HHAL MEDICAL NEWS DECEMBER 2012
Consuming Whole Eggs May Improve Blood Lipids
According To New Research
It is estimated that 34%
of Americans are affected by an increasingly prevalent condition known as metabolic syndrome which is a combination of at
least three of the following risk factors: large waistline, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure and
elevated blood sugar.(i) These individuals have a variety of risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing diabetes
and cardiovascular disease. Decades of mixed messaging regarding dietary cholesterol have led to avoidance of certain foods,
such as eggs, particularly among individuals who are faced with health conditions. However,
a recent study published in Metabolism suggests that including whole eggs as part of a weight loss diet may have positive effects on lipoprotein profiles for individuals with metabolic
syndrome.(ii)
In this study, middle-aged men and women with metabolic syndrome consumed
either three whole eggs or an equivalent amount of egg substitute daily as part of a carbohydrate-restricted,
weight loss diet.(ii) Although participants eating the whole eggs were consuming twice as much cholesterol as they had at
the beginning of the study, the researchers observed no effects on total blood cholesterol or LDL cholesterol levels after 12 weeks on the diet. All participants, including those consuming whole
eggs, had improved lipid profiles with decreases in plasma triglycerides and increases in HDL cholesterol.(ii)
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/printerfriendlynews.php?newsid=254122
Omega-3s May Postpone Metabolic
Disorders
Previously,
studies have reported that higher plasma omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) associate with a lower risk of age related
cognitive decline, and exert beneficial effects on cardiometabolic risk factors. Inger Bjorck, from Lund University
(Sweden), and colleagues enrolled 40 healthy middle-aged men and women in a study in which subjects consumed a daily supplement
containing 3g of omega-3 fish oil, or placebo, for five weeks prior to the administration of standardized cognitive tests
and collection of metabolic risk markers including blood pressure, serum triglycerides,
and fasting glucose. The team observed that the subjects who consumed the omega-3 performed better on
the cognitive assessments, and had lower systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, fasting glucose, and s-TNF-alpha (a marker
of inflammation), which the study authors submit as “indicating a potential of dietary prevention strategies to
delay onset of metabolic disorders and associated cognitive decline.”
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Omega-3-may-delay-metabolic-malady-and-block-mental-declines-Study/
Vitamin D Plus Calcium Reduces Skin Cancer Risk
Recently, a number of studies have suggested a link between increased vitamin
D levels and lower risks of certain cancers. As well, in that calcium plays a role in the body’s conversion of vitamin
D to its biologically active form, a growing body of evidence suggests a preventative role relating to cancer, for the combination
of vitamin D and calcium. Jean Y. Tang, from Stanford University School of Medicine (California, USA), an d colleagues
investigated non-melanoma skin cancer -- such as basal cell or squamous cell cancers -- the most common forms of skin cancer,
as people with this generally non-fatal disease are more likely to develop the more lethal illness — melanoma. The team
analyzed data from the Women's Health Initiative, which involved 36,282 postmenopausal women who received either 400 international
units of vitamin D and 1,000 milligrams of calcium carbonate per day, or placebo. Those subjects who received the supplement
combination had a 50% reduction in the risk of developing melanoma in women at high risk of developing the disease, leading
the researchers to encourage that their findings “[suggest] a potential role for calcium and vitamin D supplements in
this high-risk group.”
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Vitamin-D-plus-calcium-may-cut-skin-cancer-risk-for-women-Stanford-study/?c=bVdZUOSjjpsWA3VLwwYTSg%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
Olive Oil Compound Exerts Anti-Cancer Effects
Olive oil contains oleuropein, a potent antioxidant
compound, for which previous researchers have identified the capacity to inhibit cell
proliferation of breast and urinary cancers, as well, as to decrease breast cancer cell viability. ZK Hassan, from
King Saud University (Saudi Arabia), and colleagues investigated the effect of oleuropein on the metastatic and anti-metastatic
gene expression in the MDA human breast cancer cell line. The team observed that oleuropein initially down-regulated matrix
Metalloproteinase (MMP) genes – thought to be overexpressed in tumor cells; and oleuropein promoted the tissue inhibitors
of metalloproteinases (TIMPS) – with which cell-death inducing properties are associated. The study authors submit that: “oleuropein plays an important role in regulating MDA cell metastasis by suppressing the expression
of MMP-2 and MMP-9 genes and upregulating the expression of TIMP1 and TIMP4 genes in breast cancer cells therefore it can
help in tailoring new anti-metastatic cancer therapy.”
Oleuropein Induces Anti-metastatic Effects in Breast Cancer
Abstract
Breast cancer causes death due to distant metastases in which tumor cells
produce matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymes which facilitate invasion. Oleuropein, the main olive oil polyphenol, has anti-proliferative
effects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of oleuropein on the metastatic and anti-metastatic gene expression in
the MDA human breast cancer cell line. We evaluated the MMPs and TIMPs gene expression by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase
polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in treated and untreated cells. This study demonstrated that OL may induce anti-metastatic
effects on human breast cancer cells. We found that TIMP1,-3, and -4 were over-expressed after all periods of incubation in
treated cancer cells compared to untreated cells, while MMP2 and MMP9 genes were down-regulated, at least initially. Treatment
of breast cancer cells with oleuropein could help in prevention of cancer metastasis by increasing the TIMPs and suppressing
the MMPs gene expressions.
Asian Pacific J Cancer Prev, 13 (9), 4555-4559
Folate May Reduce Breast
Cancer Risk
Folate, a B vitamin, is found in foods such as green leafy vegetables. Martha J. Shrubsole, from Vanderbilt
Epidemiology Center (Tennessee, USA), and colleagues analyzed data collected from the Shanghai Women's Health Study, involving 72,861 participants, ages 40 to 70 years. The team assessed for potential relationships between intakes of
folate, niacin, and vitamin B6 and B12 and incidence of breast cancer. During the course of the study 718 cases of breast
cancer were diagnosed. While the researchers found no link between vitamin B6 and B12 intakes and the risk of breast cancer
in both pre- and post-menopausal women, they did observe that folate intake was associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer
– with the effect limited to premenopausal women. Specifically, average intakes of 404 micrograms per day were associated
with a 42% reduction in the risk of breast cancer, as compared with average intakes of 194 micrograms per day. The team concludes
that: “For premenopausal women, higher intake of folate was associated with decreased breast cancer risk.”
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Folate-may-reduce-pre-menopausal-breast-cancer-risk-Study/?c=bVdZUOSjjpvhLoL9WqAVBw%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/content/view/print/386286
Flaxseed Aids Blood Pressure
Flaxseed is rich in alpha-linoleic acid, lignans, and fiber – all
of which have been associated with a beneficial effect on blood pressure. Grant Pierce, from St. Boniface Hospital (Canada),
and colleagues found that bagels, muffins, and buns enriched with flaxseed at a daily dose of 30 grams, significantly reduced
systolic blood pressure by 10 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 7 mmHg, among 110 subjects with peripheral artery disease. Among patients with both peripheral artery disease and hypertension, systolic blood
pressure was reduced by 15 mmHg. submitting that: "this is the largest decrease in blood pressure ever shown by any dietary
intervention – including the Mediterranean Diet and low-sodium diets,”
the study authors report that: "we expect that this kind of improvement in people with hypertension could reduce the
incidence of heart attack and stroke by 50%."
http://www.worldhealth.net/news/flaxseed-aids-blood-pressure/
Long-Term
Aspirin Use Associated with Small Increased Risk for Macular Degeneration
Regular use of aspirin is associated with a "small but statistically significant"
increase in the risk for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a JAMA study.
Nearly 5000 people in a single Wisconsin community were followed for 20 years, with retinal photographs and questions
about their use of aspirin. (Regular aspirin use was defined as occurring at least twice a week for more than 3 months.)
Regular aspirin use for 10 years was associated with an increased risk for
late AMD (incidence, 1.76% vs. 1.03% in nonusers). That association was stronger for the neovascular type of late AMD. Regular
aspirin use was not associated with early AMD.
The authors speculate that the increased risk may be driven by aspirin's tendency, in the presence of injury, to
increase the surrounding vascular density and the growth of aberrant vessels.
JAMA article
Coating on Aspirin Might Reduce
Its Cardioprotective Effects
Enteric coating can affect aspirin's
inhibition of platelet aggregation, according to a study inCirculation.
Researchers used three assays — platelet aggregation, serum thromboxane
formation, and urinary excretion of a thromboxane metabolite — to test response to an oral dose of 325-mg immediate-release
or enteric-coated aspirin in 400 healthy volunteers (median age, 26). The study was partly funded by Bayer HealthCare.
No participant showed resistance to the immediate-release formulation. Up
to 49% showed resistance to enteric-coated aspirin, but most were not resistant upon retesting.
The authors conclude that "we failed to find a single case of true
drug resistance" and that their findings show "inconsistent platelet inhibition" after ingestion of enteric-coated
aspirin.
Circulation article (Free abstract)
New York
Times story
Thyroid Function and Risk for AF: A Linear Relation
Patients with even subclinical hyperthyroidism had excess risk for atrial fibrillation.
Patients with overt hyperthyroidism (suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] and elevated
free thyroxine [T4] levels) have excess risk for developing atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the relations between
subclinical hyperthyroidism (suppressed TSH and normal T4), overt hypothyroidism (elevated TSH and low T4),
and subclinical hypothyroidism (elevated TSH and normal T4) are unclear.
In a population-based cohort study, nearly 590,000 primary care patients (mean age, 50; 39%
men) underwent thyroid function blood testing from 2000 through 2010. Overall, 0.3% of patients had overt hypothyroidism,
2.0% had subclinical hypothyroidism, 96.0% were euthyroid, 1.0% had subclinical hyperthyroidism, and 0.7% had overt hyperthyroidism.
During a median follow-up of 5.5 years, >17,000 participants received first diagnoses of AF. Compared with euthyroid patients,
patients with overt hypothyroidism had less risk for AF (incidence rate ratio, 0.67), as did those with subclinical hypothyroidism
(IRR, 0.87); risk for AF was higher in patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism (IRR, 1.31) or overt hyperthyroidism (IRR,
1.42) than for euthyroid patients. Stratifying data by age, sex, or both did not change the associations.
Medline abstract
Even a Little Smoking Heightens
Sudden Death Risk in Women
Long-term data from the Nurses'
Health Study reveal that even light-to-moderate smoking is associated with an increase in the risk for sudden cardiac death.
Published in Circulation: Arrhythmia & Electrophysiology, the results from 30 years' follow-up of some 100,000 predominantly white women include the following:
Smoking in the light-to-moderate range, which the study defines as 1 to
14 cigarettes a day, was associated with a nearly twofold risk for sudden cardiac death, compared with not smoking.
Current smokers showed an almost 2.5-fold increased risk.
Those smoking 25 or more cigarettes a day showed a 3.3-fold increased risk.
Fifteen to 20 years after quitting, the risk declined to that of nonsmokers.
Circulation: Arrhythmia & Electrophysiology article
Acetazolamide Associated with Less Symptomatic Sleep Apnea at Altitude
Patients with obstructive sleep apnea traveling to moderate altitude might benefit from the
addition of acetazolamide to their continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, according to a preliminary communication
in JAMA.
In a crossover study, roughly 50 patients using CPAP for obstructive sleep apnea were
randomized to take acetazolamide (750 mg per day) or placebo during two 3-day trips to altitudes of 1600 and 2600 meters.
Most participants were middle-aged, moderately obese men, and all lived at altitudes below 800 meters. During the study, CPAP
devices were used in auto-adjusted mode.
At both elevations, the combination of acetazolamide plus autoCPAP resulted in higher oxygen saturation and fewer episodes
of apnea and hypopnea at night than autoCPAP alone. Patients reported spending less time awake at night when they took acetazolamide,
but were not less sleepy during the day.
JAMA article
Freshwater
Creature’s Immortality & Secrets of Human Aging
The Hydra, a freshwater organism, has an unlimited lifespan, due in large part to the indefinite self-renewal capacity
of its stem cells. Anna-Marei Boehm, from Christian-Albrechts-University (Germany), and colleagues identified the transcription
factor forkhead box O (FoxO) as one of the critical drivers of this continuous self-renewal. Specifically, FoxO overexpression
he caused signs of aging, specifically in immune function; whereas FoxO down-regulation led to an increase
in the number of terminally differentiated cells – resulting in a drastically reduced population growth rate, and caused
down-regulation of stem cell genes and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) expression. Submitting that this data "demonstrates
for the first time that there is a direct link between the FoxO gene and aging, the study authors submit that: "These
findings … indicate an evolutionarily conserved role of FoxO in controlling longevity [with] implications for understanding
cellular aging.”
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113091953.htm
Curcumin May Benefit Heart Health to Same Extent as Exercise
A number of studies suggest that curcumin, a spice compound extracted from
the rootstalks of the turmeric plant and gives curry its yellow color and pungent flavor, exerts potential protective effects
against Alzheimer’s Disease, certain cancers, diabetes, arthritis, and other chronic inflammation-related disorders.
Nobuhiko Akazawa , from the University of Tsukuba (Japan), and colleagues enrolled 32 post-menopausal women, in
an eight week long study, assigning each subject to one of three groups: one group receiving curcumin supplements (25 mg per day); a second group
instructed to engage in aerobic exercise; and the third group acting as controls. Flow mediated dilation (FMD), a marker of
vascular health and potentially a predictor of future adverse cardiovascular events, increased by a significant 1.5% in both
the curcumin-supplemented and exercise groups, with no changes in the control group. The study authors report that: "Our
results indicated that curcumin ingestion and aerobic exercise training can increase flow-mediated dilation in postmenopausal
women, suggesting that both can potentially improve the age-related decline in endothelial function.”
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Curcumin-may-match-exercise-for-heart-health-benefits-RCT-data/
Benzodiazepines Associated with Increased Pneumonia Risks
Benzodiazepines as a class are associated with heightened risks for community-acquired pneumonia
and pneumonia-related death, according to a case-control study in Thorax.
Researchers used a U.K. database to assemble a cohort of some 5000 cases
of community-acquired pneumonia and 30,000 matched controls. Benzodiazepine exposure was associated with a higher risk for
pneumonia (odds ratio, 1.54) as compared with no exposure. After a pneumonia diagnosis, benzodiazepine use — whether
current, recent, or past — was also associated with higher mortality.
The authors speculate that the effect observed may be due to activation of GABA receptors
on immune cells. That speculation was strengthened by finding an increased pneumonia risk with another — nonbenzodiazepine
— drug that also targets GABA receptors. The authors consider their findings "hypothesis-generating," but
consistent with "movement away from benzodiazepine sedation" during intensive care.
Thorax article
Fish Consumption Is Associated with Lower Cerebrovascular Risk
But supplementation with long-chain
-3 fatty acids was not.
Chowdhury
R et al. BMJ 2012 Oct 30; 345:e6698
When to Repeat Bone-Density Testing Depends on Initial T Score
For women with normal bone-density scores, 10 to
15 years seems to be appropriate.
CT Angiography in the ED — A Better Test for Patients with Chest
Pain?
Computed tomographic angiography might streamline
emergency department testing for low-to-intermediate risk patients with chest pain but without evidence of ischemia.
Most Sinus Complaints Don't Require Antibiotics
The data and the guidelines agree: Avoid prescribing
antibiotics for most patients with the usual complaints of congestion and facial pain.
Prophylaxis After Treatment for Unprovoked Venous Thromboembolism
In combined results from two studies, aspirin was
better than no treatment.
Are Organic Foods Really Better for Kids?
The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition and Council on Environmental Health review the
evidence and lack thereof.
The market for organic foods has increased greatly
in recent years, but what is known about actual health and environmental benefits of organic products In a clinical report,
the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reviews regulations, labeling standards, nutritional quality, and safety of organic
versus conventional foods. Highlights of the report include the following:
Organic labeling: For the past 10 years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has required that products labeled "organic"
must consist of at least 95% organically produced ingredients. Some other labeling terms are not as closely regulated.
Produce: Some studies show lower nitrates and higher vitamin C, phosphorus, and antioxidant levels in organic produce,
but nutrient content is affected by many farming variables. No convincing or consistent evidence demonstrates substantial
differences in nutritional value between organic and conventional produce.
Milk: Organic milk has been found to have higher antioxidant and polyunsaturated fat levels, but these levels
depend on the diets of organic and conventional cows. No evidence exists that bovine growth hormone alters the macronutrient
or vitamin/mineral composition of cow's milk. Certified organic milk is pasteurized. Raw milk is unpasteurized and not
recommended.
Sex steroids: Despite the use of sex steroids to increase
meat and milk yield, studies have shown that sex steroid levels in meat, fish, poultry, milk, and eggs are clinically insignificant.
Organic and estrogen-fed cows produce milk with similar estrogen concentrations. No studies support concerns that ingested
estrogen from treated animals causes precocious puberty or breast cancer. Even small sex steroid concentrations must be evaluated
in the context of the current environment, in which endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A and phthalates are ubiquitous.
Nontherapeutic antibiotic use: Evidence is clear that this conventional practice increases the risk for
disease caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms.
Pesticides: An organic diet reduces
children's exposure to harmful pesticides, but no experimental studies show that pesticide exposure from conventional
foods causes adverse neurodevelopmental or other health outcomes.
Environmental impact: Organic farms use less
energy and produce less waste. A large prospective farming study showed productivity was comparable on organic and conventional
farms.
Cost: Organic products cost 10% to 40% more than conventional products;
a family on a fixed budget cannot purchase as much healthy food (e.g., fruits and vegetables) if they choose to buy organic
products.
Original article
Medline abstract (Free)
Routine Antibiotics Before Dental Procedures Not Recommended for Those with Implants
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Dental Association have jointly issued
guidelines on dental health in people with orthopedic implants.
The guidelines highlight the weakness of evidence overall regarding prophylactic antibiotics and other infection-prevention
strategies in patients with implants who undergo dental procedures.
They advise: "The practitioner might consider discontinuing the practice of routinely prescribing prophylactic
antibiotics for patients with hip and knee prosthetic joint implants undergoing dental procedures."
Summary of recommendations from AAOS (Free PDF)
Full guidelines
'Z' Drugs May Help Insomniacs Fall Asleep, but Effect Is Small
Nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics, the so-called "Z" drugs (eszopiclone, zaleplon, and
zolpidem), are associated with only slight improvements in sleep latency, according to a meta-analysis inBMJ.
Researchers analyzed 13 trials submitted to the FDA in which 4400 patients
with insomnia were randomized to a Z drug or placebo.
Relative to placebo, Z drugs decreased the amount of time it took participants to fall asleep by a mean of 22 minutes,
judged by polysomnography. The subjective time it took participants to fall asleep was also lower in the drug group, but only
by 7 minutes. Larger doses were associated with greater improvements.
The authors conclude that the size of this effect is small and "needs to be balanced with concerns about adverse
effects, tolerance, and potential addiction. The placebo response accounted for about half of the drug response. This suggests
that increased attention should be directed at psychological interventions for insomnia."
BMJ article
Amoxicillin Offers Little Benefit
for Uncomplicated Lower Respiratory Tract Infection
For patients
with uncomplicated lower respiratory tract infection, amoxicillin does not reduce symptoms — and might cause "slight
harms" — according to a study in the Lancet Infectious Diseases.
Researchers randomized some 2000 adults with acute lower respiratory tract
infection and without suspected pneumonia to receive amoxicillin (1 g three times daily) or placebo for 7 days. Patients were
enrolled at primary care practices in 12 European countries.
Duration of symptoms rated "moderately bad" or worse and severity of symptoms within the first few days were
similar with amoxicillin and placebo, both overall and among patients aged 60 and older. Compared with controls, the amoxicillin
group reported fewer new or worsening symptoms. Adverse effects, including nausea, rash, and diarrhea, were more common with
amoxicillin. One patient in the amoxicillin group had anaphylaxis.
The authors conclude that "unless pneumonia is suspected, antibiotics should not be prescribed for patients with
lower respiratory tract infection."
Lancet Infectious Diseases article
Diabetes and Weight-Loss
Results Found Modest with Intensive Lifestyle Intervention
An intensive lifestyle intervention was associated with more weight loss and remission of diabetes than one
based on education and support, according to a study in JAMA.
Some 4500 adults with BMIs of 25 or more and type 2 diabetes were randomized
to one of two 4-year regimens: intensive lifestyle intervention (including frequent group counseling and liquid meal replacements)
or the control intervention.
The intensive
lifestyle intervention group lost a greater percentage of weight by year 1 (net difference, −7.9%) and year 4 (−3.9%).
Partial or complete remission of diabetes (defined as the transition to prediabetic or nondiabetic glucose levels) was also
more prevalent in the intervention group in year 1 (11.5% vs. 2.0%) and year 4 (7.3% vs. 2.0%).
Editorialists call the results "disappointing" and point to the
success (and potential disadvantages) of bariatric surgery. Prevention, they conclude, should be the rallying cry.
JAMA article
Guidelines for the Management of Stable Ischemic Heart Disease Free!
New recommendations inform
treatment strategies that balance life-saving interventions with symptom relief.
Fihn SD et al. Circulation 2012 Dec 18; 60:e44
Effect of aspirin/NSAIDs on bleeding
In this large study, use of ASA or NSAIDs did not increase
the risk of postpolypectomy bleeding. Cessation of ASA/NSAIDs before colonoscopy/polypectomy is therefore unnecessary. The American Journal of Medicine
Blood pressure by time of day
Nighttime blood pressure had better prognostic significance for developing cardiovascular and
renal complications than office and daytime blood pressure. Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications
Insulin levels predict hypertension
High baseline and continuously increasing fasting insulin
levels appeared to be independent determinants for the future development of hypertension during this four-year follow-up
study in normotensive, nondiabetic, healthy adults. Metabolism -- Clinical and Experimental
Stent thrombosis: The obesity paradox
This study concluded that overweight and obese patients
had higher survival after valve surgery compared with patients with normal body mass index. Very lean patients undergoing
valve surgery are at greater hazard for mortality and may require more rigorous preoperative candidate screening and closer
postoperative monitoring. The American Journal of Cardiology
Effect of everyday activities on stress levels
This study used a daily diary approach to collect ecologically
valid data on everyday activities and to examine how day-to-day variations in youths' activities are linked to day-to-day
variations in diurnal patterns of cortisol. (Full-text access is time-limited.) Journal of Adolescent Health
Awareness of obesity's impact on fertility
Women undergoing fertility treatment are aware of the
cardiometabolic risks associated with obesity, but they demonstrate limited knowledge of the effects of obesity on reproductive
outcomes.(Free abstract only.) American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Lifestyle changes lead to diabetes remission in study
More than 11% of diabetes patients who underwent an intensive
diet and exercise program attained partial disease remission at one year, compared with only 2% in the non-intervention group,
according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Patients with diabetes for a shorter duration, those
who lost more weight and those who had stronger fitness gains showed greater improvements in blood glucose, researchers said.
Reuters
Preoperative statin use and kidney injury
Preoperative statin use is associated with a decreased risk
of postoperative acute kidney injury. Future randomized clinical trials are needed to determine causality. The American Journal of Medicine
More good reasons to exercise daily
Moderate running in the morning for three consecutive weeks impacted positively on objective
and subjective sleep and psychological functioning among healthy adolescents. Regular exercise, such as running, should be
promoted as both remedy and preventive measure for poor sleep and poor psychological functioning. (Full-text access is time-limited.)
Journal of Adolescent Health
Hypertension treatment by body size
Hypertension in normal-weight and obese patients might be mediated
by different mechanisms. Thiazide-based treatment gives less cardiovascular protection in normal-weight than obese patients,
but amlodipine-based therapy is equally effective across body mass index subgroups and thus offers superior cardiovascular protection in non-obese hypertension. (Free
registration required.) The Lancet
Vitamin D, calcium don't fight dementia, study finds
Taking vitamin D and calcium supplements together may not protect older women from dementia,
a study found. Researchers looked at data on 4,100 older women and found similar rates of mild cognitive impairment between
the group who took vitamin D and calcium supplements and the group who took placebo for an average of eight years. The findings
appeared in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. San Jose Mercury News (Calif.) (free registration)/Reuters
Physical activity extends life expectancy, researchers find
Participation in at least two and a half hours of moderate activity a week added almost six
years to black women's life expectancy, Canadian researchers found. They said that white men who were physically active
at age 20 were expected to have an extra two and a half years of life compared with inactive peers. The findings appear in
the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. HealthDay News
Survival predictors in the very elderly
The cutoff points for gait speed in oldest old people need
to be re-evaluated. In oldest old people aged 85 years, slow gait speed (≤0.40 m/s in women and ≤0.45 m/s in men) and
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living disability are both predictors of survival. Assessment of Instrumental Activities
of Daily Living could be a better tool for short- and long-term prognostication of survival in oldest old people. The American Journal of Medicine
Chronic hypernatremia treatment
Hypernatremia is a commonly encountered electrolyte disorder
occurring in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Because both hypernatremia and its rate of correction are associated
with significant morbidity and mortality,
safe and
effective treatment is crucial. In this review, the authors provide a clinically based quantitative approach to the treatment
of hypernatremia. American Journal of Kidney Diseases
Diet can reduce risk of cardiac events, study says
A study on the website of the journal Circulation says eating a heart-healthy diet can reduce
the risk of a heart attack or stroke for those with heart disease. Samantha Heller of the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin
Hospital in Connecticut says many people with heart disease mistakenly believe medications will solve their problems, so they
have a "false sense of protection and security." HealthDay News (12/3)
Adequate vitamin D may protect women from mental decline
Two studies in the Journal of Gerontology showed a significant link between vitamin D intake
and women's cognitive health. Women with low vitamin D levels were more at risk for cognitive decline compared with those
who had enough vitamin D, according to one study. Meanwhile, French researchers found that women with Alzheimer's disease
were more likely to have had low vitamin D intake than women who didn't develop the disease. MedicalDaily.com
Eating Whole Eggs Can Improve Blood Lipids
http://mnt.to/l/49Zb
Combo-Snacks Of Cheese And Vegetables Cut Kids Calories
http://mnt.to/l/49Sn
Aerobic Exercise Trumps Resistance Training for Weight and Fat Loss
http://mnt.to/l/49Rq
Consuming Whole Eggs May Improve Blood Lipids According To New Research
http://mnt.to/l/49Rb
Race May Play Important Role In The Complex Relationship Between
Daytime Sleepiness And Vitamin D Levels
http://mnt.to/l/49Rc
Reproduction And Life Span Are Intertwined In Roundworms
http://mnt.to/l/49SH
Mayo Clinic Study Unmasks Regulator Of Healthy Life Span
http://mnt.to/l/49Sx
Higher Life Expectancy But Not For Everyone
http://mnt.to/l/49RB
Family Meals Boost Kids' Fruit And Veg Intake
http://mnt.to/l/49VS
Should I Take Vitamin And Mineral Supplements?
http://mnt.to/l/49VN
Life With A Tic Disorder
http://mnt.to/l/49Sv
Three-Fold Increase Of Dementia
Deaths Globally
http://mnt.to/l/49QG
Alzheimer's Biomarkers Inhibited In Animal Model
By Targeting Astrocytes
http://mnt.to/l/49MW
Medical Researchers Make Key Discovery In Fight Against
Alzheimer's Disease
http://mnt.to/l/49Mc
Diabetes Drug May Restore Memory In Alzheimer's
http://mnt.to/l/49Nv
Test Of Musculo-Skeletal
Fitness - Ability To Sit And Rise From The Floor - Is 'Strong Predictor' Of Mortality In The Middle-Aged And Older
http://mnt.to/l/49P2
Younger Women May Be Able To
Reduce The Risk Of An Aggressive Form Of Breast Cancer By Delaying Childbirth
http://mnt.to/l/49NS
Breast Cancer Survivors More Likely To Develop
Diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/49Nc
Protein Strongest Just Before
Death
http://mnt.to/l/49NW
Coffee Drinking May Halve Risk
Of Mouth And Throat Cancer
http://mnt.to/l/49LK
Snack Attack: Eating Unhealthy
Snack Foods May Affect Cancer Risk In Patients With Lynch Syndrome
http://mnt.to/l/49Qt
Olympic Athletes Live Longer
Than General Population
http://mnt.to/l/49Pp
Enzymes May Point Toward Better
Therapies For Prediabetes
http://mnt.to/l/49QD
Lifestyle Intervention Programs - Reduce Risk
Of Diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/49LD
Good Response From Pre-Diabetic Patients For Self-Directed
Lifestyle Interventions
http://mnt.to/l/49KF
Brown Adipose Tissue Beneficial For Metabolism And
Glucose Tolerance
http://mnt.to/l/49KC
The Neurology Of Insulin Secretion
http://mnt.to/l/49Kh
Association Between Psychosocial
Distress And Increased Stroke Risk
http://mnt.to/l/49Pw
The Cognitive Impact Of Mini-Strokes
http://mnt.to/l/49Nx
Aerobic Exercise Best Way To
Burn Fat, Not Weights
http://mnt.to/l/49RV
In The Battle Against Heart Disease, Stroke, Unhealthy
Behaviors Could Slow Progress
http://mnt.to/l/49Nj
Dieting Can Lead To Food Withdrawal And Depression
http://mnt.to/l/49QQ
Most Popular Weight-Loss Drug( orlistat, known
by the brand names Xenical and Alli) Strongly Alters Other Drug Therapies
http://mnt.to/l/49L3
Blood Glucose Levels And BMI In Very Obese Children
Improved By Metformin
http://mnt.to/l/49KR
Vitamin D Action Recommended
To Boost Health, UK
http://mnt.to/l/49QM
Functional Magnetic Resonance
Imaging Offers Insights Into Mental Fatigue
http://mnt.to/l/49Kt
Revealing The Secrets Of Gentle Touch
http://mnt.to/l/49JN
Algal Ancestor Key To How Deadly
Pathogens Proliferate
http://mnt.to/l/49LP
Feeling Lonely Linked To Increased
Risk Of Dementia In Later Life
http://mnt.to/l/49JW
Alzheimer's - Galantamine Reduces Mortality
http://mnt.to/l/49JY
Understanding Anger, Overcoming
Anxiety
http://mnt.to/l/49Fv
Anger May Play Larger Role In Anxiety Disorders
http://mnt.to/l/49DP
Rates Of Osteoporosis Screening
And Treatment Need To Improve
http://mnt.to/l/49DB
Study Finds Link Between Statins
And Improved Survival In Inflammatory Breast Cancer
http://mnt.to/l/49Hf
Fruits And Vegetables Linked
To Lower Breast Cancer Risk
http://mnt.to/l/49Jg
Tamoxifen More Effective When
Taken For Longer
http://mnt.to/l/49FN
Women With Higher Carotenoid Levels Have Reduced Risk
Of Breast Cancer
http://mnt.to/l/49Fw
International Conference Will
Show How Resveratrol Can Prevent Cancer, Heart Disease And Diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/49Fb
Bilirubin Can Prevent Damage
From Cardiovascular Disease
http://mnt.to/l/49HW
Diet Enriched
With Fish Oil Reduces Pressure Ulcers By 20-25 Percent
http://mnt.to/l/49DQ
Risk Of Diabetes May Be Reduced
By Up To 25 Percent By Moderate Coffee Consumption
http://mnt.to/l/49F7
Treatment For Gastrointestinal Conditions May Be Improved
By Targeting Neurotransmitter
http://mnt.to/l/49DN
Treating Diabetics With Stroke - New Therapy
http://mnt.to/l/49FF
In The Diabetes Puzzle, New Findings On Glucagon
Synthesis Could Provide An Important Piece
http://mnt.to/l/49BV
How Glucocorticoid Hormones Shut
Off Key Immune System Genes
http://mnt.to/l/49JH
New Findings On Glucagon Synthesis
http://mnt.to/l/49Fr
Childlessness And Premature Death
Link
http://mnt.to/l/49GR
Research Shows Iron's Importance
In Infection, Suggests New Therapies
http://mnt.to/l/49Cy
New Study Shows How Copper Restricts
The Spread Of Global Antibiotic-Resistant Infections
http://mnt.to/l/49Fs
Linagliptin For Diabetes May
Reduce Brain Damage After Stroke
http://mnt.to/l/49Ct
Treat Snoring To Avoid Deadly
Heart Failure
http://mnt.to/l/49GN
Widely Used Sedatives/Sleeping Pills Linked To Increased
Fatal Pneumonia Risk
http://mnt.to/l/49Fy
Successful Aging: Do We Feel
Better The Older We Get?
http://mnt.to/l/49J5
New Evidence For Epigenetic Effects Of Diet In Healthy
Ageing
http://mnt.to/l/49Ht
Low Fat Diet Leads To Weight
Loss And Lower BMI
http://mnt.to/l/49GT
Mouse Study Suggests That High Insulin Can Make You
Fat
http://mnt.to/l/49Fh
High Insulin Levels Could Lead To Obesity
http://mnt.to/l/49GQ
Eating Fewer, Larger Meals May
Prove Healthier For Obese Women, MU Research Suggests
http://mnt.to/l/49Hc
Scientists Discover Mechanism That Could Reduce Obesity
http://mnt.to/l/49FX
Breath Test Can Detect Colon
Cancer
http://mnt.to/l/49FC
Novel NMDA Receptor Modulator
Significantly Reduces Depression Scores Within Hours
http://mnt.to/l/49HR
Salty Food Raises Desire For
Sugary Drinks Among Kids
http://mnt.to/l/49K5
At High Altitude, Carbs Are The Fuel Of Choice
http://mnt.to/l/49HS
Link Between Vitamin D And Women's
Cognitive Performance
http://mnt.to/l/49B6
Belly Fat Can Increase Risk Of
Osteoporosis In Men
http://mnt.to/l/49x4
Vitamin D Proven To Help Combat
Breast Cancer
http://mnt.to/l/49wR
Digoxin Increases Deaths In Patients
With Atrial Fibrillation
http://mnt.to/l/49xQ
Common Heart Failure Drugs Could Benefit More Patients
http://mnt.to/l/49wV
The Dangers Of Prescribing Digoxin
For Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
http://mnt.to/l/49w2
Thyroid Problems Linked To Irregular Heart Rhythm
http://mnt.to/l/49vK
Statins Used For Cholesterol
Control Together With Physical Fitness Reduce Death Rate
http://mnt.to/l/49wX
Diabetic Wound Healing Accelerated
By Topical Simvastatin
http://mnt.to/l/49wq
Link Found Between High Fructose
Corn Syrup And Increased Global Prevalence Of Diabetes
http://mnt.to/l/49y3
Relative Length Of Adults'
Fingers An Indicator Of Verbal Aggression
http://mnt.to/l/49yF
Scientists Create Roadmap To
Metabolic Reprogramming For Aging
http://mnt.to/l/49yQ
Moderate Exercise Immediately Boosts Memory
http://mnt.to/l/49ym
Heart Healthy Omega-3s Now Present
In Milk, Not Just Fish
http://mnt.to/l/49zK
Daily Bread May Protect From Cardiovascular Disease
http://mnt.to/l/49zD
Fish Oil Studies Analyzed, Confirm That Omega-3 Fatty
Acids Still Matter
http://mnt.to/l/49xS
Want A Healthy Brain? Scientists
Say, Go For A Run
http://mnt.to/l/49yc
Social Isolation Reduces Myelin Production
http://mnt.to/l/49xn
Climbers At High Altitude At Increased Risk For Brain
Bleeds
http://mnt.to/l/49wL
Memory Immediately Enhanced By Brief Exercise
http://mnt.to/l/49vJ
Blood Pressure And Heart Rate
Lowered By Short-Term Exposure To Essential Oils
http://mnt.to/l/49yG
