HHAL MEDICAL NEWS FEBRUARY 2014

Vitamin C Depletion Linked to Intracerebral Hemorrhage Risk

(HealthDay News) — Vitamin C depletion is associated withintracerebral hemorrhage risk, according to a study released in advance of the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, which will be held from April 26–May 3 in Philadelphia.

Stéphane Vannier, MD, from the Pontchaillou University Hospital in Rennes, France, and colleagues conducted a prospective case-control study to examine the correlation between vitamin C concentration and intracerebral hemorrhage risk. Vitamin C concentrations were measured in 65 consecutive cases and in 65 matched controls.

The researchers found that 41% of cases had normal vitamin C status, and 45 and 14%, respectively, showed depletion and deficiency. In the overall population, the mean plasma vitamin C concentration was 45.8 ± 22.6 µmol/L. Vitamin C depletion was seen in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (35.3 ± 19.9 µmol/L) while controls had normal vitamin C status (56.2 ± 20.4 µmol/L; P< 0.001). Significant risk factors for deep intracerebral hemorrhage included high blood pressure, alcohol consumption, and overweight. Older patients (aged 75 years≤) had significantly more lobar than deep intracerebral hemorrhages. Vitamin D depletion was associated with longer hospitalization (P=0.026), but not with acute or three-month mortality.

"Our results show that vitamin C deficiency should be considered a risk factor for this severe type of stroke, as were high blood pressure, drinking alcohol and being overweight in our study," Vannier said in a statement. "More research is needed to explore specifically how vitamin C may help to reduce stroke risk."

Press Release

Whole Diet Approach Beats Low-Fat Diets in Heart Health

 (HealthDay News) — A Mediterranean-style diet incorporating vegetables, fruits, fish, whole grains, and olive oil can reducecardiovascular events and provide benefits similar to statins, according to a review published online December 31 in theAmerican Journal of Medicine.

James E. Dalen, MD, MPH, from the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, and Stephen Devries, MD, from Northwestern University in Chicago, reviewed the literature to examine the evolution in knowledge relating to the potential cardioprotective properties of nutrition.

The authors note that early trials emphasized dietary fat reduction with the goal of reducing serumcholesterol to prevent heart disease. Disappointing results were obtained from trials focusing solely on dietary fat reduction. Subsequent studies adopted a whole diet approach with a nuanced recommendation for fat intake. The Mediterranean-style diet, which incorporates vegetables, fruits, fish, whole grains, and olive oil reduces cardiovascular events to a greater extent than low-fat diets and offers equal or greater benefit than that seen in statin trials.

"In conclusion, the last 50 years of epidemiology and clinical trials have established a clear link between diet, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular events," the authors write. "Nutritional interventions have proven that a 'whole diet' approach with equal attention to what is consumed as well as what is excluded are more effective in preventing cardiovascular disease than low-fat, low-cholesterol diets."

Abstract

Differences in Omega-3 Compounds Affect Brain Skills

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may improve cognitive performance while reducing neural activity.

  A growing body of scientific evidence suggests a wide range of potential health effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation – ranging from cardiovascular to immune system benefits.  Scientists are now focusing attention towards identifying the specific compounds present in omega-3s, to ascertain their respective potential health benefits.  Isabelle Bauer, from Swinburne University (Australia), and colleagues enrolled 13 men and women, average age 24 years, in a study in which participants were randomly assigned to first receive 30 days of supplementation with an dietary supplement rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) , or a supplement rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA);  followed by a 30-day washout period; and a crossover period to the other intervention.  Brain activity was measured via fMRI while the subjects completed a standardized cognitive assessment.  The team observed that EPA improved cognitive performance while reducing neural activity, whereas the DHA-rich supplement appeared to be less effective in enhancing neurocognitive functioning.  The study authors report that: “following the [eicosapentaenoic acid]-rich supplementation, participants' brains worked ‘less hard’ and achieved a better cognitive performance than prior to supplementation. Conversely, the increase in functional activation and lack of improvement in time or accuracy of cognitive performance following [docosahexaenoic acid]-rich supplementation may indicate that [docosahexaenoic acid]-rich supplementation is less effective than [eicosapentaenoic acid]-rich supplementation in enhancing neurocognitive functioning .”

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Can-EPA-rich-supplements-help-brains-work-less-hard-and-boost-mental-performance/

Sharp Rise in Skin Cancer Cases

The overall incidence of skin cancer increased nearly eightfold during a 39-year period, among middle-aged men and women.

  Skin cancer (cutaneous melanoma) is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Jerry Brewer, from Mayo Clinic (Minnesota, USA), and colleagues completed a population-based study using records from the Rochester Epidemiology Project, selecting participants ages 40 to 60 years with a first lifetime diagnosis of melanoma between January 1, 1970, and December 31, 2009.  The researchers found that among white, non-Hispanic adults, the incidence of skin cancer increased 4.5-fold among men and 24-fold among women.  In particular, women under age 50 showed a marked increase in melanoma. Overall chances of surviving melanoma increased by 7% each year of the study.  Further, the researchers found the steepest increase in melanoma occurred in the last decade covered by the study, 2000 to 2009. The uptick, researchers speculate, may be connected to the popularization of tanning beds in the 1980s and 1990s.  The study authors conclude that: “The incidence of cutaneous melanoma among middle-aged adults increased over the past 4 decades, especially in middle-aged women, whereas mortality decreased.”

http://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/study-finds-dramatic-rise-in-skin-cancer-among-middle-aged-adults

DHEA Helps to Improve Symptoms of Menopause

  DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, helps to alleviate menopausal symptoms.

Dehydroepiandrosterone, better known as DHEA, is the most abundant steroid in the human body involved and is involved in the manufacture of testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and corticosterone.  DHEA levels continue to rise up to about age twenty-five, when production drops off sharply: by age 65, the human body makes only 10 to 20% of what it did at age 20. Andrea Genazzani, from the University of Pisa (Italy), and colleagues followed a group of 48 post-menopausal women troubled by symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, loss of sex drive and mood swings.  Over a one-year period, 12 women took vitamin D and calcium, 12 took DHEA, 12 took standard hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and 12 took a synthetic steroid called tibolone (used to alleviate menopausal symptoms).   The women's menopausal symptoms, sexual interest and activity were measured using a standard questionnaire. After 12 months, all the women on both DHEA and HRT had improvements in menopausal symptoms, but those taking vitamin D and calcium did not show any significant improvement. At the start of the trial, all groups had similar sexual activity, but after the year, those taking calcium and vitamin D scored an average of 34.9 on the questionnaire scale, while those taking DHEA had a score of 48.6, showing that those on DHEA had more sexual interest and activity. The study authors report that: “Daily oral DHEA therapy … provided a significant improvement in comparison with vitamin D in sexual function and in frequency of sexual intercourse in early postmenopausal women.”

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/20/us-menopause-dhea-sex-idUSTRE7BJ00A20111220

 Predicative Value of Blood Pressure

Blood pressure trending towards rising numbers in young adulthood may presage coronary artery calcification in middle-age.

  Current models to predict cardiovascular disease consider blood pressure (BP) at the time of prediction, rather than factoring in cumulative blood pressure over time.  Norrina B, Allen, from Northwestern University (Illinois, USA), and colleagues completed a 25-year long study involving 4,681 men and women enrolled in the CARDIA study, ages 18 to 30 years at the study’s start.  The team followed systolic BP, diastolic BP, and mid-BP (important marker of coronary heart disease risk among younger populations) at the study’s start and years 2, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, and 25.  Compared to participants with the best blood pressure profiles over the 25-year follow-up (low-stable group), those with the worst profiles (elevated-increasing blood pressure) were 3.7-times as likely to have a coronary artery calcification score of 100 HU or greater.  Observing that: “Blood pressure trajectories throughout young adulthood vary, and higher [blood pressure] trajectories were associated with an increased risk of [coronary artery calcification] in middle age.,” the study authors submit that: “Long-term trajectories in [blood pressure] may assist in more accurate identification of individuals with subclinical atherosclerosis.”

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Cardiology/Hypertension/44137

Dangers of Elevated BP Riskier for Women

Due to significant differences in the mechanisms that cause hypertension, experts urge that women be treated earlier and more aggressively for the condition.

  Whereas there has been a significant decline in cardiovascular disease mortality in men during the last 20 to 30 years, the same has not held true for women:  heart disease has become the leading cause of death in women in the United States, accounting for approximately a third of all deaths. Wake Forest University School of Medicine, (North Carolina, USA) researchers explored this gender-related difference, evaluating 100 men and women, ages 53 years and older, with untreated high blood pressure and no other major diseases. Specifically, the team conducted tests to ascertain whether the heart or the blood vessels were primarily involved in elevating the blood pressure, to gather important information about the state of an individual's circulation. The tests measured hemodynamic – the forces involved in the circulation of blood – and hormonal characteristics of the mechanisms involved in the development of high blood pressure in men and women.   The researchers found 30 to 40% more vascular disease in the women compared to the men for the same level of elevated blood pressure. In addition, there were significant physiologic differences in the women's cardiovascular system, including types and levels of hormones involved in blood pressure regulation, that contribute to the severity and frequency of heart disease.  Observing that: “The impact of sex differences in the hemodynamic factors accounting for the elevation in arterial pressure in subjects with essential hypertension has been poorly characterized or this information is not available,” the study authors submit that: “our study shows for the first time significant differences in the hemodynamic and hormonal mechanisms accounting for the increased blood pressure in women compared to men.”

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-01/wfbm-hbp123113.php

A Secret to Happiness

Age – and the perceived amount of time left in life – appears to impact the happiness that people enjoy.

      Studies in psychology and consumer research suggest that, despite the penchant to acquire material possessions in an effort to increase one’s happiness, experiences can deliver even greater happiness.  Amit Bhattacharjee, from Dartmouth College (New Hampshire, USA), and colleagues completed a series of eight studies, in which the researchers asked participants to recall, plan, or imagine happy experiences in an attempt to draw a distinction between experiences that are ordinary (common and frequent) versus extraordinary (uncommon and infrequent). The researchers were specifically interested in testing their theory that younger people will associate extraordinary experiences with greater happiness than ordinary experiences.  In one study, over 200 participants from across the United States and between the ages of 18 and 79 were asked to recall a recent extraordinary experience that made them happy. The researchers assigned the responses into 12 broad categories including spending time with others, life milestones, and travel. While responses from all age groups reported happiness in extraordinary experiences, study results indicated that happiness from ordinary experiences was more common in the older age demographic.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-02/uocp-yaa021114.php

Newly Identified Genetic Factor in Weight

Calcium is linked to lower waist circumference, among people genetically predisposed to large waistlines.

  Whereas a number of studies report that dietary calcium can exert a beneficial change in body weight and waist circumference, the data has been inconsistent.  Sofus C Larsen, from Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospitals (Denmark), and colleagues explored whether this relation could depend on genetic predisposition to obesity.  The team completed a meta-analysis of three published studies involving 7,569 men and women, in which they analyzed diet, 54 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference or waist-hip ratio.  The analysis revealed a significant association between body weight and increasing calcium intakes – independent of SNPs.  Further, the researchers observed a significant interaction between calcium and waist circumference associated SNPs in relation to changes in waist circumference.   The study authors write that: “calcium may reduce [waist circumference] among people genetically predisposed to a high [waist circumference].

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Meta-analysis-supports-calcium-s-weight-management-potential/

Why Does Cancer Incidence Increase with Age?

Researchers explore the role of DNA methylation.

The accumulation of age-associated changes in a biochemical process that helps control genes may be responsible for some of the increased risk of cancer seen in older people.  Scientists have known for years that age is a leading risk factor for the development of many types of cancer, but why aging increases cancer risk remains unclear. Researchers suspect that DNA methylation, or the binding of chemical tags, called methyl groups, onto DNA, may be involved. Methyl groups activate or silence genes, by affecting interactions between DNA and the cell’s protein-making machinery.  Zongli Xu, from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS; North Carolina, USA), and colleagues analyzed blood samples from 1,000 women, using a microarray that contained 27,000 specific methylation sites. Nearly one-third of the sites showed increased DNA methylation in association with age. They then looked at three additional data sets from smaller studies that used the same microarray and found 749 methylation sites that behaved consistently across all four data sets. As an additional check, they consulted methylation data from normal tissues and seven different types of cancerous tumors in The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The team observes that DNA methylation appears to be part of the normal aging process and occurs in genes involved in cell development. Cancer cells often have altered DNA methylation, but the researchers were surprised to find that 70-90% of the sites associated with age showed significantly increased methylation in all seven cancer types. The Positing that age-related methylation may disable the expression of certain genes, making it easier for cells to transition to cancer, the study authors write that: “Our findings suggest that as cells acquire methylation at age-related sites, they have a lower threshold for malignant transformation that may explain in part the increase in cancer incidence with age.”

http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/newsroom/releases/2014/february3/index.cfm

Blueberry-Based Formula Boosts Brain Skills

Extracts from blueberries and green tea, plus vitamins and amino acids, may help to improve cognitive processing speed in healthy older adults.

A persistent and common fear among aging adults is the decline and/or loss of the abilities to think, remember, and learn.  Paula C Bickford, from the University of South Florida (Florida, USA), and colleagues have developed a formulation containing extracts from blueberries and green tea combined with vitamin D3 and amino acids – notably carnosine.  The researchers enrolled 105 healthy men and women, ages 65 to 85 years, for a two-month study, during which half of the subjects received the formulation as a dietary supplement, and the other half served as controls.  Those subjects who received the formulation demonstrated improvements in cognitive processing speeds, whereas those who did not receive the supplement showed no changes.  Well tolerated without adverse symptoms, the study authors submit that: “Overall, the results of the current study were promising and suggest the potential for interventions like these to improve the cognitive health of older adults.”

http://hscweb3.hsc.usf.edu/blog/2014/02/05/nutritional-supplement-improves-cognitive-performance-in-older-adults-usf-researchers-find  

“E”asy Way to Reduce Bone Fracture Risk

Dietary supplementation of Vitamin E as alpha-tocopherol may reduce the risk of bone fractures, among aging men and women

An effective antioxidant, Vitamin E  is thought to exert  positive effects on both bone and muscle mass.  Karl Michaelsson, from Uppsala University (Sweden), and colleagues studied data collected on 14,738 women, followed for 19 years, and found that those subjects with the lowest consumption of alpha-tocopherol were at an 86% increased risk of hip fracture; and those who consumed a dietary supplement containing alpha-tocopherol were at 22% reduced risk of hip fracture.  Among 1,138 men studied, low levels of alpha-tocopherol more than tripled the rate of hip fracture.  The study authors write that: “Low intakes and low serum concentrations of [alpha]-tocopherol are associated with an increased rate of fracture in elderly women and men.”

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Vitamin-E-supplements-may-reduce-bone-fracture-rate-in-the-elderly-Study

 Health Benefits of Hemp

Oil from hempseed, a non-drug variety of Cannabis sativa L., is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids and plant sterols.

Non-drug varieties of Cannabis sativa L., collectively namely as “hemp”, have been an interesting source of food, fiber, and medicine for thousands of years. M. A. Fernandez-Arche, from the University of Seville (Spain), and colleagues completed a chemical profiling of hempseed oil, finding it to be a rich source of linoleic (55%), alpha-linolenic (16%), and oleic (11%) fatty acids. As well, the unsaponifiable matter contained plant sterols including beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and alpha-tocopherol.  Referring to “C. sativa L. … as a source of bioactive compounds,” the study authors predict “novel research applications for hemp seed oil in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic food, and other non-food industries.”

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Hempseed-oil-may-be-packed-with-health-promoting-compounds-finds-new-analysis/  

More Fish May Lower Diabetes Risk

Salmon, herring, and sardines are among good sources of omega-3 fatty acids that may help to reduce the risk of Type-2 diabetes.

Type-2 diabetes is becoming increasingly widespread throughout the world.  In that previous studies posit that overweight is a significant risk factor, diet and other lifestyle factors may have potential as interventive approaches to reduce a person’s risk of Type-2 diabetes. Jyrki K. Virtanen, from the University of Eastern Finland (Finland), and colleagues analyzed data collected in the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study (KIHD), determining the serum omega-3 fatty acid concentrations of 2,212 men, ages 42 to 60 years age at the onset of the study, in 1984–1989. During a follow-up of 19.3 years, 422 men were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.  The team found that men in the highest serum omega-3 fatty acid concentration quarter were at 33% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as compared to those men in the lowest quarter.  The study authors report that: “Serum long-chain omega-3 [fatty acid] concentration, an objective biomarker for fish intake, was associated with long-term lower risk of type 2 diabetes.”

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-01/uoef-fds011414.php

Omega-3s Improve Cardiovascular Markers

Omega-3 supplementation may boost endothelial function, improve arterial stiffness, and lower inflammation, among people with Metabolic Syndrome.

A condition characterized by central obesity, hypertension, and adverse glucose and insulin metabolism, Metabolic Syndrome also adversely affects cardiovascular health.   Dimitris Tousoulis, from the University of Athens (Greece), and colleagues enrolled 29 men and women with Metabolic Syndrome, to receive either an omega-3 dietary supplement (2 g, as 46% EPA and 38% DHA) or placebo, for 12 weeks; followed by a 4-week ‘washout’ (no intervention) and crossover to the other intervention.  The team observed that flow mediated dilation – a measure of blood flow and vascular health – and pulse wave velocity – a measure of arterial stiffness, improved during the omega-3 supplemented periods of the study, as compared to placebo.  As well, levels of IL-6, an inflammatory compound, decreased significantly during the omega-3 period.  The study authors submit that: “In subjects with [Metabolic Syndrome], treatment with omega-3 [fatty acids] improved endothelial function and arterial stiffness with a parallel antiinflammatory effect.

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Omega-3s-may-boost-heart-health-for-people-with-Metabolic-Syndrome/

  Big Health Benefits of A Little Sun

Exposing skin to sunlight may help to reduce blood pressure and thus may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

A number of studies observe that the incidence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease correlates with latitude and rises in winter, but a biological cause has remained unclear. Martin Feelisch, from the University of Southampton (United Kingdom), and colleagues completed a study that suggests that sunlight alters levels of the small messenger molecule, nitric oxide (NO) in the skin and blood, reducing blood pressure.  The researchers exposed the skin of 24 healthy individuals to ultraviolet (UVA) light from tanning lamps for two sessions of 20 minutes each. In one session, the volunteers were exposed to both the UVA rays and the heat of the lamps. In another, the UV rays were blocked so that only the heat of the lamps affected the skin.  The results suggest that UVA exposure dilates blood vessels, significantly lowers blood pressure, and alters NO metabolite levels in the circulation, without changing vitamin D levels. Further experiments indicate that pre-formed stores of NO in the upper skin layers are involved in mediating these effects. The study authors write that: “our data provide mechanistic insights into an important function of the skin in modulating systemic [nitric oxide] bioavailability which may account for the latitudinal and seasonal variations of [blood pressure] and cardiovascular disease.”

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-01/uos-hct011714.php

Link Between Melatonin & Prostate Cancer

Higher levels of melatonin, a hormone involved in the sleep-wake cycle, may correlate to a decreased risk for developing advanced prostate cancer.

Melatonin is a hormone that is produced at-night in the dark and is an important output of the circadian rhythm, or the body's internal clock. Many biological processes are regulated by the circadian rhythm, including the sleep-wake cycle. Sarah C. Markt, from the Harvard School of Public Health (Massachusetts, USA), and colleagues investigated the association between urine levels of the main breakdown product of melatonin, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, and risk of prostate cancer, The team conducted a case-cohort study of 928 Icelandic men from the AGES-Reykjavik cohort between 2002 and 2009. They collected first morning void urine samples at recruitment, and asked the participants to answer a questionnaire about sleep patterns.  The researchers found that one in seven men reported problems falling asleep, one in five men reported problems staying asleep, and almost one in three reported taking sleeping medications. The median value of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin in the study participants was 17.14 nanograms per milliliter of urine. Men who reported taking medications for sleep, problems falling asleep, and problems staying asleep had significantly lower 6-sulfatoxymelatonin levels, as compared with men without sleep problems. Of the study participants, 111 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, including 24 with advanced disease. The researchers found that men whose 6-sulfatoxymelatonin levels were higher than the median value had a 75% dhttp://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-01/aafc-mml011314.phpecreased risk for advanced prostate cancer.

Yogurt May Reduce Diabetes Risk

Consuming yogurt may cut a person’s risks of Type-2 diabetes by 28%.

Milk, cheeses, yogurt, and other dairy products serve as an important dietary source of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Nita Forouhi, from the University of Cambridge (United Kingdom), and colleagues assessed daily dietary habits among 4,000 men and women, including 892 participants with incident diabetes, for 11 years.  Total dairy intake (g/day) was estimated and categorized into high-fat (≥3.9%) and low-fat (<3.9% fat) dairy, and by subtype into yogurt, cheese and milk.  The data revealed that low-fat dairy intake was inversely associated with diabetes, after adjusting for confounding factors. Further, the team found an inverse association between diabetes and low-fat fermented dairy product intake – and, specifically with yoghurt intake.  Writing that” Greater low-fat fermented dairy product intake, largely driven by yoghurt intake,” the study authors submit that: “These findings suggest that the consumption of specific dairy types may be beneficial for the prevention of diabetes, highlighting the importance of food group subtypes for public health messages.”

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-05/yogurt-may-be-an-ally-in-fight-against-diabetes-researchers-say.html

Caffeine Enhances Memory

Whether present in coffee or tea, caffeine exerts a positive effect on long-term memory.

A number of previous studies have reported cognitive-enhancing effects of caffeine.  Michael Yassa, from Johns Hopkins University (Maryland, USA), and colleagues explored the effect of caffeine to strengthen memories to reduce forgetting over a 24-hour period.  The researchers conducted a double-blind trial; participants who did not regularly eat or drink caffeinated products received either a placebo or a 200-milligram caffeine tablet five minutes after studying a series of images. Salivary samples were taken from the participants before they took the tablets to measure their caffeine levels. Samples were taken again one, three and 24 hours afterwards. The next day, both groups were tested on their ability to recognize images from the previous day's study session. On the test, some of the visuals were the same as from the day before, some were new additions and some were similar but not the same as the items previously viewed. More members of the caffeine group were able to correctly identify the new images as "similar" to previously viewed images versus erroneously citing them as the same. The team submits that the brain's ability to recognize the difference between two similar but not identical items, called pattern separation, reflects a deeper level of memory retention. Observing that: “Caffeine enhanced performance 24 h after administration,” the study authors: “conclude that caffeine enhanced consolidation of long-term memories in humans.”

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-01/jhu-iac010914.php

Dietary Choices May Defeat Diabetes

What foods contain a specific compound that lowers insulin resistance and reduces inflammation?

Flavanoids are a type of antioxidant – compounds shown to be effective in counteracting oxidative damage.  Anthocyanins are a subgroup of flavanoids, for which a number of previous studies suggest beneficial health effects.  Aedin Cassidy, from the University of East Anglia (United Kingdom), and colleagues studied the dietary intake of 1997 women, ages 18 to 76 years, enrolled in the Twins UK study, and conducted blood tests to assess glucose regulation and inflammation.  The team also calculated insulin resistance, a marker of type-2 diabetes.   Those women who consumed foods abundant in anthocyanins – such as chocolate, tea, and  berries – had lower insulin resistance.  These subjects also were also less likely to suffer chronic inflammation, which can contribute to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancers.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-01/uoea-iic011714.php

First-Ever Guidelines Issued on Stroke Prevention in Women

The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association have issued the first stroke-prevention guidelines that focus on women's unique risks.

Among the recommendations:

• Pregnant women with chronic hypertension or a history of pregnancy-related hypertension should take low-dose aspirin, beginning at 12 weeks' gestation, to reduce preeclampsia risk.

• Preeclampsia is a risk factor for stroke later in life, and other risk factors in such women should be treated early.

• Pregnant women with severe hypertension should receive antihypertensive therapy (e.g., methyldopa, labetalol); those with moderate hypertension (150-159 mm Hg/100-109 mm Hg) may be considered for treatment.

• Suspicion of cerebral venous thrombosis, more common in women, should warrant routine blood studies: complete blood count, chemistry panel, prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time.

  Hooman Kamel, a neurologist with NEJM Journal Watch, notes that "to be effective, many of these recommendations will require diffusion into routine primary care practice."

  Stroke prevention guidelines

   

  Neuroplasticity of the Brain Further Revealed

  The human brain fine-tunes its communication wiring throughout life.

    The white matter microstructure, the communication pathways of the brain, continues to develop/mature as one ages. Studies link age-related differences in white matter microstructure to specific cognitive abilities in childhood and adulthood. Bart Peters, of the Zucker Hillside Hospital at UT Southwestern (Texas, USA), and colleagues explored the relationship of age and neurocognitive performance to nine white matter tracts from childhood to late adulthood.  The researchers enrolled 296 healthy subjects, ages 8 to 68 years. The participants completed a comprehensive battery of tests designed to measure their cognitive functioning, including speed, attention, memory, and learning. They also underwent a non-invasive diffusion tensor imaging scan, a technology that allowed the researchers to create maps of the 9 major white matter tracts under investigation. The team found that, from childhood into early adulthood, differences in fractional anisotropy – a measure of connectivity – of the cingulum were associated with executive functioning, whereas fractional anisotropy of the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus was associated with visual learning and global cognitive performance via speed of processing.  Because individuals diagnosed with psychiatric disorders often suffer with neurocognitive dysfunction as part of their illness, the study opens the potential for research to help to identify specific brain circuits/pathways that could serve as potential targets for treatment interventions.

  http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-02/e-ybi020314.php

   

  Vegetarian Diet Tied to Blood Pressure

   (HealthDay News) — Consumption of a vegetarian diet is associated with lower blood pressure, according to a review and meta-analysis published online February 24 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

  Yoko Yokoyama, PhD, MPH, from the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center in Osaka, Japan, and colleagues conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that assessed the correlation between vegetarian diets and blood pressure. Data were reviewed from seven clinical trials (including 311 participants; mean age, 44.5 years) and 32 observational studies (including 21,604 participants; mean age, 46.6 years) that met the inclusion criteria.

  The researchers found that, in the controlled trials, compared with consumption of omnivorous diets, consumption of vegetarian diets correlated with a decline in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure (−4.8 and −2.2 mm Hg, respectively). Similar results were seen in the observational studies, with lower mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure associated with consumption of vegetarian diets versus omnivorous diets (−6.9 and −4.7 mm Hg, respectively).

  "Consumption of vegetarian diets is associated with lower blood pressure," the authors write. "Further studies are required to clarify which types of vegetarian diets are most strongly associated with lower blood pressure."

  Abstract

   

   

  Ablation May Be First-Line Option for Atrial Fibrillation

   (HealthDay News) — Radiofrequency ablation is more effective than medications in treating previously untreated paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, suggesting that ablation may be considered as a first-line treatment, according to a study published in the February 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

  Carlos A. Morillo, MD, from McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada, and colleagues randomly assigned 127 treatment-naive patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation to antiarrhythmic therapyor radiofrequency ablation.

  After 24 months of follow-up, the researchers found that a significantly lower percentage of patients in the ablation group had a first recurrence of any atrial tachyarrhythmia lasting longer than 30 seconds (54.5 vs. 72.1%; hazard ratio, 0.56). The ablation group also had a significantly lower percentage of patients with symptomatic recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (47 versus 59%; hazard ratio, 0.56). While there were no deaths or strokes in either group, there were four cases of cardiac tamponade in the ablation group. Quality of life improved at one year in both groups to a similar extent.

  "Among patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation without previous antiarrhythmic drug treatment, radiofrequency ablation compared with antiarrhythmic drugs resulted in a lower rate of recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias at two years," Morillo and colleagues conclude.

  The study was funded in part by BiosenseWebster. Several authors disclosed financial ties to pharmaceutical and medical device companies.

  Abstract

   

  Dietary patterns and the risk of depression in adults: A systematic review of observational studies 
  European Journal of Nutrition, 02/09/2014  Review Article

  Rahe C, et al. – The authors performed a systematic review of observational studies examining the relationship between dietary patterns and depression in healthy adults. There are indications that dietary patterns may have influence on the onset of depression, but no firm conclusion can be drawn at this point.

  Methods

• A literature research was conducted searching various electronic databases up to May 2013.

• Study selection was based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

• Included studies were reviewed, and relevant data were extracted by two independent researchers.

• Due to a high level of heterogeneity, no meta–analysis was conducted.

• Therefore, main results are presented in a descriptive way.

  Results

• In total, 16 studies met the inclusion criteria and are part of this review.

• Dietary patterns most commonly found were traditional/healthy patterns, Western/unhealthy patterns and Mediterranean patterns.

• The available literature suggests a protective effect of healthy and Mediterranean patterns, as well as a potential positive association of Western patterns and depression.

• However, comparison of the included studies was difficult, due to differences in relevant study characteristics and methodological limitations.

   

CONCLUSIONS:

There are indications that dietary patterns may have influence on the onset of depression, but no firm conclusion can be drawn at this point. Further research is needed to clarify the diet-depression relationship, preferably in the form of methodological strong prospective studies using more homogeneous methods.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24468939

Twice daily N-acetylcysteine 600mg for exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (PANTHEON): A randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial 
The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 02/08/2014  Clinical Article

Zheng JP, et al. – Increased oxidative stress and inflammation has a role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Drugs with antioxidant and anti–inflammatory properties, such as N–acetylcysteine, might provide a useful therapeutic approach for COPD. The authors aimed to assess whether N–acetylcysteine could reduce the rate of exacerbations in patients with COPD. The findings show that in Chinese patients with moderate–to–severe COPD, long–term use of N–acetylcysteine 600mg twice daily can prevent exacerbations, especially in disease of moderate severity.

Methods

• In the prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, the authors enrolled patients aged 40-80years with moderate-to-severe COPD (post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1s [FEV₁]/forced vital capacity<0.7 and FEV<sub.1< sub=""> of 30-70% of predicted) at 34 hospitals in China.</sub.1<>
• They stratified patients according to use of inhaled corticosteroids (regular use or not) at baseline and randomly allocated them to receive N-acetylcysteine (one 600mg tablet, twice daily) or matched placebo for 1year.
• The primary endpoint was the annual exacerbation rate in patients who received at least one dose of study drug and had at least one assessment visit after randomisation.

Results

• Between June 25, 2009, and Dec 29, 2010, the authors screened 1297 patients, of whom 1006 were eligible for randomisation (504 to N-acetylcysteine and 502 to placebo).
• After 1year, they noted 497 acute exacerbations in 482 patients in the N-acetylcysteine group who received at least one dose and had at least one assessment visit (1.16 exacerbations per patient-year) and 641 acute exacerbations in 482 patients in the placebo group (1.49 exacerbations per patient-year; risk ratio 0.78, 95% CI 0.67-0.90; p=0.0011).
• N-acetylcysteine was well tolerated: 146 (29%) of 495 patients who received at least one dose of N-acetylcysteine had adverse events (48 serious), as did 130 (26%) of 495 patients who received at least one dose of placebo (46 serious).
• The most common serious adverse event was acute exacerbation of COPD, occurring in 32 (6%) of 495 patients in the N-acetylcysteine group and 36 (7%) of 495 patients in the placebo group.

Interpretation

Our findings show that in Chinese patients with moderate-to-severe COPD, long-term use of N-acetylcysteine 600 mg twice daily can prevent exacerbations, especially in disease of moderate severity. Future studies are needed to explore efficacy in patients with mild COPD (GOLD I).

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(13)70286-8/abstract

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for major depressive disorder 
Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs, 02/01/2014  Review Article

Su KP, et al. – Given the potential action mechanism, clinical benefits and currently available clinical trial data, omega-3 PUFAs may deserve greater attention and wider application for treatment of MDD. However, the practical utility of omega-3 PUFA as one of promising alternative agent for treatment of MDD still have many questions unresolved to be fully addressed in near future.

• Omega–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega–3 PUFAs) are not synthesized by the human body; they must be derived from dietary sources and they have been known to be involved with neurological, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, autoimmune and metabolic diseases, and cognitive disorder as well as mood disorders.
• A number of epidemiological and preclinical studies have proven the potential benefit and critical role of omega–3 PUFA in the development and management of major depressive disorder (MDD).
• In addition, recently independent clinical trials and meta–analyses have also provided superidority of omega–3 PUFA over placebo as monotherapy or augmentation agent in the treatment of MDD.
• This article presents a brief overview of the evidence to date about the clinical application and biological mechanisms of omega–3 PUFA in the treatment of MDD.

EXPERT OPINION:

Given the potential action mechanism, clinical benefits and currently available clinical trial data, omega-3 PUFAs may deserve greater attention and wider application for treatment of MDD. However, the practical utility of omega-3 PUFA as one of promising alternative agent for treatment of MDD still have many questions unresolved to be fully addressed in near future.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24083675

Association between uric acid and coronary collateral circulation in patients with stable coronary artery disease 
Angiology, 02/01/2014  Evidence Based Medicine  Clinical Article

Uysal OK, et al. – Serum uric acid (SUA) levels have been proposed as a biomarker of coronary artery disease (CAD) and coronary collateral circulation (CCC).

Methods

• Authors investigated the association between SUA levels and development of CCC in patients with stable CAD.
• Consecutive patients (n = 480) with stable CAD who underwent coronary angiography and documented total occlusion in 1 of the major coronary arteries were included in this study.

Results

• Levels of fasting blood glucose, white blood cell (WBC), creatinine, platelet count, and SUA were significantly higher in patients with poor CCC than in those with good CCC.
• After multivariate analysis, high levels of SUA were an independent predictor of CCC together with levels of fasting blood glucose and WBC.
• The receiver–operating characteristic analysis provided a cutoff value of 5.65 mg/dL for SUA to predict poor CCC with 60% sensitivity and 66% specificity.
• High levels of SUA may be associated with poor CCC in patients with stable CAD.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23966572

Lyrica Shows Promise in Restless Legs Syndrome

By Amy Orciari Herman

Pregabalin — marketed as Lyrica to treat pain and epilepsy — helps relieve restless legs syndrome (RLS) without a high risk for symptom augmentation, according to an industry-funded study in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Some 700 adults with moderate-to-severe RLS were randomized to daily pregabalin (300 mg) or pramipexole (0.25 or 0.5 mg) for 52 weeks, or to placebo for 12 weeks followed by 40 weeks of one of the active treatments.

Pregabalin was associated with a significant improvement in RLS symptoms relative to placebo at 12 weeks. Symptom scores also favored pregabalin relative to pramipexole at both 12 and 52 weeks. The rate of symptom augmentation (i.e., symptoms that became worse than they were before treatment) was significantly lower with pregabalin than with higher-dose pramipexole (2% vs. 8%).

In NEJM Journal Watch, Allan Brett concludes: "If pregabalin eventually is approved for use in RLS, it will provide one more alternative to dopamine agonists."

NEJM article

Long-term coffee consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease 
Circulation, 02/12/2014  Evidence Based Medicine  Review Article  Clinical Article

Ding M, et al. – Considerable controversy exists on the association between coffee consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. A meta–analysis was performed to assess the dose–response relationship of long–term coffee consumption with CVD risk. A nonlinear association between coffee consumption and CVD risk was observed in this meta–analysis. Moderate coffee consumption was inversely significantly associated with CVD risk, with the lowest CVD risk at 3 to 5 cups per day, and heavy coffee consumption was not associated with elevated CVD risk.

Methods

• PubMed and EMBASE were searched for prospective cohort studies of the relationship between coffee consumption and CVD risk, which included coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and CVD mortality.
• Thirty–six studies were included with 1 279 804 participants and 36 352 CVD cases.

Results

• A nonlinear relationship of coffee consumption with CVD risk was identified (P for heterogeneity=0.09, P for trend <0.001, P for nonlinearity <0.001).
• Compared with the lowest category of coffee consumption (median, 0 cups per day), the relative risk of CVD was 0.95 (95% confidence interval, 0.87–1.03) for the highest category (median, 5 cups per day) category, 0.85 (95% confidence interval, 0.80–0.90) for the second highest category (median, 3.5 cups per day), and 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.84–0.94) for the third highest category (median, 1.5 cups per day).
• Looking at separate outcomes, coffee consumption was nonlinearly associated with both coronary heart disease (P for heterogeneity=0.001, P for trend <0.001, P for nonlinearity <0.001) and stroke (P for heterogeneity=0.07, P for trend <0.001, P for nonlinearity <0.001; P for trend differences >0.05) risks.

CONCLUSIONS:

A nonlinear association between coffee consumption and CVD risk was observed in this meta-analysis. Moderate coffee consumption was inversely significantly associated with CVD risk, with the lowest CVD risk at 3 to 5 cups per day, and heavy coffee consumption was not associated with elevated CVD risk.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24201300

Cognitive effects of statin medications 
CNS Drugs, 02/18/2014  Clinical Article

Kelley BJ, et al. – The demonstrated benefits of 3–hydroxy–3–methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG–CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease are well established in the medical literature, and this class of medications is among those most commonly prescribed in the USA.

• Cognitive data from several large epidemiological studies have not reliably demonstrated a robust association between incident cognitive impairment and statin use, with some studies reporting a protective effect, some reporting an increased risk and others finding no association.
• Although several interventional studies have evaluated statins as a possible adjunctive treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, none have clearly demonstrated a benefit.
• A small number of case series have reported infrequent memory difficulties associated with statin use.
• In these series, the patients’ cognitive symptoms resolved after statin discontinuation.
• The existing medical literature does not suggest that cognitive considerations should play a major role in medical decision making to prescribe statins for the large majority of patients.
• As with any medication prescribed for older adults, careful clinical monitoring for side effects should be exercised.
• If a patient is suspected of having idiosyncratic memory impairment associated with use of a statin medication, the drug can be discontinued.
• The patient should then be followed with careful clinical observation for 1–3months for resolution of the cognitive symptoms.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24504830

Vitamin D Levels Appear to Be Robust Predictor of MS Progression

JAMA. 2014;311(8):790. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.1553.

Article

Higher vitamin D levels in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) were associated with a lower degree of MS activity, magnetic resonance imaging lesion load, brain atrophy, and disease progression during 5 years of follow-up in the Betaferon/Betaseron in Newly Emerging Multiple Sclerosis for Initial Treatment (BENEFIT) trial (Ascherio A et al. JAMA Neurol. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.5993 [published online January 20, 2014]).

Some 465 patients with clinically isolated syndrome (their first neurological episode, caused by inflammation or demyelination of nerve tissue) were randomized to early vs late treatment with interferon beta-1b (IFNB-1b). Compared with those who had 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum concentrations less than 50 nmol/L in the first 12 months following their first neurological episode, those with serum levels of 50 nmol/L or greater had a significantly lower rate of new active lesions and relapse, a significantly lower yearly increase in T2 lesion volume, and lower disability during the following 4 years.

The new weight-loss drugs, lorcaserin and phentermine-topiramate slim pickings? 
JAMA Internal Medicine, 02/12/2014  Review Article  Clinical Article

This special communication highlights uncertainties about the cardiovascular safety of newer weight loss drugs and urges physicians to use them cautiously.

Woloshin S, et al. – In 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration approved 2 drugs for long–term weight loss: lorcaserin hydrochloride (Belviq; Eisai Inc) and phentermine–topiramate (Qysmia; Vivus Inc).

• The approvals were based on 1–year trials showing that on top of recommendations to follow a calorie–restricted diet and to increase exercise, patients randomized to either drug lost more weight than patients randomized to placebo (3% [95% CI, 3%–4%] more weight lost with lorcaserin; 7% [95% CI, 3%–4%] more with phentermine /topiramate).
• The drugs have been associated with serious harms: Both drugs’ labels include warnings about memory, attention, or language problems and depression; for lorcaserin, the label also warns of valvular heart disease and euphoria; and for phentermine–topiramate, the label warns of metabolic acidosis, increased heart rate, anxiety, insomnia, and elevated creatinine levels.
• Neither medication is marketed in Europe because of safety concerns.
• The manufacturer withdrew its application for lorcaserin in Europe after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said approval was unlikely, and the EMA rejected phentermine–topiramate.
• In the United States, the required postmarketing safety trials are behind schedule.
• Until there is more convincing evidence about the cardiovascular safety of these drugs, physicians and patients should approach them cautiously.
• Patients who do not lose at least 5% of their body weight within 12 weeks of starting to take either drug should stop taking it, as stated in the prescribing information.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24515599

Shingles Pain Lowered in Preliminary Trial by Blocking an Angiotensin Receptor

Blocking a novel angiotensin receptor with no known cardiovascular role produced a reduction in postherpetic neuralgia in a small, industry-conducted, phase II study in the Lancet.

Researchers randomized 183 patients with postherpetic neuralgia of more than 6 months' duration to 4 weeks of daily treatment with an oral angiotensin II type 2 blocker (AT2B) or placebo. The primary outcome was the change in self-reported pain intensity between baseline and the final week of therapy. Pain was measured on an 11-point scale from 0 to 10.

AT2B recipients showed a significantly greater drop in pain scores than those on placebo, but the effect size at the dosage used was small — a roughly 0.7-point difference on the scale between groups.

AT2B's side effects included pharyngitis, headache, and allergic dermatitis.

Lancet article

Metformin to Treat Childhood Obesity

McDonagh MS et al., JAMA Pediatr 2013 Dec 16;

Adding metformin to lifestyle changes provides a statistically significant but short-lived and modest reduction in BMI and weight.

Do Mediterranean Diets Prevent Type 2 Diabetes?

Salas-Salvadó J et al., Ann Intern Med 2014 Jan 7; 160:1

A Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil was associated with 40% reduction in risk for diabetes.

Effect of Vitamin E and Memantine on Functional Decline in Alzheimer Disease: The Team-AD VA Cooperative Randomized Trial

This randomized trial reports that vitamin E slows functional decline among patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease.

Annual Screening Mammography Produces Overdiagnoses, No Mortality Benefit

Annual mammography screening in women under age 60 does not confer a breast cancer mortality advantage, and it results in more than 20% overdiagnosis among the lesions found, according to a follow-up of the Canadian National Breast Screening Study.

As reported in BMJ, between 1980 and 1985, some 90,000 women aged 40 to 59 were randomized to 5 years of annual mammography or no mammography (women aged 40-49 in the mammography group and all women aged 50-59 received annual physical breast examinations).

After up to 25 years' follow-up, there was no discernible difference between groups in breast cancer mortality. Of the screen-detected tumors, 22% were overdiagnoses — one for every 424 women in the mammography arm.

Andrew Kaunitz, an OB/GYN with NEJM Journal Watch, comments: "This important Canadian report documents the failure of screening mammography to impact mortality from breast cancer, as well as breast cancer overdiagnosis. Based on these and other recently published data, clinicians and women should move away from starting screens among women in their 40s and from screening annually. While we reevaluate the practice of screening mammography, adopting the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force 2009 recommendations (beginning screening in average-risk women at age 50 and screening biennially) would appear prudent."

BMJ article

Lower-Intensity Statin Combo Therapy Beats High-Dose Monotherapy for LDL — But So What?

Combination therapy with a lower-dose statin plus either a bile acid sequestrant or ezetimibe reduces LDL cholesterol better than high-dose statin monotherapy, but long-term clinical benefits remain uncertain, according to a systematic review in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Researchers examined data from 36 randomized, controlled trials of statin therapy among high-risk adults.

A low-intensity statin, combined with a bile acid sequestrant, lowered LDL cholesterol 0%-14% more than moderate-intensity statin monotherapy. In addition, a moderate-intensity statin plus ezetimibe conferred greater LDL reductions than high-dose monotherapy among those with preexisting cardiovascular disease or diabetes. However, data were insufficient to determine whether these changes in LDL translated to reductions in rates of death, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or revascularization procedures.

Asked to comment, cardiologist Harlan Krumholz of NEJM Journal Watch wrote: "This study seems a little off-note, given that the new guidelines have moved us away from lipid targets. It is far from clear that this approach will improve outcomes, which is what patients care about."

Annals of Internal Medicine article (Free)

Supplements Meant to Prevent Prostate Cancer Can Actually Increase Risk

The suspected deleterious effect of supplementing men's diets with selenium or vitamin E in an effort to prevent prostate cancer has apparently been confirmed. The findings appear in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Researchers examined data from the SELECT trial, which examined whether supplemental selenium, vitamin E, or both could lower prostate risk. They found that men with low baseline selenium levels (as measured in toenail samples) did not benefit from selenium supplements alone or combined with vitamin E. And in fact, those with higher baseline selenium showed a significantly increased risk for high-grade prostate cancer with selenium supplementation.

For their part, vitamin E supplements alone had no effect in men with higher baseline selenium levels, but they increased risks for all grades of prostate cancer among those with lower baseline selenium.

The authors conclude that men over 55 should avoid both selenium and vitamin E supplements that exceed recommended dietary levels.

JNCI article

Effect of melatonin on tumor growth and angiogenesis in xenograft model of breast cancer.

Jardim-Perassi BV¹, Arbab AS², Ferreira LC¹, Borin TF³, Varma NR², Iskander AS², Shankar A², Ali MM², de Campos Zuccari DA³.

Author information

Abstract

As neovascularization is essential for tumor growth and metastasis, controlling angiogenesis is a promising tactic in limiting cancer progression. Melatonin has been studied for their inhibitory properties on angiogenesis in cancer. We performed an in vivo study to evaluate the effects of melatonin treatment on angiogenesis in breast cancer. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay after melatonin treatment in triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). After, cells were implanted in athymic nude mice and treated with melatonin or vehicle daily, administered intraperitoneally 1 hour before turning the room light off. Volume of the tumors was measured weekly with a digital caliper and at the end of treatments animals underwent single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with Technetium-99m tagged vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) C to detect in vivo angiogenesis. In addition, expression of pro-angiogenic/growth factors in the tumor extracts was evaluated by membrane antibody array and collected tumor tissues were analyzed with histochemical staining. Melatonin in vitro treatment (1 mM) decreased cell viability (p<0.05). The breast cancer xenografts nude mice treated with melatonin showed reduced tumor size and cell proliferation (Ki-67) compared to control animals after 21 days of treatment (p<0.05). Expression of VEGF receptor 2 decreased significantly in the treated animals compared to that of control when determined by immunohistochemistry (p<0.05) but the changes were not significant on SPECT (p>0.05) images. In addition, there was a decrease of micro-vessel density (Von Willebrand Factor) in melatonin treated mice (p<0.05). However, semiquantitative densitometry analysis of membrane array indicated increased expression of epidermal growth factor receptor and insulin-like growth factor 1 in treated tumors compared to vehicle treated tumors (p<0.05).

   In conclusion, melatonin treatment showed effectiveness in reducing tumor growth and cell proliferation, as well as in the inhibition of angiogenesis.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24416386

Dietary protein and muscle in older persons 
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, 12/10/2013  Review Article

Paddon–Jones D, et al. – The purpose of this study is to highlight recent advances in nutrition and protein research that have the potential to improve health outcomes and status in ageing adults. Optimizing dietary protein intake to improve health requires a detailed consideration of topics including muscle protein anabolism, appetite control and satiety. Although each area of research continues to advance independently, recent collaborative and translational efforts have highlighted broad, translational consistencies related to the daily distribution and quantity of dietary protein.

• The beneficial effects of dietary protein on muscle health in older adults continue to be refined.
• Recent research has bolstered support for moderately increasing protein consumption beyond the current Recommended Dietary Allowance by adopting a meal–based approach in lieu of a less specific daily recommendation.
• Results from muscle protein anabolism, appetite regulation and satiety research support the contention that meeting a protein threshold (approximately 30?g/meal) represents a promising strategy for middle–aged and older adults concerned with maintaining muscle mass while controlling body fat.

SUMMARY:

Optimizing dietary protein intake to improve health requires a detailed consideration of topics including muscle protein anabolism, appetite control and satiety. Although each area of research continues to advance independently, recent collaborative and translational efforts have highlighted broad, translational consistencies related to the daily distribution and quantity of dietary protein.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24310053

The use of intravenous magnesium sulphate for acute migraine: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials 
European Journal of Emergency Medicine, 02/15/2014  Evidence Based Medicine  Review Article  Clinical Article

Choi H, et al. – The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of intravenous magnesium for the treatment of acute migraine in adults. The meta–analyses have failed to demonstrate a beneficial effect of intravenous magnesium in terms of reduction in pain relief in acute migraine in adults, showed no benefit in terms of the need for rescue medication and in fact have shown that patients treated with magnesium were significantly more likely to report side–effects/adverse events.

Methods

• Double–blind, randomized controlled trials of intravenous magnesium for acute migraine in adults.
• Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, National Research Register Archive, ACP Journal Club, the US Government’s Clinical Trial Database, Conference Proceedings, and other sources.

Results

• 1203 abstracts were reviewed and five randomized controlled trials totalling 295 patients were eligible for the meta–analyses.
• The percentage of patients who experienced relief from headache 30 min following treatment was 7% lower in the magnesium groups compared with the controls [pooled risk difference=–0.07, 95% confidence interval (CI)=–0.23 to 0.09].
• The percentage of patients who experienced side–effects or adverse events was greater in the magnesium groups compared with controls by 37% (pooled risk difference=0.370, 95% CI=0.06–0.68).
• The percentage of patients who needed rescue analgesic medications was slightly lower in the control groups, but this was not significant (pooled risk difference=–0.021, 95% CI=–0.16 to 0.12).

CONCLUSION:

The meta-analyses have failed to demonstrate a beneficial effect of intravenous magnesium in terms of reduction in pain relief in acute migraine in adults, showed no benefit in terms of the need for rescue medication and in fact have shown that patients treated with magnesium were significantly more likely to report side-effects/adverse events.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23921817

Coffee consumption and risk of prostate cancer: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies 
Carcinogenesis, 12/19/2013  Evidence Based Medicine  Review Article  Clinical Article

Cao S, et al. – Observational studies and animal evidence suggest an association between coffee consumption and the risk of prostate cancer. However, the results are inconsistent. Integrated evidence from prospective cohort studies supports the hypothesis that coffee consumption may decrease the risk of prostate cancer.

• Authors evaluated the association by conducting a meta–analysis of prospective cohort studies.
• PubMed and Embase were searched through June 2013 to identify studies that met predetermined inclusion criterion.
• A random effects model was used to calculate the pooled risk estimates.
• Ten prospective cohort studies involving 8973 patients with prostate cancer and 206,096 participants were included in this systematic review.
• Compared with individuals who seldom or never drink coffee, the pooled relative risk of prostate cancer was 0.88 (95% confidence interval: 0.82 to 0.95) for regular coffee drinkers.
• Exclusion of any single study did not materially alter the combined risk estimate.
• Visual inspection of a funnel plot and Begg’s and Egger’s tests did not indicate evidence of publication bias.

In summary, integrated evidence from prospective cohort studies supports the hypothesis that coffee consumption may decrease the risk of prostate cancer.

 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24343360

Prostatectomy Confers Greater Survival Benefit Than Radiotherapy in Nonmetastatic Cancer

Among men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer, prostatectomy appears to reduce disease-specific mortality better than radiotherapy, an observational study in BMJ finds.

Using the Swedish national prostate cancer registry, researchers examined outcomes among nearly 35,000 men who underwent radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy as their primary treatment between 1996 and 2010. Median follow-up was 5 years.

Among men with nonmetastatic disease, prostate cancer mortality was significantly lower with surgery than with radiotherapy (1.4% vs. 4.9%). Men who were younger, had fewer comorbidities, and had higher-risk cancer appeared to benefit most from surgery.

Among men with metastatic cancer, on the other hand, disease-specific mortality did not differ according to treatment.

The authors, while acknowledging limitations to their research, conclude: "Our study suggests that surgery might result in improved outcomes compared with radiotherapy in terms of survival for men with non-metastatic prostate cancer."

BMJ article (Free)

Acute coronary syndrome in the very  young 
Very young patients with acute coronary syndrome tend to be obese, with a high prevalence of smoking and hyperlipidemia. The presence of thrombus in the absence of underlying coronary disease suggests a thromboembolic event or de novo thrombotic occlusion, which may reflect primary hemostatic dysfunction in a considerable number of these patients. The American Journal of Medicine

Study Prompts FDA to Take Another Look at Saxagliptin

Study Prompts FDA to Take Another Look at Saxagliptin

The FDA has requested clinical trial data from Bristol-Meyers Squibb and AstraZeneca for their medications Onglyza(saxagliptin) and Kombiglyze XR (saxagliptin, metformin HCl extended-release) due to a possible link between the use of these drugs and heart failure. The request is based on a research study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) in October 2013. Both medications are used in the treatment oftype 2 diabetes.

The NEJM study of 16,492 patients with type 2 diabetes who had a history of, or were at risk for,cardiovascular events received either saxagliptin or placebo and were examined for a median of 2.1 years. The primary end point was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or ischemic stroke. Saxagliptin did not increase or decrease the rate of ischemic events, but more patients in the saxagliptin group were hospitalized for heart failure compared to the placebo group (3.5% vs. 2.8%; hazard ratio 1.27; 95% CI 1.07–1.51; P=0.007).

RELATED: Endocrine Disorders Resource Center

The FDA considers the data from the NEJM study to be preliminary, and will be using this clinical trial data as part of its broader evaluation of type 2 diabetes drugs in terms of cardiovascular risk. Patients are warned to not stop taking saxagliptin and to speak with their health care professionals with any questions or concerns. Health care professionals are advised to continue to adhere to the prescribing recommendations in the drug labels.

Diabetes linked to stroke risk in women, study finds 
Women with diabetes were 19% to 42% more likely than those without diabetes to suffer stroke, and the elevated risk was particularly pronounced among those older than 55, according to a study reported in Diabetologia. However, researchers did not observe a link between stroke risk and diabetes among men. HealthDay News

BP drugs tied to greater risk of falls for older patients 
An analysis of data on nearly 5,000 hypertension patients older than 70 showed that those who took blood pressure drugs had a 30% to 40% higher risk of suffering a serious injury following a fall compared with those not taking the drugs. The risk was more than twice as high for patients with a history of a similar injury. The findings appear in JAMA Internal Medicine. HealthDay News

Irisin in humans 
Irisin is a muscle-derived factor, secreted from muscle after shedding of the extracellular portion of the type I membrane protein Fndc5. After its release, Irisin signals to the adipose tissue for the promotion of brown-like adipocytes. It was characterized two years ago, and since its discovery a large number of studies have reported on its biology, with the majority being studies of plasma Irisin in human cohorts. Importantly, the key function, beige cell formation, has been observed in several studies. Metabolism -- Clinical and Experimental 

USPSTF draft recommends against carotid screening for asymptomatic adults 
USPSTF Draft Recommendation: Do Not Screen for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is once again recommending against screening for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis in the general population. The draft recommendation statement, available for public comment on the USPSTF website until March 17, reiterates the group's 2007 stance.

Following are some of the task force's reasons for recommending against screening:

• The "most feasible" method, ultrasonography, has a high false-positive rate in the general population.

• There's no reliable way to determine who with carotid stenosis is at increased risk for stroke.

• There's no evidence that adding cardiovascular medications or increasing current dosages to manage asymptomatic stenosis yields any benefit.

• Adequate evidence shows that treatment with carotid endarterectomy can cause harm.

  The USPSTF concludes "with moderate certainty" that the harms of screening outweigh the benefits.

   

Citalopram Associated with Reduced Agitation in Alzheimer's, But at What Cost?

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram is associated with reduced agitation in people with Alzheimer disease — but with significant side effects — according to a JAMA study.

Nearly 200 patients with probable Alzheimer's and significant agitation were randomized to receive either daily citalopram (target dose: 30 mg) or placebo. Both groups also received a psychosocial intervention.

At 9 weeks, patients in the citalopram group showed improvements in agitation scores, as well as a reduction in caregiver distress, relative to the placebo group. However, the citalopram group had greater cognitive decline and a greater increase in the QT interval.

Given these side effects, the authors say citalopram "cannot be generally recommended as an alternative treatment option at that dose." Thomas Schwenk, a family medicine physician with NEJM Journal Watch, calls the results both "encouraging and worrisome," noting that "the side effects could detract significantly from overall quality of life, and possibly cause cardiac complications or death."

JAMA article 

Best lipid predictor of coronary artery calcium 
This study concluded that non-high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDLc) levels, especially > 190 mg/dl, are consistently associated with increased risk of coronary artery calcium (CAC) progression. The results suggest that among lipid fractions, non-HDLc may be best suited for the prediction of future CAC progression. The American Journal of Cardiology

Young women who smoke have higher breast cancer risk, study finds 
Smoking a pack of cigarettes each day for at least a decade was linked to a 60% increased likelihood of developing estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in women aged 20 to 44, U.S. researchers wrote in the journal Cancer. Compared with nonsmokers, women who reported ever smoking cigarettes had about 30% greater risk of having any form of breast cancer. Reuters 

Stent patients increasingly less likely to die of heart trouble, study finds 
A Mayo Clinic study of 20,000 patients treated for cardiac arterial blockages from 1991 to 2008 revealed that patients who underwent procedures between 2003 and 2008 were less likely to die of heart conditions than cancer, lung disease and neurological conditions. In contrast, heart disease was the main cause of death for patients treated between 1991 and 1996. The study was published in the journal Circulation. HealthDay News 

 The essence of type 2 myocardial infarction 
The Task Force for the Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction recently published updated guidelines for the clinical and research diagnosis of myocardial infarction under a variety of circumstances and in a variety of categories. This review by knowledgeable members of the Task Force seeks to help clinicians resolve the confusion surrounding type 2 myocardial infarction. The American Journal of Medicine

Another study highlights benefits of Mediterranean diet 
Data on about 800 U.S. firefighters showed that those who closely adhered to a Mediterranean-style diet had a 35% lower risk of developing metabolic syndrome and were 43% less likely to gain weight compared with those with little adherence to the diet. The results appear on the website of PLOS One. HealthDay News 

Certain symptoms of sleep apnea may predict cardiovascular risk 
Some factors related to obstructive sleep apnea, including oxygen level, heart rate and daytime sleepiness, had a substantial and independent association with increased odds of experiencing cardiovascular events, Canadian researchers found. Placement on the apnea-hypopnea index was not significantly correlated with heart risk, according to the study published in the journal PLOS Medicine. DailyRx.com 

Mild hypertension as young adult tied to midlife heart risk 
Even a slight increase in blood pressure level during young adulthood was associated with a greater risk of clogged heart arteries by middle age, according to a 25-year study involving almost 4,700 people in the U.S. The findings, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, suggest that patients and providers shouldn't wait until middle age to address blood pressure problems, the study's lead researcher said. HealthDay News

Intracranial Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis and the Risk of Stroke in Whites: The Rotterdam Study

This cohort study reports an association between intracranial carotid artery calcification as a marker of intracranial atherosclerosis and the risk of stroke in a white population

U.K. Geriatrician: Statins, Antihypertensives "Greatly" Overprescribed for Adults 80 and Older

"The data strongly suggest that we are over-treating many healthy patients aged 80+ regarding stroke prevention," concludes U.K. geriatrician Kit Byatt in a perspective published in Evidence-Based Medicine.

Byatt offers a brief review of the evidence, noting that the large HYVET study in China and Europe showed only modest stroke-prevention benefits with antihypertensive therapy in those aged 80 and older. Similarly, the PROSPER trial, a large study of pravastatin in patients aged 70 to 82 in Europe, failed to find a significant stroke-prevention benefit with treatment. Byatt also notes that morbidity associated with statins may be underestimated

He writes: "We need actively to rethink our priorities and beliefs about stroke prevention, actively informing and involving the views of the key person, the patient. Most of the patients will probably eschew the modest potential benefit, preferring the reduced burden of polypharmacy and side effects judged as 'minor' by the prescriber."

Evidence-Based Medicine perspective

Relation of Coronary Artery Calcium to Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Combined Diabetes Mellitus and Systemic Hypertension 

Shemesh J et al. - Patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) can be stratified into a lower cardiovascular (CV) risk in the absence of coronary artery calcium (CAC).

Methods

• The study group included 423 patients, a subgroup of the 544 participants in the calcification side arm of the International Nifedipine Study : Intervention as Goal for Hypertension Therapy.
• All underwent a baseline computed tomography scan with an unenhanced dual-detector spiral computed tomography scan for CAC measurements.
• All were free of CV disease and completed 3 years (short-term) of follow-up.
• A total of 268 patients were included in the 15-year (long-term) follow-up period.
• The study group was divided into 4 subgroups according to the presence or absence of DM and CAC and was analyzed for a first CV event.
• Of the 423 patients, 164 (39%) had DM.
• Cardiovascular events occurred in 41 patients during the first 3 years and in 111 of 268 patients during the long-term follow-up.

Results

• The rate of CV events was greater in the patients with DM with CAC than in those without (15% vs 7% after 3 years and 52% vs 32% after 15 years).
• Compared to those without DM without CAC, the short-term adjusted hazard ratio for CV event in those with DM with and without CAC was 6.6 (95% confidence interval 1.4 to 30.5) and 3.9 (95% confidence interval 0.7 to 22.6), respectively.
• A similar trend was seen in the long-term follow-up study.

** ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA News **

Eating grilled meat 'increases risk of Alzheimer's and diabetes'
http://mnt.to/l/4kMC

Self-reported memory complaints might predict clinical memory impairment later in life
http://mnt.to/l/4kL8

High carb diet may increase your risk of dementia
http://mnt.to/l/4kL2

CEOi and Academy launch development of Global Alzheimer's Platform (GAP)
http://mnt.to/l/4kKJ

For billions of years chemical chaperones have helped proteins do their jobs
http://mnt.to/l/4kJB

Targeting selected amyloid-beta dimers in early stages of Alzheimer's disease
http://mnt.to/l/4kGs

Tracking Alzheimer's Disease progression: neuropsychological assessment more efficient than MRI
http://mnt.to/l/4kGn

Finding ways to detect and treat Alzheimer's disease
http://mnt.to/l/4kDw

----------------------------------------------
** ANXIETY / STRESS News **

Is PTSD influenced by immune cells in the spleen?
http://mnt.to/l/4kKV

Coping with stress in criminal justice careers
http://mnt.to/l/4kJZ

Some children are more resilient than others to post-traumatic stress
http://mnt.to/l/4kJW

High family stress can impact a child's immune system
http://mnt.to/l/4kGz

Tips for managing over-stressed lives help mothers of children on life-sustaining devices
http://mnt.to/l/4kDG

During financial crises, stress hormones in traders may trigger 'risk aversion' and contribute to market crises
http://mnt.to/l/4kDc

----------------------------------------------
** BONES / ORTHOPEDICS News **

New study supports the possibility of localized rejuvenation of aging muscles
http://mnt.to/l/4kKv

Powerful muscles created from fishing line and sewing thread
http://mnt.to/l/4kJv

Regional anesthesia does not increase risk of falls after knee replacement
http://mnt.to/l/4kFD

Drinking water with a relatively high concentration of magnesium protects against hip fractures
http://mnt.to/l/4kDL

Muscle recovery in elderly mice enabled through rejuvenation of stem cell population
http://mnt.to/l/4kCn

----------------------------------------------
** BREAST CANCER News **

Cognitive behavioral therapy plus hypnosis reduces fatigue in radiotherapy breast cancer patients
http://mnt.to/l/4kJ3

Study finds more women receiving breast reconstruction after mastectomy
http://mnt.to/l/4kFH

Published study validates MammaPrint test for long-term prediction of breast cancer outcome
http://mnt.to/l/4kDp

Predicting presence of breast cancer through small non-coding RNAs
http://mnt.to/l/4kD8

Targeting stem cells in triple-negative breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4kD7

----------------------------------------------
** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **

Cancer patients want more written information on late effects
http://mnt.to/l/4kLQ

Researchers enhance anti-cancer benefits, increase shelf life of broccoli
http://mnt.to/l/4kKz

Study of cell behaviour in low oxygen conditions has important implications for tumours
http://mnt.to/l/4kK9

Tissue-penetrating light releases chemotherapy inside cancer cells
http://mnt.to/l/4kKM

Lower cancer incidence rate in patients with central nervous system disease explained
http://mnt.to/l/4kK4

During RT for head and neck cancer, humidification of the mouth, throat reduces mucositis, hospital stay
http://mnt.to/l/4kJJ

Limiting radiation to major salivary glands in head and neck cancer patients
http://mnt.to/l/4kJD

Quality of voice and speech affected post-treatment in patients with oropharyngeal cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4kJC

Improved patient-reported salivary function following reduced RT dose to bilateral IB lymph nodes
http://mnt.to/l/4kJz

Favorable outcomes reported in unilateral radiation therapy for advanced stage tonsil cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4kJy

Secondary thyroid cancer more deadly than primary malignancy in young individuals
http://mnt.to/l/4kGL

Common driver of a childhood brain tumor discovered by gene sequencing project
http://mnt.to/l/4kHX

Greater cancer risks faced by LGBT youth
http://mnt.to/l/4kHT

Molecular aberration signals cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4kHP

'Epidemic of diagnosis' associated with thyroid cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4kJh

Personal Genome Diagnostics' Circulating Tumor DNA technology highlighted in landmark study
http://mnt.to/l/4kHY

Overall survival not improved by adding bevacizumab to initital glioblastoma treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4kHd

Computer models created to explore the complex biochemical processes that drive cancer growth
http://mnt.to/l/4kGZ

Gene test developed to accurately classify brain tumors
http://mnt.to/l/4kGr

Researchers reveal kidney cancer's weak link
http://mnt.to/l/4kFd

New treatment proposed to prevent devastating intestinal inflammation in cancer patients
http://mnt.to/l/4kF8

Infected Tasmanian Devils reveal how cancer cells evolve in response to humans
http://mnt.to/l/4kDZ

New paradigm in cancer immunotherapy
http://mnt.to/l/4kDX

Novel study first to demonstrate the effect of laminin-5 gamma-2 on cells affected by anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
http://mnt.to/l/4kDS

New drug 'selectively kills dormant cancer cells'
http://mnt.to/l/4kCt

----------------------------------------------
** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **

Rapid increase in chronic illnesses plus high rates of infectious disease faced by developing countries
http://mnt.to/l/4kKh

High potency statins linked to better outcome following a heart attack
http://mnt.to/l/4kK8

Guideline: People with irregular heartbeat should take blood thinners to prevent stroke
http://mnt.to/l/4kJ7

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force publishes final recommendation statement on multivitamins to prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4kGJ

'Largest ever' trial of adult stem cells in heart attack patients begins
http://mnt.to/l/4kJT

Regenerating heart muscle with gene therapy
http://mnt.to/l/4kHS

Discovery could lead to improved early detection and prevention strategies for sudden cardiac death syndrome
http://mnt.to/l/4kG6

Materials scientists examine implants made of nickel-titanium alloy in a long-term study
http://mnt.to/l/4kFY

One-quarter of high risk patients denied anticoagulation after AF ablation
http://mnt.to/l/4kF7

----------------------------------------------
** COLORECTAL CANCER News **

Chemotherapy enhanced by preventing cell repair in tumour cells
http://mnt.to/l/4kKt

----------------------------------------------
** DEPRESSION News **

Thyroid activity within normal range tied to depression in older adults
http://mnt.to/l/4kJQ

----------------------------------------------
** DERMATOLOGY News **

Better wound healing with bioengineered growth factors
http://mnt.to/l/4kJL

----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **

First clinical trial of type 1 diabetes treatment developed by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev researcher has extremely positive results
http://mnt.to/l/4kLJ

UK launch of once-daily tablet from Janssen provides new option to improve blood glucose control for thousands of people with Type 2 diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4kLF

'Lending a hand' in diabetes treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4kJX

Low pre-pregnancy levels of specific protein linked to higher risk of diabetes during pregnancy
http://mnt.to/l/4kG3

Positive top-line results from clinical trial of microbiome modulator NM504 in type 2 diabetes reported
http://mnt.to/l/4kFK

----------------------------------------------
** FERTILITY News **

Low-income women face roadblocks created by Medicaid's 'tube-tying' polices
http://mnt.to/l/4kGf

New findings could lead to novel diagnostic tests and treatments for male infertility
http://mnt.to/l/4kFq

----------------------------------------------
** FLU / COLD / SARS News **

UK's excess winter death rate unlikely to be reduced by climate change as previously thought
http://mnt.to/l/4kLq

Zoonotic diseases and global viral pandemics
http://mnt.to/l/4kDz

Conventional wisdom challenged and some of the mysteries surrounding flu outbreaks of historical significance solved
http://mnt.to/l/4kCp

----------------------------------------------
** HYPERTENSION News **

Medication to treat high blood pressure associated with fall injuries in elderly
http://mnt.to/l/4kLK

Vegetarian diet could be used to lower blood pressure
http://mnt.to/l/4kLG

10 of 11 new gene signals are likely drug targets for hypertension
http://mnt.to/l/4kJr

Study points out inequalities in prescribing blood pressure meds
http://mnt.to/l/4kFS

----------------------------------------------
** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **

Some hospital infections reduced by computerized checklist
http://mnt.to/l/4kLv

Dental calculus offers a window into the past, may unlock a 'microbial Pompeii'
http://mnt.to/l/4kLs

Rare polio-like disease strikes five kids in California
http://mnt.to/l/4kLj

Early warning system for epidemics
http://mnt.to/l/4kKS

Preventing zoonotic feline tularemia by finding influential geospatial factors
http://mnt.to/l/4kHt

Scientists uncover drug resistance mechanism that could impact development of two antibiotic drug candidates
http://mnt.to/l/4kGt

Warning - ticks may cause double trouble
http://mnt.to/l/4kG9

Solution to molecular biology mystery may help in the design or screening for new anti-bacterial drugs
http://mnt.to/l/4kFV

Slim, attractive men have less nasal bacteria than heavy men
http://mnt.to/l/4kDM

----------------------------------------------
** MEN'S HEALTH News **

How men age: more uplifts, fewer hassles until the age of 65-70
http://mnt.to/l/4kJn

----------------------------------------------
** MENTAL HEALTH News **

Workplace is key to suicide prevention, says SANE Australia
http://mnt.to/l/4kJb

Climate change and unemployment affect Australia's suicide rates
http://mnt.to/l/4kH3

Suicide and the internet: Groundbreaking research
http://mnt.to/l/4kDk

----------------------------------------------
** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **

Brain region involved in social memory discovered by scientists
http://mnt.to/l/4kKY

Brain scans of jazz musicians unveil language and music similarities
http://mnt.to/l/4kKG

Monkey controls limb movements of 'avatar' using its mind
http://mnt.to/l/4kJg

Dog and human brains have 'voice areas' in same places
http://mnt.to/l/4kJm

Mechanism behind the activation of dormant memory cells discovered
http://mnt.to/l/4kJf

ME: The male disorder that became a female disorder
http://mnt.to/l/4kJc

Geneticists show how molecular switches coordinate development of the nervous system
http://mnt.to/l/4kHw

Common brain circuitry found to processes music and language in study of jazz players
http://mnt.to/l/4kHp

Protein's role in human memory and learning functions has implications for Down's syndrome
http://mnt.to/l/4kH2

How cognition works in the brain
http://mnt.to/l/4kGW

Zebrafish neuron research may improve understanding of birth defects like spina bifida
http://mnt.to/l/4kGk

FDA approves Northera to treat neurogenic orthostatic hypotension
http://mnt.to/l/4kGy

Quirky online videos hope to boost brain health and tackle fears about memory loss
http://mnt.to/l/4kDD

Researchers reveal why the brain remembers dreams
http://mnt.to/l/4kCr

----------------------------------------------
** NUTRITION / DIET News **

Vitamin D and calcium disparities found among American subpopulations
http://mnt.to/l/4kJY

What are the health benefits of tomatoes?
http://mnt.to/l/4kK5

European study reinforces importance of eating breakfast for children's health
http://mnt.to/l/4kGM

Food packaging chemicals 'may be harmful to human health'
http://mnt.to/l/4kGC

Healthy lunchbox challenge helps influence healthy eating habits in children
http://mnt.to/l/4kFW

----------------------------------------------
** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **

Association between high cost of fruits, vegetables and  higher body fat in young children
http://mnt.to/l/4kK6

Crowd-sourced study: 'kids with involved parents become slimmer adults'
http://mnt.to/l/4kKb

Social gaming site effective weight loss tool
http://mnt.to/l/4kGq

The importance of getting up and moving during work hours
http://mnt.to/l/4kGb

How your mindset about the future may impact your eating habits
http://mnt.to/l/4kFR

Weight loss more difficult for obese patients who feel judged by doctors
http://mnt.to/l/4kFB

----------------------------------------------
** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **

The Royal College of General Practitioners announces continued opposition to change in law on assisted dying, UK
http://mnt.to/l/4kKT

Physicians in rural primary care are committed to professionalism, quality improvement
http://mnt.to/l/4kK2

How to avoid unnecessary medical tests, procedures
http://mnt.to/l/4kFj

MPS highlights prescribing as one of the top risks in general practice in the UK
http://mnt.to/l/4kDH

----------------------------------------------
** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **

Enzalutamide for metastatic prostate cancer: IQWiG assessed data subsequently submitted by the manufacturer
http://mnt.to/l/4kLc

Increased risk of prostate cancer in some men taking selenium and vitamin E supplements
http://mnt.to/l/4kKZ

Selenium and vitamin E supplements 'increase prostate cancer risk'
http://mnt.to/l/4kKR

Identifying men with advanced prostate cancer through genetic screening
http://mnt.to/l/4kJK

Advanced prostate cancer risk could be identified by genetic screening
http://mnt.to/l/4kGF

Data shows Prolaris test predicts metastases in prostate cancer from biopsies
http://mnt.to/l/4kG8

----------------------------------------------
** SENIORS / AGING News **

Exercise in older patients improves long-term health and wellbeing
http://mnt.to/l/4kLP

Cortisol, the stress hormone, linked to frailty
http://mnt.to/l/4kJP

Sitting too much linked to major disability after 60, regardless of exercise
http://mnt.to/l/4kGS

After nursing home discharge, many Medicare beneficiaries return to ER
http://mnt.to/l/4kGd

Reducing the risk of falls by motivating older people to do preventative exercise
http://mnt.to/l/4kFJ

----------------------------------------------
** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **

Connection between protein misfolding, sleep loss, and age strengthened by fruit fly study
http://mnt.to/l/4kKs

Switch identified that says it's time to sleep
http://mnt.to/l/4kGR

----------------------------------------------
** STROKE News **

Vigorous activity often precedes heart attacks, stroke at work
http://mnt.to/l/4kLM

Seasonal flu vaccine may cut stroke risk
http://mnt.to/l/4kKc

Hope for neurodegenerative therapies from neuron-generating brain region
http://mnt.to/l/4kJx

Genetic disorder discovered that causes pediatric strokes and vascular inflammation
http://mnt.to/l/4kHf

Iron deficiency increases stroke risk by making blood sticky
http://mnt.to/l/4kFL

Researchers discover new way to prevent some strokes
http://mnt.to/l/4kDT

----------------------------------------------


Treating vaginal thrush with a probiotic
http://mnt.to/l/4kFM

** ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA News **

Research offers new insight into protein misfolding in neurodegenerative disorders
http://mnt.to/l/4kBN

Impaired recovery from inflammation linked to Alzheimer's
http://mnt.to/l/4kBj

Elevated brain aluminium and early onset Alzheimer's disease in an individual occupationally exposed to aluminium
http://mnt.to/l/4kxK

Experimental care program keeps people with dementia at home longer
http://mnt.to/l/4kwv

Alzheimer's may appear in early scans if both parents have the disease
http://mnt.to/l/4ktz

Phone device that 'sends' smells could help treat Alzheimer's
http://mnt.to/l/4kxz

----------------------------------------------
** ANXIETY / STRESS News **

OCD dogs serve as model of the disorder in humans
http://mnt.to/l/4kBq

A new pathway for fear discovered deep within the brain
http://mnt.to/l/4ky8

How parents cope when their children undergo stem cell transplant
http://mnt.to/l/4kxp

How the body regulates neuro-hormone has implications for hypertension, pain, stress, depression
http://mnt.to/l/4kw4

Within 10 days Transcendental Meditation significantly reduced PTSD in African refugees
http://mnt.to/l/4kvf

----------------------------------------------
** ARTHRITIS / RHEUMATOLOGY News **

Zinc may be the missing link for osteoarthritis therapies
http://mnt.to/l/4kzt

Young arthritis sufferers choose treatments that 'make life normal'
http://mnt.to/l/4kvM

----------------------------------------------
** BONES / ORTHOPEDICS News **

FDA approves Vimizim to treat rare congenital enzyme disorder
http://mnt.to/l/4kCW

Home-based exercise program improves recovery following rehabilitation for hip fracture
http://mnt.to/l/4kCN

Complex elbow fractures and further complications a greater risk for obese children
http://mnt.to/l/4kwt

----------------------------------------------
** BREAST CANCER News **

New study reinforces major advantages of Dako's HER2 IQFISH pharmDx in breast cancer diagnostics
http://mnt.to/l/4kBx

Dense breast tissue drives early stages of cancer, new study says
http://mnt.to/l/4kzW

Screening mammography saves lives - Canadian study 'not relevant to Australia'
http://mnt.to/l/4kyV

How dense breast tissue drives the early stages of cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4kyj

New breast cancer treatment Kadcyla given green light by regulators, UK
http://mnt.to/l/4kxN

Potential for targeting aggressive breast cancers shown by new UK study
http://mnt.to/l/4kx8

Potential to predict breast cancer survival by testing for fifty-five genes linked to a powerful tumor suppressor
http://mnt.to/l/4kwM

Possible genetic markers found  in breast cancer that spreads to the brain
http://mnt.to/l/4kwg

Alcohol-breakdown molecule may play a role in breast cancer development
http://mnt.to/l/4kw9

Consensus guideline on margins for breast-conserving surgery with whole-breast irradiation issued by ASTRO and SSO
http://mnt.to/l/4kvr

For women with BRCA gene mutation, 'double mastectomy better'
http://mnt.to/l/4kvj

Annual screening does not reduce risk of death from breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4ktS

----------------------------------------------
** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **

Globally, cancer kills 50% more men than women
http://mnt.to/l/4kD2

'Moving' pediatric brain tumors by hijacking cancer migration mechanism
http://mnt.to/l/4kCg

A potential new target for cancer and diabetes: p66Shc adaptor protein suppresses insulin signaling and energy metabolism
http://mnt.to/l/4kzZ

'Smart' gold nanoshells transport cancer drugs
http://mnt.to/l/4kzR

A step closer to efficient treatment for cancer-causing herpes
http://mnt.to/l/4kzP

'Missing' genetic risk mystery
http://mnt.to/l/4kzB

Chemotherapy side effects may be reduced by metal implants
http://mnt.to/l/4kyN

Screening a library of FDA-approved anticancer drugs may lead to treatment of rare, drug-resistant cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4kyM

Bladder cancer subtypes genetically similar to breast cancer subtypes
http://mnt.to/l/4kx6

First observation of human HAT, key proteins in numerous pathologies
http://mnt.to/l/4kwY

The challenge of accurate diagnosis of Rare Cancers
http://mnt.to/l/4kwB

A new postal code for cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4kw5

Acidic tumour pH inhibits chloroquine drug effect
http://mnt.to/l/4kw3

Long-term responders and survivors on pazopanib for advanced soft tissue sarcomas characterized by EORTC analysis
http://mnt.to/l/4kvF

----------------------------------------------
** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **

Post-surgery heart attack: '85% undetected due to lack of symptoms'
http://mnt.to/l/4kDs

Aortic valve replacement improves function but may not improve quality of life
http://mnt.to/l/4kxD

Exercise improves heart function by targeting cellular powerhouses
http://mnt.to/l/4kyd

Adopt a healthy lifestyle: your heart will love you for it
http://mnt.to/l/4kyT

Ability to recreate heart muscle from scar tissue steps closer
http://mnt.to/l/4kxS

After percutaneous coronary intervention, surprising trends in cause of long-term death
http://mnt.to/l/4kv8

----------------------------------------------
** COLORECTAL CANCER News **

Improvements in colon cancer survival largely reflect gains among non-elderly whites and Asians
http://mnt.to/l/4kBT

Grape seed shows promise in the fight against bowel cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4kBz

Hope for development of drugs to stall the growth of K-Ras cancers, previously deemed impossible to treat
http://mnt.to/l/4kvc

----------------------------------------------
** DEPRESSION News **

First biomarker discovered for depression in teenage boys
http://mnt.to/l/4kDt

Scientists unveil the mechanisms underlying the immediate effect of deep brain stimulation in depression
http://mnt.to/l/4kCS

Biomarkers could help classify sub-types of depression, improve treatments
http://mnt.to/l/4kBL

----------------------------------------------
** DERMATOLOGY News **

Looks, not health risk, motivate teens to wear sunscreen
http://mnt.to/l/4kB9

Study shows vitamin D provides relief for those with chronic hives
http://mnt.to/l/4kB3

Study examines use of teledermatology for inpatient dermatology consultations
http://mnt.to/l/4kvT

----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **

UEF study: metabolic syndrome is similar in different age groups
http://mnt.to/l/4kyW

New guidelines for type 2 diabetes screening in children less effective and more costly than previous screening methods
http://mnt.to/l/4kx4

The link between recent weight gain and diabetes challenged by study
http://mnt.to/l/4kwQ

----------------------------------------------
** FERTILITY News **

New video tracking system could someday help in vitro fertilization clinics select most viable sperm
http://mnt.to/l/4kwJ

----------------------------------------------
** FLU / COLD / SARS News **

Researchers discover immune signature that predicts poor outcome in influenza patients
http://mnt.to/l/4kwx

The severest flu cases are in young, unvaccinated adults
http://mnt.to/l/4kvq

----------------------------------------------
** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **

Shedding light on how tularemia, 'rabbit fever' may persist in the environment and cause disease
http://mnt.to/l/4kCc

Preventing food contamination employing antimicrobial preservation strategies
http://mnt.to/l/4kBM

Chemists discover two new weapons in the battle against bacteria
http://mnt.to/l/4kB5

Infectious cat parasite found in western Arctic Beluga
http://mnt.to/l/4kzG

Lapse in infection control procedure led to rare bacteria outbreak in cancer clinic
http://mnt.to/l/4kyC

Laser tool speeds up detection of Salmonella in food products
http://mnt.to/l/4kyQ

Clinical study used live ticks to test for persistent Lyme infection
http://mnt.to/l/4kyg

Veterinary drugs improve the health of school children with worm infections in developing countries
http://mnt.to/l/4kxV

Common infections may increase risk for memory decline
http://mnt.to/l/4ksk

Statins may have use against killer virus
http://mnt.to/l/4kwL

Fungal disease attacked by breast cancer drug
http://mnt.to/l/4kw7

New insights into the pathogenesis of pain and neurovascular responses during bacterial infections
http://mnt.to/l/4kvx

----------------------------------------------
** MENTAL HEALTH News **

Stock market volatility and mental disorders linked
http://mnt.to/l/4kzQ

Mental health of smokers may improve if they quit
http://mnt.to/l/4kwS

UK needs to tackle high cost of mental-ill health, says OECD
http://mnt.to/l/4kvp

----------------------------------------------
** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **

Scientists seek to unlock mysteries of the brain
http://mnt.to/l/4kC8

The connection between memory and schizophrenia
http://mnt.to/l/4kB8

Neuroscientists find clue to how we remember dreams
http://mnt.to/l/4kCb

New insight into the consequences of protein misfolding in neurodegenerative disorders
http://mnt.to/l/4kBt

Our brain has switch board to guide behavior in response to external stimuli
http://mnt.to/l/4kBh

Promise of a bonus counter-productive in brains with high dopamine levels
http://mnt.to/l/4kzH

Non-coding DNA sequence affects brain's characteristic folding
http://mnt.to/l/4kzp

Stress can make the brain more susceptible to mental illness
http://mnt.to/l/4kBp

Dogs provide new insight into Chiari malformation in humans
http://mnt.to/l/4kzY

How smell and hunger work together is explained in a new study
http://mnt.to/l/4kz7

Juggling could lead to better understanding of neurological disorders
http://mnt.to/l/4kxP

Exposure to common infections linked to brain function decline
http://mnt.to/l/4kzg

Beauty of mathematics excites emotional brain
http://mnt.to/l/4kzc

Promising new therapy for treatment of Sanfilippo B syndrome, a devastating genetic disorder
http://mnt.to/l/4kym

Same brain region activated in appreciation of mathematical beauty as in appreciation of great art or music
http://mnt.to/l/4kyc

Brilliant blue G may shine in treating traumatic brain injuries
http://mnt.to/l/4kxf

Protein identified that initiates the formation of stable, long-term memories
http://mnt.to/l/4kwN

Brain protected from viral infections by long distance signals
http://mnt.to/l/4kwn

First map of core white matter connections reveals that not all brain connections are equally important
http://mnt.to/l/4kw8

More study needed into the impact of repetitive heading in soccer
http://mnt.to/l/4kvg

How Galileo's visual illusion works in the mind's eye
http://mnt.to/l/4kvd

----------------------------------------------
** NUTRITION / DIET News **

What are the health benefits of oranges?
http://mnt.to/l/4kCZ

New model can isolate the effects of nutrients on gene expression and physiology
http://mnt.to/l/4kzJ

Children's diet unaffected by fall in household income, study says
http://mnt.to/l/4kyY

The food industry makes a major shift from artificial to natural
http://mnt.to/l/4kyn

Ancient British diets traced by archaeologists and chemists
http://mnt.to/l/4ky5

Tyrosine helps you stop faster
http://mnt.to/l/4kwc

Manga comics may help promote fruit consumption among youth - according to a new study in the journal of nutrition education and behavior
http://mnt.to/l/4kvX

Good risk communication, safer food
http://mnt.to/l/4kvK

----------------------------------------------
** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **

Obesity prevention in pediatrics is focus of two studies
http://mnt.to/l/4kCs

Obesity in Samoa - a worrying trend
http://mnt.to/l/4kCf

Teaching children to pay less attention to food might help them eat less
http://mnt.to/l/4kBX

Association between geographic variation of human gut microbes and obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4kBK

Living near fast food outlets increases risk for childhood obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4kzk

The long-term effects of childhood obesity on late-life health
http://mnt.to/l/4kyr

Link between excess weight and brain changes that may relate to memory, emotions, and appetite
http://mnt.to/l/4kxq

Discovery could advance treatments for obesity and other disorders
http://mnt.to/l/4kwp

----------------------------------------------
** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **

Prostate cancer advance could improve treatment options
http://mnt.to/l/4kxM

Proton therapy for prostate cancer results in long-term patient survival and excellent quality of life
http://mnt.to/l/4kxt

Key cellular pathway identified in prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4kwk

----------------------------------------------
** SENIORS / AGING News **

Hormone released after exercise can 'predict' biological age
http://mnt.to/l/4kCT

Loneliness increases risk of premature death in seniors
http://mnt.to/l/4kBr

Technology helps preserve independent living
http://mnt.to/l/4ky6

Aging and the pursuit of happiness
http://mnt.to/l/4kwC

Should fixed retirement age be abolished?
http://mnt.to/l/4kvt

----------------------------------------------
** SEXUAL HEALTH / STDS News **

Worldwide, 1 in 14 women sexually assaulted by someone other than a partner
http://mnt.to/l/4kwd

----------------------------------------------
** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **

As few as 3 cognitive behavioral therapy sessions for insomnia can reduce health care utilization and costs
http://mnt.to/l/4kBG

Even moderate weight loss can prevent and cure obstructive sleep apnoea
http://mnt.to/l/4kw2

----------------------------------------------
** STATINS News **

News from Annals of Internal Medicine on statins and personal genome services
http://mnt.to/l/4kvh

----------------------------------------------
** STROKE News **

Study shows stroke patients with swallowing problems show improved recovery with new treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4kCR

Intracranial carotid artery atherosclerosis associated with increased stroke risk
http://mnt.to/l/4kCw

Vitamin C linked to reduced risk of stroke
http://mnt.to/l/4kC9

Stem cells help to rebuild the brain after stroke
http://mnt.to/l/4kzX

Working with paramedics allows intravenous medications to be given to stroke patients within 'golden hour'
http://mnt.to/l/4kzK

Returning to driving after a stroke without being evaluated for ability
http://mnt.to/l/4kzd

Women's stroke risk reduced by moderate exercise
http://mnt.to/l/4kz2

Study questions use of mortality as measure of stroke care
http://mnt.to/l/4kxT

Moderate exercise cuts stroke risk as much as strenuous activity
http://mnt.to/l/4kyG

Hispanic stroke patients less likely to receive clot-busting drugs in border state hospitals
http://mnt.to/l/4kst

Head, neck injuries may increase stroke risk among trauma patients younger than 50
http://mnt.to/l/4ksr

Ambulance magnesium treatment fails to improve stroke outcome
http://mnt.to/l/4ksp

Most people have access to stroke care, but few get recommended treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4ksg

Are stroke deaths linked to changes in the weather?
http://mnt.to/l/4kx2

MIT robot may accelerate trials for stroke medications
http://mnt.to/l/4kwz

More awareness, fast response key to combatting stroke in children
http://mnt.to/l/4krD

Common infections linked to stroke in children; vaccines may reduce risk
http://mnt.to/l/4krB

Sleep apnea common among stroke-related brainstem injuries
http://mnt.to/l/4krz

Cocaine may increase stroke risk within 24 hours of use
http://mnt.to/l/4kry

--------------------------------------------
** ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA News **

Cholesterol levels linked to brain deposits that cause Alzheimer's
http://mnt.to/l/4jLJ

Living at home with dementia
http://mnt.to/l/4jGH

Study links concussion with Alzheimer's disease brain pathology
http://mnt.to/l/4jKx

Alzheimer's prevention initiative trial marks milestone
http://mnt.to/l/4jJQ

Brain repair after injury and Alzheimer's disease
http://mnt.to/l/4jHp

Are concussions related to Alzheimer's disease?
http://mnt.to/l/4jFN

----------------------------------------------
** ARTHRITIS / RHEUMATOLOGY News **

Over 40 new genetic markers found for rheumatoid arthritis
http://mnt.to/l/4jK4

Top-line results of Phase IIb study with monotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis
http://mnt.to/l/4jJN

----------------------------------------------
** BONES / ORTHOPEDICS News **

Knee ops to repair torn cartilage are 'waste of time'
http://mnt.to/l/4jL7

----------------------------------------------
** BREAST CANCER News **

Radiotherapy is less often used by breast cancer patients with young children
http://mnt.to/l/4jKC

Low oxygen levels in tumors 'trigger spread of breast cancer'
http://mnt.to/l/4jKH

Aerobic glycolysis is a cause of malignancy in breast cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4jFr

Breast cancer drugs: real and fake acupuncture 'relieves side effects'
http://mnt.to/l/4jFX

----------------------------------------------
** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **

Mangafodipir treatment for oxaliplatin-associated neuropathy
http://mnt.to/l/4jHQ

New compound BYM338 could reverse loss of muscle mass in cancer and other diseases
http://mnt.to/l/4jH9

A new role for milk: Delivering polyphenols with anti-cancer activity
http://mnt.to/l/4jH2

Meat, smoking have strongest links to cancer incidence rates
http://mnt.to/l/4jLm

Surgery 'better than chemotherapy' for tongue cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4jL3

DNA clamp to grab cancer before it develops
http://mnt.to/l/4jGG

Saving fertility not priority at most cancer centers
http://mnt.to/l/4jGd

Pre-surgery chemo benefits more esophageal cancer patients
http://mnt.to/l/4jKk

----------------------------------------------
** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **

Study shows value of calcium scan in predicting heart attack, stroke among those considered at risk
http://mnt.to/l/4jKb

Targeting micro RNA to halt atherosclerosis
http://mnt.to/l/4jF3

----------------------------------------------
** DEPRESSION News **

Physical inactivity after cardiac surgery linked with substantially higher risk of depression
http://mnt.to/l/4jHC

----------------------------------------------
** DERMATOLOGY News **

Registered tanning salons more common than other businesses in Florida
http://mnt.to/l/4jJJ

----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **

Decrease your risk for type 2 diabetes: Text messages on your phone
http://mnt.to/l/4jHq

----------------------------------------------
** ENDOCRINOLOGY News **

Hypothyroidism not associated with mild cognitive impairment in study
http://mnt.to/l/4jKq

----------------------------------------------
** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **

Fungal surface protein promotes host cell
http://mnt.to/l/4jHD

A mathematical perspective of seasonal variations in Lyme disease transmission
http://mnt.to/l/4jGP

Some bacteria 'live for long periods' on toys, books and cribs
http://mnt.to/l/4jKT

H. pylori vaccine shows promise in mouse studies
http://mnt.to/l/4jGv

Young killer cells protect against infectious mononucleosis
http://mnt.to/l/4jHf

Toxoplasmosis parasite: clues to symptom inconsistency
http://mnt.to/l/4jGS

----------------------------------------------
** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **

Gene found that 'protects against neurodegenerative diseases'
http://mnt.to/l/4jLv

Learning requires constant reconfiguration of the connections between nerve cells
http://mnt.to/l/4jHF

Widely-used anti-inflammatory drug shows success in treatment of amyloidosis
http://mnt.to/l/4jKy

New evidence that computers change the way we learn
http://mnt.to/l/4jHB

Researchers show the power of mirror neuron system in learning and language understanding
http://mnt.to/l/4jGB

Reading a novel triggers lasting changes in the brain
http://mnt.to/l/4jKh

Ancient cranial surgery
http://mnt.to/l/4jG9

Brain connections may explain why girls mature faster
http://mnt.to/l/4jHc

Hypoxic preconditioning stimulates angiogenesis in ischemic penumbra after ACI
http://mnt.to/l/4jK7

Girls' brains reorganize earlier, may explain their faster maturity
http://mnt.to/l/4jJC

Examining synaptic mechanisms of rhythmic brain waves
http://mnt.to/l/4jB6

----------------------------------------------
** NUTRITION / DIET News **

Our food choices are influenced by social norms, study suggests
http://mnt.to/l/4jLX

New molecular tools for controlling production of compounds important for flavors, human health, and biofuels
http://mnt.to/l/4jHN

Nutrition influences metabolism through circadian rhythms, UCI study finds
http://mnt.to/l/4jGF

CCNY chemists use sugar-based gelators to solidify vegetable oils
http://mnt.to/l/4jGg

The impact of artificial sweeteners: the debate continues
http://mnt.to/l/4jFn

----------------------------------------------
** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **

Slow eating may reduce hunger but not calorie intake
http://mnt.to/l/4jLq

Breaking the cycle of obesity, inflammation and disease
http://mnt.to/l/4jGW

African-American women must eat less or exercise more to lose as much weight as caucasians
http://mnt.to/l/4jGR

Potential weight-loss mouth spray for fuller feeling
http://mnt.to/l/4jJB

African-American women need 'greater obesity effort'
http://mnt.to/l/4jJy

Risk of heart disease, diabetes in middle-aged women reduced by modest weight loss
http://mnt.to/l/4jF4

----------------------------------------------
** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **

Study examines minority physicians' role in care of underserved patients
http://mnt.to/l/4jKs

----------------------------------------------
** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **

'No reduction' in deaths caused by aggressive prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4jKg

----------------------------------------------
** SENIORS / AGING News **

Researchers find a cause of aging that can be reversed
http://mnt.to/l/4jHk

Many older Americans rely on people, devices, other strategies to get by
http://mnt.to/l/4jxJ

** ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA News **

Drugs that modify DNA structure may be beneficial for treating Alzheimer's disease
http://mnt.to/l/4kkk

Diabetes and high estrogen levels raise dementia risk for women
http://mnt.to/l/4kdX

----------------------------------------------
** ANXIETY / STRESS News **

Teacher stress and burnout reduced by Transcendental Meditation
http://mnt.to/l/4kkF

Researchers pinpoint neural circuitry that promotes stress-induced anxiety
http://mnt.to/l/4kjP

Emotional support buffers the biological toll of racial discrimination in young African-Americans
http://mnt.to/l/4kkP

Stress can be contagious: infants can catch it from their mothers
http://mnt.to/l/4kkM

How to handle anxiety disorders in primary care: Suggestions from a trial
http://mnt.to/l/4kjN

Stress reduces when shared
http://mnt.to/l/4kgx

----------------------------------------------
** BONES / ORTHOPEDICS News **

Microspheres could be key in preventing bone infections after joint replacement
http://mnt.to/l/4kkg

Quality and accuracy of information about vertebroplasty largely inaccurate on the net
http://mnt.to/l/4kjK

Discovery of a potent stimulator of new bone growth may lead to new drugs for osteoporosis
http://mnt.to/l/4kjm

Bone regrowth may be enhanced by manipulating activities of opposing molecular pathways
http://mnt.to/l/4kjf

High-risk osteoporosis patients may be identified by automated system
http://mnt.to/l/4kfT

Culprit behind skeletal muscle disease found
http://mnt.to/l/4kfF

Enormous variation in worldwide usage of FRAX revealed by IOF position paper
http://mnt.to/l/4kd5

Clinical evaluation of teriparatide treatment for osteogenesis imperfecta
http://mnt.to/l/4kcQ

Titin's size and stiffness implicated in muscular diseases
http://mnt.to/l/4kcM

----------------------------------------------
** BREAST CANCER News **

'Mammograms every 2 years, not annually,' suggest scientists
http://mnt.to/l/4knn

For older women with breast cancer, brachytherapy offers lower rate of breast preservation compared to standard radiation
http://mnt.to/l/4kjh

Virus engineered to attack triple negative breast cancer cells
http://mnt.to/l/4khP

Extended outcomes from adjuvant accelerated partial breast irradiation show tumor control, breast cosmesis and minimal late toxicity
http://mnt.to/l/4khf

In patients with invasive breast cancer, external beam radiation therapy reduces risk of subsequent mastectomy
http://mnt.to/l/4khd

Younger women benefit from mammography
http://mnt.to/l/4kgT

Breast cancer survival boosted by running
http://mnt.to/l/4kgG

Recommendations on breast abnormalities 'may need to be revised'
http://mnt.to/l/4kfw

In certain breast cancers, melatonin shows potential to slow tumor growth
http://mnt.to/l/4kfn

----------------------------------------------
** CANCER / ONCOLOGY News **

WHO: cancer growing at 'alarming pace'
http://mnt.to/l/4kmx

Eisai's Phase III lenvatinib Study 303 for improvement in refractory differentiated thyroid cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4kmg

World Cancer Day: Half don't know about link between diet and cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4kkY

Progress, challenges in childhood cancer outlined in report
http://mnt.to/l/4kkm

Protein serves as a natural boost for immune system fight against tumors
http://mnt.to/l/4kjM

Genetically diverse cancer cells key to brain tumor resistance
http://mnt.to/l/4kjD

How DNA damage affects Golgi - the cell's shipping department
http://mnt.to/l/4kj5

Thyroid cancer cells that are aggressive on earth experience a redifferentiation to less aggressive state in space
http://mnt.to/l/4khN

Addressing cancer and health disparity issues: University of Maryland study
http://mnt.to/l/4khk

Antioxidants may speed up lung cancer progression
http://mnt.to/l/4kjS

Genomic analysis reveals 2 separate molecular profiles of invasive bladder cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4khV

How an immune molecule makes cancer cells starve
http://mnt.to/l/4kgr

Classification system for bladder cancer prognosis
http://mnt.to/l/4kfG

Cancer tumors safely targeted by DNA-built nanostructures
http://mnt.to/l/4kf3

Researchers discover new combination therapy to destroy cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4kdr

New 'whole-body scan' could improve bone marrow cancer treatment
http://mnt.to/l/4kdf

----------------------------------------------
** CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY News **

Adrenal tumors: hormone secretion linked to cardiovascular events
http://mnt.to/l/4kdq

----------------------------------------------
** CHOLESTEROL News **

Researchers discover unexpected player in regulation of blood cholesterol levels
http://mnt.to/l/4kcL

Amidst controversy, four new articles help physicians make sense of new cholesterol treatment guidelines
http://mnt.to/l/4kcD

----------------------------------------------
** COLORECTAL CANCER News **

Simple, at-home test will detect most colorectal cancers
http://mnt.to/l/4khm

Repeat colonoscopy examined in patients with polyps referred for surgery without biopsy-proven cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4kg9

----------------------------------------------
** DEPRESSION News **

Study finds parents of children with disabilities at higher health risk
http://mnt.to/l/4km8

Childhood depression may lead to heart disease by teen years
http://mnt.to/l/4kjz

Stronger development in minority youth tied to positive feelings about race, ethnicity
http://mnt.to/l/4kkN

----------------------------------------------
** DERMATOLOGY News **

Cure for baldness? Hair-follicle-generating stem cells bring hope
http://mnt.to/l/4kfX

Improved understanding of UVR response pathway providing clues to improving skin protection from sun exposure
http://mnt.to/l/4kcK

----------------------------------------------
** DIABETES News **

U.K. insulin use trebles in twenty years as diabetes rates increase
http://mnt.to/l/4kmh

Gastric bypass improves insulin secretion in pigs
http://mnt.to/l/4kk4

Independent association between diabetes and depression and impulse control disorders including binge-eating and bulimia
http://mnt.to/l/4kj7

Diabetes Care journal features future directions for landmark diabetes study
http://mnt.to/l/4kfQ

Protecting the brain from detrimental effects linked to diabetes and high blood sugar
http://mnt.to/l/4kfM

Imaging autoimmune diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/4kgg

A simple blood test can predict diabetes risk much earlier
http://mnt.to/l/4kdL

Hyperglycemia improved but glucose production increased by Inhibition of kidney glucose transport
http://mnt.to/l/4kcN

----------------------------------------------
** EATING DISORDERS News **

A new treatment for eating disorders that do not respond to standard therapies
http://mnt.to/l/4kjy

----------------------------------------------
** ENDOCRINOLOGY News **

Thyroid hormone levels modified by protein according to body temperature
http://mnt.to/l/4kfr

----------------------------------------------
** FERTILITY News **

Having a baby after fertility problems 'strengthens relationship'
http://mnt.to/l/4khF

IVF: risks may outweigh benefits, say experts
http://mnt.to/l/4kcF

----------------------------------------------
** HYPERTENSION News **

Study reveals South Africa has world's highest rate of high blood pressure
http://mnt.to/l/4kg8

High blood pressure can be caused by punctured cell membranes
http://mnt.to/l/4kd8

----------------------------------------------
** INFECTIOUS DISEASES / BACTERIA / VIRUSES News **

UN talks as many poor people set to miss out on health targets
http://mnt.to/l/4kkn

Scientists discover trick that aids viral infection
http://mnt.to/l/4kjj

Llama-derived antibodies open door to development of new treatments for C. difficile infections
http://mnt.to/l/4khG

The key to self-awareness uncovered in genome editor
http://mnt.to/l/4khj

Potential treatment for childhood illness 'hand, foot and mouth disease'
http://mnt.to/l/4kh7

Faster method to catch unwanted microbes in food before they can make people sick
http://mnt.to/l/4kh6

Computer algorithm identifies genes whose activation is lethal to bacteria
http://mnt.to/l/4kgW

Infection control practices not adequately implemented at many hospital ICUs: Study
http://mnt.to/l/4kgS

In pediatric septic shock, mortality risk accurately predicted by new prognostic tool
http://mnt.to/l/4kgF

Genetic sequencing exposes diversity of microbial biodiversity in buildings
http://mnt.to/l/4kgy

Scientists find new strategy to combat bacterial infections
http://mnt.to/l/4kg7

Anthrax agent killed by new, unusually large virus
http://mnt.to/l/4kdx

The best advice when you have a cold may be 'wash your hands'
http://mnt.to/l/4kcG

The cause of one of the most devastating pandemics in human history uncovered
http://mnt.to/l/4kcz

----------------------------------------------
** MEN'S HEALTH News **

Testosterone therapy linked to heart attacks in men under 65
http://mnt.to/l/4khK

----------------------------------------------
** MENTAL HEALTH News **

Study reveals women with mental health disability may face 4-fold risk of abusive relationship
http://mnt.to/l/4kjg

Just over half of NHS Trusts have a mental wellbeing policy in place for staff
http://mnt.to/l/4kdK

----------------------------------------------
** NEUROLOGY / NEUROSCIENCE News **

Scientists find new brain area for anxiety
http://mnt.to/l/4kmn

How brain regions work together, or alone
http://mnt.to/l/4kkH

Retrieval practice could improve memory in memory-impaired persons with severe TBI in real-life settings
http://mnt.to/l/4kkx

Gene mutation identified in spinocerebellar ataxia type 7
http://mnt.to/l/4kks

Impaired cell division leads to neuronal disorder
http://mnt.to/l/4kkj

How neurons control fine motor behavior of the arm
http://mnt.to/l/4kkb

Sex-specific patterns of recovery from newborn brain injury revealed by study
http://mnt.to/l/4kjJ

How the brain recognizes speech sounds is revealed
http://mnt.to/l/4kkr

New genetic forms of neurodegeneration discovered
http://mnt.to/l/4khZ

International collaboration develops clinical tool to measure activity of brain at rest
http://mnt.to/l/4khv

German Federal Ministry of Education and Research will fund new interdisciplinary research group looking at the subject of brain doping
http://mnt.to/l/4khg

More evidence that childhood trauma can lead to psychosis
http://mnt.to/l/4khc

Identifying newborns and children at-risk for developmental problems by measuring brain activity in premature infants
http://mnt.to/l/4kgD

Lightwaves used by neuroscientists to improve brain tumor surgery
http://mnt.to/l/4kgq

In death as in life, HM's brain reveals insights into memory
http://mnt.to/l/4kgw

New study finds link between slow reaction time and early death
http://mnt.to/l/4kgd

3-D model of famous amnesiac's brain helps illuminate human memory
http://mnt.to/l/4kfB

Study raises questions about use of technologies to predict cognitive development
http://mnt.to/l/4kfz

Early rehabilitation important for recovery after severe traumatic brain injury
http://mnt.to/l/4kfy

Surprising research results reveal brain regions thought to be uniquely human share many similarities with monkeys
http://mnt.to/l/4kfg

Falls in over 65's likely responsible for rise in traumatic spinal cord injuries in the US
http://mnt.to/l/4kf4

For adding and multiplying, quality of white matter in the brain is crucial
http://mnt.to/l/4kdJ

In Rett Syndrome, permanent changes in brain genes may not be so permanent after all
http://mnt.to/l/4kds

Outcome predicted by early tumor response from stereotactic radiosurgery
http://mnt.to/l/4kcV

Spinal muscular atrophy development in mice influenced by timing of protein depletion
http://mnt.to/l/4kcS

----------------------------------------------
** NUTRITION / DIET News **

High added sugar intake 'increases CVD mortality'
http://mnt.to/l/4kmk

Smart and personal: dietary advice
http://mnt.to/l/4km3

What are the health benefits of kale?
http://mnt.to/l/4jF6

What are the health benefits of spinach?
http://mnt.to/l/4jJF

What are the health benefits of celery?
http://mnt.to/l/4jL4

Metabolic syndrome linked to poor breakfast habits in childhood
http://mnt.to/l/4khC

Study illuminates how humans digest fibre
http://mnt.to/l/4khB

Poor breakfast during childhood linked to metabolic syndrome in adulthood
http://mnt.to/l/4kgt

Caffeine is the most widely used drug, but little is known about helping those who depend on it
http://mnt.to/l/4kfN

What are the health benefits of asparagus?
http://mnt.to/l/4jNF

Vitamin D supplements: are they really good for our health?
http://mnt.to/l/4khx

Arsenic, mercury and selenium in asian carp not a health concern to most
http://mnt.to/l/4kfJ

What are the health benefits of strawberries?
http://mnt.to/l/4jZs

What are the health benefits of oats?
http://mnt.to/l/4jL6

High level of "food insecurity" found among college students
http://mnt.to/l/4kdy

Genetic testing may soon be able to identify what diet each individual should consume for a longer, healthier life
http://mnt.to/l/4kdv

Nutrition programmes should shift from treatment to prevention to meet African needs, new research shows
http://mnt.to/l/4k9t

What are the health benefits of bananas?
http://mnt.to/l/4jWQ

----------------------------------------------
** OBESITY / WEIGHT LOSS / FITNESS News **

Exercise intensities of gardening tasks informs garden-based therapeutic interventions for youth
http://mnt.to/l/4kkz

Researchers find no reason to replace fructose with glucose
http://mnt.to/l/4kjQ

Could the quality of your attachment to your parents affect your own child's risk for obesity
http://mnt.to/l/4kjC

Study suggests tighter economic regulation needed to reverse obesity epidemic
http://mnt.to/l/4kkL

Nutrition should be closely monitored following gastric banding surgery
http://mnt.to/l/4khL

Obesity starts in kindergarten, study suggests
http://mnt.to/l/4khw

Obesity-prevention efforts should focus on children who are overweight by five-years-old
http://mnt.to/l/4kgC

Intensive analysis and computer modeling improves understanding of  circadian rhythm
http://mnt.to/l/4kgh

Potential psychological costs in labeling obesity as a disease
http://mnt.to/l/4kfq

Women's weight loss may be aided by certain probiotics
http://mnt.to/l/4kfp

Waist circumference could be used to improve the detection of children and adolescents with cardiometabolic risk
http://mnt.to/l/4kfj

Changes to protein SirT1 may prevent excess metabolic stress associated with obesity, diabetes and aging
http://mnt.to/l/4kdN

----------------------------------------------
** PRIMARY CARE / GENERAL PRACTICE News **

Economic crisis has made Europeans and Americans less likely to visit the doctor
http://mnt.to/l/4kmm

What doctors can learn from pilots about communication
http://mnt.to/l/4kjr

----------------------------------------------
** PROSTATE / PROSTATE CANCER News **

Researchers advance findings on key gene related to cancer metastasis
http://mnt.to/l/4km7

Factors produced in inflammatory cells may reawaken dormant prostate cancer cells
http://mnt.to/l/4kkv

Radiotherapy plus hormone therapy cuts prostate cancer death in half, shows long-term study
http://mnt.to/l/4kgV

Targeting 'sleeper agent' cells in bones of prostate cancer patients
http://mnt.to/l/4kgQ

Treatment decisions significantly modified by Myriad's prolaris for prostate cancer
http://mnt.to/l/4kgp

Final results from the Phase 3 PREVAIL trial of enzalutamide
http://mnt.to/l/4kg3

----------------------------------------------
** SENIORS / AGING News **

Sex assault cases at colleges and universities and the role of campus police officers
http://mnt.to/l/4kjp

A person's age is not an accurate predictor of their driving ability
http://mnt.to/l/4kf7

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** SEXUAL HEALTH / STDS News **

Research shows women trying hard to avoid unwanted pregnancy
http://mnt.to/l/4kmb

Many women lack understanding of reproductive health
http://mnt.to/l/4kcC

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** SLEEP / SLEEP DISORDERS / INSOMNIA News **

FDA approves Hetlioz: first treatment for non-24 hour sleep-wake disorder in blind individuals
http://mnt.to/l/4km5

Sub-optimal sleep may activate depressive genes, increase risk for major depression
http://mnt.to/l/4kky

Vibrations influence the circadian clock of a fruit fly
http://mnt.to/l/4kk9

Emotional impact of nightmares 'rarely due to fear,' study shows
http://mnt.to/l/4kfY

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** STROKE News **

The effect of core stabilization exercise in stroke patients improved by real-time video
http://mnt.to/l/4kj9

Aspirin still overprescribed for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation despite potential for dangerous side effects
http://mnt.to/l/4kfh

Severity of spatial neglect after stroke predicts long-term mobility recovery in community
http://mnt.to/l/4kdM

Video game teaches kids about stroke symptoms and calling 9-1-1
http://mnt.to/l/4kdb

Mayo Clinic study finds standardized protocol and surgery improve mortality outcomes
http://mnt.to/l/4kd7