activated charcoal in acute poisoning is an age-old practice dating back as far as as 1500 B.C.1
Background
Medicinal activated charcoal is available in many different forms. It is a carbon molecular structure made from a variety of inert materials that have been treated with intense heat and oxygen, making it "activated."1 This process yields a highly porous particle. It is estimated that a teaspoon of activated charcoal has a surface area of nearly 10,000 square feet.1
Science
The utility of activated charcoal in the treatment of acute poisoning and overdose is well-established. When administered orally, the porous particles selectively bind to (absorb) the toxic chemical. This carbon/toxin complex then passes out of the body intact.
When given appropriately, activated charcoal absorbs up to 60% of the chemical toxins it encounters. The provider must understand, however, that this complex is unstable and can reverse over time. Consequently, a cathartic such as sorbitol is frequently coadministered to speed gastric emptying.2,3
Once the absorptive capacity of activated charcoal was established, investigators studied the possibility of using this substance to absorb other undesirable compounds in the body, such as cholesterol. One active control trial compared the efficacy of cholestyramine (Locholest, Prevalite, Questran) and activated charcoal in six patients with known hyperlipidemia.4
After a one-week dietary control, the patients were given three weeks of each treatment on widely separate occasions. Activated charcoal reduced plasma cholesterol levels by an average of 5% more than did the cholestyramine. Since that time, however, more rigorous trials have failed to show any favorable difference between the two therapies.
Summary
The use of activated charcoal is not mainstream medicine. However, activated charcoal is a relatively benign product and certainly one that has withstood the test of time. With its relatively low risk profile, using this substance would be a neutral decision.
No well-done clinical trials validate significant health benefits, but the results are not negative. Patients who feel that activated charcoal is helpful should be advised to avoid using it with other medications.
http://www.empr.com/activated-charcoal-are-there-benefits-beyond-poison-control/article/349387/2/
Study suggests colon cancer screening may be beneficial for individuals older than 75.
The AP (6/3, Neergaard) reports, “A surprising number of people older than 75 haven’t ever been screened for colon cancer,” but research published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests “that it’s not too late for them to get caught up.” Investigators “used computer modeling to compare the potential effects of different colon checks on 10 million previously unscreened people ages 76 to 90.” The researchers found that an individual who is “very healthy should consider some form of screening up to age 86 – but even a person with severe health problems could benefit from a first-time check up to age 80.”
Bilingualism may be protective of aging brain.
The Los Angeles Times (6/3, Khan) reports in “Science Now” that according to a study published online June 2 in the Annals of Neurology, “picking up a new language even a little later in life can have serious cognitive benefits for the aging brain.” The study “found that bilingual speakers performed much better than expected from their baseline cognitive ability, particularly in reading and in general intelligence.” The study also revealed that “bilingualism’s effects were comparable to factors such as ‘the effect of variation in the gene for apolipoprotein E, physical fitness, and (not) smoking.’”
The Huffington Post (6/2, Emling) reports that in reaching these conclusions, investigators “relied on data from 835 native speakers of English who were born and living in the area of Edinburgh, Scotland.” Study “participants were given an intelligence test in 1947 at age 11 and then again in their early 70s, between 2008 and 2010.”
Also covering the story are TIME (6/3, Park) and the NPR (6/3, Shute) “Shots” blo
Fight Flu with Ginseng
Panax Korean red ginseng extract may help treat and prevent influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, in cell-based and lab animal models.
Seasonal influenza is a serious respiratory disease that causes annual epidemics in humans worldwide, resulting in about three to five million cases of severe illness and about 250,000 to 500,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization. Respiratory syncytial virus is the leading cause of inflammatory bronchiolitis pneumonia and viral death in infants and in some elderly adults. Sang-Moo Kang, from Georgia State University (Georgia, USA), and colleagues investigated whether Panax Korean red ginseng extract has preventive effects on influenza A virus infection. After infection with influenza A virus, mice that were orally administered ginseng over a long time showed multiple immune modifying effects, such as stimulated antiviral production of proteins important in immune response and fewer inflammatory cells in their bronchial walls. Further, the team found that red ginseng extract improves the survival of human lung epithelial cells infected with influenza virus. Also, treatment with red ginseng extract reduced the expression of genes that cause inflammation. The study authors report that: “these results suggested that [Panax Korean red ginseng extract] has antiviral activity against [respiratory syncytial virus] infection.”
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-04/gsu-gct042114.php
Two Foods that Assist Cardiovascular Health
Abundant in nitrate, spinach – and apples – plentiful in flavonoids, raise nitric oxide in the body.
Nitric oxide (NO) is an important molecule for cardiovascular and cognitive health, as it exerts effects on blood flow and blood vessel function. Catherine Bondonno, from the University of Western Australia (Australia), and colleagues enrolled 30 healthy female and male volunteers, and screened them through a medical history questionnaire, electrocardiography, BMI, height and weight, blood pressure, and fasting blood samples. Subjects were randomly assigned into one of four interventions—a) apple: high flavonoid low nitrate; b) spinach: low flavonoid high nitrate; c) apple + spinach: high flavonoid high nitrate; d) control: low flavonoid low nitrate. Measuring plasma NO status in plasma, urine and saliva, and assessing cognitive performance and mood via standardized scales, separately the apples and spinach increased markers of NO in the plasma; and the spinach alone, and the apple + spinach combination, significantly improved markers of NO in saliva and urine as well. The study authors conclude that: “flavonoid-rich apples and nitrate-rich spinach augmented [nitric oxide] status acutely with no concomitant improvements or deterioration in cognitive function and mood.”
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-05-spinach-apples-important-molecule-cardiovascular.html
Popeye is right: spinach makes you stronger, study shows
Famous cartoon character Popeye is right to down a can of spinach when he wants his biceps to bulge, according to a Swedish study presented Monday showing why the leafy vegetable makes us stronger.
Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm said Monday they had conducted a study showing how nitrate, found naturally in spinach and several other vegetables, tones up muscles.
For the study, which will be published in the Journal of Physiology, the research team had placed nitrate directly in the drinking water of a group of mice for one week and then dissected them and compared their muscle functions to that of a control group.
"The mice that had been on consistent nitrate had much stronger muscles," they said in a statement.
The nitrate used "was equivalent to a human's consumption of about 200 to 250 grammes of spinach a day, so it's a very easily obtained amount," one of the researchers at the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Andres Hernandez, told AFP.
"Well, it is if you eat spinach. For people who don't eat their vegetables it will be more tricky," he added.
While no effect could be seen in the so-called slow-twitch muscles used for moderate exercise and endurance, the scientists saw a clear change could be seen in the fast-twitch muscles used for strength and more high-intensity exercises, Hernandez said.
The tricky question, he said, was determining why this happened.
The researchers discovered that the nitrates had prompted an increase in two proteins, found naturally in the muscles, that are used for storing and releasing calcium, which is vital to making muscles contract.
The protein increase in turn led to higher quantities of calcium released in the muscles, Hernandez said, pointing out that "if you have more calcium released, you have a stronger contraction."
Translated into human terms, consuming nitrates from for instance spinach increases the muscle strength available for things like lifting weights or sprinting up a steep hill.
It could also increase endurance, Hernandez said, pointing out that when stronger, the fast-twitch muscles, which fatigue faster than other muscles, do not need to contract as frequently.
This is not only good news for exercise buffs looking to improve their performance.
"The really exciting part is to go ahead and look at people with muscle weakness, with muscle diseases, and even aging, and see if this can actually improve their muscle function," Hernandez said.
He said the research team aimed to conduct a few more studies on mice but hoped to also carry out studies on humans soon.
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-06-popeye-spinach-stronger.html#nRlv
Inflammatory activity of epicardial adipose tissue and atrial fibrillation
This study concluded that inflammatory activity of epicardial adipose tissue reflected by standardized uptake value is higher in atrial fibrillation patients than in controls. Inflammatory activity of epicardial adipose tissue adjacent to the left atrium, atrioventricular groove and left main artery is greater than in subcutaneous or visceral thoracic tissue. The American Journal of Cardiology
Diets to prevent coronary heart disease
Our understanding of the potential cardioprotective properties of nutrition is relatively recent, with most relevant studies completed in the last several decades. During that time, there has been an evolution in the focus of nutritional intervention. Early trials emphasized reduction of dietary fat with the goal of preventing heart disease by reducing serum cholesterol. Results from trials focused exclusively on dietary fat reduction were disappointing, prompting subsequent studies incorporating a whole diet approach with a nuanced recommendation for fat intake. The Mediterranean-style diet, with a focus on vegetables, fruit, fish, whole grains, and olive oil, has proven to reduce cardiovascular events to a degree greater than low-fat diets and equal to or greater than the benefit observed in statin trials. The American Journal of Medicine
Physical fitness and academic achievement
In a cross-sectional study, Torrijos-Niño et al measured academic achievement, physical fitness, weight, height and parental education for 893 children aged 9 to 11 years from Cuenca, Spain. Overall, academic achievement scores were positively related to fitness levels. Obese boys had lower scores for academic achievement than overweight or normal-weight boys. Good cardiorespiratory and speed/agility levels were associated with high academic achievement after controlling for confounders. Schools should consider strategies to improve fitness as part of their overall strategy for improving academic achievement.The Journal of Pediatrics
FDA advises against aspirin use in patients with no history of heart disease
Aspirin should not be used for stroke or heart attack prevention in people with no history of heart disease, the FDA said on Monday. Although evidence indicates that aspirin's benefits outweigh its bleeding risks for patients with a history of a cardiovascular event, the data do not support the use of the drug for the prevention of first heart attack, the agency said. The FDA released the statement in response to Bayer's request to change its aspirin product labeling. Bloomberg
Study: Intensive diabetes Tx doesn't yield better microvascular outcomes
Type 2 diabetes patients who received early intensive multifactorial therapy did not exhibit greater reductions in the occurrence of retinopathy and neuropathy at five years compared with those who received routine care, a study indicated. The results appear in Diabetes Care. ClinicalAdvisor.com/HealthDay News
Effects of prescribed antihypertensives and other cardiovascular drugs on mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation and hypertension: A cohort study from Sweden
Hypertension Research, 05/28/2014 Clinical Article
Carlsson AC, et al. – The aim of this study is to study mortality rates in men and women separately with hypertension and AF prescribed different cardiovascular pharmacotherapies. AF patients with hypertension prescribed statins, non–selective β–blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers had low relative mortality risks, suggesting that these prescribed pharmacotherapies were beneficial. This needs to be further explored in other clinical settings.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24599014
Correlations between serum uric acid and coronary atherosclerosis before and during statin therapy
Coronary Artery Disease, 05/08/2014 Clinical Article
Nozue T, et al. – The purpose of this preliminary study was to evaluate the relationship between serum uric acid (UA) and coronary atherosclerosis. The result suggested that serum UA levels correlated with coronary atherosclerosis before and during statin therapy. It remains unknown whether these correlations are a direct effect of UA itself or a marker of increased risk.
Methods
Coronary atherosclerosis in the nonculprit lesions was evaluated using virtual histology intravascular ultrasound in 119 patients with angina pectoris at the time of percutaneous coronary intervention and 8 months after statin therapy.
Results
Serum UA levels showed weak but significant positive correlations with external elastic membrane volume (baseline: r=0.236, P=0.02; 8-month follow-up: r=0.307, P=0.0009) and with plaque volume (baseline: r=0.263, P=0.007; 8-month follow-up: r=0.349, P=0.0001).
Significant decreases in the fibrofatty and fibrous components and increases in the necrotic core and dense calcium components were observed during statin therapy.
Serum UA (r=0.257, P=0.009) and unstable angina pectoris (r=0.208, P=0.02) correlated significantly with change in the calcified plaque volume, whereas the estimated glomerular filtration rate trended (r=-0.166, P=0.07).
Multivariate regression analyses showed that UA was a significant independent predictor associated with an increase in the dense calcium plaque volume during statin therapy (β=0.244, P=0.03).
CONCLUSION:
In this preliminary study, serum UA levels correlated with coronary atherosclerosis before and during statin therapy. It remains unknown whether these correlations are a direct effect of UA itself or a marker of increased risk.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24448173
No Benefit of Physical Therapy for Hip Osteoarthritis
Bennell KL et al., JAMA 2014 May 21; 311:1987
The intervention might have been “too little, too late.”
(HealthDay News) — Physical therapy does not help pain or function among adults with hip osteoarthritis, according to a study published in the May 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Kim L. Bennell, PhD, from the University of Melbourne in Australia, and colleagues randomized 102 community volunteers with hip pain levels of ≥40 (on a visual analog scale of 100mm) and hip osteoarthritis confirmed by radiograph to either an active group (49 patients) or a sham group (53 patients). The intervention was 12 weeks (with 24 weeks of follow-up) and included 10 treatment sessions of education, manual therapy, home exercise, and gait aid (active group) or inactive ultrasound and inert gel (sham).
The researchers found that between-group differences for improvements in pain were not significant for the 96 patients completing week 13 (pain score at 13 weeks of 40.1 for the active group vs. 35.2 for the sham group). The sham group was also favored for the 13-week physical function scores. The active group did have greater week-13 improvement in the balance step test. Forty-one percent of the active group reported mild adverse effects, compared to 14% in the sham group (P=.003).
"Among adults with painful hip osteoarthritis, physical therapy did not result in greater improvement in pain or function compared with sham treatment, raising questions about its value for these patients," the authors write.
Two authors disclosed receiving royalties for a commercially available shoe from ASICS Oceania.
Abstract
Diets to prevent coronary heart disease
Our understanding of the potential cardioprotective properties of nutrition is relatively recent, with most relevant studies completed in the last several decades. During that time, there has been an evolution in the focus of nutritional intervention. Early trials emphasized reduction of dietary fat with the goal of preventing heart disease by reducing serum cholesterol. Results from trials focused exclusively on dietary fat reduction were disappointing, prompting subsequent studies incorporating a whole diet approach with a nuanced recommendation for fat intake. The Mediterranean-style diet, with a focus on vegetables, fruit, fish, whole grains, and olive oil, has proven to reduce cardiovascular events to a degree greater than low-fat diets and equal to or greater than the benefit observed in statin trials. The American Journal of Medicine
Mediterranean diet may reduce obesity in children.
HealthDay (5/28, Preidt) reports that a study presented at the European Congress on Obesity finds that “children who eat a Mediterranean-style diet are less likely to be overweight or obese.” The diet is characterized by being “rich in fish, nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits.” The study was based on data from over 9,000 children from eight European countries.
Different forms of vitamin E linked to positive, negative effects on lungs.
The New York Times (5/29, O'Connor) reports that a study published in the journal Respiratory Research may help explain the conflicting results of research into the health effects of vitamin E. An analysis of data from the National Institutes of Health-sponsored Cardia study found that the gamma tocopherol form of the vitamin, found in “corn, canola and soybean oils, was linked to poor lung function in adults.” In contrast, alpha tocopherol, found in olive and sunflower oils, “seemed to have a beneficial effect on the lungs.” Study author Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine associate professor Dr. Joan Cook-Mills noted that “gamma tocopherol is increasingly common in American food products” and that US asthma rates increased in the last 40 years even as the use of vegetable oils rich in gamma tocopherol rose. Still, she “cautioned that the research is observational.”
Dietary ascorbic acid and subsequent change in body weight and waist circumference: Associations may depend on genetic predisposition to obesity - A prospective study of three independent cohorts Full Text
Nutrition Journal, 05/29/2014 Clinical Article
Larsen SC, et al. – In this study, authors examined whether dietary ascorbic acid, possibly in interaction with the genetic predisposition to a high BMI, WC or waist–hip ratio adjusted for BMI (WHR), associates with subsequent annual changes in weight (ΔBW) and waist circumference (ΔWC). They revealed this study does not support an association between dietary ascorbic acid and ΔBW or ΔWC, but a diet with a high content of ascorbic acid may be weakly associated to higher WC gain among people who are genetically predisposed to a high WHR. However, given the quite limited association any public health relevance is questionable.
CONCLUSION:
In general, our study does not support an association between dietary ascorbic acid and [increment]BW or [increment]WC, but a diet with a high content of ascorbic acid may be weakly associated to higher WC gain among people who are genetically predisposed to a high WHR. However, given the quite limited association any public health relevance is questionable.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24886192
The impact of obesity on subclinical coronary atherosclerosis according to the risk of cardiovascular disease
Obesity, 05/29/2014 Clinical Article
Lee SY, et al. – The study aims to evaluate whether the association of obesity with coronary atherosclerosis depends on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Obesity is differentially associated with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, according to the burden of CVD risk. In low–risk adults, the relative distribution of abdominal fat, as well as whole body fat, is important to coronary atherosclerosis.
CONCLUSIONS:
Obesity is differentially associated with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, according to the burden of CVD risk. In low-risk adults, the relative distribution of abdominal fat, as well as whole body fat, is important to coronary atherosclerosis.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24719352
Subclinical vascular inflammation in subjects with normal weight obesity and its association with body Fat: an 18F-FDG-PET/CT study Full Text
Cardiovascular Diabetology, 05/29/2014 Clinical Article
Kang S, et al. – Normal weight obesity (NWO) is associated with a higher degree of subclinical vascular inflammation, of which BF is a major contributing factor. These results warrant investigations for subclinical atherosclerosis in NWO patients.
CONCLUSIONS:
NWO is associated with a higher degree of subclinical vascular inflammation, of which BF is a major contributing factor. These results warrant investigations for subclinical atherosclerosis in NWO patients.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24708764
A Recipe to Achieve Healthy Weight
For some women, a high-protein meal followed by 30 minutes of moderate exercise is an effective way of burning calories.
Exercise scientists at the University of Arkansas (Arkansas, USA) have identified a novel interaction between food, exercise, and total energy expenditure. Ashley Binns and colleagues assessed 10 college-age women of normal body weight, who were categorized as "recreationally active” – subjects normally exercised at least twice a week, but they weren't athletes or severely overweight. Each participant was given either a high-protein meal, low-protein meal, or no food at all, before walking on a treadmill. The team found that the high-protein meal followed by 30 minutes of moderate exercise was an effective way to burn calories, as compared to exercising on an empty stomach. The lead author submits that: “with exercise, there is a trend for a continued increase in caloric expenditure with higher protein consumption. Additionally, the consumption of the high- or low-protein meals resulted in greater energy expenditure than the fasted state. That means that eating prior to exercise does provide fuel to burn, making us more like an energy-burning machine."
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-03-protein-recipe-calorie-burning-success-women.html
B Vitamin for Bone Health
Higher dietary intake of pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) associates with reduced risk of hip fracture, among women.
Previously, studies have investigated the role of B vitamins to maintain bone health. Z Dai, from National University of Singapore (Singapore), and colleagues analyzed data from 63,257 men and women, ages 45 to 74 years, enrolled in the Singapore Chinese Health Study. The researchers found that those women with the highest quartile intake of Vitamin B6 (0.78-1.76 mg/1,000 kcal/day) had a 22 % reduction in hip fracture risk, as compared to women in the lowest quartile intake (0.37-0.61 mg/1,000 kcal/day). Dietary intakes of the other B vitamins of interest were not related to hip fracture risk; and no correlative effects were seen in men. The study authors conclude that: “Our findings suggest that maintaining adequate intake of pyridoxine may prevent osteoporotic fractures among elderly women.
http://www.foodconsumer.org/newsite/Nutrition/Vitamins/pyridoxine_supplements_prevent_hip_fracture_1217121129.html
DHEA Helps to Improve Symptoms of Menopause
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, helps to alleviate menopausal symptoms.
Dehydroepiandrosterone, better known as DHEA, is the most abundant steroid in the human body involved and is involved in the manufacture of testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and corticosterone. DHEA levels continue to rise up to about age twenty-five, when production drops off sharply: by age 65, the human body makes only 10 to 20% of what it did at age 20. Andrea Genazzani, from the University of Pisa (Italy), and colleagues followed a group of 48 post-menopausal women troubled by symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, loss of sex drive and mood swings. Over a one-year period, 12 women took vitamin D and calcium, 12 took DHEA, 12 took standard hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and 12 took a synthetic steroid called tibolone (used to alleviate menopausal symptoms). The women's menopausal symptoms, sexual interest and activity were measured using a standard questionnaire. After 12 months, all the women on both DHEA and HRT had improvements in menopausal symptoms, but those taking vitamin D and calcium did not show any significant improvement. At the start of the trial, all groups had similar sexual activity, but after the year, those taking calcium and vitamin D scored an average of 34.9 on the questionnaire scale, while those taking DHEA had a score of 48.6, showing that those on DHEA had more sexual interest and activity. The study authors report that: “Daily oral DHEA therapy … provided a significant improvement in comparison with vitamin D in sexual function and in frequency of sexual intercourse in early postmenopausal women.”
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/20/us-menopause-dhea-sex-idUSTRE7BJ00A20111220
The Essentiality of Selenium
Proteins containing selenium exert an important antioxidant role in human health
.
Selenium is a mineral that plays a role in aging, cancer and chronic diseases, with selenoproteins – proteins that incorporate selenium through the use of an amino acid – now identified as having an important role in antioxidant defense mechanisms. Sharon Rozovsky, from the University of Delaware (Delaware, USA), and colleagues employed state-of-the-science analysis techniques to study selenium in redox biology, revealing the molecular basis by which selenoproteins exert their antioxidant effects.
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-04-antioxidant-role-proteins-selenium.html
Chronic Medical Conditions Associated with Increased Zoster Risk
Researchers have identified several risk factors for herpes zoster that appear to pose a higher risk for younger adults, particularly those under age 50. The case-control study appears in BMJ.
Using a U.K. primary care database, researchers identified nearly 150,000 incident cases of zoster over 11 years, matched with roughly 550,000 controls who didn't have zoster at their index visit.
The following conditions were associated with increased zoster risk: systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, chronic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, and depression. These conditions had greater effects among younger patients. The authors ask "whether targeted zoster vaccination of specific high risk groups at younger ages is warranted."
Patients with contraindications to the vaccine (e.g., lymphoma and HIV) were at highest risk for zoster, "highlighting the need to identify strategies to reduce the risk of zoster among these groups," they write.
BMJ article
Focused Screening Strategy for Prostate Cancer
Wilt TJ and Dahm P., BMJ 2014 Apr 15; 348:g2559
Men whose prostate-specific antigen levels at age 60 are ≥2 ng/mL might benefit most from screening.
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.
Two Foods that Assist Cardiovascular Health
Abundant in nitrate, spinach – and apples – plentiful in flavonoids, raise nitric oxide in the body.
How Oxygen Damages the Adult Heart
While a major function of the heart is to circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, oxygen is a highly reactive element and oxidizing agent that contrib
Eyeing Your Vision Risks
What are common factors that may increase a person’s vulnerability to ultraviolet-related eye diseases?
Poor Dental Health Linked to Depression
The more dental problems a person has, the greater their likelihood of being depressed.
Walking A Key Step Towards Creativity
Creative thinking may be fueled by taking a walk.
Device Aims to Restore Memory
An implantable neural interface directly interfaces with the hippocampus, enabling the restoration of the ability to recollect people, events, facts and figures
Coral Reefs Home to Potent Anti-HIV Protein
Cnidarins are capable of blocking the HIV virus from penetrating T-cells.
Superbug Invades Homes
Once mainly prevalent primarily in hospitals and nursing homes, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is becoming commonplace in private homes.
Anti-Aging Tip Sheet: Beware the Chair
There are at least 12 health-promoting reasons to engage in a regimen of physical activity: A4M shares 4 key ways to achieve this cornerstone of the anti-aging
How Oxygen Damages the Adult Heart
While a major function of the heart is to circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, oxygen is a highly reactive element and oxidizing agent that contrib
Multiple Benefits of Massage
Massage therapy improves general blood flow and alleviates muscle soreness after exercise.
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.
Single Men & Women at Increased Risk of Heart Conditions
People who are married have lower rates of several cardiovascular diseases, as compared with those who are single, divorced or widowed.
Strawberries Improve Cholesterol Levels
Abundant in flavonoids,strawberries may help to lower total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.
Fruits & Veggies Boost Women’s Cardiovascular Health
Women who eat a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables as young adults may be far less likely to have plaque build-up in their arteries 20 years later.
Heart Attack Gene Triggers Clot Formation
Research shows that the so-called heart attack gene MRP-14 triggers the formation of blood clots.
Bariatric Surgery Cuts Risk of Dying
Bariatric surgery can dramatically reduce an obese person's risk of all-cause mortality and nearly halve their risk of heart attack and stroke.
Stable, Committed Relationship Promotes Heart Health
Women who are married or living with a partner are 28% less likely to die from heart disease.
Polluted Air Affects Heart Physiology
Traffic-related air pollution associates with changes in right ventricular structure and function.
Attitude Influences Eating Habits
Among women, optimism helps them to adopt and follow healthy dietary guidelines.
Fruits & Veggies Boost Women’s Cardiovascular Health
Women who eat a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables as young adults may be far less likely to have plaque build-up in their arteries 20 years later.
Sports Participation May Lower Breast Cancer Risk
Engaging in sports for more than an hour day may reduce the risk of contracting breast cancer, regardless of women's age and weight.
Drugs May Cut Need for Preventive Cancer Surgery
Currently available drugs may help women at high risk of breast and ovarian cancers avoid the need for radical preventive surgery.
Stable, Committed Relationship Promotes Heart Health
Women who are married or living with a partner are 28% less likely to die from heart disease.
Physical Activity Linked to Reduced Breast Cancer
Research suggests that physical activity reduces the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women by as much as 25%.
Exercise Reduces Breast Cancer Risk
Research suggests that exercise reduces a woman’s breast cancer risk by increasing the production of “good” estrogen metabolites.
B Vitamin for Bone Health
Higher dietary intake of pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) associates with reduced risk of hip fracture, among women.
DHEA Helps to Improve Symptoms of Menopause
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, helps to alleviate menopausal symptoms.
Popular Dietary Supplements Linked to Increased Risk of Death in Older Women
Study results suggest that regularly taking certain supplements, including multivitamins, folic acid, iron, and copper, may increase the risk of death in older
Eco-Atkins diet credited with lowering risk of heart disease.
FOX News (5/27) reports that a study published in BMJ Open based on 39 overweight patients, men and women, over the period April 2005 to November 2006, found that patients on “a low-carb, vegan diet – referred to as the ‘Eco-Atkins’ diet” lost more weight (four pounds on average) and “had 10 percent lower cholesterol” than those on “a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet.” The authors concluded that the Eco-Atkins diet could lead to “a 10 percent reduced risk of heart disease over a 10-year period.”
Some allergic reactions may be caused by mobile phones
http://mnt.to/l/4nrL
----------------------------------------------
** ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA News **
Potential new Alzheimer's treatment may come from an unexpected protein
http://mnt.to/l/4ntQ
Failing animal research is delaying cures for alzheimer's disease, says new paper in Drug Discovery Today
http://mnt.to/l/4ntt
Distinguishing between Alzheimer's and normal aging - new cognitive test shows promise
http://mnt.to/l/4ns7
A new route to good dementia care: RCGP launch online tool aimed at doctors and providers of community care
http://mnt.to/l/4nrW
Nationwide interest in cost-saving, coordinated brain care model for older adults
http://mnt.to/l/4nrR
Researchers 'reverse symptoms of Alzheimer's' in mice with novel compound
http://mnt.to/l/4nsk
Study shows dementia patients benefit from holistic exercise program
http://mnt.to/l/4nqL
4 new microRNAs involved in regulation of BDNF levels found
http://mnt.to/l/4nqB
----------------------------------------------
** ANXIETY / STRESS News **
Cannabis effects on PTSD: Can smoking medical marijuana reduce symptoms?
http://mnt.to/l/4ntR
Post-traumatic stress disorder: We need more awareness about events that trigger it
http://mnt.to/l/4nrg
ICU patients at high risk for PTSD
http://mnt.to/l/4npX
----------------------------------------------
** ARTHRITIS / RHEUMATOLOGY News **
Physical therapy for hip osteoarthritis does not appear to provide greater improvement for pain or function
http://mnt.to/l/4nqf
----------------------------------------------
** BREAST CANCER News **
Breast cancer metastasis enabled by signals that recruit host animals' cells
http://mnt.to/l/4nww
Lifestyle changes improve biomarkers associated with breast cancer recurrence and mortality
http://mnt.to/l/4nvZ
Potentially powerful new way to treat HER2-positive breast cancer validated
http://mnt.to/l/4np3
Double mastectomy 'not necessary' for most women, study says
http://mnt.to/l/4nsB
----------------------------------------------
** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **
Key mechanism identified in metabolic pathway that fuels cancers
http://mnt.to/l/4nwx
Promising results from clinical trials designed to block autophagy in multiple cancers
http://mnt.to/l/4nwt
Poverty linked to development of certain cancers
http://mnt.to/l/4nw9
Misguided DNA-repair proteins caught in the act
http://mnt.to/l/4nvn
UN officials warn refugees are struggling to access cancer treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4ntX
Analysis shows cancer center ads heavy on emotion, light on information
http://mnt.to/l/4nsv
New anticancer compound discovered using accelerated drug screening process
http://mnt.to/l/4nt8
Worse side effects from chemotherapy experienced when biological rhythms interrupted
http://mnt.to/l/4nt3
Tumor modeling predicts most effective drugs targeting brain cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nsM
Height hormone offers target for fighting cancer and diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nsK
Structure discovered of cancer drug candidate
http://mnt.to/l/4nr2
Scripps Research Institute chemists discover structure of cancer drug candidate
http://mnt.to/l/4nqZ
Recruiting more Hispanics to cancer clinical trials crucial to reducing health disparities
http://mnt.to/l/4nqN
Cardiac screening guidelines for survivors of childhood cancer may need revision
http://mnt.to/l/4nqK
----------------------------------------------
** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **
Study examines variation in cardiology practice guidelines over time
http://mnt.to/l/4nwh
Mapping atherosclerotic arteries: Combined approach developed
http://mnt.to/l/4nwb
Dassault Systèmes unveils 3D simulated heart, breaking new ground in the study of heart disease and personalised treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nvr
Some transitional care interventions more effective than others for reducing mortality, readmissions after heart failure
http://mnt.to/l/4nsy
Damage to blood vessels as we age reduced by protective proteins
http://mnt.to/l/4nt6
Home-based exercise programs 'improve mobility for PAD patients'
http://mnt.to/l/4nqx
----------------------------------------------
** CHOLESTEROL News **
Cholesterol plays a key role in cell migration
http://mnt.to/l/4nsF
High cholesterol linked to infertility
http://mnt.to/l/4nqs
----------------------------------------------
** COLORECTAL CANCER News **
How streptococcal bacteria can be used to fight colon cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nrX
----------------------------------------------
** DEPRESSION News **
'Alternative teens nearly 7 times more likely to attempt suicide'
http://mnt.to/l/4nw4
Functional brain imaging enables empathy training
http://mnt.to/l/4nsP
Study suggests more maternal mental health surveillance needed
http://mnt.to/l/4nsj
Comparing effectiveness of duloxetine and fluoxetine in treatment of pediatric major depressive disorder
http://mnt.to/l/4nqV
----------------------------------------------
** DERMATOLOGY News **
Smart bandages ready to take wound management to a new level
http://mnt.to/l/4nw7
----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **
Women with diabetes 44 percent more likely to develop coronary heart disease than men with diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nvD
Technology supports diabetic patients and their doctors
http://mnt.to/l/4nty
How online games can help diabetic patients make healthier choices
http://mnt.to/l/4ntd
Newly discovered compound slows natural degradation of insulin in the body
http://mnt.to/l/4nsN
Scientists identify gene that 'leads to development of bad body fat'
http://mnt.to/l/4nrQ
Mechanisms that regulate metabolism revealed by 'supermodel' mouse
http://mnt.to/l/4nsc
----------------------------------------------
** EATING DISORDERS News **
Discovery of genes that link circadian clock with eating schedule
http://mnt.to/l/4nvc
----------------------------------------------
** ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION / PREMATURE EJACULATION News **
Chemists develop new approach to detect counterfeit Viagra and other medicines on the Internet
http://mnt.to/l/4nrV
----------------------------------------------
** FLU / COLD / SARS News **
Implications of mandatory flu vaccinations for health care workers
http://mnt.to/l/4ns6
European research recommends vaccinating everyone against flu
http://mnt.to/l/4ntM
In school flu vaccines limited by insurer reimbursement
http://mnt.to/l/4nrY
----------------------------------------------
** HYPERTENSION News **
Doctors and nurses use free online game to improve patients' hypertension
http://mnt.to/l/4nrv
Olive oil on your salad may ward off hypertension
http://mnt.to/l/4nqd
----------------------------------------------
** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **
In the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria researchers make promising discovery
http://mnt.to/l/4nws
Children may benefit from breakthrough in respiratory syncytial virus research
http://mnt.to/l/4nwn
New test to diagnose cancer- and infertility-causing parasite
http://mnt.to/l/4ntp
Researchers test novel approach to disinfecting wounds in animal study
http://mnt.to/l/4ntm
The potential of bacterial gene clusters unlocked in the search for new antibiotics
http://mnt.to/l/4nsf
Biofilm defense: mechanisms and actions of a new class of broad-spectrum antimicrobials
http://mnt.to/l/4nrb
Existing and experimental drugs active against MERS-coronavirus
http://mnt.to/l/4nqM
Kawasaki disease may be triggered by airborne aerosols from northeast China
http://mnt.to/l/4nqJ
Special dogs deter gulls, reduce beach contamination
http://mnt.to/l/4nqF
Favorable phase II data announced for investigational C. difficile vaccine
http://mnt.to/l/4npS
Two thirds of healthy American adults 'infected with HPV,' study suggests
http://mnt.to/l/4npP
----------------------------------------------
** MEN'S HEALTH News **
Brain steroids in bluebanded gobies make for good dads
http://mnt.to/l/4nr7
----------------------------------------------
** MENTAL HEALTH News **
Many mental illnesses reduce life expectancy more than heavy smoking
http://mnt.to/l/4nvH
----------------------------------------------
** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **
Brain's visual system also processes sound
http://mnt.to/l/4nwJ
Clues about chronic fatigue syndrome revealed by brain imaging
http://mnt.to/l/4nwG
New report by IRCM ethics experts raises important questions and concerns about neurostimulation
http://mnt.to/l/4nvX
Survival extended in animal model of spinal muscular atrophy through gene therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4nvG
Mechanisms of decision making in humans and primates also found to match the behaviour of fruit flies
http://mnt.to/l/4nv4
How the 'gut feeling' shapes fear
http://mnt.to/l/4ntN
One third of all brain aneurysms rupture: the size of an aneurysm is not a significant risk factor
http://mnt.to/l/4ntH
New method enables development of functional nerve cells from skin cells
http://mnt.to/l/4ntg
Basic mechanism discovered that paves the way for understanding serious diseases
http://mnt.to/l/4nt5
Important breakthrough could lead to pills being replaced by nasal sprays
http://mnt.to/l/4nt2
Experience and recognition of faces, letters
http://mnt.to/l/4nsZ
New model aids understanding of neural self-regulation
http://mnt.to/l/4nsS
Altruism/egoism: a question of points of view
http://mnt.to/l/4nrS
Diffuse optical tomography goes where other brain scanners can't
http://mnt.to/l/4nqP
----------------------------------------------
** NUTRITION / DIET News **
Mitochondria adjust their 'fuel burners' to burn the right nutrient molecules
http://mnt.to/l/4nvy
For maximum muscle health we need a full serving of protein at each meal
http://mnt.to/l/4nrC
Stem cells offer potential for eco-friendly meat
http://mnt.to/l/4nry
Olive oil, greens explain Mediterranean diet's beneficial effect on blood pressure
http://mnt.to/l/4nrj
----------------------------------------------
** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **
Weight loss at any age in adulthood can benefit heart health
http://mnt.to/l/4nwH
How common obesity gene contributes to weight gain
http://mnt.to/l/4nwv
After childbirth, 'I can' mentality helps women improve their fitness
http://mnt.to/l/4nvV
Are intuitions about the causes of rising obesity wrong?
http://mnt.to/l/4nvx
Fat-storage gene mutation identified that may increase diabetes risk
http://mnt.to/l/4nvk
Obesity to top smoking as most common risk for heart disease in Canada
http://mnt.to/l/4ns3
Women can maintain metabolically healthy obesity through exercise
http://mnt.to/l/4nrt
U.S. elections plagued by weight bias
http://mnt.to/l/4nr8
"Battle of the bulge" may be
linked to body clock in immune cells
http://mnt.to/l/4nqW
Adults who lose weight at any age could enjoy improved cardiovascular health
http://mnt.to/l/4nqG
----------------------------------------------
** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **
Improved GP access in standard hours may trump extended opening times
http://mnt.to/l/4nrK
----------------------------------------------
** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **
Immunotherapy for prostate cancer in sight
http://mnt.to/l/4nxj
Image fusion-guided biopsy improves accuracy of prostate cancer diagnosis
http://mnt.to/l/4ntw
Prolaris® test predicts mortality risk in prostate cancer biopsy study
http://mnt.to/l/4nrh
Metabolic syndrome disorders, diet may boost prostate cancer risk
http://mnt.to/l/4nqw
New biopsy method more accurately identifies men at low risk for prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nqm
For older men, robot-assisted prostate cancer surgery as safe as but more expensive than open surgery
http://mnt.to/l/4nqc
----------------------------------------------
** SENIORS / AGING News **
Moderate-intensity physical activity program for older adults reduces mobility problems
http://mnt.to/l/4nwf
Rapamycin mimics effects of dietary restriction, may slow aging and related disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nsd
Expectations and reality for long-term care in America
http://mnt.to/l/4nrf
Study of prematurely aging children may help explain effects of normal aging
http://mnt.to/l/4nqr
Sense of taste may affect length of life
http://mnt.to/l/4nqp
----------------------------------------------
** SEXUAL HEALTH / STDS News **
Women's feelings should be taken into account when men suffer premature ejaculation
http://mnt.to/l/4ns4
----------------------------------------------
** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **
New study suggests chronic disruption of circadian rhythms negatively affects intestinal flora
http://mnt.to/l/4ntq
No gender difference in sleep apnea-stroke connection
http://mnt.to/l/4nrs
----------------------------------------------
** STROKE News **
Technique can predict which stroke patients will be helped -- or harmed -- by clot-busting treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4nr4
Vocabulary held together in memory by keywords
http://mnt.to/l/4nq7
Moving closer to a drug therapy for allergy
http://mnt.to/l/4ngF
----------------------------------------------
** ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA News **
Discovery may lead to new drug candidates to treat Alzheimer's disease
http://mnt.to/l/4njc
Could a commonly prescribed antidepressant slow onset of Alzheimer's?
http://mnt.to/l/4njM
In familial Alzheimer's disease the role of calcium clarified
http://mnt.to/l/4nhP
----------------------------------------------
** ANXIETY / STRESS News **
Watching stressful movies triggers changes to your heartbeat
http://mnt.to/l/4nkW
----------------------------------------------
** ARTHRITIS / RHEUMATOLOGY News **
Molecules identified that are involved in rheumatoid arthritis angiogenesis
http://mnt.to/l/4nnS
Protection from osteoarthritis may lie in our own joints, study suggests
http://mnt.to/l/4nkH
Crescendo Bioscience's Vectra(R) DA predicts radiographic progression in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis
http://mnt.to/l/4nk2
No detectable benefit for arthroscopy of the knee joint for arthrosis
http://mnt.to/l/4nhH
----------------------------------------------
** BONES / ORTHOPEDICS News **
Pioneering hip and stem cell surgery
http://mnt.to/l/4nnN
Potential solution to 'sticky' problems inspired by spider silk
http://mnt.to/l/4nnM
Ground breaking hip surgery with a 3D printed implant and bone stem cell graft
http://mnt.to/l/4nn6
Longer hospital stays, higher costs for obese total knee replacement patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nkx
Using nature as a model for low-friction bearings
http://mnt.to/l/4njx
Ranking of hospitals based on complications after hip and knee replacement surgeries
http://mnt.to/l/4nhq
----------------------------------------------
** BREAST CANCER News **
Distress during breast cancer treatment reduced by cognitive behavioral or relaxation training
http://mnt.to/l/4nnP
Tumor cells in the blood may indicate poor prognosis in early breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nnb
Phase contrast improves mammography
http://mnt.to/l/4nkR
Researchers suggest new way to predict response to chemo in triple-negative breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nkr
Ethnicity, socioeconomic status and triple negative breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nh6
----------------------------------------------
** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **
Ultra-sensitive nano-chip capable of detecting cancer at early stages
http://mnt.to/l/4np5
Destroying brain tumors using herpes-loaded stem cells
http://mnt.to/l/4nnQ
Dose of measles virus destroys woman's incurable cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nnp
Proof that cancer stem cells exist?
http://mnt.to/l/4nng
VHL Alliance and NORD launch new international databank
http://mnt.to/l/4nn9
New tool to grow cancer cells streamlines laboratory research
http://mnt.to/l/4nn8
Genetic tracking identifies cancer stem cells in human patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nn3
Studies suggest that longer echocardiographic screening intervals for childhood cancer survivors effective, cost-effective for detecting heart issues
http://mnt.to/l/4njT
Detailed studies reveal how key cancer-fighting protein is held in check
http://mnt.to/l/4nmk
For patients with advanced PVNS, Phase I data suggest PLX3397 is a potential therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4nky
SapC-DOPS technology may help with imaging brain tumors
http://mnt.to/l/4nkk
Symposium at Albert Einstein College of Medicine put cancer stem cells under the microscope
http://mnt.to/l/4njd
Chemo-radiosensitivity enhanced by autophagic activation with nimotuzumab
http://mnt.to/l/4nhZ
New, high-tech device developed for transferring DNA into cells
http://mnt.to/l/4nhR
Successful surgery to treat rare bone cancer allows professional surfer to return to the water
http://mnt.to/l/4nhD
Genetic factors identified that may aid survival from brain cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nhr
New agent may enhance effectiveness of radiotherapy
http://mnt.to/l/4nhJ
Scientists slow brain tumor growth in mice
http://mnt.to/l/4nh7
Dartmouth scientists identify genetic blueprint for rare, aggressive cancerous tumors of the appendix
http://mnt.to/l/4nh4
----------------------------------------------
** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **
IN-TIME shows equal benefit of home telemonitoring in ICD and CRT-D patients
http://mnt.to/l/4npB
Hospitalizations and health care costs for atrial fibrillation 'on the rise'
http://mnt.to/l/4npv
Loss of protein changes cell membrane structure, protects against arrhythmia
http://mnt.to/l/4np7
Sleeping pills 'increase risk of poor outcomes' for heart failure patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nm7
Heart failure hospitalisation more than doubles in IBD flares
http://mnt.to/l/4njY
Low-dose anticoagulation therapy can be used safely with new design mechanical heart valve
http://mnt.to/l/4nm4
Recommendations published to guide minimally invasive valve therapy programs for patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nkf
----------------------------------------------
** CHOLESTEROL News **
Combination therapy a potential strategy for treating Niemann Pick disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nmS
----------------------------------------------
** COLORECTAL CANCER News **
CRYSTAL analysis shows clinical benefit of Erbitux in RAS wild-type mCRC patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nmr
Cancer Council Australia welcomes new bowel cancer screening and medical research investment
http://mnt.to/l/4njw
Link discovered between colon cancer and metabolism
http://mnt.to/l/4nhy
Tailored intervention has low impact on colorectal cancer screening
http://mnt.to/l/4nhc
First trial restored under new initiative casts doubt on repeat bowel cancer surgery
http://mnt.to/l/4ngg
----------------------------------------------
** DERMATOLOGY News **
Potential therapeutic target identified for wound-healing and cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nhf
Aspirin delays wound healing: knowledge will impact treatment of chronic wounds
http://mnt.to/l/4ngy
----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **
Women with diabetes 'less likely to breastfeed'
http://mnt.to/l/4nqh
Physical activity could stop gestational diabetes progressing to type 2
http://mnt.to/l/4npJ
Lifestyle interventions are better than genetic tests for preventing type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4npn
Two large meals better than 6 small meals (same calories) for controlling weight and blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nn2
A natural molecule discovered to treat type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nh9
----------------------------------------------
** ENDOCRINOLOGY News **
New studies highlight benefits and risks of testosterone therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4npM
Pfizer Inc. receives Kosher Certification for Elelyso (taliglucerase alfa) for injection, for the treatment of Type 1 Gaucher Disease
http://mnt.to/l/4nmx
----------------------------------------------
** FERTILITY News **
Study links male infertility to mortality
http://mnt.to/l/4nnm
Male infertility linked to increased mortality
http://mnt.to/l/4nmn
Protein discovered that controls DNA organization during sperm development
http://mnt.to/l/4nhz
----------------------------------------------
** FLU / COLD / SARS News **
How to detect a moving target: infectious influenza virus in clinical specimens
http://mnt.to/l/4nn4
Vaccination during 'optimal window' is the key to saving lives and money in next flu pandemic
http://mnt.to/l/4njS
New study gets diverse MD community views on healthcare disaster planning
http://mnt.to/l/4nk6
Study of the 1918 flu pandemic can be used to help inform current policies related to epidemic health issues
http://mnt.to/l/4njJ
----------------------------------------------
** HYPERTENSION News **
Google, YouTube, iPhones and the Affordable Care Act are featured in new research for their role in the hypertension epidemic
http://mnt.to/l/4njL
Higher risk of high blood pressure for socially disadvantaged
http://mnt.to/l/4njs
Moderate fitness reduces mortality rate in elderly men with high blood pressure
http://mnt.to/l/4ngx
----------------------------------------------
** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **
Study of hospital deaths in US reveals that sepsis contributes to as many as half
http://mnt.to/l/4np9
Protein sharpens salmonella needle for attack
http://mnt.to/l/4nmt
New early warning system predicts dengue fever risk during the football World Cup in Brazil
http://mnt.to/l/4nm3
WHO: two confirmed US MERS cases, but still 'no public health emergency'
http://mnt.to/l/4nkK
Molecules designed for controlling bacterial behavior
http://mnt.to/l/4nj4
New research could help in the fight against viral pandemics
http://mnt.to/l/4nhs
How some trypanosomes cause sleeping sickness while others don't
http://mnt.to/l/4nfY
The surprising truth about cell wall growth
http://mnt.to/l/4ngL
Human microbiome studies should include a wider diversity of populations
http://mnt.to/l/4nfG
Carbohydrate-binding proteins fill in gaps in immune defenses
http://mnt.to/l/4nfD
----------------------------------------------
** MENTAL HEALTH News **
Middle-aged adults especially vulnerable as US foreclosures drive up suicide rate
http://mnt.to/l/4nnt
Task Force finds insufficient evidence to recommend for or against screening for suicide risk
http://mnt.to/l/4njQ
Study reveals one in ten 16-year-olds surveyed have considered self-harm
http://mnt.to/l/4nkV
Researchers discover genetic marker linked to OCD
http://mnt.to/l/4nhb
----------------------------------------------
** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **
New technique allows scientists to monitor the entire nervous system of a small worm
http://mnt.to/l/4np4
Effect of repeated-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation at the Guangming point on EEGs
http://mnt.to/l/4nnw
Neuronal activation by acupuncture at Yongquan and sham acupoints for DOC: A PET study
http://mnt.to/l/4nnv
Harvard researchers identify neurons that regulate parental behavior in both male and female mice
http://mnt.to/l/4nmK
UH Case Medical Center neurosurgeon uses depth electrodes for speech mapping
http://mnt.to/l/4nmm
Scientists develop new way to decode specific aspects of movement in the human brain
http://mnt.to/l/4nkz
Little-studied mechanism offers new avenue for opening and closing the blood-brain barrier
http://mnt.to/l/4nk9
How DHA omega-3 fatty acid reaches the brain
http://mnt.to/l/4nk8
Hippocampus 'is reduced in volume' in psychotic disorder patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nhK
----------------------------------------------
** NUTRITION / DIET News **
Animal model may help improve understanding of omega fatty acids' impact on human health
http://mnt.to/l/4nnr
Sugar implicated in cardiovascular disease risk independent of weight gain
http://mnt.to/l/4nmQ
Pediatric immune systems boosted by zinc supplementation
http://mnt.to/l/4nkD
What are the health benefits of pineapple?
http://mnt.to/l/4nm6
----------------------------------------------
** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **
Phase 3a data from largest trial with liraglutide 3 mg demonstrates significantly greater weight loss versus placebo for adults with obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4nps
Increased risk of birth asphyxia in babies born to overweight and obese women
http://mnt.to/l/4npm
Study finds overweight teens more likely to be rejected as friends by normal weight peers
http://mnt.to/l/4nmW
A child's physical activity may be increased by virtual pet
http://mnt.to/l/4nkB
How 'body clock' dysregulation underlies obesity, diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4nkv
Free fitness center-based exercise referral program not well utilized
http://mnt.to/l/4nkc
----------------------------------------------
** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **
Online game helps doctors improve patients' blood pressure faster
http://mnt.to/l/4nmH
Shared decision making improves patient-centered care
http://mnt.to/l/4nhV
----------------------------------------------
** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **
Important findings presented by Mount Sinai at the 2014 American Urological Association Meeting
http://mnt.to/l/4nnC
Suppressing prostate cancer progression with MicroRNA
http://mnt.to/l/4nnn
Dogs 'sniff out prostate cancer with 98% accuracy,' study finds
http://mnt.to/l/4npk
UCLA study finds "low-risk" prostate cancer often not low-risk when targeted biopsy is used
http://mnt.to/l/4nkJ
Aggressive prostate cancer driven by two genes working together
http://mnt.to/l/4ngR
----------------------------------------------
** SENIORS / AGING News **
Technology: improving the quality of life for dependent elderly adults?
http://mnt.to/l/4npC
----------------------------------------------
** SEXUAL HEALTH / STDS News **
IMDx receives FDA clearance for IMDx HSV-1/2 for Abbott m2000 assay
http://mnt.to/l/4npx
Contraception changes affect relationships
http://mnt.to/l/4nk3
----------------------------------------------
** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **
Implantable device treats heart failure patients with central sleep apnea
http://mnt.to/l/4npK
FDA requiring lower starting dose for sleep drug Lunesta
http://mnt.to/l/4nmz
Interrupted breathing during sleep affects brain neurons necessary to regulate heart rate
http://mnt.to/l/4nmy
----------------------------------------------
** STATINS News **
In sepsis patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, statins fail to reduce mortality rate
http://mnt.to/l/4np6
The structural secrets of enzyme used to make popular anti-cholesterol drug
http://mnt.to/l/4njb
BMJ authors withdraw statements about adverse effects of statins
http://mnt.to/l/4nkL
----------------------------------------------
** STROKE News **
Stroke recovery should include exercise prescription
http://mnt.to/l/4nmP
Role of pro-urokinase in neuronal apoptosis and revascularization after ACI
http://mnt.to/l/4ngD
ALLERGY News **
Experts call for healthcare professionals to take heed of official guidelines to better manage hay fever and asthma patients
http://mnt.to/l/4ng3
----------------------------------------------
** ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA News **
Workplace solvent exposure linked to later-life cognitive decline
http://mnt.to/l/4ng7
Hippocampal neurons protected by geniposide via the non-classical estrogen signaling pathway
http://mnt.to/l/4nc9
----------------------------------------------
** ANXIETY / STRESS News **
Addressing students' test anxiety may help prevent more severe problems
http://mnt.to/l/4ndW
Frequent arguing 'dramatically increases risk of middle-aged death'
http://mnt.to/l/4nbw
How does stress increase your risk for stroke and heart attack?
http://mnt.to/l/4n8f
Stress and depression impair physical health, increase risk for stroke and heart attack
http://mnt.to/l/4n7C
Researchers find racism a common 'toxic stressor' among African-American, Afro-Caribbean youth
http://mnt.to/l/4n78
----------------------------------------------
** ARTHRITIS / RHEUMATOLOGY News **
Adding grapes to diet resulted in less activity-related pain in knee osteoarthritis
http://mnt.to/l/4nfj
----------------------------------------------
** BONES / ORTHOPEDICS News **
No association found between calcium supplements and increased risk of cardiovascular disease in women
http://mnt.to/l/4nfv
Neuromuscular training could save $275 per athlete, per season in injury-related costs
http://mnt.to/l/4ndP
Bioscaffold material degrades as bone grows to replace it
http://mnt.to/l/4nbR
Nerve damage after hip surgery may be due to inflammation
http://mnt.to/l/4n8R
New approach to treating brittle bone disease
http://mnt.to/l/4n7n
----------------------------------------------
** BREAST CANCER News **
Genetic counseling for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer often not received by high-risk women
http://mnt.to/l/4ndT
Important insights into carcinoma-associated fibroblasts
http://mnt.to/l/4ndv
Preventive health screening for low-income women: better or worse under new health care reform?
http://mnt.to/l/4ndr
Scientists identify 'high-priority' chemicals that may cause breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nfZ
Need for ultrasound, biopsies, reduced by breast tomosynthesis after screening mammography
http://mnt.to/l/4ncs
Breast cancer screening and chemoprevention
http://mnt.to/l/4ncn
Women may avoid mammography screening due to overestimation of radiation exposure
http://mnt.to/l/4ncd
Two key proteins found that regulate the growth of mammary stem cells and could contribute to breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nbH
Mammography controversy needs greater participation to inform decisions
http://mnt.to/l/4n83
A transcription factor called SLUG helps determine type of breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n6T
More sleep for women with advanced breast cancer improves survival time
http://mnt.to/l/4n6L
Thwarting the process required for breast cancer cells to become mobile and invasive
http://mnt.to/l/4n63
----------------------------------------------
** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **
Drug delivery method sneaks drugs into cancer cells before triggering release
http://mnt.to/l/4nfz
Nanoparticles that stagger delivery of 2 chemotherapy drugs knock out aggressive tumors in mice
http://mnt.to/l/4ndZ
Some immune cells produce steroids
http://mnt.to/l/4ndN
Tumors shrank or disappeared in some pediatric patients with advanced neuroblastoma in a Phase I study
http://mnt.to/l/4ndt
Tracking cancer cells circulating in the blood using florescent proteins
http://mnt.to/l/4nd8
DNA used to build tool that may literally shine light on cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nbQ
Tunable virus delivers cancer therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4n9M
Fragile sites in areas of the genome where DNA's copy machine pauses can be a breeding ground for human cancers
http://mnt.to/l/4n9t
Management of hypertension in cancer patients being treated with VEGFIs
http://mnt.to/l/4n9p
Non-invasive focused ultrasound thermal therapy reduces pain from bone metastases
http://mnt.to/l/4n99
RPCI study confirms clinical benefit for interleukin-2 immunotherapy in patients with advanced kidney cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4nbj
Esophageal cancer test identifies patients who are resistant to standard pre-surgical chemoradiation therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4nb5
Guidance offered by molecular tumor board in advanced cancer cases
http://mnt.to/l/4n8W
Promising biomarker discovered for esophageal cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n8m
Gene expression patterns suggest an antimicrobial may help treat advanced kidney cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n7S
Experienced surgeons means fewer splenic injuries in operations for esophageal cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n87
----------------------------------------------
** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **
Almost all implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) procedures are performed on insured patients with the majority being male
http://mnt.to/l/4ngn
Potentially serious complications could be avoided in heart patients who need defibrillator implants
http://mnt.to/l/4ndg
Cardiovascular surgical care model improves care value, predictability and the patient experience
http://mnt.to/l/4n9Y
How heart stem cells orchestrate regeneration
http://mnt.to/l/4n9b
Population screening for sudden cardiac death in young people is feasible with a basic screening programme
http://mnt.to/l/4n8k
An important step towards understanding how hearts are formed in developing embryos
http://mnt.to/l/4n7D
Balancing protein turnover in the heart
http://mnt.to/l/4n65
----------------------------------------------
** CHOLESTEROL News **
Monoclonal antibody combined with statin results in further reduction of cholesterol levels
http://mnt.to/l/4nfQ
Cancer spreads with help from 'bad' cholesterol
http://mnt.to/l/4nd3
Study explores connection between diets high in monounsaturated fat with emerging cardiovascular disease risk factors: new Hass avocado research
http://mnt.to/l/4n6H
----------------------------------------------
** COLORECTAL CANCER News **
Study findings question benefit of additional imaging before cancer surgery
http://mnt.to/l/4nfS
Study provides potential target for cutting off growth of colon cancer stem cells
http://mnt.to/l/4ndh
Mixed messages on DNA test a risk to bowel cancer screening, Australia
http://mnt.to/l/4nbk
Laparoscopic-assisted colonoscopy with polypectomy to remove precancerous colon polyps may substantially reduce health-care costs
http://mnt.to/l/4n8q
----------------------------------------------
** DEPRESSION News **
Simple paper test can help identify depressed teenagers
http://mnt.to/l/4nfs
Favorable outcomes emerge from integrating mental health into obstetics/gynecology services
http://mnt.to/l/4ncF
A couple's love life may be tainted even 20 years later by early depression, anger
http://mnt.to/l/4nbV
Research study available for older adults living with low back pain and depression
http://mnt.to/l/4ndF
How will identifying biomarkers for depression improve patients' lives?
http://mnt.to/l/4ncr
Maintenance therapy for medication-free patients with major depression shows promise in pilot study
http://mnt.to/l/4n7K
----------------------------------------------
** DERMATOLOGY News **
Promising role for Interleukin-10 in scarless wound healing
http://mnt.to/l/4ncZ
----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **
Intensified insulin therapy 'improves survival for diabetic heart attack patients'
http://mnt.to/l/4ngH
Launch of a new alliance for the global assessment of retinopathy
http://mnt.to/l/4ngv
Reduced inflammation seen in diabetic patients on low-carbohydrate diet
http://mnt.to/l/4ndy
Short bursts of intense exercise before meals control blood sugar better than 1 continuous 30 minute session
http://mnt.to/l/4ndm
Technology detects low blood sugar in sleeping diabetics and stops insulin delivery
http://mnt.to/l/4nbL
Could a maternal gluten-free diet protect offspring against type 1 diabetes?
http://mnt.to/l/4ncm
----------------------------------------------
** EATING DISORDERS News **
A risk factor for food addiction - impulsivity
http://mnt.to/l/4nb7
----------------------------------------------
** ENDOCRINOLOGY News **
No credible evidence to support cardiac risk of testosterone therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4n8r
----------------------------------------------
** FERTILITY News **
Leptin-dependent regulation of reproduction
http://mnt.to/l/4nf5
Toothpaste, sunscreen chemicals 'interfere with sperm function'
http://mnt.to/l/4nfX
----------------------------------------------
** FLU / COLD / SARS News **
An important role in immune regulation during infection played by SOCS4
http://mnt.to/l/4nd7
SOCS4 prevents a cytokine storm and helps to clear influenza virus from the lung
http://mnt.to/l/4n8S
IL-27 balances the immune response to influenza and reduces lung damage
http://mnt.to/l/4n8J
CDC announces first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus infection (MERS) in the United States
http://mnt.to/l/4n7Z
----------------------------------------------
** HYPERTENSION News **
Researchers developing new method for lowering high blood pressure without side effects
http://mnt.to/l/4ng5
Living near foreclosed property may increase blood pressure
http://mnt.to/l/4nfP
Treating hypertension using implantable device
http://mnt.to/l/4ndn
Implantable device 'lowers blood pressure' through electrical brain pulses
http://mnt.to/l/4ndL
Discovery of new cause of high blood pressure and heart disease
http://mnt.to/l/4n8w
Hypertension related to new cancer therapies - a new syndrome emerges
http://mnt.to/l/4n8X
----------------------------------------------
** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **
Euclid study reveals more than 39,000 cases of clostridium difficile infection may be missed each year
http://mnt.to/l/4ngt
Parasitic infections also occur in the United States
http://mnt.to/l/4nfN
After 2015: Infectious diseases in a new era of health and development
http://mnt.to/l/4ndD
Rapid detection of multiple pathogens in a single test via luminescent nanocrystal tags and high-speed scanner
http://mnt.to/l/4ncC
Curved bacterial helps in the study of the evolution of bacteria
http://mnt.to/l/4ncB
Surgical site infection guidelines provide real-world strategies
http://mnt.to/l/4n9H
Prioritized strategies to reduce prevalence of C. difficile in healthcare settings
http://mnt.to/l/4n9F
The British Polio Fellowship supports new regulations to prevent spread of Polio
http://mnt.to/l/4nb8
Benign bug bests salmonella
http://mnt.to/l/4n8B
Researchers focus on salmonella's invasion strategy
http://mnt.to/l/4n8t
----------------------------------------------
** MEN'S HEALTH News **
Shorter men live longer: Honolulu-based study
http://mnt.to/l/4nf9
Research studies likely compromised by black male incarceration
http://mnt.to/l/4n9R
----------------------------------------------
** MENTAL HEALTH News **
Men from ethnic minorities take longer to recover from mental illness, study finds
http://mnt.to/l/4ng8
Parental abuse of alcohol increases risk of suicide by adult offspring
http://mnt.to/l/4n9J
Reducing suicide with the help of virtual patients, medical records and sleep queries
http://mnt.to/l/4n8D
----------------------------------------------
** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **
Experiencing letters as colours: new insights into synaesthesia
http://mnt.to/l/4ng4
Large increase seen in emergency departments visits for traumatic brain injury
http://mnt.to/l/4nfT
Study of two rare childhood neurodegenerative diseases suggests new source of DNA damage that may play a role in a wide range of health problems
http://mnt.to/l/4nfr
Gene behind hemifacial microsomia (HFM), a highly prevalent facial anomaly, identified
http://mnt.to/l/4nfm
Increasing the survival rate of motor neurons after spinal root avulsion
http://mnt.to/l/4nfh
Findings may open a new way to study individual differences in people's visual tracking abilities
http://mnt.to/l/4ndM
Brain boost offered by anti-aging factor
http://mnt.to/l/4ndc
New clues to cognitive decline
http://mnt.to/l/4ncG
Radiation dose for pediatric brain CT reduced by iterative reconstruction techniques
http://mnt.to/l/4ncp
The hippocampus seems to play a more complex role in learning than previously thought
http://mnt.to/l/4nc7
Miniature neurotransmission appears to play key role in synapse development
http://mnt.to/l/4nbK
Recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries could be aided by social workers
http://mnt.to/l/4n9Z
New protein identified in the neurological disorder dystonia
http://mnt.to/l/4n9B
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction related to AMPK and inflammatory mediators
http://mnt.to/l/4n9x
Seeking out key molecular switches that control age-related memory impairment
http://mnt.to/l/4n9w
Tracking the source of "selective attention" problems in brain-injured veterans
http://mnt.to/l/4n88
Simple technique may help older adults better remember written information, UF researchers say
http://mnt.to/l/4nbf
Pregnancy alters perception of facial expressions
http://mnt.to/l/4nbb
Recovery time after concussion may be longer for men
http://mnt.to/l/4n95
Novel transgenic mouse model of Chinese Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2L
http://mnt.to/l/4n8Y
Investigators discover how key protein enhances memory and learning
http://mnt.to/l/4n7Y
Rejuvenating the functioning of aged brains and muscles in mice
http://mnt.to/l/4n7h
An active role played by the motor cortex in learning movement patterns
http://mnt.to/l/4n7g
Circuitry of fundamental motor circuit revealed
http://mnt.to/l/4n6J
----------------------------------------------
** NUTRITION / DIET News **
Health benefits of red wine antioxidant questioned in study
http://mnt.to/l/4ngk
What are the health benefits of onions?
http://mnt.to/l/4ngf
Today's college students are increasing the risk of cancer later on, especially racial minorities
http://mnt.to/l/4n9V
Glutamine supplements in ICU may increase risk of patient death
http://mnt.to/l/4n96
Human nutrition 'threatened' by increasing CO<sub>2</sub> concentrations
http://mnt.to/l/4n8v
----------------------------------------------
** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **
Adult obesity projected to be prevalent in almost all European countries by 2030
http://mnt.to/l/4nfn
The impact of extended childhood poverty on obesity rates in young adults
http://mnt.to/l/4nf8
Bariatric surgery prevents obese patients from developing atrial fibrillation
http://mnt.to/l/4nfc
Obesity drug failing patients due to lack of education about side-effects
http://mnt.to/l/4ncX
Labelling teens as overweight can be counterproductive
http://mnt.to/l/4ncL
Vascular inflammation linked to obesity and atherosclerosis
http://mnt.to/l/4nb6
In children, snacking quality appears to decline with age
http://mnt.to/l/4n9C
During pregnancy, watching TV at mealtimes may set stage for childhood obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4n9c
Obese teens at risk of nutritional deficiencies
http://mnt.to/l/4n7p
Bariatric surgery can reverse early-stage liver fibrosis
http://mnt.to/l/4n7d
Childhood obesity can be positively impacted by motivational interviewing
http://mnt.to/l/4n75
----------------------------------------------
** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **
Transforming health care through 'insourcing' innovation
http://mnt.to/l/4nc6
----------------------------------------------
** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **
Prostate cancer treatment: 'no benefit for older patients with other health problems'
http://mnt.to/l/4ngX
For men with prostate cancer, low testosterone levels may indicate worsening of disease
http://mnt.to/l/4n7w
----------------------------------------------
** SENIORS / AGING News **
Yeast study identifies relationship between cell stress response and aging
http://mnt.to/l/4ndk
Free radicals 'do not cause aging, they combat it,' study suggests
http://mnt.to/l/4ncH
Test can measure the speed of aging
http://mnt.to/l/4nc4
Robot caregivers help the elderly
http://mnt.to/l/4n8x
Scientists take steps to unlock the secrets to the fountain of youth
http://mnt.to/l/4n7m
----------------------------------------------
** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **
Promising new treatment for narcolepsy
http://mnt.to/l/4nbJ
A real but overlooked sleep disorder: 'exploding head syndrome'
http://mnt.to/l/4n9X
----------------------------------------------
** STROKE News **
FDA approves Zontivity to reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke in high-risk patients
http://mnt.to/l/4nfV
Stroke risk could be cut worldwide by increased consumption of fruits and vegetables
http://mnt.to/l/4ndq
Eating more fruits and vegetables could lower worldwide stroke risk
http://mnt.to/l/4ndz
----------------------------------------------
** TROPICAL DISEASES News **
New method enables single cell genome sequencing of malaria parasites
http://mnt.to/l/4ndd
Need for better global response highlighted by recent Ebola outbreak
http://mnt.to/l/4nch
The severity of malaria is not determined solely by parasite levels in blood
http://mnt.to/l/4ncf
Seeking a sustainable solution to control intestinal parasites
http://mnt.to/l/4n9z
Mass vaccination campaigns 'greatly reduce yellow fever burden in Africa'
http://mnt.to/l/4n8b
----------------------------------------------
** WOMEN'S HEALTH / GYNECOLOGY News **
Women who experienced physical or sexual violence perpetrated by their partner were 58 percent more likely to be smokers
http://mnt.to/l/4n8H
Milk supply problems for new mothers associated with factors leading to diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4n7J
aring for horses may ease symptoms of Alzheimer's
http://mnt.to/l/4n82
The genetics behind Alzheimer's resiliency
http://mnt.to/l/4n6W
Gene expression, the immune system and risk for neurodegenerative and other diseases
http://mnt.to/l/4n5n
Indigenous develop dementia earlier and in greater numbers, Australia
http://mnt.to/l/4n4n
600,000 Americans may have 'commonly misdiagnosed' Alzheimer's subtype
http://mnt.to/l/4n5D
In animal models of Alzheimer's disease, 7.0T NMR assesses changes in hippocampal neurons
http://mnt.to/l/4n3J
Study ties ABCC9 anomalies, sulfonylurea exposure to HS-A
http://mnt.to/l/4n3g
Medicare patients with dementia nearly 20 percent more likely to be readmitted within 30 days of discharge
http://mnt.to/l/4n2W
Charity launches Facebook app simulating symptoms of dementia
http://mnt.to/l/4mZ6
----------------------------------------------
** ANXIETY / STRESS News **
Merely observing stressful situations can trigger a physical stress response
http://mnt.to/l/4n4J
Vulnerability to diet-related metabolic risk heightened by chronic stress
http://mnt.to/l/4n3j
Male experimenters stress lab mice, potentially distorting findings
http://mnt.to/l/4n4k
----------------------------------------------
** ARTHRITIS / RHEUMATOLOGY News **
Subcutaneous RoACTEMRA receives European approval for patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis
http://mnt.to/l/4mZm
Better targeting of therapies could improve arthritis treatments
http://mnt.to/l/4mZ9
----------------------------------------------
** BONES / ORTHOPEDICS News **
Study looks at predicting fracture risk after women stop bisphosphonate therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4n5X
Need for osteoporosis treatment likely underestimated by WHO tool
http://mnt.to/l/4n2f
The toll of trampoline fractures on children
http://mnt.to/l/4mZS
----------------------------------------------
** BREAST CANCER News **
Scientists solve a 30-year breast cancer puzzle
http://mnt.to/l/4n6B
Type of breast cancer surgery women undergo influenced by surgeons and health care settings
http://mnt.to/l/4n44
Existing leukemia drug brings new hope in fighting aggressive breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n4H
Study finds lymph node ultrasounds more accurate in obese breast cancer patients
http://mnt.to/l/4n4B
Among breast, colorectal and other cancers, Vitamin D may raise survival rates
http://mnt.to/l/4n2g
Gene expression profiling test important for breast cancer patients
http://mnt.to/l/4mZW
Women who have chemotherapy for breast cancer are less likely to be employed 4 years later
http://mnt.to/l/4mYq
----------------------------------------------
** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **
Improved identification of cancer-associated genes from microarray data via novel analyses
http://mnt.to/l/4n6X
For patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer, hyperfractionated radiation therapy may improve local-regional control
http://mnt.to/l/4n5G
Potential for developing novel interventional cancer therapies by targeting regulatory T-cells
http://mnt.to/l/4n5d
How illness affects the risk of divorce
http://mnt.to/l/4n52
Stem cells derived from human body fat used to deliver treatment for deadly glioblastoma in mice
http://mnt.to/l/4n4Z
A plausible mechanism for DNA cleavage by bleomycin
http://mnt.to/l/4n4X
Study identifies novel regulator of key gene expression in cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n4R
Water-based 'engine' propels tumor cells through tight spaces in the body
http://mnt.to/l/4n4M
Radiation and chemotherapy damage control
http://mnt.to/l/4n3V
Work in mice advances potential for nanoparticles to treat brain cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n2R
The protein DAZAP1 plays "master regulator" role in how genes are expressed in cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n2L
A new strategy to personalise cancer therapies
http://mnt.to/l/4n2G
New approach to immunotherapy could increase cancer patient survival
http://mnt.to/l/4n27
Shorter life expectancy and higher cancer risk for men likely due to loss of Y chromosome
http://mnt.to/l/4mZZ
A single cell type could explain why cancer vaccines can't stimulate the immune system to fight tumors
http://mnt.to/l/4mZR
----------------------------------------------
** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **
Daily aspirin to prevent first heart attack does not get FDA backing
http://mnt.to/l/4n7y
For seniors, increasing physical activity 'reduces risk of heart attack'
http://mnt.to/l/4n6q
After heart surgery, home health visits greatly lower readmissions
http://mnt.to/l/4n5y
Largest ever analysis on the use of a polypill in cardiovascular disease shows potential for improvements in patient care
http://mnt.to/l/4n6s
EHealth: The dawn of a new era in cardiovascular disease prevention and management
http://mnt.to/l/4n4r
Survival among children increases when emergency dispatchers give bystanders CPR instruction
http://mnt.to/l/4n42
Simple educational initiative dramatically reduces pre-hospital delay for patients with heart attack/angina symptoms
http://mnt.to/l/4n38
Scientists find first genetic link to a heart muscle disease that affects children
http://mnt.to/l/4mZJ
Eplerenone reduces primary endpoint in acute myocardial infarction patients
http://mnt.to/l/4mZD
Increasing fiber intake after a heart attack may prolong survival
http://mnt.to/l/4mYN
----------------------------------------------
** COLORECTAL CANCER News **
1st published data for VolitionRx's diagnostic blood tests for bowel cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n3F
----------------------------------------------
** DEPRESSION News **
Observation: Copious coffee consumption while taking MAO inhibitors may lead to severe hypertension
http://mnt.to/l/4n4j
High-profile newspaper coverage of suicide linked to 'copy-cat suicides'
http://mnt.to/l/4n3N
Depression is detectable in the blood
http://mnt.to/l/4n3m
Depressive symptoms postpartum associated with dampening of positive feelings
http://mnt.to/l/4n2w
New mothers' mental health jeopardized by abuse
http://mnt.to/l/4mZT
One in three people struggle to cope at work due to depression or stress according to new survey
http://mnt.to/l/4mZj
Response to deep brain stimulation in depression can be improved by precise brain mapping
http://mnt.to/l/4mZ8
----------------------------------------------
** DERMATOLOGY News **
Bacteria living on skin may affect how wounds heal
http://mnt.to/l/4n53
Bacteria on the skin: New insights on our invisible companions
http://mnt.to/l/4n2x
----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **
Diabetes type 1 and 2 'on the rise' in American youth
http://mnt.to/l/4n6r
Study shows NovoRapid® (insulin aspart) and Levemir® (insulin detemir) significantly reduce severe hypoglycaemia
http://mnt.to/l/4n6m
Women who consume high-protein breakfasts may decrease their risk for diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4n37
Amniotic membrane wound graft effective treatment for diabetic foot ulcers
http://mnt.to/l/4n3v
How race, risk and behaviors affect type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4n2t
Longer duration of diabetes associated with brain volume loss
http://mnt.to/l/4n29
Genetic risk for diabetes may be reduced by higher calcium intake
http://mnt.to/l/4mZK
Dangerous overnight blood sugar levels cause surprisingly irregular heart rhythms in diabetics
http://mnt.to/l/4mZt
----------------------------------------------
** ENDOCRINOLOGY News **
Key protein behind aggressive forms of endometrial cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n6k
'Bomb fuse' DNA linked to health problems in Cushing's
http://mnt.to/l/4n6j
Sniffing out human sex pheromones
http://mnt.to/l/4n59
Low testosterone levels may indicate worsening of disease for men with low-risk prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n3K
New source of fat tissue stem cells discovered
http://mnt.to/l/4n4V
Thyroid medication has no effect on death rates in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism
http://mnt.to/l/4n4T
----------------------------------------------
** FERTILITY News **
Converting skin cells into sperm
http://mnt.to/l/4n56
Infertile women feel a lack of support and suggests ways loved ones can help
http://mnt.to/l/4n4W
----------------------------------------------
** HYPERTENSION News **
Program helps low-income women control blood pressure
http://mnt.to/l/4n6t
----------------------------------------------
** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **
Pathogens in meat inhibited by antimicrobial edible films
http://mnt.to/l/4n5V
A hotbed for new diseases: China study improves understanding of disease spread
http://mnt.to/l/4n5g
How bacteria are able to evade vaccines and rapidly become drug-resistant
http://mnt.to/l/4n5f
Potential threat to global health: live virus implicates camels in MERS outbreak
http://mnt.to/l/4n2m
Scientists recommend further research and delay in destruction of last stocks of smallpox virus ahead of impending World Health Assembly decision
http://mnt.to/l/4mXD
Weekly emails to hospital C-suite halt two decades of superbug outbreak
http://mnt.to/l/4mZF
Treating antibiotic resistant bacteria with NDM enzyme remains 'enormous challenge', new PHE study reveals
http://mnt.to/l/4mZz
Monkey model established of hantavirus disease
http://mnt.to/l/4mZ7
----------------------------------------------
** MEN'S HEALTH News **
Mice and rats stressed by male experimenters; reaction may skew research findings
http://mnt.to/l/4n22
----------------------------------------------
** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **
Insight into mechanisms that provide and regulate feedback during motor performance
http://mnt.to/l/4n6w
Monitoring neural function deep in the brain
http://mnt.to/l/4n5k
Speaking on the same wavelength - how our brains understand one another
http://mnt.to/l/4n4K
MRI sensor allows neuroscientists to map neural activity with molecular precision
http://mnt.to/l/4n4D
Study sheds new light on sports-related brain injuries
http://mnt.to/l/4n2V
Watch out: Children more prone to looking but not seeing
http://mnt.to/l/4n3z
Deep brain stimulation for obsessive-compulsive disorder releases dopamine in the brain
http://mnt.to/l/4n3s
Almost half of homeless men had traumatic brain injury: study
http://mnt.to/l/4mZb
Strategic thinking strengthens intellectual capacity
http://mnt.to/l/4mYY
----------------------------------------------
** NUTRITION / DIET News **
Investigators find something fishy with the classical evidence for dietary fish recommendations
http://mnt.to/l/4n67
Scientists identify mechanism underlying health benefits of red wine, blueberries
http://mnt.to/l/4n64
Many toddlers consume too little potassium and dietary fiber
http://mnt.to/l/4n2C
----------------------------------------------
** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **
Obesity by age 25 linked to severe late-life obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4n86
Children in an obesity intervention who lived closer to a supermarket ate more fruits and vegetables
http://mnt.to/l/4n6Q
Three simple ideas for overcoming childhood obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4n62
Lots of fruits and vegetables, but lots of high-fat snacks: Home food environment of overweight women
http://mnt.to/l/4n4m
Researchers discover a gene that controls fat metabolism
http://mnt.to/l/4n4G
The beneficial effects of whey on diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk factors in obese adults
http://mnt.to/l/4n46
Obese patients with no heart disease have greater risk of future disease
http://mnt.to/l/4n3Z
Discovery of new fluid fats in frozen flies has implications for the human obesity crisis
http://mnt.to/l/4n3R
Anti-appetite molecule released by fiber could lead to non-surgical treatments for obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4n3C
Weight-loss efforts can be simplified by information technology
http://mnt.to/l/4n39
Leading medics say UK in need of 'urgent referral' as country struggles to get to grips with obesity crisis
http://mnt.to/l/4mZh
----------------------------------------------
** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **
Creating a workforce equipped for new health care environment
http://mnt.to/l/4n5H
Only half of England's hospitals have non-executive directors with medical or nursing background
http://mnt.to/l/4n4L
5-year trends in health-care access, quality, costs, and outcomes show wide differences; room for improvement in every state
http://mnt.to/l/4n3L
Candid 'insider' views on quality and safety in the NHS could help detect reasons for poor care, say researchers
http://mnt.to/l/4n3x
----------------------------------------------
** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **
'eNose' that sniffs out prostate cancer shows promise
http://mnt.to/l/4n54
Vitamin D deficiency may predict aggressive prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n3y
New model can predict therapy outcomes in prostate cancer with bone metastasis
http://mnt.to/l/4n2N
Oncogenex announces top-line survival results of Phase 3 SYNERGY trial evaluating custirsen for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4n2B
----------------------------------------------
** SENIORS / AGING News **
'Young blood reverses age-related brain impairments in old mice'
http://mnt.to/l/4n7x
Discovery could lead to new treatments for progeria
http://mnt.to/l/4n5w
----------------------------------------------
** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **
Link between sleep apnea and maternal deaths in hospital
http://mnt.to/l/4n6Y
Newly recognized genetic syndrome caused by mutations in AHDC1
http://mnt.to/l/4n5p
Sleep habits associated with memory in old-age
http://mnt.to/l/4n5m
Adults with insomnia benefit from tart cherry juice
http://mnt.to/l/4mZL
----------------------------------------------
** STATINS News **
Statin therapy lowered patients' LDL cholesterol but did not prevent kidney failure
http://mnt.to/l/4n58
----------------------------------------------
** STROKE News **
Vitamin E could prevent or reduce brain damage from stroke
http://mnt.to/l/4n6n
A central receptor for blood coagulation decoded; potential for new drugs to treat stroke and heart attacks
http://mnt.to/l/4n47
Stroke: the risks, symptoms and increasing awareness
http://mnt.to/l/4n4z
Stroke risk reduced if brain blood vessel disorder is left alone
http://mnt.to/l/4n3r
Thousands run the risk of stroke by ignoring early warning signs
http://mnt.to/l/4mZV
Blood pressure control, lifestyle changes key to preventing subsequent strokes
http://mnt.to/l/4mZQ
Reduced exposure to rural microbes may increase risk of asthma, allergies
http://mnt.to/l/4mXw
FDA approves Ragwitek for short ragweed pollen allergies
http://mnt.to/l/4mS6
----------------------------------------------
** ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA News **
In people at risk for Alzheimer's, exercise keeps hippocampus healthy
http://mnt.to/l/4mVz
Gene therapy reverses memory loss in mouse models of Alzheimer's
http://mnt.to/l/4mVg
Why do some people with Alzheimer's disease die without cognitive impairment, while others do?
http://mnt.to/l/4mWf
NeuroPhage discovers GAIM-changing molecules to combat Alzheimer's and related diseases
http://mnt.to/l/4mTx
Mild cognitive impairment linked to early death in new research
http://mnt.to/l/4mTg
New approach 'DICE' may help manage the most troubling symptoms of dementia, lessen use of drugs
http://mnt.to/l/4mSS
Potential new approach to Alzheimer's treatment offered by 'Chaperone' compounds
http://mnt.to/l/4mRV
----------------------------------------------
** ANXIETY / STRESS News **
Youth who work with horses experience a substantial reduction in stress
http://mnt.to/l/4mXL
Depression and marital stress linked
http://mnt.to/l/4mYh
Inflammation in PTSD linked to changes in microRNA
http://mnt.to/l/4mWr
Anxiety makes neurotic people 'afraid of action'
http://mnt.to/l/4mY3
Community-wide PTSD greatly exacerbated by recurring post-war violence
http://mnt.to/l/4mXF
----------------------------------------------
** ARTHRITIS / RHEUMATOLOGY News **
First psoriatic arthritis registry in the U.S. to collect both patient and physician data
http://mnt.to/l/4mXz
----------------------------------------------
** BONES / ORTHOPEDICS News **
Soy-dairy protein blend increases muscle mass reaffirmed by study
http://mnt.to/l/4mXJ
----------------------------------------------
** BREAST CANCER News **
New study helps to explain why breast cancer often spreads to the lung
http://mnt.to/l/4mXv
Breast cancer replicates brain development process
http://mnt.to/l/4mWX
Breast cancer patients 'face unemployment due to chemotherapy'
http://mnt.to/l/4mVq
The antimicrobial ingredient triclosan may spur growth of breast cancer cells
http://mnt.to/l/4mVT
Gene can predict the prognosis of patients with breast cancer and their response to treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4mVM
Gold nanoparticles help target, quantify breast cancer gene segments in a living cell
http://mnt.to/l/4mVj
Anxiety over false-positive mammogram results is 'only temporary'
http://mnt.to/l/4mSz
----------------------------------------------
** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **
Two breath compounds could be associated with larynx cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4mYQ
Discovery may lead to development of a method for early detection of cancer cells
http://mnt.to/l/4mXV
Immunogenic mutations predicted from tumor genomes correlate with increased patient survival
http://mnt.to/l/4mWN
Researchers tweak cellular mechanisms that help worms overcome infertility, resulting in longevity generations later
http://mnt.to/l/4mYd
Potential medical uses for graphene include brain cancer treatment, neuroregeneration, functional neurosurgery
http://mnt.to/l/4mYc
Palliation is rarely a topic in studies on advanced cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4mWZ
New insights into the anti-cancer effects of the PTEN gene
http://mnt.to/l/4mWM
The role of postoperative radiation therapy for endometrial cancer: ASTRO issues guideline
http://mnt.to/l/4mWn
Scientists identify way to target drug-resistant cancer cells
http://mnt.to/l/4mXb
Cancer specific cell for potential treatment of gastric cancer identified
http://mnt.to/l/4mVw
Finnish team of researchers finds a mutation in a tumour of the jaw
http://mnt.to/l/4mVJ
New European recommendations published on the management of emotional and psycho-oncological needs of people with head and neck cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4mVB
Study identifies enzymes that help fix cancer-causing DNA defects
http://mnt.to/l/4mVk
Death rates from pancreatic cancer are rising while rates for all other cancers, except female lung cancer, continue to fall in Europe
http://mnt.to/l/4mTf
'Dustman' protein helps bin cancer cells
http://mnt.to/l/4mSX
Fast, simple-to-use assay reveals the 'family tree' of cancer metastases
http://mnt.to/l/4mSW
FDA approves Cyramza for stomach cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4mSn
Advanced abdominal cancer: 20 years of data shows treatment technique improvement
http://mnt.to/l/4mRn
----------------------------------------------
** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **
Very low 30-day mortality can give false sense of complacency in arterial switch operations
http://mnt.to/l/4mXM
The heart's ability to regenerate diminished by oxygen
http://mnt.to/l/4mXC
Cardiovascular health affected by stem cells in circulating blood
http://mnt.to/l/4mV5
Protein expression gets the heart pumping during the postnatal period
http://mnt.to/l/4mTL
Breastfeeding may protect against inflammation and heart disease in young adulthood
http://mnt.to/l/4mTY
No benefit in survival offered by adrenaline after cardiac arrest
http://mnt.to/l/4mRq
----------------------------------------------
** CHOLESTEROL News **
Scientists alter fat metabolism in animals to prevent most common type of heart disease
http://mnt.to/l/4mTk
----------------------------------------------
** COLORECTAL CANCER News **
Promising new approach targets cancer protein to slow tumor growth
http://mnt.to/l/4mY4
Patient-focused enhanced recovery approach for colorectal surgery
http://mnt.to/l/4mXh
Targeting chemo-resistant cells has implications for treating colon cancer, breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4mWS
Aspirin can reduce colorectal cancer risks for those with specific gene
http://mnt.to/l/4mVc
Scientists find key steps linking dietary fats and colon cancer tumor growth
http://mnt.to/l/4mSV
----------------------------------------------
** DEPRESSION News **
High doses of antidepressants appear to increase risk of self-harm in children and young adults
http://mnt.to/l/4mYJ
Depressed? Researchers identify new anti-depressant mechanisms, therapeutic approaches
http://mnt.to/l/4mTb
Breakthroughs could lead to 'powerful treatment for depression'
http://mnt.to/l/4mTr
Depression in retirement likely reduced by internet use
http://mnt.to/l/4mRk
----------------------------------------------
** DERMATOLOGY News **
Animals could be replaced in drug and cosmetics testing by skin layer grown from human stem cells
http://mnt.to/l/4mXr
Malfunction in molecular 'proofreader' prevents repair of UV-induced DNA damage
http://mnt.to/l/4mSk
----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **
Increased coffee consumption may reduce risk of type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4mXf
Weight loss and reduced medication use achieved in community-based program to aid diabetes management
http://mnt.to/l/4mV4
New study shows routine blood glucose measurements can accurately estimate hemoglobin A1c in diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4mTR
Breakthrough artificial pancreas study
http://mnt.to/l/4mTc
Diabetes.co.uk releases one of the largest diabetes studies ever performed
http://mnt.to/l/4mSJ
----------------------------------------------
** ENDOCRINOLOGY News **
Large clinical trials to evaluate risks of testosterone treatment urgently needed
http://mnt.to/l/4mYF
What is testosterone? What does testosterone do?
http://mnt.to/l/4mXW
What is oxytocin? Why is oxytocin called the love hormone?
http://mnt.to/l/4mSv
----------------------------------------------
** ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION / PREMATURE EJACULATION News **
Testosterone deficiency can be identified with new screening questionnaire
http://mnt.to/l/4mVP
----------------------------------------------
** FLU / COLD / SARS News **
Why was 1918 flu pandemic so deadly? Research offers new clue
http://mnt.to/l/4mYT
Ginseng can treat and prevent influenza and RSV in mice, researcher finds
http://mnt.to/l/4mSM
----------------------------------------------
** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **
Comprehensive study shows effect of vaccination on spread and diversification of whooping cough
http://mnt.to/l/4mVh
Measles outbreaks prompt concern about physician knowledge gaps
http://mnt.to/l/4mWb
The independent evolution of harmful organisms from one bacterial family
http://mnt.to/l/4mST
Improving premature infants' bacterial environment could fend off infections
http://mnt.to/l/4mRQ
New insight has the potential to improve treatment for sepsis
http://mnt.to/l/4mRy
----------------------------------------------
** MEN'S HEALTH News **
Y chromosome loss: shorter life expectancy and higher cancer risk in men
http://mnt.to/l/4mYD
----------------------------------------------
** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **
Key regulator discovered in the pacemakers of the brain and heart
http://mnt.to/l/4mY5
Quantitative volumetric analysis of optic radiation in the normal human brain
http://mnt.to/l/4mXX
Controlling brain waves to improve vision
http://mnt.to/l/4mXN
Switching off cells with light becomes as easy as switching them on
http://mnt.to/l/4mXd
Neural signature for mistake correction discovered
http://mnt.to/l/4mXc
Almost half of homeless men taking part in study had suffered traumatic brain injury
http://mnt.to/l/4mYf
Researchers discover that a hypertension drug prevents epilepsy following brain injury
http://mnt.to/l/4mXt
Fast or slow? Interplay of rhythms makes brain centers communicate
http://mnt.to/l/4mX9
New genetic brain disorder discovered in humans
http://mnt.to/l/4mWV
Simple animal models provide new insight into basic brain function
http://mnt.to/l/4mWG
Much-needed tool for neuroscience: an 'off switch' to shut down neural activity
http://mnt.to/l/4mWF
Animal studies suggest that some astronauts may be at risk for cognitive impairment
http://mnt.to/l/4mWq
Mirror neurons: fundamental discoveries, theoretical perspectives and clinical implications
http://mnt.to/l/4mVH
Researchers discover brain pathway involved in emotional behaviors
http://mnt.to/l/4mTM
Scripps Florida scientists identify critical new protein complex involved in learning and memory
http://mnt.to/l/4mTQ
First brain images of African infants enable research into cognitive effects of nutrition
http://mnt.to/l/4mTD
Scientists discover a new way to enhance nerve growth following injury
http://mnt.to/l/4mTB
Longer education linked to better recovery from traumatic brain injury
http://mnt.to/l/4mSy
Short-term environmental enrichment exposure induces maturity of newborn neurons
http://mnt.to/l/4mSm
When bad news is good news for neurodegenerative diseases - 'anticipation' discovered in familial amyloid polyneuropathy
http://mnt.to/l/4mSB
Acetazolamide helps improve vision for patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension
http://mnt.to/l/4mSb
Conservative management of vascular abnormality in brain associated with better outcomes
http://mnt.to/l/4mS8
Risky business: Research could improve understanding of risky behavior and addiction
http://mnt.to/l/4mS3
Harvard neuroscientists have made a discovery that turns 160 years of neuroanatomy on its head
http://mnt.to/l/4mRF
----------------------------------------------
** NUTRITION / DIET News **
Almonds examined for effects on diet quality, appetite, adiposity and cardiovascular disease risk factors
http://mnt.to/l/4mXS
Unhealthy foodscape at youth baseball field
http://mnt.to/l/4mXj
Low dietary intake of seafood linked to cognitive decline
http://mnt.to/l/4mYv
Researchers find highest consumption of sugary beverages among young black males
http://mnt.to/l/4mXy
What are the health benefits of mint?
http://mnt.to/l/4mWx
What are the health benefits of mangoes?
http://mnt.to/l/4mW4
----------------------------------------------
** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **
Being called 'fat' may increase obesity risk for girls
http://mnt.to/l/4mZn
Discovery of anti-appetite molecule released by fibre could help tackle obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4mYR
The influence of genetic factors on differences between children's BMI increases from 43 percent at age 4 to 82 percent at age 10
http://mnt.to/l/4mV2
Bile acids could be a new target for treating obesity and diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4mTX
----------------------------------------------
** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **
Clinics not bogged down by red tape can ease health cost burdens
http://mnt.to/l/4mTd
----------------------------------------------
** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **
BET bromodomain inhibitors look promising for castration-resistant prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4mV3
Link between chronic inflammation and 'high-grade' prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4mRK
----------------------------------------------
** SENIORS / AGING News **
Laughter may be the best medicine for age-related memory loss
http://mnt.to/l/4mYx
Over 60's in America at greater risk of food insecurity
http://mnt.to/l/4mVS
Mobility in old age limited by midlife occupational and leisure-time physical activity
http://mnt.to/l/4mVd
American centenarians and baby boomers feel 'younger than their years'
http://mnt.to/l/4mWs
Inverse effects of midlife occupational and leisure time physical activity on mobility limitation in old age
http://mnt.to/l/4mWh
Vitamin D supplements have little effect on risk of falls in older people
http://mnt.to/l/4mTs
----------------------------------------------
** SEXUAL HEALTH / STDS News **
Relationship between female sexual behavior and hip width
http://mnt.to/l/4mVf
Pain 'reduces sex drive of women but not men,' study suggests
http://mnt.to/l/4mSc
More than a quarter of emergency contraceptives found in South America were counterfeit
http://mnt.to/l/4mRJ
----------------------------------------------
** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **
Protein crucial for development of biological rhythms identified in mice
http://mnt.to/l/4mWK
Rapid-eye-movement sleep behaviour disorder linked to brain disease
http://mnt.to/l/4mTC
----------------------------------------------
** STROKE News **
Only about half of strokes may be attributable to known causative risk factors
http://mnt.to/l/4mYz
Technology inspired by airport security could help doctors decide on stroke treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4mVN
Neuronal regeneration after cerebral infarction improved by functional electrical stimulation
http://mnt.to/l/4mVx
Specialized ambulance improves treatment time for stroke
http://mnt.to/l/4mSf
Study examines patient preferences for emergency treatment of stroke
http://mnt.to/l/4mSd
Quality improvement program helps lower risk of bleeding, death following stroke
http://mnt.to/l/4mS7
New cause of brain bleeding immediately after stroke identified; could lead to novel therapies for minimizing damage
http://mnt.to/l/4mRh