Friday 30 September 2016

Can You Believe This Fried Chicken Is Healthy?!?

Can You Believe This Fried Chicken Is Healthy?!? Blog Post

"Healthy fried chicken" sounds like an oxymoron, but we make it happen with this healthy homemade Nashville Hot Chicken recipe. In this recipe makeover, we use a few clever tricks to cut down on calories and sodium while maintaining the crispy, juicy, delicious features that make fried chicken so finger-licking good. Here are a few hacks we used that can help you make fried chicken healthier at home.

via EatingWell Blogs - All Blog Posts More READ

Bouncy bone can be 3D-printed to become a universal repair kit

Cheap and easy to make into any shape, "hyperelastic bone" could repair any kind of bone, from fractures to facial reconstruction via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

WHO calls for immediate safe evacuation of the sick and wounded from conflict areas

Calling for the immediate and safe evacuation of the sick and wounded from all affected areas in Syria via WHO news Read More Here..

Caroline Aherne’s brother: ‘I thought she would survive’

Caroline Aherne’s brother has told BBC Radio 5 live’s Emma Barnett that he thought his sister would survive cancer. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Exercise May Not Lower Women's Risk of Multiple Sclerosis

Study shows no benefit, but staying active can help ease disease symptoms, experts say

HealthDay news image

Source: HealthDay via Exercise and Physical Fitness New Links: MedlinePlus RSS Feed Read More Here..

Exclusive: World’s first baby born with new “3 parent” technique

A five-month-old boy is the first baby to be born using a new version of a controversial technique that uses DNA from three people via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

An app to cut down on drinking

Could an app help people cut down on drinking and lower their cancer risk?

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Stroke can often be avoided, claims study
Commission more teen mental health and alcohol services
Exercise might partly compensate for drinking alcohol
Hunt promises to expand NHS digital services
Reality check - what the Wachter Review means for IT in the NHS
via OnMedica Blogs Read More Here..

Ethical pros and cons of genome editing need urgent scrutiny

Technology already having huge impact; health and food production stand to gain

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Rare diseases in children identified by DNA project
Lords approve mitochondrial donation
Whole-genome analysis IDs rare cancer mutations
AstraZeneca to sequence 2 million genomes in hunt for new drugs
via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Thailand confirms two cases of Zika-linked microcephaly

Thai health officials confirm two cases of microcephaly, a severe birth defect in babies linked to the Zika virus, the first in South East Asia. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Might be time for Britons to switch to Mediterranean diet, study suggests

First UK research shows it’s linked to 6-16% lower risk of heart disease/stroke

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Omega 3 benefits for bowel cancer patients
Mediterranean diet cuts womb cancer risk
Nutrition more important than calories, say experts
‘Mediterranean’ diet reduces risks for heart patients
Coalition government derailed measures to cut salt in food
via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Government makes bid to cut health and social care red tape

New panel includes NHS Providers, NHS Confederation and Care England

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Extra council tax levy for social care has failed to plug huge funding shortfall
Regulators plan to cut GP regulation burden
BMA issues resource to help GPs cut admin workload
Cutting red tape would free up hours of GP time
NHS is ‘drowning in bureaucracy’, report into NHS management says
via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Mental illness three times as common in young women as in young men

Youth gender gap continues to widen

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Genetic clues may unlock causes of depression
Most antidepressants ineffective for children
Inquiry finds ‘unacceptably poor’ provision of mental health care
Commission more teen mental health and alcohol services
‘No improvement’ in community mental health care
via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Engage public with resource prioritisation, from get go, commissioners urged

Integrated and effective communications strategy essential, says new report

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Clinical commissioning groups need more input from GPs
Specialised commissioning spend threatens financial stability of NHS
CCGs must extend access to benefit from extra funding
Government ‘in denial’ about state of NHS funding crisis, say doctors’ leaders
More than two-thirds of doctors forced to ration care
via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Gene editing: Ethical issues 'should be discussed'

Ethical questions around a new gene editing technology need to be considered now - even though its use may be some way off, experts say. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Prescribing holidays 'could help fight infections'

Scientists are investigating whether prescribing holidays, music or a change of scene might boost our immune system and help us to fight off disease. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

On The Pulse - September 2016

Statins: review claims benefits underestimated and harms exaggerated
via OnMedica Blogs Read More Here..

Thursday 29 September 2016

Young women at 'highest mental health risk'

Alice Thompson, 17, is in treatment for her mental health problems, which include anxiety and self-harm. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Discrimination and negative attitudes about ageing are bad for your health

New analysis by WHO shows that negative or ageist attitudes towards older people are widespread. They also negatively affect older people’s physical and mental health. via WHO news Read More Here..

Your boobs start to eat themselves after breastfeeding is over

A molecular switch has been identified that prompts cells inside the breasts to transform from milk secretors to cellular eaters that gobble up dying neighbours via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Russia plans to ban 'baby boxes' for unwanted infants

Russia plans to ban "baby boxes" - the hatches introduced in many countries where desperate mothers can safely abandon a baby. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Mix it up!

Article Sep 29, 2016

Think salads have to be bland and boring? These inspiring combinations from around the world will make you think again

via Healthy Eating Read More..

Common painkillers 'increase heart failure risk'

Taking a common kind of painkiller is linked to an increased risk of heart failure, a study focusing on elderly people suggests. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

The new test

Campaigners are concerned that a highly accurate test that can identify babies with Down's syndrome during pregnancy will lead to more terminations. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

One in 10 children has 'Aids defence'

A 10th of children have a "monkey-like" immune system that stops them developing Aids, researchers say. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Northern Ireland GPs consider mass resignation

BMA asks GPs in the province if they are prepared to submit undated resignation letters

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BMA calls off mass GP resignation ballot
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via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Pharma withheld faulty device info in rivaroxaban trial

Patients must live with uncertainty until concerns over key trial data are addressed

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Extending anticoagulation duration cuts risk of VTE recurrence
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via OnMedica News Read More Here..

NSAIDs and COX 2s linked to heart failure admission

NSAIDs pose clear cardio risk to some people so tighter regulation is justified, say experts

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Painkiller raises risk of irregular heartbeat in older people
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via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Fifth of emergency bowel cancer cases had red flag symptoms

GPs doing a good job but need better access to tools to support timely cancer diagnosis

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Scheme launched to personalise bowel cancer care
New test prompts rise in bowel screening uptake
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Early stage bowel cancer more likely to be picked up by screening
via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Women using hormonal contraception at higher depression risk

Raised risk of depression and first use of antidepressant, especially in adolescents

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Tell women IUD more effective for emergency contraception
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Lithium safe and effective in children with bipolar disorder
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via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Wednesday 28 September 2016

Bouncy bone can be 3D-printed to become a universal repair kit

Cheap and easy to make into any shape, "hyperelastic bone" could repair any kind of bone, from fractures to facial reconstruction via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

The truth about porn: why masturbation won't kill your sex life

Has online pornography created a generation of impotent young men with a dangerous addiction to extreme images? Clare Wilson investigates via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

‘I felt like such a slave’: Why one man gave up porn for good

Anti-pornography campaigner Alexander Rhodes, founder of "porn addiction" site NoFap, says "we want people to make educated decisions about how to use their genitals" via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Everything you wanted to know about ‘3-parent’ babies

Why is it such a big deal? How controversial is the technique? Is it safe? We have all your questions answered via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Widow wins High Court frozen embryo case

The widow of a Falklands war veteran has won a High Court bid to keep frozen embryos that they created. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Don’t rush to ‘cleanse’ lists of so-called ghost patients, GP leaders warn

This could deregister genuine patients and deny them access to healthcare

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GPs seek more advice on third party access to patient records
Ghostbusters
Doctors fear new system for finding ‘ghost patients’ may be unfair
BMA calls for ‘ghost patient’ cull to be scrapped
via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Our Top 5 Picks for Healthier Boxed Cake Mix

Our Top 5 Picks for Healthier Boxed Cake Mix Blog Post

You want to celebrate that special occasion with a homemade cake, but time has gotten away from you. Cake mixes are an easy (and fairly foolproof) way to bake a cake, fast. But some mixes are overloaded with sugar and unnecessary additives. To pick the best boxed cake mix, choose a cake mix with the simplest, most recognizable list of ingredients—close to what you'd see in a recipe.

Related: Light & Luscious Cake Recipes

via EatingWell Blogs - All Blog Posts More READ

Junior doctors lose legal challenge against health secretary over contract

Judge rejects all three grounds of the case

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via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Ditch retained business rate plan to fund public health, government urged

Proposals will widen health inequalities and worsen NHS funding crisis, say public health leaders

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Public health funds not fairly distributed, report finds
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via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Poor symptom awareness linked to regional differences in cancer survival

Lowest awareness in north east London; highest in Peterborough, Beds, and Cambridgeshire

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via OnMedica News Read More Here..

BMA calls on health secretary to join public debate on healthcare delivery

NHS leaders, patients, and doctors will all be invited to November symposium

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via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Teens with spots tend to stay looking younger for longer, new research suggests

Adolescents with spots tend to stay looking youthful for longer, new research suggests. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Tuesday 27 September 2016

WHO releases country estimates on air pollution exposure and health impact

A new WHO air quality model confirms that 92% of the world’s population lives in places where air quality levels exceed WHO limits. via WHO news Read More Here..

Exclusive: World’s first baby born with new “3 parent” technique

A five-month-old boy is the first baby to be born using a new version of a controversial technique that uses DNA from three people via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

9 of 10 U.S. Teens Don't Get Enough Exercise

And bad habits continue after high school for most, study shows
Source: HealthDay via Exercise for Children New Links: MedlinePlus RSS Feed Read More Here..

Exclusive: World’s first baby born with new “3 parent” technique

A five-month-old boy is the first baby to be born using a new version of a controversial technique that uses DNA from three people via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

First 'three person baby' born

First baby born using new "three person" fertility technique carried out by US scientists, New Scientist reveals. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Raw-some recipes

Article Sep 27, 2016

Reap the nutritional benefits of your favourite delectable dishes by preparing them in their raw form

via Healthy Eating Read More..

Polluted air affects 92% of global population, says WHO

The World Health Organisation says 92% of the planet's population is breathing polluted air outdoors, contributing to three million deaths a year. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Uni students risking health using drugs to get higher marks

One in seven students said they would buy prescription meds to boost performance

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Controlled drug prescriptions rise
One in seven UK medical students has thought about committing suicide
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via OnMedica News Read More Here..

I slice up human brains for a living

Understanding conditions like Alzheimer's requires a steady supply of tissue. Jessica Hamzelou visited Jorge Tejada, who looks after the world's largest brain bank via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Tiny increase in GP numbers in England

Latest figures reveal small decline in headcount, excluding registrars, retainers and locums

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Help needed to keep older GPs in work
Identity crisis
What value do GPs offer?
Train non-medics to take on some doctors’ work
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via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Fewer allergies in those who lived early life on a farm

Farm children less likely to have atopic disease, and women also had better lung function

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Sublingual immunotherapy effective in children with allergies
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Early allergen exposure lessens allergy risk
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Fewer lung symptoms in children as air pollution levels drop
via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Conflicted

How should doctors complete their Conflict of Interest form?

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Treatment of whistleblowers a “stain on NHS”, say MPs
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via OnMedica Blogs Read More Here..

‘Morning sickness’ linked to lower risk of pregnancy loss

Nausea and vomiting in women who miscarried before, linked to good pregnancy outcome

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Hyperemesis gravidarum
Continuing severe morning sickness symptoms linked to smaller babies
More help needed for women with severe morning sickness
via OnMedica News Read More Here..

ME sufferers highlight lack of support and funding

ME affects more people in the UK than MS does – three-quarters can’t work because of it

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Chronic fatigue and IBS linked to gut parasite
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'No evidence' of HPV vaccine link to chronic fatigue syndrome
Features of chronic fatigue syndrome
via OnMedica News Read More Here..

Rest: Are we getting enough of it in our lives?

The results of the world's largest ever survey on rest show that two-thirds of us would like more of it. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

'Painful erection' spiders found in family's fruit

A family home is fumigated due to an infestation of "deadly spiders" that arrived in a bunch of shop-bought bananas. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Travelling poo tackles taboo

Bristol, a soft toy of the poo emoji, is travelling the world to raise awareness of colorectal cancer. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Secret of rest

The results of the world’s largest survey on rest suggest that to feel truly rested, we need to get away from other people. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Dilute honey 'may fight urine infections'

A simple mix of honey and water might be a useful weapon against urine infections in hospital patients, according to researchers. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Monday 26 September 2016

Our Top Picks for Healthier Frozen-Food Dinners

Our Top Picks for Healthier Frozen-Food Dinners Blog Post

Maybe you don't venture into the frozen food section unless it's 100 degrees outside. But I do! Along with frozen fruit and vegetables, I keep my freezer stocked with a handful of carefully curated convenience foods to turn into an easy dinner. Fish sticks, potstickers, veggie burgers, mozzarella sticks, meatballs and hash browns are among my favorites.

via EatingWell Blogs - All Blog Posts More READ

Brain-eating amoebas hunt brain chemical before they kill you

A deadly amoeba that can infect swimmers seems to be attracted to a common brain chemical – a discovery that could lead to new treatments via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Gut bacteria may be linked to 'dangerous' body fat

The BBC reports that, "The make-up of the bacteria found in human faeces may influence levels of dangerous fat in our bodies."

The article is based on a UK study looking at faeces samples taken from twins and various measures of obesity. The study showed that people who had fewer different types of bacteria in their faeces were more likely to be obese.

The link was strongest for visceral fat, which is stored around the internal organs inside the abdominal cavity. This type of fat is associated with a higher risk of metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, as well as cardiovascular disease.

The study also found that identical twins were more likely to have similar diversity of bacteria in their faeces than non-identical twins, suggesting it may be partly inherited. This could explain why obesity sometimes passes down through families.

While there's a clear link between bacteria in faeces and visceral fat, it's not yet known how the diversity and type of bacteria influences body fat. Further research is needed.

Eating a balanced diet and having an active lifestyle can help you maintain a healthy weight.

Where did the story come from?

The study was carried out by researchers from the Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology at King's College London in the UK, the Department of Microbiology and the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Cornell University, and the University of Colorado in the US, and the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology in Germany. 

It was funded by the US National Institutes for Health (NIH), the Cornell Center for Comparative Population Genomics, the Wellcome Trust, the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme, the European Research Council, and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal, Genome Biology. It is open access, so it's freely available to read online.

The media reported the story accurately, with the BBC acknowledging that, although there is a link between bacteria in human faeces and levels of obesity, there is no known explanation yet.

What kind of research was this?

This was a cross-sectional observational study carried out on healthy sets of twins.

It aimed to explore the association between the bacteria present in human faeces and obesity.

This type of study can't prove cause and effect, but is useful for looking at associations between risk factors and outcomes.

So while this study doesn't prove that bacteria found in human faeces cause visceral fat, it does show there is a relationship between the two.

What did the research involve?

Researchers studied health volunteers involved in the TwinsUK Adult Twin Registry. Data on body fat was collected from a sample of 3,666 twins.

They looked at the links between bacteria found in faeces and six different measures of body fat.

The sample was mostly of European descent, and the average age was 63.

Faeces samples were collected from 1,313 individuals, and the bacteria in these investigated. Almost all those sampled were female.

The information from study participants on the bacteria present in their faeces was compared with body fat levels.

The six body fat measures included three of visceral fat, two of body fat distribution, and one of body mass index (BMI).

Excess visceral fat in particular is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and metabolic disease, such as type 2 diabetes.

What were the basic results?

All but one measure of obesity were significantly associated with a lack of diversity of bacteria in the faeces.

However, the association was strongest for visceral fat, which is found around the internal organs and is a bigger risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Researchers found the higher the diversity of bacteria in faeces, the lower the level of visceral fat.

The reverse was also shown: the less diverse the bacteria, the more likely participants were to have more visceral fat.

Visceral fat was found to be highly heritable (relative risk [RR] = 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.58 to 0.74). This was true even when adjustments for body mass index (BMI) were made.

How did the researchers interpret the results?

Dr Michelle Beaumont, lead author of the study from the Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology at King's, said: "This study has shown a clear link between bacterial diversity in faeces and markers of obesity and cardiovascular risk, particularly for visceral fat.

"However, as this was an observational study we cannot say precisely how communities of bacteria in the gut might influence the storage of fat in the body, or whether a different mechanism is involved in weight gain."

Senior author, Dr Jordana Bell, also from the Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, said: "There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that gut bacteria may play a role in obesity, and a number of studies are now exploring this in more detail.

"Further scientific investigation is needed to understand how precisely our gut microbes can influence human health, and if interventions such as faecal transplants can have safe, beneficial, and effective impacts on this process."

Conclusion

This cross-sectional study found a strong association between visceral fat and bacteria diversity in faeces.

The use of measures other than BMI was one of this study's strengths, as BMI doesn't reveal whether weight is from fat tissue or muscle.

The findings suggest that body fat levels may be passed down through families.

However, this is early research and there are a number of things to consider:

  • We don't know how the bacteria in our gut and faeces influence levels of fat in the body.
  • The study doesn't prove that having less diverse bacteria in our faeces causes visceral fat around the organs.
  • Participants' diets weren't taken into consideration.
  • Participants were mainly female and from the UK, so the findings can't be applied across genders or globally.

It's important to eat a balanced diet and have an active lifestyle to maintain a healthy weight.

Links To The Headlines

Body fat link to bacteria in faeces. BBC News, September 26 2016

How gut bacteria may predict belly fat. Time, September 25 2016

Links To Science

Beaumont M, Goodrich J, Jackson M. Heritable components of the human fecal microbiome are associated with visceral fat. Genome Biology. Published 26 September 2016

via NHS Choices: Behind the headlines More READ

Professor David Nutt developed 'hangover-free' alcohol

A scientist has developed a new type of alcohol which he claims will not damage the liver or leave you with a hangover. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

'Smart drug' warning for students

The government's watchdog issues a warning to students about the dangers of taking cognitive enhancers or "smart drugs". via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

UK 'has never been more addicted to smartphones'

One in three people check their phone in the middle of the night and admit their overuse is causing rows with partners, according to a report by Deloitte. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Doctors able to propose new national screening topics

Screening topic proposals opened for first time

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Fleetwood :A town taking its health seriously

Lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking, poor diet and lack of exercise are costing the NHS in England as much as £11bn a year. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Help needed to keep older GPs in work

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Go sober for October

Article Sep 26, 2016

Want to get healthy and help out a charity? Go sober for October

via Healthy Eating Read More..

Brexit could allow tougher tests for EU doctors

GMC considers impact of UK leaving the EU

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Fragmented system is failing older people, say experts

Investment and training needed in general practice

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BMA calls off all strike action

Patient safety worries prompt suspension of strikes

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Head transplant team’s new animal tests fail to convince critics

Exclusive video shows a dog reportedly recovering the ability to walk after an injection into its damaged spinal cord, but the study has been criticised via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Poor food 'risks health of half the world'

As the population grows over the next 20 years half the world will be left malnourished, an independent panel of experts on food and agriculture warns. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Body fat link to bacteria in faeces

The make up of the bacteria found in human faeces may influence levels of dangerous fat in our bodies, say researchers from King's College London. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Four in 10 children not going to dentist, NHS figures show

More than 40% of children in England did not see a dentist last year, NHS statistics show - a figure the British Dental Association says is embarrassing. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Women's mental health needs 'not considered adequately'

Women's mental health needs are "not being considered" despite rising rates of suicide, campaigners warn. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Refugee doctor

When 15-year-old Waheed Arian arrived in the UK from 1990s Afghanistan, he was told he would probably become a taxi driver. Some years later, he started a degree at the University of Cambridge and has now set up a scheme where British doctors advise medics in Kabul via Skype. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Friday 23 September 2016

Best and Worst in Health and Healthcare – July & August 2016

The northern hemisphere’s summer is ending and that is definitely bad news. The good news is that this was not a silly season in health and healthcare research.

Here’s the best and worst news of the summer.

The best

Drug repurposing screening reveals possible candidates for anti-Zika therapy

Developing a new drug is a long process, but the Zika virus outbreak has created a global health emergency and a pressing need for therapies that is incompatible with the timings of drug development. This led to a major study published in Nature Medicine in which over 6,000 compounds were screened for possible drug repurposing, including approved drugs, clinical trial drug candidates and pharmacologically active compounds. This screening allowed the identification of compounds that were able to inhibit Zika infection, suppress the effects of infection in neurons, or inhibit viral replication. Furthermore, combination treatments using neuroprotective and antiviral compounds showed a potentiation of a protective effect from Zika-induced cell death in human neuronal cell progenitors and glial cells. Besides allowing a fast identification of potential anti-Zika therapies, these results also highlight the efficacy of this screening strategy. Maybe drug repurposing screenings should be a more common procedure.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in post stroke management

Omega-3 fatty acids are known to have many beneficial effects. It has been suggested that their neuroprotective effects may be useful in post stroke therapy. To test this hypothesis, a study published in PLoS One used emulsions of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to treat mice with stroke-like brain injury. It was found that treatment with DHA was able to reduce oxidative damage and improve short- and long-term neurological outcomes. This effect was associated with an accumulation of DHA in brain mitochondria and DHA-derived bioactive metabolites in brain tissue that led to prolonged neuroprotection. Maybe diet can hold the answer to post stroke management.

A new opioid drug with less side-effects

Opioids such as morphine or oxycodone are highly effective pain killers but they have an extensive list of side-effects, including addiction and fatal respiratory depression. Finding a molecule that could have a similar efficacy without the side-effects could be a great discovery. A new study published in Nature therefore aimed at identifying molecules that could selectively act on opioid receptors with similar analgesic effects to current opioid drugs but without inducing respiratory depression. A computational analysis of over 3 million molecules was performed in order to determine which molecules could potentially bind to the mu-opioid-receptor. From all the compounds analyzed, one stood out: it is called PZM21 and it was shown to be an effective analgesic while being devoid of many of the side effects of current opioids.

Brain-machine interface therapies effective in paraplegic patients

There may be a new promising therapy for paraplegic patients. A study published in Scientific Reports tested the use of brain-machine interface training for rehabilitation of chronic spinal cord injured paraplegics. The training paradigm combined immersive virtual reality training, enriched visual-tactile feedback, and walking with two EEG-controlled robotic actuators, including a custom-designed lower limb exoskeleton capable of delivering tactile feedback to subjects. After 12 months of training, all the participants showed neurological improvements in sensation and regained voluntary motor control in muscles below the spinal cord injury level, which was associated with a marked improvement in walking. Half of the patients were even upgraded to an incomplete paraplegia classification. This was an impressive recovery that shows the tremendous potential of brain-machine interface therapies.

Exercise improves cognition in schizophrenia patients

Cognitive deficits are common among people with schizophrenia. Given the known cognitive benefits of exercise, it is possible that it may be helpful in counterbalancing the cognitive effects of schizophrenia. To evaluate this hypothesis, a meta-analysis of all controlled trials investigating the cognitive outcomes of exercise interventions in schizophrenia was conducted. The results were published in the Schizophrenia Bulletin and showed that exercise significantly improved cognition, including working memory, social cognition, and attention/vigilance. Interventions which were supervised by physical activity professionals were shown to be more effective. This study thereby indicates that regular exercise can be beneficial and have therapeutic potential for individuals with schizophrenia.

The worst

Traumatic brain injury increases the risk of neurodegenerative changes later in life  

According to a new study published in JAMA Neurology, traumatic brain injury can increase the likelihood of developing neurodegenerative disorders later in life. This work compiled data from other studies to include a total of 7130 participants. A history of traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness was compared with the incidence of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Pakinson’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and neuropathologic outcomes such as neurofibrillary tangles, neuritic plaques, microinfarcts, cystic infarcts, Lewy bodies, and hippocampal sclerosis. Data indicated that traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness is associated with an increased risk for Lewy body accumulation, progression of parkinsonism, and Parkinson’s disease. No association was found with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, neuritic plaques, or neurofibrillary tangles.

Poor sleep increases inflammation

Good sleep is essential for good health. Since sleep disturbances have been associated with an increased risk of inflammatory diseases, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in Biological Psychiatry aimed at assessing the evidence linking sleep disturbance, sleep duration, and inflammation in adult humans. It was found that sleep disturbance and long sleep duration, but not short sleep duration, are associated with increases in markers of systemic inflammation. Increased systemic inflammation has been associated with a number of disorders, including neurological and metabolic disorders; it also plays an important role in aging. This study therefore reinforces the notion that poor sleep can contribute to the development of various pathologies.

What happens when we stop exercising?

There is extensive evidence showing how exercise is great for health, including brain health. But what happens to the brain when we stop exercising? One answer to this question was recently published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. The effects of 10 days of detraining on physically fit older adults was assessed and it was shown that the interruption of regular exercise induced a decrease in resting cerebral blood flow in eight gray matter brain regions, including the hippocampus. A decreased cerebral blood flow can have a significant negative impact on cognitive functions. This study indicates that the beneficial effects of exercise may rely on the maintenance of regular physical activity throughout life.

The effect of lead on brain development

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can affect brain development in children. However, little was known about the mechanisms of lead neurotoxicity in children. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives assessed the effect of lead on neural stem cells aiming at linking changes in those cells to neurodevelopmental outcomes in children who were exposed to lead. It was shown that lead exposure significantly alters the expression of 19 genes, including genes associated with oxidative stress response and neuroprotection. By interfering with the expression of these genes, lead can have a significant impact on cognitive development, explaining the neurodevelopmental deficits observed in children exposed to lead.

Calcium supplementation may increase the risk of dementia

Recently, the use of calcium supplements has been questioned due to possible detrimental effects on health. A study published in Neurology therefore aimed to determine if calcium supplementation may be associated with the development of dementia in women. The study followed dementia-free women aged 70–92 years for five years. Data showed that calcium supplementation was associated with the development of dementia in women with a history of stroke or presence of white matter lesions, but not in groups without these conditions. Although further studies may be needed to validate these findings, this indicates that calcium supplementation may increase the risk of developing dementia in elderly women with cerebrovascular disease.

References

Alfini AJ, et al (2016). Hippocampal and Cerebral Blood Flow after Exercise Cessation in Master Athletes. Front Aging Neurosci, 8:184. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2016.00184

Crane PK, et al (2016). Association of Traumatic Brain Injury With Late-Life Neurodegenerative Conditions and Neuropathologic Findings. JAMA Neurol [Epub ahead of print]. doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2016.1948

Donati AR, et al (2016). Long-Term Training with a Brain-Machine Interface-Based Gait Protocol Induces Partial Neurological Recovery in Paraplegic Patients. Sci Rep, 6:30383. doi: 10.1038/srep30383

Firth J, et al (2016). Aerobic Exercise Improves Cognitive Functioning in People With Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Schizophr Bull [Epub ahead of print]. doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbw115

Irwin MR, et al (2016). Sleep Disturbance, Sleep Duration, and Inflammation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies and Experimental Sleep Deprivation. Biol Psychiatry, 80(1):40-52. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.05.014

Kern J, et al (2016). Calcium supplementation and risk of dementia in women with cerebrovascular disease. Neurology [Epub ahead of print]. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000003111

Manglik A, et al (2016). Structure-based discovery of opioid analgesics with reduced side effects. Nature, 17:1-6. doi: 10.1038/nature19112

Mayurasakorn K, et al (2016). DHA but Not EPA Emulsions Preserve Neurological and Mitochondrial Function after Brain Hypoxia-Ischemia in Neonatal Mice. PLoS One, 11(8):e0160870. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160870

Wagner PJ, et al (2016). In Vitro Effects of Lead on Gene Expression in Neural Stem Cells and Associations between Upregulated Genes and Cognitive Scores in Children. Environ Health Perspect, [Epub ahead of print]. doi: 10.1289/EHP265

Xu M, et al (2016). Identification of small-molecule inhibitors of Zika virus infection and induced neural cell death via a drug repurposing screen. Nat Med [Epub ahead of print] doi: 10.1038/nm.4184

Image via WikiImages / Pixabay.

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Fitness trackers 'don't help you lose weight'

"Fitness trackers may not help weight loss," reports Sky News on a new trial which investigated whether using wearable technology helped people lose more weight compared to standard weight-loss programmes.

Researchers tracked 470 overweight or obese people aged 18 to 35, for 24 months. Everyone in the study was put on a low-calorie diet, given an exercise plan and invited to regular group counselling sessions.

After six months, half the group was given a wearable device to track activity and feed it into a computer programme that also allows people to record their diet.

The other half were simply told to continue the weight loss programme and monitor their exercise and diet by themselves.

The group using the Fit Core tracker lost an average of 3.5kg over two years, compared with an average 5.9kg in the self-monitored group.

The spread of obesity across the globe has been increasing rapidly in recent years and public health bodies continue to struggle with tackling the issue.

Along with the usual weight-loss diets, the use of wearable technologies promoting fitness, such as FitBit and Jawbone, is also on the rise.

The study authors say there are many possible explanations for this surprising finding but, as yet, no proof.

BBC News quotes lead researcher Dr John Jakicic saying: "People have a tendency to use gadgets like these for a while and then lose interest with time as the novelty wears off.

"And we did see a drop off in the usage data as the study went on."

Although the study's findings are interesting, it may be the case that the use of fitness trackers and other devices may be more effective for some people than others.

Until more conclusive research is available, the best advice for losing weight is to follow a calorie-controlled diet combined with regular exercise.

Where did the story come from?

The study was carried out by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh in the US. It was funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Interestingly, the researchers were affiliated with Weight Watchers International.

The findings from the trial were published in the peer-reviewed medical journal JAMA. It is free to read online.

Generally, media coverage around this topic was accurate.

What kind of research was this?

This was a randomised controlled trial (RCT) which aimed to compare the effectiveness of a wearable technology weight loss intervention (fitness tracker) with standard weight loss strategies to see which would result in greater weight loss.

RCTs such as this are one of the best ways to investigate the effectiveness of public health interventions.

In such trials there is the possibility that the individuals' knowledge of being monitored by the wearable technology could influence their diet, activity and weight loss. This is known as being non-blinded to the intervention group, which can normally be a potential source of study bias. However, in this case it's probably just part of the way the intervention was intended to work.

What did the research involve?

The 24-month Innovative Approaches to Diet, Exercise and Activity (IDEA) randomised controlled trial at the University of Pittsburgh recruited 471 participants (aged 18-35) with a body mass index (BMI) between 25.0 and 40.0.

Participants were randomised to one of two treatment groups: a standard behavioural weight loss intervention and a weight loss intervention enhanced by using wearable technology.

For the first six months both groups received the same behavioural weight loss intervention and were instructed to self-monitor dietary intake and their physical activity in diaries. This information was given to the study staff who offered feedback.

At six months, the standard behavioural weight loss group started self-monitoring their diet and physical activity via an website designed for the trial. No feedback was given. At this time, the enhanced intervention group were given their wearable technology device which had access to education materials via a web-based interface (BodyMedia FIT Core). This monitored their diet and physical activity.

During months 7-24, both groups also received telephone counselling sessions, text message prompts and access to online study materials.

The main outcome of the study was to assess weight change at 24 months. Participants were also assessed at months 0, 6, 12 and 18, and received monetary compensation for completing each assessment. The researchers analysed the findings between both treatment groups.

What were the basic results?

Overall, there was significant weight change over time in both treatment groups. However, there was greater weight loss in the standard behavioural intervention group compared with the technology-enhanced intervention.

  • The average weight loss between baseline and 24 months in the standard behavioural intervention group was 5.9kg (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.0 to 6.8).
  • In the technology-enhanced intervention group, the average weight loss over the same time was 3.5kg (95% CI: 2.7 to 4.5).
  • The difference between the two groups was 2.4kg (95% CI: 1.0 to 3.7).

Additionally, there was a greater decrease in body fat (%) in the standard behavioural intervention group compared with the technology-enhanced intervention.

  • The average loss of body fat (%) between baseline and 24 months in the standard intervention was 3.5% (95% CI: -4.0 to –3.0).
  • The enhanced intervention group lost on average 2.4% body fat (95% CI: -3.0 to -1.9).
  • The difference between the two groups was -1.1% in body fat (95% CI: -1.9 to -0.3).

How did the researchers interpret the results?

Researchers concluded: "Among young adults with a BMI between 25 and less than 40, the addition of a wearable technology device to a standard behavioural intervention resulted in less weight loss over 24 months. Devices that monitor and provide feedback on physical activity may not offer an advantage over standard behavioural weight loss approaches."

Conclusion

This trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of a wearable technology weight loss intervention (fitness tracker) with standard weight loss strategies to see which would result in greater weight loss at the end of 24 months.

It found the addition of a wearable technology device did not aid weight loss, and participants in the standard behavioural intervention group lost more weight when compared to the technology group.

This was an interesting study with a reliable study design. However there are a few things to note:

  • As the authors mention, the participants were all young adults (mean age 30) and 77.2% were women so these findings are not representative of the general population.
  • Although this trial showed weight loss over a 24 month period, the greatest weight loss was achieved in the first six months and this was not fully sustained over the long-term. Therefore, the challenges of maintaining weight loss continue to exist.
  • The adoption of the wearable technology device was started six months into the intervention so the findings may have been different had the participants started using them at baseline.

Links To The Headlines

Fitness trackers offer no weight-loss benefit and can make users fatter, says study. The Daily Telegraph, September 21 2016

'No proof' fitness trackers promote weight loss. BBC News, September 20 2016

Fitness trackers may not help weight loss. Sky News, September 21 2016

Fitness trackers may not aid weight loss, study finds. The Guardian, September 21 2016

Study finds fitness trackers don't pull their weight. The Daily Mail, September 21 2016

Links To Science

Jakicic JM, Davis KK, Rogers RJ et al. Effect of Wearable Technology Combined With a Lifestyle Intervention on Long-term Weight Loss: The IDEA Randomized Clinical Trial. Published September 21 2016

via NHS Choices: Behind the headlines More READ

Election process for the new WHO Director-General

Six candidates have been proposed by Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the position of WHO Director-General.

Member States proposed the following candidates: via WHO news Read More Here..

South American Superfoods

Article Sep 23, 2016

Check out the hottest health-boosting foods from across the pond…

via Healthy Eating Read More..

Could sex hormones help addicted women stop taking opioids?

Women get addicted to some drugs more quickly than men, and may get stronger cravings. The sex hormone cycle seems to be involved, which could lead to treatments via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

Hospitals in Wales failing to give GPs discharge info

But regulator praises Welsh general practice for widespread dignity and compassion

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Could Irish spider venom cure diseases?

Venom collected from two species of Irish spiders has potential medicinal properties, say university researchers. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

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If an anti-TNF fails to treat RA, try a non-TNF biologic

Lower disease activity more likely in those on non-TNF biological than a second anti-TNF

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Women denied cheap drug to stop breast cancer spread

‘Bureaucratic inertia’ over funding for bisphosphonates means thousands miss out

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CCGs must extend access to benefit from extra funding

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Thursday 22 September 2016

Body clock gene may help lethal spread of breast cancer

Shift work raises the risk of breast cancer, and now a gene associated with the body clock seems to makes its spread more likely in mice via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

World war on superbugs can only be won by a UN-led global effort

Antibiotic resistance is now such a big threat that only a global campaign akin to that on HIV can tackle it, say Dilip Nathwani and Ramanan Laxminarayan via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..

What a button battery can do to a child's throat

Medical correspondent Fergus Walsh demonstrates what can happen if a button battery gets lodged in a child's throat, after a warning from surgeons over the dangers. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Project Zuckerberg

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife want to tackle all diseases by the end if the century. Just how feasible is this aim? via BBC News - Health Read More Here..

Shortage of critical beds and surgeons cause cancelled ops

BBC reveals far greater number of late cancellations in NHS than official figures show

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Treasury must give GPs respite from spiralling indemnity costs

MDU urges Treasury to commit to radical intervention as NHS compensation costs rocket

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