Saturday, January 29, 2011
Acute adrenal insufficiency: causes, symptoms, signs and treatment
Patients generally have an acute onset of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain along with hypoglycemia and
hypotension. This condition is common after a stressful event like surgery in a patient who is steroid dependent. Sometimes, exogenous steroids can stop the pituitary-adrenal axis leading to this condition.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Restaurant Menu Labeling, Eating Habits and Obesity
Study Finds Menu Labeling Didn't Change Eating Habits - Wall Street Journal
Study: Calorie Counts in Restaurants May Not Curb Eating Habits – TIME
Nutrition facts label does not help curb obesity epidemic - Food Consumer
Does Calorie-Labeling at Restaurants Lead to Healthier Eating? - Scientific American
Food Allergies, Autism Vaccine, Gum and Heartburn, Fitness Trends, Restart Your Workout Routine!
Have a Food Allergy? It's Time to Recheck - New York Times
BMJ: Study linking vaccines, autism was a fraud - American Medical News
Remedies: Chewing Gum for Heartburn - New York Times
2011 Fitness Trends: What's In, What's Out – US News
How to Restart Your Workout Routine After a Break – US News
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Characteristics and causes of Fanconi anemia
Fanconi anemia (FA) is a recessive disease presents with growth retardation, congenital malformations, bone marrow failure, high risk of neoplasia, and premature aging. Genomic instability causing chromosomal breakage, cell cycle disturbance, and increased somatic mutation rates are some molecular causes of the disease. Along with chromosomal fragility, hypersensitivity to DNA cross-link drugs is seen. Patients will have a progressive pancytopenia and macrocytosis. Deformities include, café au lait spots, microcephaly, micropthalmia, short staure, horseshoe kidneys and ABSENT thumb.
Reference:
Genome Dyn.Fanconi anemia: causes and consequences of genetic instability. Kalb R, Neveling K, Nanda I, Schindler D, Hoehn H.
News about Dronedarone (Multaq) and Liver Failure
Health Highlights: BusinessWeek
| Summary Box: liver damage reported with heart drug - Washington Post |
Two Patients On Sanofi's Multaq Have Liver Failure - Wall Street Journal
Sanofi to Send Letter on Multaq Liver Failure Cases - Bloomberg
FDA warns of liver damage reports with Sanofi drug - The Associated Press
FDA Warns of Possible Liver Injury With Dronedarone - Internal Medicine News Digital Network
Autoantibodies in Parkinson’s disease
Patients with Parkinson's disease showing symptoms of dyskinesia and depression, were found have autoantibodies including antineuronal-cells, anti-brain lysate, anti-dsDNA, anti-phosphatidylserine, anti-cardiolipin, anti-serotonin, and anti-melanocytes antibodies.
Reference:
Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. Immunology, Autoimmunity, and Autoantibodies in Parkinson's Disease.Benkler M
Hypertension Guide for Boomers
- High blood pressure levels: normal, less than 120/less than 80 mm Hg; prehypertension, 120-139/80-89 mm Hg; stage 1 hypertension, 140-159/90-99 mm Hg; stage 2 hypertension, at or greater than 160/at or greater than 100 mm Hg.
- Restrict dietary sodium to 1500 mg (65 mmol) per day in adults 50 years of age or younger.
- Perform 30 min to 60 min of moderate aerobic exercise four to seven days per week
- Maintain a healthy body weight (BMI 18.5 kg/m to 24.9 kg/m) and waist circumference (less than 102 cm for men and less than 88 cm for women)
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Emphasizes fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.
- Eat foods rich in dietary and soluble fiber, whole grains and protein from plant sources, and that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol
- Blood pressure should be decreased to less than 140/90 mmHg in all patients, and to less than 130/80 mmHg in patients with diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease.
- Initial therapy should include thiazide diuretics, angiotensin- converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (in patients who are not black), long-acting calcium channel blockers (CCBs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or beta-blockers (in those younger than 60 years of age).
- A combination of two first-line agents may also be considered as initial treatment of hypertension if systolic blood pressure is 20 mmHg above target or if diastolic blood pressure is 10 mmHg above target.
- The combination of ACE inhibitors and ARBs should not be used
- In patients with coronary artery disease, ACE inhibitors, ARBs or beta blockers are recommended as first-line therapy
- In patients with cerebrovascular disease, an ACE inhibitor/diuretic combination is preferred
- In patients with proteinuric nondiabetic chronic kidney disease, ACE inhibitors or ARBs (if intolerant to ACE inhibitors) are recommended
- In patients with diabetes mellitus, ACE inhibitors or ARBs (or, in patients without albuminuria, thiazides or dihydropyridine CCBs) are appropriate first-line therapies.
- In selected high-risk patients in whom combination therapy is being considered, an ACE inhibitor plus a long-acting dihydropyridine CCB is preferable to an ACE inhibitor plus a thiazide diuretic.
- All hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia should receive statin therapy. Once blood pressure is controlled, low-dose acetylsalicylic acid therapy should be considered.
References:
The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7)
Can J Cardiol.The 2010 Canadian Hypertension Education Program recommendations for the management of hypertension: part 2 - therapy.Hackam DG
Treating Diabetes and Hypertension
Diabetes and hypertension causes various micro- and macrovascular complications leading to changes in blood pressure (BP). A BP of < 130/80 mm Hg has been the recommendation for patients with both diabetes and hypertension.
However the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) blood pressure-lowering trial and results from the International Verapamil SR-Trandolapril Study (INVEST) study have questioned this. The new recommendations suggest that different antihypertensive combinations may offer specific cardio-, vasculo-, and renoprotective advantages that not only treat the hypertension but also prevent complications of high BP.
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor plus diuretic combination therapy improves BP, counterbalances renin-angiotensin system activation due to diuretic therapy and reduces the risk of electrolyte alterations.
ACE inhibitor plus calcium channel blocker reduces proteinuria, the rate of decline in glomerular filtration rate (GUARD trial). Moreover, the ACCOMPLISH trial results led to the conclusion that ACE inhibitor/calcium channel blocker combo helps cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk patients.
References:
Curr Atheroscler Rep.Optimal Therapy in Hypertensive Subjects with Diabetes Mellitus.Reboldi G, Gentile G, Angeli F, Verdecchia P.
Vasc Health Risk Manag. Choice of ACE inhibitor combinations in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes: update after recent clinical trials. Reboldi G, Gentile G, Angeli F, Verdecchia P.
Age related changes to kidneys
The aging kidney is characterized by:
- Loss of renal mass
- Arterial sclerosis
- Arteriolar hyalinosis
- An increased number of sclerotic glomeruli
- Loss of tubules
- Interstitial fibrosis.
Genetics, hemodynamic factors, diabetes and hypertension all affect changes in the kidney function
Reference:
J Nephrol. The aging kidney: structural changes.Pannarale G, Carbone R, Del Mastro G, Gallo C, Gattullo V, Natalicchio L, Navarra A, Tedesco A.
New treatments for Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) fix anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) is one example. Peginesatide , inhibitors of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor, gene therapy, EPO fusion proteins, drugs that inhibit GATA and hematopoietic cell phosphatase are experimental therapies being tested. Anemia management using both iron and/or ESAs is a successful strategy used by clinicians. Intravenous (IV) iron such as Ferumoxytol (Feraheme) and ferric carboxymaltose (Ferinject)do not require a test dose, and a much higher dose of iron can be delivered as a single administration.
Reference:
Curr Opin Investig Drugs. Chronic kidney disease-associated anemia: new remedies. Del Vecchio L, Cavalli A, Tucci B, Locatelli F.
How to enhance antioxidant intake and nutrition?
Different foods contain antioxidant compounds and sometimes eating several foods at once may enhance the amount of antioxidants your body gets.
- Fruits (raspberry, blackberry, and apple)
- Vegetables (broccoli, tomato, mushroom, and purple cauliflower)
- Legumes (soybean, adzuki bean, red kidney bean, and black bean)
Scientists studied how total phenolic content, ferric reducing antioxidant power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, radical scavenging capacity, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity across food categories changed when the foods were eaten together.
The study found that combining specific foods across categories (e.g., fruit and vegetables) was more likely to result in additive antioxidant capacity
So your daily food antioxidant intake may be enhanced by mixing the right categories of food.
Reference:
J Agric Food Chem. Synergistic, Additive, and Antagonistic Effects of Food Mixtures on Total Antioxidant Capacities. Wang S, Meckling KA, Marcone MF, Kakuda Y, Tsao R.
Effects of metabolic syndrome on kidney function
Abdominal obesity leads to a prothrombotic condition thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. This is very commonly seen in patients who have metabolic syndrome. Recently, research has shown that body mass index increases, insulin resistance and increased fasting insulin levels may cause chronic kidney disease.
So what are the risk factors for patients who have metabolic syndrome in terms of their kidney health?
- The combination of dysglycemia and high blood pressure caused in metabolic syndrome predisposes patients to kidney problems.
- Patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis who underwent hemodialysis had worsening kidney function.
- Moreover, patients with metabolic syndrome have worse outcomes for dialysis access procedures.
Reference:
Vykoukal D, Davies MG.Metabolic syndrome and outcomes after renal intervention.Cardiol Res Pract. 2010
Receiving the shingles vaccine is associated with lowering the risk of getting the disease
receiving the shingles vaccine is associated with lowering the risk of getting the disease
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Alternative Medicine: preventing and treating the common cold by natual home remedies
Preventing colds or relieving cold symptoms by alternative medicine may be beneficial. Scientific evidence to date does not support recommending any of these therapies for general use against colds. People should check with their health care provider before using any therapy.Here are some other examples:
- Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata)
- Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
- Bee propolis
- Chinese herbal medicine
- Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
- Garlic (Allium sativum)
- Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
- Green tea
- Guided imagery
- Honey
- Homeopathic remedies
- Hydrotherapy
- Nasal irrigation
- North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
- Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
- Probiotics
- Selenium
- South African geranium or Umckaloabo (Pelargonium sidoides)
- Stress management
- Vitamin E
References
- Arroll B. Non-antibiotic treatments for upper-respiratory tract infections (common cold). Respiratory Medicine. 2005;99:1477–1484.
- Barrett BP, Brown RL, Locken K, et al. Treatment of the common cold with unrefined echinacea: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2002;137(12):939–946.
- Bukutu C, Le C, Vohra S. Complementary, holistic, and integrative medicine: the common cold. Pediatrics in Review. 2008;29(12):e66–e71.
- Caruso TJ, Prober CG, Gwaltney JM Jr. Treatment of naturally acquired common colds with zinc: a structured review. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2007;45:569–574.
- Eisenberg D, Davis RB, Ettner SL, et al. Trends in alternative medicine use in the United States, 1990-1997: results of a follow-up national survey. JAMA 1998 Nov 11;280(18):1569-75.
- Tindle HA, Davis RB, Phillips RS, Eisenberg DM. Trends in use of complementary and alternative medicine by US adults: 1997-2002. Altern Ther Health Med. 2005 Jan-Feb;11(1):42-9.
- D’Arcy PF. Mechanisms of drug interactions. Drug interactions with herbal and other non-orthodox remedies. Berlin: Springer-Verlag; 1996. p 327-52.
How Coffee Protects Against Diabetes
Coffee helps increase the circulating amount of a protein called sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG). This protein, according to research studies, has shown to be involved in the development of type 2 diabetes and it is also responsible for the testosterone and estrogen in the human body. Previous research has shown that coffee consumption prevents high-blood sugar and also improved insulin sensitivity. Consumption of decaffeinated coffee was not significantly associated with SHBG levels, nor diabetes risk. Coffee contains magnesium which is known to help with carbohydrate metabolism. Some studies have shown that antioxidants known as lignans or chlorogenic acids may be involved in helping to reduce diabetes.
Reference:
http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/why-coffee-protects-against-diabetes-190743.aspx
Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:1311-1316
Rachel Huxley; Crystal Man Ying Lee; Federica Barzi; Leif Timmermeister; Sebastien Czernichow; Vlado Perkovic; Diederick E. Grobbee; David Batty; Mark Woodward. Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, and Tea Consumption in Relation to Incident Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med, 2009;
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Repaglinide for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Repaglinide (Prandin) lowers long term cardiovascular complications of diabetes by working on reducing the postprandial glucose excursions by modulating early-phase insulin release. It has a rapid onset and relatively short duration of action allow for flexible meal schedules. Several studies have shown that repaglinide plus rosiglitazone was better than rosiglitazone alone, and repaglinide plus metformin had greater benefits to patients over nateglinide plus metformin.
Reference:
Repaglinide: A Pharmacoeconomic Review of its Use in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Plosker, Greg L; Figgitt, David P
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Bisphenol A
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have higher levels of Bisphenol A (BPA) and excessive secretion of androgens. Risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and infertility also increases in patients with PCOS. Therefore a healthy diet, exercise, and oral contraceptives are reasonable preventative therapies.
Learn more about PCOS: http://www.pcosupport.org/med_treatments.php
Reference:
E. Kandaraki, A. Chatzigeorgiou, S. Livadas, E. Palioura, F. Economou, M. Koutsilieris, S. Palimeri, D. Panidis, E. Diamanti-Kandarakis. Endocrine Disruptors and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Elevated Serum Levels of Bisphenol A in Women with PCOS. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Metabonomics–surgeons and metabolic profiling
By combining bioinformatics and surgical expertise with advanced mass spectrometry technology, metabolic profiling of tissue samples could transform the way surgeons make decisions in the operating room. Metabonomics has previously been applied to samples of bodily fluids such as blood and urine to look for indicators of disease or of how a person might respond to a particular drug
Reference:http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/newsandeventspggrp/imperialcollege/newssummary/news_12-1-2011-12-4-17
Genes and Brain Injury Recovery After Ischemia
Salt-inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) reduced cAMP responsive elements binding protein (CREB). CREB is a protein that protects neurons after ischemia. Oxygen and glucose deprivation causes decreased CREB function. The study found neurons that lacked SIK2 had increased function after ischemia.
Reference:
Tsutomu Sasaki et al. SIK2 Is a Key Regulator for Neuronal Survival after Ischemia via TORC1-CREB. Neuron
Gene overproduction found in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease
New research has found that overproduction of Regulator of Calcineurin 1 (RCAN1), caused by stroke, hypertension or the presence of beta amyloid leads to neuronal atrophy in the hippocampus and cortex in people with Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease.
Reference:
X. Sun, Y. Wu, B. Chen, Z. Zhang, W. Zhou, Y. Tong, J. Yuan, K. Xia, H. Gronemeyer, R. A. Flavell, W. Song. Regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) facilitates neuronal apoptosis through caspase 3 activation. Journal of Biological Chemistry
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Mind Body Healing
Osteopathic manipulative medicine is performed by physicians (DO’s) trained in a philosophy of care which emphasizes treating the whole patient. Structural abnormalities in anatomy lead to diseases causing “somatic dysfunctions” in the body and a person’s mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health if affected. OMT offers a vast array of treatment options for patients with neuromusculoskeletal diseases affecting the nervous system, brain, spinal cord, nerves, as well as muscles and bones, cartilage. Some techniques are muscle energy, counter strain and high velocity low amplitude.
What is Protrusio acetabuli?
Protrusio acetabuli is a defect of the central acetabulum resulting from migration of the femoral head medial to the Ilio-ischial (Kohler's) line. There are a number of causes, the common ones being secondary to inflammatory cause and others including metabolic, post traumatic, osteogenesis imperfecta, Paget's disease.
The common factor is a metabolic or mechanical alteration of the peri-acetabular bone. Central migration occurs along the resultant joint-reaction force vector. Total hip arthroplasty has been the traditional surgical treatment and requires reconstruction of the contained central bony defect with bone graft. Lateralization of the cup is necessary to a successful outcome.
Careful pre-operative planning is required to assess limb length, implant choice, size and position. The outcome of THR with bone grafting for protrusion has been favorable with success rates comparable to primary THR.
Peaches, plums and nectarines for carotenoids
Vegetables and fruits are rich in carotenoids. These are antioxidants that reduce damaging compounds when the body is combating disease. A new study shows skin radiance is affected by the carotenoid pigments in fruits like plums, peaches and nectarines.
Reference:
Ian D. Stephen, Vinet Coetzee, David I. Perrett. Carotenoid and melanin pigment coloration affect perceived human health. Evolution and Human Behavior
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Cloud Based Model Enables Patient Centered HealthCare Delivery in a Cost Effective, Scalable and Flexible Manner.
Aggregating devices, like the MedApps HealthPAL, integrate with personal health monitors to collect and
transmit biometric data (e.g. glucose and blood pressure levels) to a central Electronic Health Record (EHR)
for review by clinicians.
MedApps HealthPAL
Blood-pressure monitors with iPad, iPod and iPhone support
- First ever blood pressure monitoring system for iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad. iHealth turns your iPod touch, iPhone and iPad into a powerful blood pressure monitor. iHealth records your Systolic/diastolic, heart rate, measure time, and pulse wave graph. Help you to manage your records by using simple tools: interactive graph, average calculation, smart WHO classification. Email results to medical professionals
Learn more: http://www.ihealth99.com/ihealth/bp3.html
Monday, January 10, 2011
Mechanism and causes of a pleural effusion
- Altered permeability of membranes: inflammatory process, neoplasm
- Reduction in intravascular oncotic pressure: hypoalbuminemia, cirrhosis
- Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure: CHF
- Inability of lung to expand: atelectasis, mesothelioma
- Decreased lymphatic drainage: thoracic duct obstruction
- Increased fluid in peritoneal cavity: migration of fluid across diaphragm via lymphatics
- Iatrogenic: central line misplacement
Strategic Framework on Multiple Chronic Conditions
Just 9.3 percent of adults with diabetes have only diabetes, according to the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
Two out of three older Americans ― have multiple chronic conditions, and treatment for these individuals accounts for 66 percent of the country’s health care budget
Reference:
- Anderson G. Chronic Care: Making the Case for Ongoing Care. Princeton, NJ: Robert Woods Johnson Foundation, 2010. Available at http://www.rwjf.org/files/research/50968chronic.care.chartbook.pdf.
- Warshaw G. Introduction: advances and challenges in care of older people with chronic illness. Generation 2006;30(3):5–10. (see also: Hwang W, Weller W, Ireys H, Anderson G. Out-of-pocket medical spending for care of chronic conditions. Health Affairs 2001;20:267-78)
- Lee TA, Shields AE, Vogeli C, Gibson TB, Woong-Sohn M, Marder WD, Blumenthal D, Weiss KB. Mortality rate in veterans with multiple chronic conditions. J Gen Intern Med 2007;22(Suppl 3):403–407.
- Vogeli C, Shields AE, Lee TA, Gibson TB, Marder WD, Weiss KB, Blumenthal D. Multiple chronic conditions: prevalence, health consequences, and implications for quality, care management, and costs. J Gen Intern Med 2007;22(Suppl 3):391–395.
- http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/12/20101214a.html
- Wolff JL, Starfield B, Anderson G. Prevalence, expenditures, and complications of multiple chronic conditions in the elderly. Arch Intern Med 2002;162(20):2269–2276.
Phosphoinositide kinases and calcium ions for neurobiological function
A new study has found that phosphoinositide kinases and calcium ions are important for proper neurobiological function. Changes in these molecules causes neurological and cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, epilepsy, dementia, hypertension.
Reference:
O. Zaika, J. Zhang, M. S. Shapiro. Combined Phosphoinositide and Ca2 Signals Mediating Receptor Specificity toward Neuronal Ca2 Channels. Journal of Biological Chemistry
Bariatric surgeries complication rates remain low.
serious complications are associated with the volume of procedures in hospitals and by surgeons
Impact of sugars on teen health
From the American Heart Association Rapid Access Journal Report
Reference:
The National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES)
Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association
What is Atelectasis?
Atelectasis is the lack of gas exchange within alveoli. It is commonly seen after surgery in smokers and therefore physicians routinely order a chest xray to look for signs of alveolar damage or fluid causing consolidation. Cough, chest pain, tachycardia, tachypnea and fever are common symptoms. A procedure to remove mucus plugs known as bronchoscopy is done along with deep breathing, coughing and incentive spirometry. Sometimes, antibiotics are given to prevent infection.
Therapies that stop estrogen from binding to cancer cells
Therapies that stop estrogen from binding to cancer cells
What is Cirrhosis: causes, symptoms, signs and treatment
Patients who present with cirrhosis frequently present secondary to alcoholism, hepatitis (B and C). Cirrhosis presents with fluid buildup known as ascites and it’s complications can include effects of hypertension in the portal veins supplying blood to the liver leading to esophageal varices. Many patients with cirrhosis will present with signs upper gastrointestinal bleeding leading to complications like erosive gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and Mallory-Weiss tear. Some patients are given a beta blocker to help reduce the hypertension and prevent the risk of bleeding. Sclerotherapy is used to treat new cases of varices. To effectively treat recurrent cases of ascites that is refractory, refractory hydrothorax, and recurrent variceal bleeding, a procedure doctors perform is TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt).
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in children
Clinical features of ZZ alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in children are neonatal hepatitis, failure to thrive, hepatomegaly or a coagulopathy, relatives with the condition or elevated transaminases or bilirubin in infancy. In adults, signs of early-onset emphysema and decreased vascular markings in the bases of the lung are charactertic findings.
Reference:
American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society (Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2003 Oct 1;168(7):818
Revised Guidelines for the Prevention of Perinatal Group B Streptococcal (GBS) Disease
GBS continues is the leader in early-onset sepsis and meningitis in the United States. Therefore, intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) is highly effective.
Revised Guidelines for the Prevention of Perinatal Group B Streptococcal (GBS) Disease
Reference:
http://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/guidelines/guidelines.html
Van Dyke MK, Phares CR, Lynfield R, et al. Evaluation of Universal Antenatal Screening for Group B Streptococcus . N Eng J Med. 2009;360(25):2626-36.
Common symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome
A diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (also called immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), myalgic encephalomyelitis ) is made if these two criteria are met:
- New onset fatigue not alleviated by rest, not due to exertion, and results in reduced level of functioning during occupational, educational, social, or personal activities
- Four or more of the following symptoms are present for six months or more:
- Impaired memory or concentration
- Prolonged exhaustion and sickness after activity
- Unrefreshing sleep and muscle aches and pain
- joint pain, headaches, soar throat and or cervical lymph node swelling.
Reference:
Fukuda et al, Annals of Internal Medicine, Vol. 121, December 15, 1994, pp. 953-959.
AHRQ Evidence Report on Defining and Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Visit: http://www.cfids.org/
Keiji Fukuda, M.D., M.P.H., Stephen E. Straus, M.D., Ian Hickie, M.D., F.R.A.N.Z.C.P., Michael C. Sharpe, M.R.C.P., M.R.C. Psych., James G. Dobbins, Ph.D., Anthony L. Komaroff, M.D., F.A.C.P. and the International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Study Group
Effects of obesity on fibromyalgia patients
A new study ties obesity as comorbidity of fibromyalgia. The researchers found that patients who were obese and had fibromyalgia were more likely to develop hyperalgesia, disability, impaired quality of life and sleep problems.
Reference:
Akiko Okifuji, Gary W. Donaldson, Lynn Barck, Perry G. Fine. Relationship Between Fibromyalgia and Obesity in Pain, Function, Mood, and Sleep. The Journal of Pain
Does pomegranate juice offer benefits for patients on dialysis?
Does pomegranate juice offer benefits for patients on dialysis? A new study showed that infact it may help reduce inflammation thereby lowering cardiovascular morbidity of patients with chronic kidney disease. More studies need to be conducted to understand how oxidative stress is reduced by the antioxidant properties of pomegranate juice.
Reference:
American Society of Nephrology (2010, November 19). Pomegranate juice reduces damage to tissues, inflammation and infections, study suggests. American Society of Nephrology's 43rd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition ScienceDaily
Impaired insulin secretion due to TRPM2-deficiency.
A new study published in the Diabetes journal found that TRPM2-deficiency (a Ca2+-permeable channel in pancreatic beta-cells ) led to higher blood glucose levels because the ion channel is responsible for modulating insulin secretion.
Reference:
K. Uchida, K. Dezaki, B. Damdindorj, H. Inada, T. Shiuchi, Y. Mori, T. Yada, Y. Minokoshi, M. Tominaga. Lack of TRPM2 Impaired Insulin Secretion and Glucose Metabolisms in Mice. Diabetes, 2010
Tau to tangle : plaques, tangles, and causes of neurodegenerative disease
Tau to tangle : plaques, tangles, and causes of neurodegenerative disease
How patients, diseases and healthcare treatment is changing to prevent bacterial pneumonia
How patients, diseases and healthcare is changing to reduce bacterial pneumonia
Current health care system reform and the changes that will affect you.
Current health care system reform and the changes that will affect you.
Artesunate therapy for treating cancers
Artesunate works for treating malaria(inhibits Schistosoma haematobium infection). It is frequently given with mefloquine to avoid development of resistance. New research shows that lenalidomide and Artesunate combination may be effective in treating cancer cells in the colon, breast and lung.
Reference:
Wai M. Liu, Andrew M. Gravett, Angus G. Dalgleish. The antimalarial agent artesunate possesses anticancer properties that can be enhanced by combination strategies. International Journal of Cancer
Researching Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) as a new mechanism for cancer therapy
Angiogenesis(formation of new blood vessels) with abnormal shape occurs when there is a oxygen shortage from cancer metastasis tumor growth. Researchers have found that Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) helps in the normalization of tumor blood vessels and therefore is a new mechanism for cancer therapy.
Reference:
Charlotte Rolny, Massimiliano Mazzone, Sònia Tugues, Damya Laoui, Irja Johansson, Cathy Coulon, Mario Leonardo Squadrito, Inmaculada Segura, Xiujuan Li, Ellen Knevels. HRG Inhibits Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Inducing Macrophage Polarization and Vessel Normalization through Downregulation of PlGF. Cancer Cell
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Healthy Benefits of Eating Tomatoes
Tomatoes have 9-oxo-octadecadienoic acid, a compound with anti-dyslipidemia properties that may prevent vascular diseases. Another nutrient is lycopene, a natural antioxidants. Research shows that tomato consumption has been associated with decreased risk of breast cancer, head and neck cancers and various neurodegenerative diseases
Friday, January 7, 2011
What are Health Savings Accounts
Reference:
Stay Smart Stay Healthy is a Humana new-media venture designed to deliver guidance, and to support awareness and understanding of the healthcare industry
Increases in the prevalence of diabetes across United States
According to the American Diabetes Association, 23.6 million children and adults in the United States -- 7.8% of the population -- now have diabetes, and this number is growing. Of this group, 5.7 million people have not yet been diagnosed and another 57 million people have pre-diabetes, when their blood glucose levels are higher than normal, making them especially at risk to develop Type 2 diabetes.
Reference:
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-statistics/
CalorieStory: Facebook app for counting calories.
- Recording foods is easy with our ultra-fast search and huge food database. Track breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks with no more adding up and calculating calories
- With CalorieStory, anyone with a Facebook account can look up and log food calories using a free application on Facebook. People can then share their progress with their friends, make public pledges, and even nominate friends to be CalorieBuddies to keep each other on track.
- CalorieStory has created the New Year, New Me Challenge, with the objective of helping people meet their health goals for the new year using social media.
- Visit CalorieStory on Facebook.
Robo4 helps Specify Hematopoietic Stem Cell Localization to Bone Marrow
Precise inhibition of Robo4(found only in hematopoietic stem cells & in endothelial cells of blood vessels) may lead to mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells. Hematopoietic stem cells use Robo4 to anchor themselves in the bone marrow.
Reference:
Stephanie Smith-Berdan, Andrew Nguyen, Deena Hassanein, Matthew Zimmer, Fernando Ugarte, Jesús Ciriza, Dean Li, Marcos E. García-Ojeda, Lindsay Hinck, E. Camilla Forsberg. Robo4 Cooperates with Cxcr4 to Specify Hematopoietic Stem Cell Localization to Bone Marrow Niches. Cell Stem Cell,
Pre-diabetes diagnosis by hemoglobin A1c test
The A1c test measures average blood glucose level over the past 8 to 12 weeks and now research shows that it also easily identifies pre-diabetics. Pre-diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Pre-diabetes is also called impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG).
Reference:
Ronald T. Ackermann, Yiling J. Cheng, David F. Williamson, Edward W. Gregg. Identifying Adults at High Risk for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Using Hemoglobin A1cNational Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006. American Journal of Preventive Medicine
Review the Medicare Chartbook
Review topics for Medicare beneficiaries including;
- the program's benefits, utilization, and access to care; prescription drugs;
- the Medicare Advantage program;
- the role of Medicaid for Medicare beneficiaries;
- supplemental insurance coverage;
- out-of-pocket spending;
- Medicare spending and financing.
Medicare Chartbook, Fourth edition, 2010
Reference:
The Kaiser Family Foundation
Medicare Advantage Review
Medicare Advantage Plans are health plan options that are part of the Medicare program. If you join one of these plans, you generally get all your Medicare-covered health care through that plan. This coverage can include prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans include:
- Medicare Health Maintenance Organization (HMOs)
- Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)
- Private Fee-for-Service Plans
- Medicare Special Needs Plans
Reference:
Facts about Herpes simplex viruses (HSV)
Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are widespread in the human population (seroprevalence up to 100%, depending on geographic area and subpopulation), and are divided into herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2).
While HSV-1 predominantly causes oral lesions (cold sores), HSV-2 manifests in the genital region and is mainly being transmitted sexually. However, the past decade has seen an increase in HSV-1 genital infections, which now account for at least half of first episodes of genital herpes in some countries. Both labial and genital herpes are generally self-limiting and can recur frequently.
HSV infections have also been associated with a three-fold increase in the risk of sexually acquired HIV. In immune compromised individuals large and painful ulcerations may result, and newborns infected with HSV are at risk of developing herpes encephalitis.
Most of the current herpes drugs inhibit a specific viral enzyme, the DNA polymerase. They share the same mode of action and are therefore very similar in their efficacy. Also, cross-resistance can occur.
Midkine: a biomarker for cancer
Midkine, which is also known as neurite growth-promoting factor 2 (NEGF2), is an embryonic cytokine and well known cancer biomarker that has been found to correlate with cancer progression and malignancy. Midkine shows limited expression in healthy adults, but is detectable in high quantities in the blood and urine of patients with a wide variety of cancers.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Bacterial persistence a risk factor for atherosclerosis
New research is showing that bacterial infections contribute to cardiovascular disease. Chronic infection may cause the process of atherosclerosis to get worse. Research study shows that the Bacillus Enterobacter hormaechei is responsible for the disease progression and bacterial persistence in the carotid artery.
Reference:
Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis.
Most common risk factors for post-transplantation metabolic syndrome (PTMS)
Metabolic syndrome (combination of obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and high lipids) is frequently present in patients following liver transplantation.
The following are the most common risk factors for post-transplantation metabolic syndrome (PTMS)
- Triglycerides.
- Pre-transplant nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- BMI
- Diabetes
- Age
Reference:
Ido laish, Marius Braun, Eytan Mor, Jaqueline Sulkes, Yael Harif, Ziv Ben Ari. Metabolic syndrome in liver transplant recipients: Prevalence, risk factors and association with cardiovascular events. Liver Transplantation
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Epidemiology, Mechanisms and Management of Diabetic Gastroparesis.
pidemiology, Mechanisms and Management of Diabetic Gastroparesis.
Long-Term Outcomes after Double Balloon Enteroscopy
Long-Term Outcomes after Double Balloon Enteroscopy
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
C. difficile infection increasing
The number of cases of C. difficile infection has increased about 15 percent each year, from 3,565 in 1997 to 7,779 in 2006. A more virulent strain is causing higher rates of infection in children and symptoms of diarrhea, toxic megacolon (extreme inflammation and distention of the large intestine), perforated bowels is common. Children have a higher risk of developing C. difficile infection than adults according to a new research report.
Reference:
Cade M. Nylund; Anthony Goudie; Jose M. Garza; Gerry Fairbrother; Mitchell B. Cohen. Clostridium difficile Infection in Hospitalized Children in the United States. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine,
Angiotensin-(1-7) for the treatment of breast cancer.
Scientists have found that angiotensin-(1-7) inhibits the cancer producing fibroblasts (cells that cause the growth of vascular smooth muscle cells) and breast cancer cells. It also decreases the supply of blood vessels to the growing tumor. Estrogen-receptor and HER2 sensitive are two types of breast cancer cells.
Reference:
K. L. Cook et al, Angiotensin-(1-7) Reduces Fibrosis in Orthotopic Breast Tumors. Cancer Research
Monday, January 3, 2011
Hypercapnia Strategy To Improve Lung Function
Permissive hypercapnia helps in developing a protective lung ventilatory strategy. Hypercapnic acidosis has shown to be lifesaving in cases of ALI and systemic organ injury. However, more studies need to be done to determine how it affects cases of sepsis and it’s advantage when low tidal volume ventilation for adults with ARDS is considered as a treatment option.
Reference:
Bench-to-bedside review: Permissive hypercapnia, Donall O' Croinin, Martina Ni Chonghaile, Brendan Higgins, and John G Laffey Crit Care.
Antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress in COPD
Thiol antioxidants and mucolytic agents, such as glutathione, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, N-acystelyn, erdosteine, fudosteine and carbocysteine; Nrf2 activators; and dietary polyphenols (curcumin, resveratrol, and green tea catechins/quercetin) have been reported to reduce the number of free radicals and oxidants as well as cause the inhibition of inflammatory responses in cases of COPD exacerbation.
Reference:
Published in final edited form as: Ther Adv Respir Dis. 2008 December; 2(6): 351–374. doi:
Manuscript: | Abstract | Full Text |
Vaccine for COPD?
A new oral immunotherapy (HI-164OV) using Haemophilus influenzae, has led to the formation of a new vaccine for patients with severe COPD.
Reference:
M. K. Tandon, M. Phillips, G. Waterer, M. Dunkley, P. Comans, R. Clancy. Oral Immunotherapy with inactivated NTHi reduces severity of acute exacerbations in severe COPD. Chest
What causes glaucoma?
New research study has found that in the optic nerve head, astrocytes have accumulated abnormal forms of gamma synuclein a protein that is similar to abnormal forms of alpha synuclein( responsible for Parkinson's disease). Removal of the debris of one cell by a neighboring cell occurs in glaucoma and Parkinson's disease.
Reference:
Judy V. Nguyen, Ileana Soto, Keun-Young Kim, Eric A. Bushong, Ericka Oglesby, Francisco J. Valiente-Soriano, Zhiyong Yang, Chung-Ha O. Davis, Joseph L. Bedont, Janice L. Son, John O. Wei, Vladimir L. Buchman, Donald J. Zack, Manuel Vidal-Sanz, Mark H. Ellisman, and Nicholas Marsh-Armstrong. Myelination transition zone astrocytes are constitutively phagocytic and have synuclein dependent reactivity in glaucoma. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
What’s the Difference between Medicare and Medicaid
Medicaid is for low income:
- Pregnant women
- Children under the age of 19
- People 65 and over
- People who are blind
- People who are disabled
- People who need nursing home care
Application for Medicaid is at the State's Medicaid agency.
Medicare is for:
- People 65 and over
- People of any age who have kidney failure or long term kidney disease
- People who are permanently disabled and cannot work
Medicare is applied for at the local Social Security office
The 4 Most Common Causes of Healthcare-associated infections
Four categories of infections account for approximately three quarters of HAIs in the acute care hospital setting:
- Surgical site infections;
- Central line-associated bloodstream infections;
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia, and;
- Catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
Reference:
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Sunday, January 2, 2011
2010 STD Treatment Guidelines Updates
The CDC has released updated guidelines on STD screening and prevention. Evaluation for cervicitis and trichomoniasis; new treatment recommendations for bacterial vaginosis and genital warts; efficacy of azithromycin for chlamydial infections in pregnancy; Mycoplasma genitalium and trichomoniasis in urethritis/cervicitis, emergence of azithromycin-resistant Treponema pallidum, antimicrobial-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae and STD prevention guide.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/731790
Updated Guidelines:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5912a1.htm?s_cid=rr5912a1_w
What is the The Beacon Community Cooperative Agreement Program?
America's current health care system and how it can be improved through health information technology.
Late Complications of Diabetes
Diabetic patients suffer from complications leading to neuropathy, cardiovascular complications, skin ulcers/gangrene, peripheral vascular disease, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction ophthalmic complications that increase with age. The total cost of the treatment of late diabetic complications on a percentage basis os from: cardiovascular 74%; renal diseases 10%; nephropathy 3.6%; ophthalmic disorders 1.5%; other unspecified diseases 10%
Reference:
Jacobs, J., Sena, M. and Fox, N. The Cost of Hospitalization for the Late Complications of Diabetes in the United States. Diabetic Medicine
Benefits of Walking on Brain Health
More physical activity leads to less impairment of cognitive function and greater brain volume in the prefrontal cortex and temporal cortex. Walking increases your brain's resistance to the disease and reduce memory loss.
Reference:
SOURCE: Radiological Society of North America meeting, Nov. 29, 2010, news release.
New affordable Care Act adds transparency on high health insurance rate hikes.
New affordable Care Act adds transparency on high health insurance rate hikes.
Restaurant Nutrition gives you a quick, easy, free way to check nutrition
Restaurant Nutrition gives you a quick, easy, free way to check nutrition info for many popular U.S. restaurant chains.
What is a Personal Health Record (PHR)?
A PHR is a file with all your healthcare information in one place, allowing you to find and share with doctors, details about your health, medical claims or medical records. MyMedicare.gov has a new feature called “Blue Button”. This new feature provides you an easy way to download your personal health information to a file.
A PHR can contain the following: Identification Sheet, Problem List, Medication Record, History and Physical, Progress Notes, Consultations, Physician’s Orders, Imaging and X-ray Reports , lab Reports, Immunization Record and Consent and Authorization Forms
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