14 March, 2013

Painkillers causing kidney disease among youngsters

Painkillers and stress-reducing medicines are the primary reason for kidney ailments in youngsters, said a leading urologist here on the eve of World Kidney Day Wednesday. ‘Young people use painkillers rampantly these days. Besides, they take stress-reducing medicines to deal with pressure. This wreaks havoc on their kidneys,’ Shivaji Basu, urologist at the Fortis Hospitals here, told IANS.

‘For any kind of pain, they (youngsters) take painkillers and this has become a trend. They do not realise that frequent use of such drugs is bad for their kidneys,’ Basu said. According to Basu, owing to fast paced lifestyle, youngsters are prone to pop a pill to combat any kind of problem. And since they are constantly travelling, they do not consume the required amount of water.

Basu also dubbed diabetes and blood pressure as ‘silent killers of the kidney’. ‘Earlier, aged people were affected by blood pressure and diabetes. Now the young generation is also affected by them.’‘Those who have problems of blood pressure should get their check-up done at least once a year for signs of kidney disorders,’ said Basu. The National Kidney Foundation of India estimates that about 100 people in a million suffer from kidney ailments in the country and around 90,000 kidney transplants are required annually in India.

Source: http://health.india.com

14.03.2013

BP pills can halve dementia risk

A blood pressure pill, which is taken by tens of thousands of patients, could be the key to beating Alzheimer's disease.

British scientists believe that the 3p a day tablet could slow progression of the disease and even combat devastating memory loss, the Daily Express reported.

Experts at the University of Bristol hope that the drug losartan will be so effective that high blood pressurepatients could routinely be given it to protect long-term against Alzheimer's.

The university's Dr Pat Kehoe is launching a ground-breaking four-year 2-million-pound UK trial.

"Without wishing to get ahead of ourselves, the beauty of this drug, if it is found to work as we expect, is that it is already available and is cheap," he said.

Previous research has found that people on losartan for high blood pressure also appeared to be significantly protected against dementia - in fact, it is thought to slash the risk by as much as 50 percent.

Now, the scientists hope to test the drug on dementia sufferers. They believe losartan could slow down Alzheimer's by improving blood flow in the brain and altering chemical pathways that cause brain cell damage, brain shrinkage and memory problems.

The ultimate test of any potential new treatment strategy is success in clinical trials, so it is encouraging to see this trial getting underway.

Losartan, and related drugs working in a similar way, have been found to block a naturally occurring chemical called angiotensin II, which prevents the release of vital memory chemicals in the brain.

The new trial will use brain imaging on an estimated 230 patients to measure if losartan helps to reduce brain shrinkage that is strongly linked with reduced memory function and discover if the drug improves memory and quality of life.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

14.03.2013

If you judge people, you have no time to love them

Mother Teresa

13 March, 2013

Junk food in pregnancy puts child's health at risk

A new study has shed light on why a healthy diet during pregnancy is critical to the future health of your children.

The study found that pregnant mothers who consume junkfood actually cause changes in the development of the opioid signaling pathway in the brains of their unborn children, resulting in the babies being less sensitive to opioids, which are released upon consumption of foods that are high in fat and sugar.

In turn, these children, born with a higher "tolerance" to junk food need to eat more of it to achieve a "feel good" response. "The results of this research will ultimately allow us to better inform pregnant women about the lasting effect their diet has on the development of their child's lifelong good preferences and risk of metabolic disease," said Beverly Muhlhausler, Ph.D., a researcher involved in the work from the FOODplus Research Centre at the School of Agriculture Food and Wine at The University of Adelaide in Adelaide, Australia.

"Hopefully, this will encourage mothers to make healthier diet choices which will lead to healthier children," he added.

To make this discovery, Muhlausler and colleagues studied the pups of two groups of rats, one of which had been fed a normal rat food and the other which had been fed a range of human "junk foods" during pregnancy and lactation.

After weaning, the pups were given daily injections of an opioid receptor blocker, which blocks opioid signaling. Blocking opioid signaling lowers the intake of fat and sugar by preventing the release of dopamine.

Results showed that the opioid receptor blocker was less effective at reducing fat and sugar intake in the pups of the junk food fed mothers, suggesting that the opioid signaling pathway in these offspring is less sensitive than for pups whose mothers are eating a standard rat feed.

The research has been published in the March 2013 issue of The FASEB Journal.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

13.03.2013

Delaying stenting can help heart attack patients: Research

Delaying in placing a stent - a meshtube placed in artery to improve blood flow - in patients who have suffered a 'high risk' heart attack could aid their recovery, a new research has claimed. The usual procedure in patients who have suffered a ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) 'heart attack in which the coronary artery is totally blocked' and who are at risk of 'no reflow' is to immediately insert a stent to reopen the blocked artery.

But, a study by Professor Colin Berry and colleagues at the University of Glasgow and the Golden Jubilee National Hospital, presented to the American College of Cardiology (ACC) on March 9, found deferring stenting in such cases was beneficial.

A STEMI heart attack occurs when the coronary artery is totally blocked resulting in prolonged interruption to the blood supply if not treated promptly. 'No-reflow' is a phenomenon where, although blood flow through the blocked artery is restored, blood still cannot return to the oxygen-starved area of the heart.

About 40 per cent of people who have had a STEMI heart attack are at risk of 'no reflow.'

The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and the Chief Scientist Office of NHS Scotland, involved 101 patients who had suffered a STEMI heart attack and were at high risk of 'no reflow.'

In one group of patients the researchers inserted a stent straight away, and in the other stenting was delayed. Prof Berry, of the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences and Honorary Consultant Cardiologist at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital said, "we are really excited about the potential clinical impact of our trial results."

The evidence suggests that no-reflow and thrombotic events were reduced with deferred stenting. Deferred stenting means there is a period of time where a healing process of sorts can take place. When the stent placement is deferred, it is placed in better circumstances.

However, bigger trials with a lengthier follow-up of patients would be needed before there is a change in clinical practice.

Source: www.indianexpress.com

13.03.2013

Winning isn't getting ahead of others. It's getting ahead of yourself

Roger Staubach

12 March, 2013

Lack of sleep puts you in bad mood

Here's something that will interest a lot of men. And, even women. A new study has revealed that lack of sleep makes women feel grumpy the next morning — so don't take their attitude too personally next time. While lack of sleep can affect both men and women, it seems that women are more affected because they require more sleep than men and can suffer mentally as well as physically if they don't get their precious snooze time. So if you haven't got adequate sleep the night before and are looking to change your mood, here are simple ways...

- Feel like biting everyone's head off? It is best you avoid interacting with people unless necessary. Stay alone for some time and ask yourself if it is worth saying or doing something that you might regret later.

- When you're in a bad mood, you are tempted to stick to a story that justifies it. Don't. Let it go. Only you are in charge of your mood and can change it.

- Generate positive feelings. Read inspirational quotes, listen to songs that uplift your mood, watch a movie, read your favourite book, go out shopping or eat your favourite snack.

- Spend some time with your pet. Just petting your pet will evoke a sense of calmness and well-being.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

12.03.2013

Why chocolate is good for your health

As Valentine's Day approaches, the American Chemical Society (ACS) - the world's largest scientific society, has released a new Bytesize Science video today featuring five chemistryfacts that highlight why chocolate, in moderation, may be good for you.

The video explains how a bar of chocolate contains hundreds of compounds, many with beneficial properties. 

Among the video's "sweet" facts were that chocolate may improve your mood, and not just because of its delicious flavor. 

Chocolate contains a number of chemicals that inhibit the breakdown of the neurotransmitter anandamide — sometimes called "the molecule of bliss" — which can block feelings of pain and depression. 

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, stimulants that can provide a burst of energy. 

According to an article from the ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the naturally occurring polyphenols in cocoa - the key ingredient in chocolate - boost levels of HDL, commonly known as the "good cholesterol."

Source: www.timesofindia.com

12.03.2013

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end

Seneca

11 March, 2013

Why some people tend to get heart attacks in winter

Cholesterol levels seem to fluctuate significantly with the change of seasons, which may leave some people with borderline high cholesterol at greater cardiovascular risk during the winter months, a study has revealed.

While prior studies have shown that heart attacks and heart-related deaths increase during the winter months, researchers in Brazil were interested in finding out whether the prevalence of high cholesterol—a well-known cardiovascular risk factor—might follow a similar pattern.

"People should be aware that their cholesterol and triglyceride levels vary significantly year-round, which in some cases, may lead to a misinterpretation of a person's actual cardiovascular risk," Filipe Moura, MD, a PhD student at the State University of Campinas, Brazil and the study's lead investigator said.

"This should especially concern those who are near the upper cholesterol limit as they may be at higher risk than expected. This is not to say these patients should have check-ups all the time, but we do have to keep a close eye on them and know seasonal variation may play a role," he said. Researchers prospectively evaluated the lipid profiles of 227,359 individuals who had health check-ups in primary care centers in the city of Campinas, Brazil, between 2008 and 2010.

In this analysis—the largest study to date to evaluate cholesterol levels by season—data reveal that low density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol increased an average of 7mg/dL during the winter compared to summer.

Researchers said that this moderate, but significant, increase in LDL cholesterol was enough to result in an 8 percent overall increase in the prevalence of high cholesterol during the winter. While the rise in LDL was more pronounced in women and middle-aged people, Dr. Moura said that this is most likely due to the larger sample size in these categories after stratification by sex and age.

Cholesterol levels during the summer months painted a very different picture, with higher levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good" cholesterol, and triglycerides, which were respectively 9 percent and 5 percent more prevalent.

Along with the environmental changes of each season also come alterations in exercise and dietary habits that can influence cholesterol levels. For example, people tend to exercise less and consume a greater number of calories and fatty foods in the winter.

The shorter days of winter also mean less sun exposure and subsequently lower concentrations of vitamin D. Vitamin D has been shown to improve the ratio of bad to good cholesterol.

Source: www.indianexpress.com

11.03.2013

Where there is movement, there is improvement

Rick Helders

9 March, 2013

World Bank and Planning Commission to analyse medicine use for better healthcare delivery

In a bid to improve provision of healthcare services, a study on responsible use of medicines and consensus-building on drug policy will be undertaken, under the aegis of the World Bank and the Planning Commission, a statement released on Friday said. IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics will be involved in these studies, according to a statement released by them. ‘Discussions are underway to initiate research projects with the Planning Commission of the Government of India on patient access to affordable medicines and healthcare, and with the World Bank on responsible medicine use in India and Bangladesh,’ Amit Backliwal, general manager, South Asia, IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics said.

As part of the Planning Commission study, the IMS Institute would build consensus among healthcare stakeholders and recommend a framework to provide effective, appropriate and sustainable access to medicines. ‘The study will start by May, and bring together leading policy advisors, educators, researchers and medical care providers to initiate research activities and apply evidence-based approaches to address this key healthcare issue. Responsible use of medicines is a global hot topic. We have already started audit of doctor’s prescription,’ Backliwal said. He also elaborated that the study with the World Bank would assess the potential impact of improvements in responsible medicine use from both a health outcomes and cost savings perspective.

‘The study will look into the increased medicine adherence by addressing patient beliefs and behaviours at the point of prescription and during medicine intake. It will also look upon on how to manage polypharmacy where the concurrent use of multiple medicines, particularly among the elderly, risks costly complications,’ he added.

Source: http://health.india.com

09.03.2013

Loneliness taxes your immune system

Don't take loneliness lightly- it could harm your immune system and health, says a new study.

Loneliness spurs production of proteins signalling the presence of inflammation, linked to coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer's disease, as well as the frailty and functional decline that can accompany aging, say researchers.

"It is clear from previous research that poor-quality relationships are linked to a number of health problems, including premature mortality and all sorts of other very serious health conditions," says Lisa Jaremka, postdoctoral fellow at the Institute for Behavioural Medicine Research at the Ohio State University, who led the research.

"One reason this type of research is important is to understand how loneliness and relationships broadly affect health. The more we understand about the process, the more potential there is to counter those negative effects- to perhaps intervene," adds Jaremka, according to an Ohio statement.

The results are based on a series of studies conducted with two populations: a healthy group of overweight middle-aged adults and a group of breast cancer survivors.

The researchers measured loneliness in all studies using the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, a questionnaire that assesses perceptions of social isolation and loneliness.

Jaremka presented the research at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology annual meeting in New Orleans.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

09.03.2013

In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure

Bill Cosby

8 March, 2013

Plumbers, spray painters at higher risk for asthma

Asthma is among the most common adult diseases in the world. Despite the fact that the risks of chemical exposure have long been known and that there are well-established recommendations for handling chemicals and protective equipment, many cases of asthma are still caused by exposure to toxic substances at work.

A study at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg has tracked asthma cases among 13,000 randomly selected adults in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Estonia from 1980 to 2000.

According to the study, 429 people had asthma during this period. Seven percent of cases among women were linked to workplace exposure—and among men, the number

The study found that total incidence was 1.3 asthma cases per 1,000 men, and 2.4 cases per 1,000 women.

"To be able to work proactively, it is essential to show which substances at work increase the risk of asthma and which occupations are high-risk," said Linnea Lillienberg, researcher at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg.

Spray painters, who are exposed to diisocyanates in paint, and plumbers, who handle adhesives and foam insulation are among the high-risk occupations, according to the study

Others include cleaners, who handle detergents; health care and social services personnel, who are exposed to detergents and latex in latex gloves, especially if the gloves contain powder; food and tobacco industry workers, who are exposed to proteins from the vegetable kingdom and hair stylists, who handle chemicals in bleach and nail beauticians, who use fast-acting glue.

"Some people are more susceptible than others. For example, people with hay fever have asthma more often if they're exposed to proteins from plants and animals," said Linnea Lillienberg.

"But if we look at individuals with no increased susceptibility, the risk was greater among those who were exposed to epoxy and diisocyanates, which are found in glue, varnish and foam plastic. Among women without hay fever, the risk was particularly elevated among those who handled detergents," Lillienberg added.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

08.03.2013

Too much salt may trigger autoimmune diseases

High salt intake may not only increase the risk of heart disease, but also cause asthma, eczema and multiple sclerosis, a new study has found.

A team of scientists from Yale University in the US and the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, in Germany, say salty diets could be partly to blame for autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue instead of fighting pathogens.

This study is the first to indicate that excess salt intake may be one of the environmental factors driving the increased incidence of autoimmune diseases.

Markus Kleinewietfeld and David Hafler from Yale University US observed changes in CD4 positive T helper cells (Th) in humans, immune cells which were associated with specific dietary habits. Helper T cells are alerted of imminent danger by the cytokines of other cells of the immune system.

They activate and "help" other effector cells to fight dangerous pathogens and to clear infections. A specific subset of T helper cells produces the cytokine interleukin 17 and is therefore called Th17 for short.

Evidence is mounting that Th17 cells, apart from fighting infections, play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Salt dramatically boosts the induction of aggressive Th17 immune cells.

In cell culture experiments, the researchers showed that increased sodium chloride can lead to a dramatic induction of Th17 cells in a specific cytokine milieu.

"In the presence of elevated salt concentrations this increase can be ten times higher than under usual conditions," Kleinewietfeld and Professor Dominik N Muller said in a statement. Under the new high salt conditions, the cells undergo further changes in their cytokine profile, resulting in particularly aggressive Th17 cells.

In mice, increased dietary salt intake resulted in a more severe form of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a model for multiple sclerosis.

Source: www.indianexpress.com

08.03.2013

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe

Anatole France

6 March, 2013

'Hair' raising surgery performed in Indore hospital

Doctors performed a rare surgery to remove two bunches of hair, weighing around 2.5 kg, from the stomach of a woman at a Government hospital here.

The woman, who had the habit of chewing and swallowing her own hair, had been suffering from severe stomach pain.

"After conducting surgery for nearly three hours we successfully removed two bunches of hair, weighing 2.5 kg, from the stomach of a woman," Arvind Ghanghoria, one of the 12 doctors involved in the operation at M Y Hospital, said today.

The first bunch of hair weighed 1.9 kg, while the second one was about 500 gm, he said.

The hair in the stomach caused severe pain and vomiting to the 25-year-old married woman, who had the habit of chewing and swallowing her own hair, Ghanghoria said.

The woman, who hails from Harda district, was admitted to the hospital recently. A medical examination revealed presence of tumour-like formations, which turned out to be unnatural growth caused by presence of hair, he said.

The woman's condition is stable after the complex surgery, the doctor added.

Source: www.indianexpress.com

06.03.2013

Lack of protein linked to dementia

A shortage of a protein called TDP-43 causes muscle wasting and stunted nerve cells, a new study has suggested.

This finding supports the idea that malfunction of this protein plays a decisive role in ALS and FTD. ALS is an incurable neurological disease which manifests as rapidly progressing muscle wasting.

Both limbs and respiratory muscles are affected. This leads to impaired mobility and breathing problems.

Patients commonly die within a few years after the symptoms emerged. In rare cases, of which the British physicist Stephen Hawking is the most notable, patients can live with the disease for a long time. In Germany estimates show over 150,000 patients suffering from ALS - an average of 1 in 500 people.

Over the last few years, there has been increasing evidence that ALS and FTD - a form of dementia associated with changes in personality and social behaviour - may have similar or even the same origins. The symptoms overlap and common factors have also been found at the microscopic level.

In many cases, particles accumulate and form clumps in the patient's nerve cells: this applies particularly to the TDP-43 protein.

"Normally, this protein is located in the cell nucleus and is involved in processing genetic information," molecular biologist Dr. Bettina Schmid, who works at the DZNE Munich site and at LMU said.

"However, in cases of disease, TDP-43 accumulates outside the nucleus forming aggregates," Schmid said. Schmid that it is not yet clear whether these clumps are harmful.

"However, the protein's normal function is clearly disrupted. It no longer reaches the nucleus to perform its actual task. There seems to be a relationship between this malfunction and the disease," Schmid said.

The study is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA (PNAS).

Source: www.indianexpress.com

06.03.2013

Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work hard