health $wellness blog

A recent study from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort identified specific plant-based dietary factors that influence premature aging in adult survivors of childhood cancer. The findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology focused on the potential of tailored nutrition interventions to promote healthy aging in this population. The study encompassed a total of 3,322 childhood cancer survivors aged 18 to 65 years and investigated the relationships between various plant foods and age-related deficit accumulation. Utilizing a comprehensive food frequency questionnaire helped assess the intake of total fruit, total vegetables, whole grains, refined grains, nuts or seeds and essential nutrients. Premature aging was measured using the deficit accumulation index (DAI) and categorized participants into low, medium and high-risk groups. Dark green vegetable intake demonstrated a significant protective effect, with a 53% reduced risk of premature aging (ORhigh vs. low = 0.47). Also, ...

South Korea: In a critical advancement for stroke care, a recent study has validated the Practical Assessment of Dysphagia (PAD) test as a reliable tool for evaluating swallowing difficulties in stroke patients. The findings, published in the Dysphagia journal, underscore the importance of accurate and efficient dysphagia assessment in improving patient outcomes post-stroke. The study showed the emergence of the PAD test as a robust screening tool for post-stroke dysphagia. Researchers found significant inter- & intra-rater reliabilities (Kappa coefficient), high internal consistency, and strong correlations between PAD scores & videofluoroscopic swallowing study results. High specificity and sensitivity further solidified its status as a go-to screening tool. As stroke remains a leading cause of disability worldwide, the validation of tools like the PADT represents a significant stride toward enhancing stroke care and rehabilitation efforts. By empowering healthcare provi...

People who take acid-reducing drugs may have a higher risk of migraine and other severe headache than people who do not take these medications, according to a study published in the April 24, 2024, online issue of Neurology Clinical Practice , an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The acid-reducing drugs include proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole and esomeprazole, histamine H2-receptor antagonists, or H2 blockers, such as cimetidine and famotidine, and antacid supplements. The study does not prove that acid-reducing drugs cause migraine; it only shows an association. Acid reflux is when stomach acid flows into the esophagus, usually after a meal or when lying down. People with acid reflux may experience heartburn and ulcers. People with frequent acid reflux may develop gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which can lead to cancer of the esophagus. “Given the wide usage of acid-reducing drugs and these potential implications with migraine, these r...

New Delhi: Granting approval for waiving off the Phase-IV study, the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) functional under the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has opined the drug major Novo Nordisk to conduct the Active Post Marketing Surveillance (PMS) study of Somapacitan Injection 5 mg/1.5 ml, 10mg/1.5ml and 15 mg/1.5 ml solution for injection in PFP. This came after Novo Nordisk presented the proposal for waiver of the Phase-IV clinical study imposed in the marketing authorization permission granted for the drug Somapacitan. Somapacitan is a long-acting recombinant human growth hormone derivative. Somatropin injection is used to replace growth hormone (a natural hormone produced by your body) in adults and children with growth hormone deficiency. Somatropin injection is also used to increase growth in children with certain conditions that affect normal growth and development. Somapacitan binds to the growth hormone receptor and induces intracellular signaling t...

New Delhi- Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIU) has started a new course named 'Nurse Practitioner Critical Care' for Nursing students for the academic session 2024-25, hence the University is inviting applications for admission forms. Along with this, through a notice, GGSIU has also explained the admission details and eligibility criteria of the course. ADMISSION CRITERIA Merit for admission will be based on interview (25% weightage to interview and 75% to marks obtained in the final qualifying examination). Also Read:  IP University Introduces Nurse Practitioner Critical Care Programme for Nursing Students, admissions open ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA i The candidate should be a Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife with any State Nursing Registration Council. ii The Minimum education requirements shall be the passing of- B.Sc. Nursing / B.Sc. (Hons.) Nursing / Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing/ M.Sc. Nursing with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks from an institution w...

Bhopal:  Amid the pressure from the medical students to address the allegations of toxic work culture allegations at Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, the institute has now finalized 8-12 duty hours and weekly off for the medical students. Confirming this, the GMC Dean Kavita N Singh told FPJ, "Roster system has been finalised for residents and we have fixed 8 to 12 hours duty and weekly off for the students. It will ease pressure and develop a healthy work culture." The General Secretary of JUDA, Dr. Kuldeep Gupta also confirmed that "In a meeting of the college council, GMC dean has fixed duty hours to 8-12 for PG students. The junior doctors will also get weekly offs." Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that alleging a toxic work culture, 5 resident doctors of GMC Bhopal had threatened to commit mass suicide on 31st May 2024 if the authorities did not address their complaints. The doctors demanded the authorities to stop the non-stop working hours which the...

Mumbai: Jaslok Hospital achieves a remarkable milestone in the field of orthopaedic surgery with the successful Total Knee Replacement (TKR) procedure on a 193 kg patient, marking a significant breakthrough in addressing the challenges faced by overweight individuals seeking knee surgery. Total Knee Replacement is a life-changing procedure for individuals suffering from debilitating knee pain, restoring mobility and enhancing their quality of life. However, overweight individuals often encounter barriers in accessing this treatment due to increased surgical risks and technical complexities. Also Read:Jaslok Hospital unveils groundbreaking results in Parkinson's disease management The case of 72-year-old Mr. Richard Koszarek, weighing 193 kg patient admitted to Jaslok Hospital, exemplifies the dedication and innovation required to overcome these challenges. Dr Rajesh Nawalkar, Senior Consultant Orthopedics & renowned orthopaedic surgeon, led the multidisciplinary team, inc...

New Delhi- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH)   are going to organise a workshop on “Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Disease Informatics” from 4th June 2024 to 7th June 2024. On this, ICMR-NIRRCH has issued an advertisement giving details on the workshop. This workshop by the Biomedical Informatics Centre at ICMR-NIRRCH aims to provide a platform for enhancing skills to effectively manage extensive biological datasets using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) through expert lectures in the field of disease informatics. Also Read:  JIPMER to hold Workshop on Mixed Methods Research in April, Details HOW TO APPLY Interested participants can enroll for the mentioned workshop through the link given in the advertisement. The workshop offers only 20 seats therefore, candidates are requested to register themselves as soon as possible on/bef...

A recent trial found that patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent placement may benefit more from a single antiplatelet therapy regimen after the first month by challenging the conventional 12-month dual therapy guideline. The findings were published in the recent edition of The Lancet journal. Traditionally, the international clinical guidelines have recommended a 12-month course of dual antiplatelet therapy that comprised aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor to reduce the risks of myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis. This study was conducted across a total of 58 centers in China, Italy, Pakistan and the United Kingdom with its findings suggesting a potential trend shift in the post-PCI care. This research included a total of 3,400 participants from the IVUS-ACS study and assessed the efficacy and safety of transitioning to ticagrelor monotherapy after just one month of dual therapy. The research w...

A recent study, conducted at the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, sheds light on the relationship between the Triglyceride-Glucose-Body Mass Index (TyG-BMI) index and the extent of coronary artery disease in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The findings offer valuable insights into potential risk markers for cardiovascular complications. This study was published in the journal BMC Cardiovascular Diabetology by Xueyuan Yang and colleagues. The study included 2,317 ACS patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. The key findings of the study were: Association with Coronary Artery Disease: TyG-BMI index was significantly associated with mid/high SYNTAX score in ACS patients. Odds Ratio (OR): 1.0041; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.0000-1.0079; p = 0.0310. Subgroup Analyses (Female ACS Patients): TyG-BMI index identified as an independent risk factor for mid/high SYNTAX score. OR: 1.0100; 95% CI: 1.0000-1.0200; p = 0.0050. R...

USA: A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation Insight has provided evidence that TMTC4 is a deafness gene in humans and further implicates the unfolded protein response (UPR) in progressive hearing loss. The gene that links deafness to cell death in the inner ear in humans – creates new opportunities for averting hearing loss. A person’s hearing can be damaged by loud noise, ageing and even certain medications, with little recourse beyond a hearing aid or cochlear implant.  Now, UCSF scientists have achieved a breakthrough in understanding what is happening in the inner ear during hearing loss, laying the groundwork for preventing deafness. The research links animal studies on hearing loss with a rare type of inherited deafness in humans. In both cases, mutations to the TMTC4 gene trigger a molecular domino effect known as the unfolded protein response (UPR), leading to the death of hair cells in the inner ear. Intriguingly, hearing loss from loud noi...

UK: A recent study published in Clinical Radiology has shown contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) to be a useful tool for the local staging of lobular breast carcinomas. It could be an alternative to breast MRI. The study found superior sensitivity of CEM compared to standard mammography; MRI and CEM overestimate tumour size similarly. "Traditionally, breast MRI has been used in many centres for preoperative staging, but CEM appears to be a suitable alternative,” the researchers wrote. Invasive lobular carcinoma is the second most histological breast cancer type after invasive ductal carcinoma. It accounts for 5% to 15% of the cases, but the previous reports suggest that there is a rise in the incidence of lobular carcinoma at a faster rate than other breast cancer subtypes. It is also reported that mammography and ultrasound tend to underestimate lesion size in lobular carcinoma cases. Also, this type of breast cancer is less likely to be detected by mammography due to the ...

Canada: Chronic rhinitis, a persistent inflammation of the nasal passages, affects millions worldwide, causing significant discomfort and impairing quality of life. However, a recent systematic review has shed light on a potentially groundbreaking treatment option: cryoablation. This minimally invasive procedure involves freezing the nerves responsible for rhinitis symptoms, offering hope for those who have struggled to find relief through traditional therapies. ClariFix is a novel intranasal cryotherapy device introduced in Canada in 2021. The study, published in the Journal of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery , is the first systematic review evaluating its efficacy and safety profile. The review revealed a significant reduction in validated outcome scores at multiple time intervals across all studies. Further, the treatment was safe, with only minor adverse effects reported by patients. Overall, the consensus from this study showed an apparent benefit in using this interven...

Living at higher altitudes in India is linked to an increased risk of stunted growth, with children living in homes 2000 metres or more above sea level 40% more at risk than those living 1000 metres below, finds research published in the open access journal BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health. Children living in rural areas seem to be the most vulnerable, prompting the researchers to advocate prioritising nutritional programmes in hilly and mountainous regions of the country. Despite various initiatives, childhood stunting, caused by chronic malnutrition, remains a major public health challenge in India, affecting over a third of 5-year olds, note the researchers. While research from other countries indicates a link between residential altitude and stunting, it’s not clear if this might also be applicable in India, where a substantial number of people live more than 2500 metres above sea level. To explore this further, the researchers drew on data from the 2015–16 National Famil...

New research by Joseph Reiner and colleagues at Virginia Commonwealth University shows promise for a urine-based test for ovarian cancer. Reiner will present their research at the 68th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting, to be held February 10 - 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Previous research showed that there are thousands of small molecules, called peptides, in the urine of people with ovarian cancer. While it is possible to detect those molecules using certain well-established techniques, those techniques aren't straightforward or cost effective. Reiner sought a new approach to more easily detect those peptides. He turned to nanopore sensing, which has the potential to simultaneously detect multiple peptides. The basic idea of nanopore sensing involves passing molecules through a tiny pore, or nanopore, and measuring the changes in electrical current or other properties as the molecules move through. To harness the nanopore technology to detect various peptides, Re...

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology highlighted the increased risk of heart disease associated with higher Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a) levels in a large, multi-ethnic U.S. cohort. The study utilized data from five major U.S. prospective studies that provided significant insights into the genetic risk factors which contributes to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The research analyzed data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA), the Jackson Heart Study (JHS), the Framingham Heart Study-Offspring (FHS-OS) and the Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities (ARIC) study. These studies included a diverse group of 27,756 participants aged between 20 to 79 years without any previous cardiovascular incidents of which 55% were women and 35.6% were identified as Black. The participants were tracked for an average of 21.1 years, during which their Lp(a) levels were closely...

Obesity is a prevalent health concern, and effective weight loss interventions are crucial. However, sustaining weight loss over the long term poses significant challenges. Pragmatic and scalable interventions are needed to address this issue, especially in primary care settings where patients often seek guidance for weight management. A recent clinical trial aimed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of an automated, online, behavioral obesity treatment program in primary care and to compare different weight loss maintenance approaches. This study was published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine by J. Graham and colleagues. To assess the effectiveness of an automated, online, behavioral obesity treatment program over 12 and 24 months in primary care patients with overweight or obesity and to compare various weight loss maintenance approaches. A randomized clinical trial recruited participants from a Rhode Island primary care network and offered a 3-month weight loss program...

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect people of all ages, a new study has delved into the reasons why older individuals face a higher risk of severe illness from the virus. The study found that  the most severe impact was seen in the oldest adults, who exhibited higher levels of pro-inflammatory genes and proteins during severe disease, indicating that the body’s response to the virus becomes increasingly dysregulated with age. The study results were published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.  The research, conducted on a cohort of 1,031 vaccine-naïve patients hospitalized for COVID-19, aimed to unravel the mysteries behind the relationship between age and disease severity. Led by a team of researchers, the study focused on analyzing the immune response of individuals across a wide age range, from 18 to 96 years old. Using advanced techniques such as mass cytometry, serum protein profiling, antibody assays, and transcriptomics, the scientists explored ho...

Researchers have found in a new study that exposure to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) during pregnancy did not demonstrate an increased risk of specific adverse outcomes overall among mother or fetus. The cohort study delved into the risks associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) exposure during pregnancy, addressing concerns about maternal and fetal health outcomes. The findings from the study shed light on the safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) during pregnancy, addressing concerns about maternal and fetal health outcomes. With the widespread use of ICIs in cancer treatment, understanding their impact on pregnancy-related adverse events is crucial for informed clinical decision-making and patient care. The study aimed to assess the risk of adverse outcomes associated with ICI exposure compared to other anticancer agents, providing valuable insights into the safety profile of these medications during pregnancy. This study was published in JAMA Network Open...

New research published today in the journal Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology sheds light on disease mechanisms common to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Led by Dr Leticia Camargo Tavares, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Hypertension Research Laboratory within Monash University’s School of Biological Sciences, the study reveals novel insights into the genetic underpinnings of IBS, offering potential avenues for therapeutic intervention. IBS is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders globally, affecting up to 10 per cent of the population, with a disproportionate impact on women. It is characterised by a complex range of symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. IBS significantly compromises patients’ quality of life. Despite its widespread prevalence, the cause of IBS remains unclear, thus limiting treatment options. An international consortium of researchers, drawing expertise from Mon...

Researchers have developed a new shoe insole technology that helps reduce the risk of diabetic foot ulcers, a dangerous open sore that can lead to hospitalization and leg, foot or toe amputations. "The goal of this innovative insole technology is to mitigate the risk of diabetic foot ulcers by addressing one of their most significant causes: skin and soft tissue breakdown due to repetitive stress on the foot during walking," said Muthu B.J. Wijesundara, principal research scientist at The University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute (UTARI). Affecting about 39 million people in the U.S., diabetes can damage the small blood vessels that supply blood to the nerves, leading to poor circulation and foot sores, also called ulcers. About one-third of people with diabetes develop foot ulcers during their lifetime. In the U.S., more than 160,000 lower extremity amputations are performed annually due to complications from diabetic foot ulcers, costing the American health sys...

Spain: In a comprehensive long-term follow-up study, researchers have uncovered significant differences in the risk of developing diabetes among patients with sleep apnea, depending on their treatment. Analyzing the large data sets collected from healthcare organizations (HCOs) in Europe and globally, the researchers found that in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), upper airway surgery (UAS) can prevent the development of diabetes better than continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The study findings were published online in the Journal of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. Sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, has been linked to various health complications, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. However, the comparative effectiveness of different treatment options in mitigating these risks has remained debatable. Led by Carlos O'Connor-Reina, Otorhinolaryngology Department, Hospital Quironsalud Campo de Gibra...

Loss of Posterior tooth/occlusal support associated with dementia risk reveals study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology. Emerging evidence suggests association of tooth loss with impaired cognition. However, the differential effects of anterior versus posterior tooth loss, occlusal support loss and chewing ability are not considered comprehensively. They conducted cross-sectional (N = 4036) and longitudinal analyses (N = 2787) on data from Health 2000 and 2011 Surveys for associations of posterior occlusal support loss, anterior versus posterior tooth loss, and chewing ability with baseline cognition and 11-year cognitive decline. Additionally, 15-year incident dementia risk was investigated (N = 4073). Results: After considering relevant confounders and potential reverse causality bias, posterior occlusal support loss significantly increased dementia risk across all categories indicative of posterior occlusal support loss (hazard ratios [HRs] between 1.99 and 2.89)...

A recent survey conducted by Mayo Clinic's Department of Integrative Medicine & Health highlighted the widespread use of cannabis among fibromyalgia patients as a self-managed treatment for reducing their symptoms. This significant findings published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings could influence future discussions and treatments that involves cannabis and fibromyalgia management. The electronic cross-sectional survey utilized the Symptom Management Theory tool and was sent anonymously to a total of 5,234 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia through web-based software. With a 25.5% response rate, 1,336 patients provided valuable insights into their symptom management strategies with the use of cannabis. The respondents were primarily female with a median age of 48 which revealed a striking prevalence of cannabis use since their fibromyalgia diagnosis. Approximately half of the survey participants (49.5%) reported using cannabis which indicates significance in managing the c...

USA: Taichi training or Taichi plus resistance band training effectively improves blood glycemic control and pulmonary diffusion capacity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a recent study published in PLOS One has shown. Variation of diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is predicted by IL-6, eNOS, vWF, TNF-α, and insulin sensitivity. Insulin sensitivity was shown to be far more important than other factors, which is likely a driving force to benefit anti-inflammation, blood glycemic control, and endothelial function. "Reciprocally, Taichi training reduced inflammatory markers and enhanced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which reinforces with improved glycemic control, contribute to improved pulmonary diffusion capacity in patients with T2DM," the researchers wrote. In the realm of holistic wellness, the ancient practice of Taichi has emerged as a beacon of hope, especially for individuals grappling with Type 2 diabetes mell...