Tuesday, 31 January 2017
Scientists communicate with Locked-in patients
New research could mean locked-in patients can now communicate. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Being ‘hangry’ exists: why a lack of food can change your mood
Falling blood sugar levels accompanying hunger do cause us to get angry, irritable and aggressive, even towards loved ones via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Completely paralysed people use thoughts to say they are happy
Many assume that people “locked-in” by ALS have a low quality of life, but a non-invasive device that can read “yes” and “no” thoughts has found the opposite via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Bangladeshi girl may be first female with 'tree man syndrome'
Bangladeshi Sahana Khatun, 10, developed the first bark-like warts on her face four months ago. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Australia's deadly relationship with heat
As the nation endures more record-breaking temperatures, doctors fear many underestimate the danger. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Down and anxious
As a new national commission for loneliness is launched, two women share their experiences. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Breast tattoo service for cancer patients
Demand for a free monthly service to provide nipple tattoos for women who have undergone reconstructive breast surgery after cancer soars. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Diabetes could be a warning sign of pancreatic cancer
"Experts have revealed the onset of diabetes, or existing diabetes getting much worse could be a sign of hidden pancreatic cancer," reports The Daily Express.
The media reports follow a press release of a study presented at the European Cancer Congress (ECCO) yesterday. The research analysed nearly a million people with type 2 diabetes in Belgium and Italy, some of whom went on to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
The recent onset of diabetes appeared to be a possible warning sign of pancreatic cancer, with 25% of cases in Belgium and 18% in Italy being diagnosed within three months of a diabetes diagnosis. Faster progression of diabetes (where patients needed insulin or other more intensive treatments sooner) was also associated with a greater chance of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is rare and often has a poor outcome, partly because it is difficult to detect at an early stage.
However, it's important to put these findings in context. Diabetes has previously been linked with pancreatic cancer, though it is unclear why. It could be that diabetes increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. What is probably more likely is that rapid onset or progression of diabetes could be a symptom of the cancer itself.
Diabetes is fairly common in the UK, with around 4 million cases, while pancreatic cancer remains very rare. Just because you have diabetes does not mean you will go on to get pancreatic cancer.
However, if you are concerned that you may have diabetes or that your diabetes is poorly controlled, you should talk to your GP.
There are also steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
Where did the story come from?
The study was carried out by researchers from the International Prevention Research Institute in Lyon, France. The study has not yet been published in a journal but was presented at the European Cancer Congress held in Amsterdam. The findings come from the press release.
Funding was provided by Sanofi, a French pharmaceutical company. The authors declare the sponsor had no influence on the study design, conduct, analysis and reporting.
This has been reported widely in the UK media, though not always accurately. The Mail Online claims the researchers "analysed nearly a million type 2 diabetics in Italy and Belgium who had been told they had pancreatic cancer" however this was the number of people in the database with diabetes. Only 2,757 people had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Moreover, The Daily Telegraph reports "50 per cent of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes the previous year". This is rather misleading and suggests 50% of all people with pancreatic cancer also have diabetes.
But this study only looked at people with diabetes. Of those who developed pancreatic cancer, half had received their diabetes diagnosis in the past year. The overall proportion of all people with pancreatic cancer who also have diabetes in the population is unknown.
What kind of research was this?
This was a retrospective cohort study looking at the association between type 2 diabetes and the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
The study is currently only available as a published abstract and was presented at the European Cancer Congress with an accompanying press release. A full study publication is not available so we can't fully critique the methods and analysis.
Pancreatic cancer has a notoriously poor prognosis as it is often hard to diagnose at an early stage due to a lack of symptoms or non-specific symptoms. Individual outcomes vary, but generally only 1% of all people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer live for more than 10 years after their diagnosis.
Diabetes has already been linked as a possible risk factor for pancreatic cancer, but in what context is uncertain. However, onset of diabetes or rapid deterioration of current diabetes could be a possible marker for early pancreatic cancer so could potentially aid earlier diagnosis.
What did the research involve?
The researchers used a prescription database (the Inter Mutualist Agency AIM-IMA) to identify 368,377 people receiving treatment for type 2 diabetes patients in Belgium between 2008 and 2013. They also identified 456,311 being treated in Lombardy, Italy, between 2008 and 2012.
These data were linked to pancreatic cancer data from the Belgium Cancer Registry and hospital discharge databases in Lombardy.
The rates of pancreatic cancer were analysed in association with time of first prescription of diabetes drugs, and use of different diabetes treatments.
What were the basic results?
In Belgium, 885 of 368,377 people with diabetes had pancreatic cancer. In Lombardy, 1,872 of 456,311 people with diabetes had pancreatic cancer.
Among all those with pancreatic cancer in the two regions, 50% had been diagnosed within one year of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
In Belgium, 25% of pancreatic cancer cases were diagnosed within 90 days and in Lombardy 18% were diagnosed within 90 days.
When considering treatment, the researchers generally found that switching to more intensive diabetes treatments was also linked with a greater risk of pancreatic cancer diagnosis:
- People who switched from oral diabetes drugs to more intensive treatment of incretin-based therapy (injected drugs that help the body produce more insulin) had 3.3 times the risk (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0 to 5.5) of cancer diagnosis in the following three months.
- This decreased to around a two-fold risk for 3 to 6 months after the first prescription of incretin drugs (hazard ratio [HR] 2.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.7) and again for 6 to 12 months after the first prescription (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.9).
- Switch from oral diabetes drugs or incretin to insulin injections was also linked with increased risk of pancreatic cancer (HR 11.9, 95% CI 10.4 to 13.6).
- When comparing those who developed pancreatic cancer with those who remained cancer-free, switching from oral diabetes drugs to incretin or insulin injections happened sooner after diabetes diagnosis in those who developed cancer: median 372 days to switch to incretins and 315 days to switch to insulin in those who developed cancer versus median 594 days to switch to incretins and 437 days to switch to insulin.
How did the researchers interpret the results?
The lead researcher commented: "There is currently no good, non-invasive method for detecting pancreatic cancer that is not yet showing any visible signs or symptoms. We hope that our results will encourage the search for blood markers indicating the presence of pancreatic cancer, which could guide decisions to perform a confirmation examination like endoscopy."
Conclusion
This study uses a large prescription database to investigate the link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer, looking at the timing of first diabetes prescription and change in drugs prescribed.
Among people with type 2 diabetes, diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was linked with recent onset of diabetes or rapidly deteriorating diabetes. This suggests these could both be potential warning signs of hidden pancreatic cancer and indicate the need for more investigations.
While diabetes has previously been linked with pancreatic cancer, the nature of the cause and effect relationship remains unclear. It could be that diabetes increases risk of the cancer, or it could be that recent onset or deterioration of diabetes is a symptom of the cancer.
It had also previously been thought that incretin therapies could promote pancreatic cancer. However, it could be that incretin therapies and insulin therapies are often prescribed sooner in patients who have undiagnosed pancreatic cancer.
As the authors make clear, it is probably pancreatic cancer that causes deterioration of diabetes.
A limitation of this study is that it was carried out in two specific areas in Europe. Sociodemographic variations in diabetes or cancer prevalence, medical care or risk factors may mean the results are not fully applicable to the UK.
The findings are also based on a prescription database, so only look at raw data on numbers. The researchers haven't delved further into the nature of the individual diabetes and cancer diagnoses, investigations and treatment.
These are early findings presented at a conference. A full, published study is not available so it is not possible to analyse the methods and possible implications further.
It's not possible to say whether the findings could lead to more in-depth investigation of people with newly diagnosed or rapidly progressing diabetes, or whether this could make earlier pancreatic cancer diagnosis and improved survival rates possible.
Links To The Headlines
Pancreatic cancer symptoms: Diabetes could be a warning sign for deadly disease. The Daily Express, January 30 2017
Having diabetes is a warning sign of one of the deadliest forms of CANCER, shocking study finds. Mail Online, January 30 2017
Diabetes could be a warning sign of cancer, new study suggests. The Daily Telegraph, January 30 2017
Breast pumps flummox airport staff - your stories
Mums share the difficulties of needing to pump milk on the road via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Exercise May Help Black Americans Lower Blood Pressure Risk
Recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly cut odds by almost 25 percent in study
Source: HealthDay via Exercise and Physical Fitness New Links: MedlinePlus RSS Feed Read More Here..
Doctors make plea to PM over NHS funding
Read More Here..
Call off the breakfast wars and pass another slice of toast
Despite a large serving of negative dietary advice, the first meal of the day is not a danger to one and all, say chef Anthony Warner and nutritionist Laura Thomas via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Malaria treatment used in UK failed for the first time
| Drug resistance ‘biggest threat’ to beating malaria Related items from OnMedica Malaria prophylaxis UK sets up £1bn fund to fight malaria Anti-malaria drug could help fight tumours World ‘not prepared’ for Zika and Ebola Study quantifies human consequences of increased antibiotic resistance |
GPs should routinely ask elderly about falls, says NICE
| RCGP warns 10-minute consultation may hinder this Related items from OnMedica Most GPs want longer than 10-min consultations Virtual reality treadmill training could help prevent falls Help to prevent falls in hospital A new focus on falls prevention Elderly carers are themselves vulnerable |
HIV infection may make patients vulnerable to diabetes
| Prevalence is 3.8% higher in HIV-positive adults Related items from OnMedica HIV antiretroviral drugs may lower multiple sclerosis risk HIV therapy helps protect men from Hep B infection UK HIV diagnosis rates twice as high as western Europe Preventing HIV NHS England loses appeal over PreP drugs |
Scientists find new markers for high blood pressure
Read More Here..
Smoking consumes nearly 6% of global healthcare costs
| Study shows total spend is nearly 2% of world’s GDP Related items from OnMedica Smoking causes DNA mutations Fewer children smoking and drinking Stop Smoking services under threat due to budget cuts Stop Smoking Services No safe level of smoking, study finds |
Boy Scouts of America to let transgender children join
The organisation's policy was highlighted last year when an eight-year-old was asked to leave. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Girl, 9, diagnosed with 'one in a million' BPAN disorder
Heidi Cooke is one of 100 people in the world with a rare condition likened to Parkinson's disease. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Can children learn to like green veg?
Research finds that eating something you do not like on a regular basis, can make you like it more. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Malaria drugs fail for first time on patients in UK
The drug combination was unable to cure four patients, who had all visited Africa, doctors say. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Monday, 30 January 2017
Loneliness tips from 90-year-old published
Derek Taylor, 90, wrote tips on tackling loneliness, which have now been been published. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Bacteria boost
Can you change your gut bacteria for the better? Michael Mosley investigates for Trust Me I'm A Doctor. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Living with HIV
An Australian artist aims to rewrite the conversation about what it's like to live with HIV. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Being ‘hangry’ exists: why a lack of food can change your mood
Falling blood sugar levels accompanying hunger do cause us to get angry, irritable and aggressive, even towards loved ones via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Ways to Stay Active in Winter
Sledding, climbing stairs -- even house-cleaning -- are great pursuits that burn calories, dietary experts say
Source: HealthDay via Exercise and Physical Fitness New Links: MedlinePlus RSS Feed Read More Here..
High-Mileage Runners Expend Less Energy
Extra movement seems to lead to changes in muscles and tendons, making them more efficient, researchers say
Source: HealthDay via Exercise and Physical Fitness New Links: MedlinePlus RSS Feed Read More Here..
Slim but Sedentary: Risk of Prediabetes May Rise
4 out of 10 'skinny fat' people had higher blood sugar by middle age, study finds
Source: HealthDay via Exercise and Physical Fitness New Links: MedlinePlus RSS Feed Read More Here..
Ways to Stay Active in Winter
Sledding, climbing stairs -- even house-cleaning -- are great pursuits that burn calories, dietary experts say
Source: HealthDay via Exercise for Children New Links: MedlinePlus RSS Feed Read More Here..
Teenager: So lonely 'I wanted to die'
A teenager explains how loneliness made her want to take her own life. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Diabetes can be warning sign for pancreatic cancer
| New findings support known cancer link Related items from OnMedica Long-acting GLP-1 agonists for type 2 diabetes Diabetes drugs not linked to bladder cancer Breakthrough in pancreatic cancer diagnosis Pancreatic cancer is four separate diseases Giant charity triples spending on pancreatic cancer |
New service launched to support GPs’ wellbeing
| NHS GP Health Service widely welcomed Related items from OnMedica Tired GPs greatest threat to patient safety NHS pressures could cause staff ‘burnout’ GPs and staff given free access to occupational health Mental health support to be launched for GPs |
UK patients losing out in access to cancer drugs
| Data shows ‘incomprehensible price rises’ Related items from OnMedica 75% of reappraised CDF drugs approved for NHS Rising costs of generic medications Pfizer fined a record £84.2m for overcharging NHS cancer patients still denied treatments available in other countries Study shows huge global variation in cancer drug costs |
We should have no beef with bureaucracy if it keeps food safe
Free trade is on the agenda, but the unwelcome return of BSE is a reminder that it mustn’t compromise food safety via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Breast conservation beats mastectomy for some patients
| New findings presented at European Cancer Congress Related items from OnMedica Breast cancer screening One in six breast cancer patients have symptom other than a lump Study finds overuse of double mastectomy Partial radiotherapy suitable for early breast cancer Radiotherapy during breast cancer surgery cuts cost and time |
Explorer uses brain scanner to track emotions on UK cities tour
Urban explorer Daniel Raven-Ellison has been journeying across Britain's cities, tracking his emotional response using a brain scanner. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
MPs to debate call to remove 1% nurse pay cap
Read More Here..
Smart baby-trackers mostly unnecessary, say US doctors
A group of paediatricians claims devices tracking babies' health cause false alarms and should be regulated. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Mood monitor
A National Geographic explorer has walked the country, electronically measuring his changing mood. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Boy in hospital after taking 'Darth Vader' tablet
A 14-year-old boy is treated for kidney failure after taking a drug known as "Darth Vader". via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Can robots be 'culturally sensitive'?
Dr Papadopulos explains what a culturally sensitive care robot might look like. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Shark-inspired drug may help treat fibrosis, researchers say
Australian researchers hope an antibody found in sharks may help treat an incurable lung disease. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Robots could help solve social care crisis, say academics
The crisis in care of the elderly might be partly solved by robots with a good bedside manner. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Saturday, 28 January 2017
Woman kept alive for six days with no lungs
A woman was kept alive with no lungs for six days while she waited for a transplant in April last year. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Virtual reality 'could help treat vertigo'
Virtual reality could be used to diagnose and treat visual vertigo, according to a team of Cardiff University scientists. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Friday, 27 January 2017
Healthier Copycat Recipes to Serve Up at Your Super Bowl Party
Unless my team is playing, the Super Bowl is all about the food. I want to be able to eat and serve foods that my friends will love, but are still healthier than your typical store-bought or takeout options, which can be sky-high in calories and sodium. Cooking at home means I get to control the ingredients and sneak in vegetables when possible. Everyone still gets to enjoy classic game-day eats, like guacamole, wings, chili, pizza and dip. Plus, if someone's eating gluten-free, vegan, Paleo or Whole30 style—they can still enjoy some of the spread.
Yellow fever outbreak is killing off rare monkeys in Brazil
Up to 90 per cent of brown howler monkeys in one area may have died already and fear of them spreading yellow fever to humans has led to reprisal attacks via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Wood-burners: London air pollution is just tip of the iceberg
Sold as an eco-friendly way to heat our homes, wood-burning stoves might actually be a disaster for their owners’ health and for the climate via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Lack of Exercise Might Invite Dementia
Study found being sedentary may make you as vulnerable as those whose genes put them at risk for Alzheimer's
Source: HealthDay via Exercise and Physical Fitness New Links: MedlinePlus RSS Feed Read More Here..
Patients face severe pain before hip surgery
| CCGs raise pain threshold for referral to cut £2.1m from joint replacement surgery costs Related items from OnMedica Use of total hip replacement inconsistent and unfair Obese patients 'surgery ban' to be reviewed Smokers and overweight patients are being denied routine surgery Experts criticise arthritis patient referral delays CCGs wasting time with referral schemes |
Ensure GPs fully support hospitals over winter pressures
| NHS Providers call for urgent review of how NHS manages winter pressures and is funded Related items from OnMedica GPs unable to cope with demand as leaders admit funding shortfall GMC issues warning over impact of winter pressures Ongoing pressures putting NHS at risk of ‘serious lapses in care’ The incredible invisible bed crisis A&E four-hour target only for ‘urgent’ patients |
Akil Mitchell describes eyeball popping out during basketball game
"With the palm of my hand I felt my eyeball on the side of my face," Akil Mitchell says. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Free soda: France bans unlimited sugary drink refills
Fat is a real public health issue with adult overweight or obesity levels just below the EU average. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Pregnancy BMI has little impact on children’s fatness
| Genetics explains most of the association between maternal BMI and child fatness Related items from OnMedica Care remains poor for pregnant women with diabetes Gestational diabetes for obese women raises risk of lasting problem Obese women on the pill more likely to have rare stroke Dieting safe for pregnant overweight women, study concludes Low birthweight linked to higher mortality right up to adolescence |
Oral device improves sleep apnoea and related symptoms
| But patients with mild daytime sleepiness had no cardiovascular benefit from the device Related items from OnMedica New implantable device may curb sleep apnoea in heart failure patients CPAP helps control BP in apnoea patients Sleep apnoea linked to earlier cognitive impairment Poor quality sleep linked to heart disease |
Anxiety and depression linked to higher cancer death risk
| Death rates in psychologically distressed people consistently higher for some cancers Related items from OnMedica £5m research for cancer diagnosis in GP surgeries Depression in cancer patients 'neglected' Depression associated with lower breast cancer survival Spending on public mental health is ‘negligible’ Mental illness three times as common in young women as in young men |
On The Pulse - January 2017
| MRI scan could improve prostate cancer diagnosis |
Girls feel 'less talented' by age six
"Disheartening" results suggest children's future careers could be affected, according to US researchers. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Thursday, 26 January 2017
How LSD affects the brain and creates its trippy effect
There's renewed interest in using LSD to treat a range of psychiatric conditions. New findings probe how it works and hint at ways to use it therapeutically via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Human-pig 'chimera embryos' detailed
Embryos that are about 0.001% human could lead to human organs being grown in animals. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Three ways to find your purpose in life and reap the benefits
Having a sense of what you want to do with your life can help you live longer, slash your risk of disease and improve your sex life – and it’s easy to do via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Appeal right granted in abortion pills case
A mother accused of buying abortion pills online is granted leave to seek a Judicial Review into a decision to prosecute her. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Swedish anti-abortion midwife sues officials in job claim
A Swedish midwife who refuses to carry out abortions sues a health authority for not employing her. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
UK child health near bottom in Europe
| Alarming gap between rich and poor is putting children’s health in jeopardy warns College Related items from OnMedica The health needs of the teenager Child type 2 diabetes is a ‘wake-up call’ to the nation Large child health variations across country Abused children unable to access mental health services Fewer than ever women smoke at point of birth |
Experts query treatment of mild hypothyroidism in pregnancy
| It cuts pregnancy loss but is linked to preterm delivery, gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia Related items from OnMedica New guidelines on epilepsy in pregnancy Diabetes in pregnancy Carcinoma of the thyroid Amiodarone: thyroid monitoring |
£5m research for cancer diagnosis in GP surgeries
| New diagnostic methods will save GPs’ and patients’ time and reduce patients’ anxiety Related items from OnMedica Women with brain cancer face unacceptable delays in diagnosis Improving cancer diagnosis Meeting cancer promises and more – a new model for NHS diagnostics? UK slower to diagnose child cancer than Germany £400m cancer revamp calls for speedy GP referral |
Continuous glucose monitoring beneficial in type 1 diabetes
| CGM improved control and cut the median daily duration of hypoglycaemia by nearly half Related items from OnMedica Overview of type 1 diabetes 3.8 million people in England have diabetes Upwardly mobile Intensive treatment of type 2 diabetes with microalbuminuria reaps benefits NICE recommends tighter blood sugar control in diabetes |
Health professionals vary hugely in disability assessments
| High variability and often low reliability in medical evaluations of work disability Related items from OnMedica Learning disability health checks People with diabetes 50% more likely to have physical disability Tough disability assessments linked to rise in suicides Community pharmacies are uniquely positioned to help people with disabilities More help needed for people with learning disability and dementia |
Artificial intelligence 'as good as cancer doctors'
AI can identify skin cancer in photographs with the same accuracy as doctors, say scientists. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Boost Confidence with Brain Training
Confidence is an attractive and necessary quality to succeed in business, relationships, and life. But, it is a subjective and, sometimes, misunderstood characteristic. From the painfully shy to the arrogantly over-confident, what makes people think and feel what they think and feel about themselves? The authors of a new study report that they have uncovered brain activity patterns that are associated with confidence. And, what’s more, they say that people can be trained to have more confidence.
The new study, published in Nature Communications, used imaging techniques and a method of neural activation called decoded neurofeedback to analyze the brain activity patterns of 17 young-adult participants. The participants engaged in simple perceptual and behavioral exercises that allowed the team of researchers to identify low-confidence and high-confidence brain activity patterns. Next, the participants were given a small monetary reward every time the researchers detected a high-confidence state. The participants also rated their own levels of confidence after the tasks. In the end, the participants unconsciously raised their levels of confidence, in real time, even though they were unaware of the manipulation.
Self-confidence is generally a belief in one’s own abilities. It is a complex internal, emotional state—influenced by myriad factors—that describes how we feel about ourselves. A lack of self-confidence can lead to shyness, social anxiety, lack of assertiveness, communication difficulties, and mental health problems. These factors can, in turn, negatively impact activity levels, relationships, and careers.
To date, self-confidence has been primarily assessed through introspection and self-reports. However, recently, the deeply subjective nature of self-confidence has been examined as an objective quality. Through functional imaging techniques, scientists are beginning to develop neural models for the feelings of confidence, and these new findings have important implications for psychiatry and psychology, as well as understandings of behavior and decision-making.
Self-confidence does not look or feel the same for all people, and, regardless of objective measures of brain activity, it will continue to be an individualized phenomenon, for the most part. The new study does not leave readers with any self-help steps that can be used to improve self-confidence outside of a laboratory setting, but it does support the perspective that self-confidence is flexible and fluid. The finding that self-confidence can be changed by training one’s brain may bring the scientific world one step closer to understanding just how and why certain mental states exist—and, what can be done to change them.
References
Cortese A, Amano K, Koizumi, A, et al. Multivoxel neurofeedback selectively modulates confidence without changing perceptual performance. Nat Commun. 2016;7:13669. PMID: 27976739.
Fleming SM, Maniscalco B, Ko Y, et al. Action-specific disruption of perceptual confidence. Psychol Sci. 26(1):89-98. PMID: 25425059.
Kepecs A, Mainen ZF. A computational framework for the study of confidence in humans and animals. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Soc. 2012;367(1594):1322-1337. PMID: 22492750.
Kepecs A, Mensh BD. Emotor control: computations underlying bodily resource allocation, emotions, and confidence. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2015;17(4):391-401. PMID: 26869840.
via Brain Blogger Read More Here..Wednesday, 25 January 2017
Is the 'legal highs' ban working?
It is eight months since the UK government banned the drugs that were known as "legal highs". Benjamin Zand reports. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Gene-blocking therapy reverses Alzheimer’s-like symptoms in mice
An antisense therapy that targets tau protein tangles in the brain has improved memory and extended lifespan in mice, and successfully targeted tau in monkeys via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
WHO Executive Board announces the names of the 3 nominees for the post of WHO Director-General
WHO Executive Board announces the names of the 3 nominees for the post of WHO Director–General. via WHO news Read More Here..
Gene editing has saved the lives of two children with leukaemia
Two young girls are both doing well more than a year after being treated with gene-edited cells. Clinical trials of the therapy are now getting started via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
First meeting of two girls with same genetic condition
Caitlyn Thompson and Tamika Kyd have the same rare genetic disorder, recently discovered by Sanger Institute scientists. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Should NHS limit spending on treatments for rare diseases?
As pressures on the National Health Service grow, should costly new treatments for rare diseases get a tougher ride, wonders Zara Aziz via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Animals that grow designer organs for humans are a step closer
For the first time mouse pancreases have developed in rats, with islet cells used to cure mouse diabetes. This raises hopes we could grow human organs in pigs via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
AI rivals dermatologists at spotting early signs of skin cancer
A neural network performs as well as dermatologists at spotting cancerous moles and could let people check any skin lesions at home with an app via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Drilling into my skull and injecting stem cells helped my stroke
After having a stroke in 2014, Evelyn Hilton volunteered to have stem cells injected into her brain to help treat the condition via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
GP full-time workforce numbers dropped last year
| Almost 100 fewer full-time equivalent GPs in England in past year Related items from OnMedica Staff shortages now outweigh funding fears in NHS PM ‘scapegoating’ GPs for endangering patients Five-year plan for general practice unveiled A third of practices wait over a year to fill GP staff posts Make GP a more attractive career, agree MPs |
The Alzheimer's problem: Why are we struggling to find a cure?
Touted breakthroughs keep coming to nothing. Are we close to a cure, or have we got the disease all wrong? The results of three trials should tell us via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
A meaning to life: How a sense of purpose can keep you healthy
It helps prevent heart attack and stroke, staves off dementia, enables people to sleep better, have better sex and live longer. Oh, and it’s free via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Greatest gift
From being "best woman" at his wedding to donating a kidney - what one woman is doing for her best friend. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Bad air
Daytime in the city: Will we still work in offices in future and how damaging is urban air to our health? via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
In pictures
Photographer Ed Gold spends a day in the life of a Pole working in a UK hospital. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
GPs need support to convince public to stop expecting antibiotics
| NICE/PHE guidance says public must be better educated on antimicrobial resistance Related items from OnMedica Tackling antimicrobial resistance Over 90% of people recognise importance of self-care GP antibiotic prescribing falling faster than ever Patient safety alert issued on antimicrobial resistance |
Guidance on when doctors should break patient confidentiality
| GMC guide says absolute patient confidentiality has limits Related items from OnMedica GPs tell DVLA about patients who should not be driving GPs warned to seek patient consent before communicating by email Use of confidential data should be rebalanced in patients’ favour Confidentiality is top risk for GPs |
Early menarche and nulliparity linked to early menopause
| Global study shows women starting menstruation at 11 have 80% higher risk of menopause before 40 Related items from OnMedica Menopause and HRT – Overview of NICE guidelines Don’t deny menopausal women HRT and explain pros and cons, doctors told Timing of menstruation linked to longevity in women Timing of menopause linked to risk of type 2 diabetes Smoking linked to earlier menopause |
Sex is painful for nearly one in 10 women, study finds
Nearly one in 10 British women finds sex painful, according to a large study. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Personality linked to 'differences in brain structure'
People with neurotic tendencies have differently shaped brains to people who are more open-minded, research suggests. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Volunteers are cuddling vulnerable babies
Drug addicted babies are being cuddled by specially recruited hospital volunteers. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
UK lung cancer survival rates are improving
| 7% rise in one-year survival for lung cancer patients Related items from OnMedica Air pollution may shorten lung cancer patient survival Brain radiotherapy shows 'no benefit' in metastatic lung cancer First new cancer drug introduced under Cancer Drugs Fund Blood test could help predict response to lung cancer treatment Survival rates rise for lung cancer surgery |
Starting periods at a young age is linked to early menopause
Girls who begin menstruating before their 12th birthday may be more likely to hit the menopause before age 40, and find it more difficult to have children via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Tuesday, 24 January 2017
Many more people could still die from mad cow disease in the UK
A man who has died of vCJD has shown that the disease can affect a second genetic subtype of people. It’s likely these people take longer to develop symptoms via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Real-life psychopaths actually have below-average intelligence
They may be manipulative, dishonest and callous, but the typical psychopath is no Hannibal Lecter. In fact, they tend to get lower scores on intelligence tests via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Abortion policy
A look at why a photo of Mr Trump and a group of men making an abortion ruling has gone viral. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Why You Should Eat Breakfast Post-Workout to Burn More Fat
SPONSORED BY BELVITA
I'm a morning exerciser. Sometimes it's hard to set my alarm for an early wake-up (and not hit snooze when it goes off). But I work out because I love the way it makes me feel—stronger, faster, healthier, less stressed, the list goes on. Regular exercise does more than help you lose and maintain your weight. It also helps keep your brain sharp. And, studies indicate that people who regularly exercise live longer. Since I want to get the most out of each workout I eat breakfast after my workout.
Exercise Rates Often Decline After Cancer Diagnosis
But researchers say physical activity can improve recovery and survival chances
Source: HealthDay via Exercise and Physical Fitness New Links: MedlinePlus RSS Feed Read More Here..
Source: HealthDay via Exercise and Physical Fitness New Links: MedlinePlus RSS Feed Read More Here..
Brazil sees sharp rise in yellow fever cases
Two million doses of yellow fever vaccine are sent to Minas Gerais state after a rise in cases. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Bed-blocking patient evicted after two years 'did not want to stay'
The man, who was eventually evicted from his bed, says the hospital made it impossible to leave. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
The incredible invisible bed crisis
| Primary care’s metaphorical beds must be as visible as those in hospital Related items from OnMedica Treatment of whistleblowers a “stain on NHS”, say MPs Practice sees huge benefits from integration Hospitals in Wales failing to give GPs discharge information BMA calls for maximum number of patients per GP Primary Care Home has positive impact on care and services |
WHO Executive Board agrees on an initial short list of candidates to the post of WHO Director-General
WHO Executive Board agrees on an initial short list of candidates to the post of WHO Director-General via WHO news Read More Here..
Mahmoud Fikri appointed as Regional Director for the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region
WHO's Executive Board, currently holding its 140th session in Geneva, has appointed Dr Mahmoud Fikri, from United Arab Emirates (UAE) as WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO), following his nomination by the Regional Committee for EMRO in October last year. via WHO news Read More Here..
Compensation payouts for poor out-of-hours care top £30m
| MDU says claims related to GP out-of-hours and unscheduled care are rising Related items from OnMedica GP indemnity costs set to rise if personal injury awards calculation changes Extra GP-targeted investment would benefit whole NHS Excessive workload driving GPs to breaking point PM ‘scapegoating’ GPs for endangering patients BMA calls for maximum number of patients per GP |
More help needed for people with learning disability and dementia
| People with learning disability five times more likely to develop dementia Related items from OnMedica Learning disability health checks 'Homes not hospitals’ for people with learning disability Community pharmacies are uniquely positioned to help people with disabilities Personalising support for people living with autism Dementia care – tending the roots of identity |
Help to prevent falls in hospital
| New tool makes for speedy assessment of potential vision problems Related items from OnMedica Virtual reality treadmill training could help prevent falls Brain activity may predict falls risk in older adults Vitamin D reduces respiratory infections but may increase falls for older adults Hospitals must adapt to better support dementia patients Elderly failed by broken care system |
Model Hanne Gaby Odiele reveals she is intersex to 'break taboo'
Hanne Gaby Odiele reveals she was born with undescended testicles, saying it is 'not a big deal'. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Skin patch could provide early warning of osteoarthritis
| Aircraft safety technology being used to detect inaudible evidence of disease Related items from OnMedica Arthritis patients wait too long for referral Combined diet and exercise effective against knee osteoarthritis Taking the sting out of osteoarthritis No role for paracetamol in treating pain in osteoarthritis |
Britons urged to get back on two wheels
| Survey reveals four out of ten households don't own a bicycle Related items from OnMedica Higher weekly activity levels linked to lower risk of five chronic diseases Every minute of exercise lowers heart risk Promote exercise not surgery to cut obesity and diabetes, say MPs Doctors urged to prescribe more exercise Even athletes can’t outrun the effects of a bad diet |
Banks face mental health challenge
Banks must offer simple account options to help those with mental health conditions, a think tank says. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Organ trafficking
Alert raised after patients from UK, Canada and Australia develop complications following kidney transplants. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
What we can learn from the Dutch approach to bringing up kids
A British mum who lives in Amsterdam and an Asian-American are sharing their insights in a book called The Happiest Kids in the World. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Monday, 23 January 2017
Premature babies benefit from compact MRI scanner
Doctors in Sheffield are pioneering the use of a compact neonatal MRI scanner, one of only two in the world. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Injections of sex-related hormone increase arousal in the brain
A small study has found that injections of a hormone called kisspeptin can enhance the response of young men’s brains to sexual or romantic pictures of couples via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Trump executive order cracks down on abortion funding
The new US president signed an executive order which will prevent foreign groups receiving money. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
China birth rate up after one-child rule change
Many of the 17.86 million babies born in China last year already had an older sibling, say officials. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
'Filthy air' prompts 'very high' pollution alert for London
A "very high" pollution warning is issued for London for the first time under a new alert system. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
You are hallucinating right now to make sense of the world
Understanding what is happening in the brain during hallucinations reveals how we’re having them all the time and how they shape our perception of reality via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Suicidal inmate let down by prison health service
| Jury found death was 'contributed to by neglect' Related items from OnMedica Rise in prison suicides linked to mental health problems Deaths in detention for people with mental illness are avoidable Prison suicides hit 25-year high Mental health needs better management in criminal justice system Mentally-ill children locked in police cells |
Plan-based Diet and Uprooting the Leading Causes of Death - by Michael Greger, M.D. (video)
Plan-based Diet and Uprooting the Leading Causes of Death - by Michael Greger, M.D. (video), a lecture and Q&A session at Tompkins County Public Library, Ithaca, NY:
via CasesBlog - Medical and Health Blog More READ
'Cancer risk' in browned toast and roast potatoes
| Food Standards Agency says overcooking creates potentially dangerous acrylamides Related items from OnMedica Mediterranean diet cuts womb cancer risk Eating more potatoes linked to higher risk of hypertension Processed meat 'early death' link Red meat could raise cancer risk, conclude experts Weight gain linked to cancer risk |
Dementia patients need more support at diagnosis
| Survey of 1,000 patients reveals they want more information at an early stage Related items from OnMedica Dementia care – tending the roots of identity GPs test adding dementia component to midlife NHS Health Check Dementia now leading cause of death in England and Wales Women with dementia get less care than men Noisy hospitals can accelerate decline in dementia |
Bereaved parents call for routine Strep B screening
| 250,000-signature petition says testing would prevent avoidable deaths and disability Related items from OnMedica New hopes for eradication of streptococcus B in children The risks posed by Group B Streptococcus infection Pregnant women will no longer to be screened for rubella susceptibility Local Strep B guidelines must be reviewed regularly, audit says |
Nurse shortages 'putting patients at risk'
| Survey reveals most hospitals fail to meet their own staffing targets Related items from OnMedica Unprecedented set of risk factors looming over nursing workforce Nurse leaders blame government for drop in nursing degree applicants Will removing bursaries for student nurses actually lead to more nursing staff? Nurses 'unable to afford basic necessities' Reducing hospital skills mix can be life threatening |
Newmarket organ donor baby, Hope Lee, was UK's youngest
The parents of the UK's youngest organ donor want to meet the woman whose life their baby daughter saved. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Browned toast and potatoes are 'potential cancer risk', say food scientists
Starchy food should be cooked golden yellow to cut intake of a possible cancer-causing chemical. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Is burnt toast a health risk?
Experts say bread should be cooked to a golden yellow colour to reduce our intake of a chemical which could cause cancer. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Are potatoes now a cancer risk? Here’s what you need to know
A UK health campaign is taking aim at a substance found in starchy foods cooked at high temperatures. But what exactly is the case against acrylamide? via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Sunday, 22 January 2017
Bed-blocking: 'Managers ask how long patient will live'
Bed-blocking is having a huge impact on hospitals. This A&E nurse says she's asked by management how many hours she thinks dying patients will live - because they need the beds. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Friday, 20 January 2017
James Paget Hospital patient evicted after two years
A hospital patient who occupied a bed for more than years was evicted after a hospital applied for a court order. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Tiger stripes
We explore exactly what stretch marks are after model Chrissy Teigen shows hers off on Twitter. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
PIP breast implants: French court tells TUV to pay damages
German safety body TUV is told to pay hefty compensation over the PIP breast implant scandal. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Continuity of maternity care to be priority for every woman in Scotland
| One of 76 proposals for national overhaul of maternity and newborn services Related items from OnMedica Maternity services 'positive experience' for most mothers Health secretary vows to make maternity care safer GPs to offer personal maternity budgets Maternity care findings ‘serious cause for concern’ Maternity care to become more ‘personalised’ |
We mustn’t let a superpower turn its back on rationality
Protesting the incoming Trump administration’s anti-science agenda may not be easy – but it’s vital not just for the US, but the world via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Record numbers of NHS frontline staff have had flu jab this winter
| Almost 62% so far, with proportion expected to rise in January and February Related items from OnMedica Nasal spray flu vaccine for children proving effective Flu vaccination programme extended to thousands more children Last winter’s death rate halved due to type of flu virus Flu during pregnancy not linked to child’s autism risk Record numbers of NHS staff receive flu vaccine |