12/01/16

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Prince Harry, Rihanna get HIV tests

Prince Harry and singer Rihanna were tested for HIV on World AIDS day as part to raise awareness and emphasize the ease of the test. CBSN's Jamie Yuccas has more on the day and their involvement.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/prince-harry-rihanna-get-hiv-tests/

Can magic mushrooms help cancer patients?

The hallucinogenic drug psilocybin, the active ingredient in certain mushrooms, is being used to reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients. In two studies, it reduced symptoms in 60 to 80 percent of the patients. Dr. Jon LaPook reports.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/can-magic-mushrooms-help-cancer-patients/

What does the future hold for children with HIV?

World AIDS Day brings awareness to the 1.8 million children living with HIV and their complicated but hope-filled path

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hiv-children-future-world-aids-day/

Can Time Outdoors Reduce Nearsightedness?

More exposure to sun's UVB rays linked to lower risk of eye condition in study

From: http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20161201/can-extra-time-outdoors-when-young-reduce-nearsightedness?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Could Low Vitamin D at Birth Mean Higher MS Risk?

Perhaps, but researchers aren't ready to recommend routine supplementation during pregnancy

From: http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20161201/could-low-vitamin-d-levels-at-birth-mean-higher-ms-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Sinus headache or sign-us up for a migraine consultation

As a headache specialist, the topic of sinus headache is a frequent point of discussion. Many patients deny that they have migraines, believing sinus problems are the cause of their headaches. Some of the more tech-savvy patients believe that they have both migraines and sinus headaches after consulting with “Dr. Google.” The reality of the situation is that 86% or more of patients who suspect that they have sinus headaches in fact have migraines.

Why the confusion between sinus headaches and migraines?

It begins with the many symptoms that both migraines and sinus headaches share, which include pressure in the face, an association with barometric/seasonal weather changes, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The autonomic nervous system controls many of the involuntary functions in your body including heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating. In the case of migraines, autonomic dysfunction can cause eye redness, eyelid swelling/drooping, tearing, sinus congestion, and even a runny nose.

Response to treatment can also further drive patients to believe that they have sinus headaches rather than migraines. For example, a patient may have a headache involving a pressure sensation in the face, and calls their primary care physician thinking a sinus infection is causing the symptoms. The primary care physician then prescribes antibiotics and steroids to treat this assumed sinus infection. The patient feels better after taking these medications, and believes that the infection is cured. The reality of the situation is that steroids can be effective for the treatment of sinus issues and migraines. Even without steroids, antibiotics can be perceived as an effective treatment for two reasons. First, the patient truly believes he or she has an infection, so the antibiotic has a powerful placebo effect. The other reason is that with time, the migraine would have gone away anyway.

Unfortunately, this cycle of antibiotics with or without steroids for the treatment of a migraine masquerading as a sinus infection can go on periodically over years and even decades. Taking steroids can cause many problems including weight gain, hair loss, and bone weakness. Inappropriate use of antibiotics can contribute to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Conversely, if a sinus headache responds to a migraine-specific treatment like sumatriptan, migraine is more likely the diagnosis than sinus headache.

Here’s why you want to know whether you have migraines and not sinus headaches

An incorrect diagnosis of sinus headaches can also serve to skew a patient’s family history. Migraine is a genetic disorder that is passed down through family members. Patients often deny that any of their family members have migraines, but when asked about sinus headaches, they will often respond, “Actually, my mother had sinus headaches.” When questioned about the mother’s sinus headache behavior, the same patients frequently respond, “She would lay down, and insist that the room be dark and quiet. She would also ask for a bucket to be placed by the head of the bed even though she rarely ever threw up.” Such responses tend to lead the physician and patient to the conclusion that migraines actually do run in the family, as sinus headaches are not typically accompanied by light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, and nausea. The same patients will also return for a follow-up appointment noting, “It turns out that my sister, cousin, and aunt all have migraines, which they thought were due to sinus problems.” In a jocular way, I at times reply, “Discovering family members that suffer from migraines can be both unfortunate and comforting, but such discovery is not as devastating as routinely encountering a family member who regularly causes headaches, which I refer to as ‘mother-in-law syndrome.’”

Three telltale signs it’s a sinus headache and not a migraine

While I was lecturing on distinguishing sinus headache from migraine with some Harvard medical students, they came up with the phrase Mathew’s Sinus Triad to encompass three features that are more suggestive of sinus headache than migraine. These are:

Thick, infectious looking mucous. A little clear drainage can be seen with a number of conditions, and is not necessarily indicative of a sinus infection.
Fever. It would be very unusual for migraine to present with fever, but fever is a primary symptom of a sinus infection.
Imaging. If an imaging study or evaluation with an endoscope looking up the nose shows a sinus problem, then the headaches are likely related to that — unless the headaches continue after the sinus problem is successfully treated.

In conclusion, if you suffer from frequent sinus headaches, there is a good chance that you are actually experiencing migraines. Making the correct diagnosis and formulating an appropriate treatment plan can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches, as well as avoid unnecessary testing, visits to specialists, and taking medicines that are not actually treating the problem.

The post Sinus headache or sign-us up for a migraine consultation appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

From: Paul G. Mathew, MD, FAAN, FAHS http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/sinus-headache-or-sign-us-up-for-a-migraine-consultation-2016120110758

Making Mayo's Recipes: Butternut Squash Raviolis

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFTB14CAWic

Discovery Means Less Sugar Needed in Chocolate

From: http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20161201/chocolate-sugar?src=RSS_PUBLIC

After Cancer, Higher Risk of Severe Heart Attack

Cardiologists, oncologists must work together, researcher says

From: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20161201/after-cancer-higher-risk-of-severe-heart-attack?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Improve Allergy Warnings on Food Products: Experts

From: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20161201/food-allergy-report?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Could White Wine Boost Your Melanoma Risk?

Large study ties a daily glass to a slightly elevated rate of the deadly skin cancer

From: http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/news/20161201/could-white-wine-boost-your-melanoma-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC

ADA, others ask Congress for funding to curb opioid addiction

In a continuing effort to address the nation's opioid epidemic, the ADA and 88 other groups are asking Congress to fund the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act and to increase existing funding for prevention and treatment efforts.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/december/ada-others-ask-congress-for-funding-to-curb-opioid-addiction

Docs Seeing More Multidrug Restant HIV Patients

People resistant to older medication also have problems with newer drug, study finds

From: http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/news/20161201/doctors-seeing-more-hiv-patients-with-multidrug-resistance?src=RSS_PUBLIC

'Magic Mushroom' Chemical Eases Cancer Despair

Hallucinogenic drug psilocybin relieved depression, anxiety quickly and lasted for months, studies found

From: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20161201/magic-mushroom-chemical-eases-cancer-patients-despair?src=RSS_PUBLIC

UMass settles potential HIPAA violations

The University of Massachusetts Amherst has agreed to pay the federal government $650,000 to settle potential violations to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act after malware reportedly found on an electronic workstation exposed the protected health information of 1,670 people.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/december/umass-settles-potential-hipaa-violations

New study affirms the health benefits of daily aspirin

CBS News medical contributor Dr. David Agus led a new study at USC that found taking aspirin each day can have numerous health benefits and reduce health care costs. Dr. Agus joins CBSN to discuss his findings.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/new-study-affirms-the-health-benefits-of-daily-aspirin/

Can the drug Ecstasy help people with PTSD?

CBS News medical contributor Dr. David Agus explains why scientists are testing the impact Ecstasy has on people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/can-the-drug-ecstasy-help-people-with-ptsd/

Testosterone therapy may be linked to serious health risk

While the overall risk is low, the treatment could prove hazardous for men who already are at high risk for blood clots, new research warns

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/testosterone-therapy-may-be-linked-to-serious-blood-clots/

Dr. David Agus on why aspirin is the "real health reform"

New USC study led by Agus found long-term health and economic benefits of taking daily low-dose aspirin – so why don't more Americans do it?

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/aspirin-david-agus-university-of-southern-california-research-health-effects/

Ohio takes action against one of state's last few abortion clinics

Ohio abortion clinics required to have emergency backup agreements with nearby hospitals or to qualify for exception

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ohio-abortion-clinic-operating-license-revoked-state/

"Magic mushroom" psychedelic may ease depression, anxiety in cancer patients

Researchers say the drug may be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety in cancer patients, but more research is needed

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/magic-mushroom-psychedelic-may-ease-depression-anxiety/

2 easy ways to help control blood sugar in diabetes

Type 2 diabetes patients had better blood sugar control when they shifted their thinking about two simple daily habits

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/type-2-diabetes-blood-sugar-control-sitting-less-standing-walking-moving/

Glycine Regulates Protein Turnover by Activating Protein Kinase B/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin and by Inhibiting MuRF1 and Atrogin-1 Gene Expression in C2C12 Myoblasts [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: The regulation of protein turnover in skeletal muscle is essential for the maintenance of integrity, growth, and function of this tissue. We recently reported that glycine enhances skeletal muscle growth in young pigs. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown.

Objective: This study was conducted with a mouse myoblast cell line, C2C12, to test the hypothesis that glycine activates protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (Akt/mTOR), as well as inhibits 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the expression of genes for proteolysis.

Methods: C2C12 myoblasts were cultured with 0, 0.25 (physiologic concentration in mouse plasma), 0.5, or 1.0 mmol glycine/L. Cell proliferation, activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), AMPK signaling, mRNA levels of atrogin-1 and muscle-specific ring finger protein 1 (MuRF1), and protein synthesis and degradation were measured in the absence or presence of an Akt inhibitor, LY294002, or an AMPK activator, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxyamide ribonucleoside (AICAR).

Results: Compared with control cells, 0.25–1.0 mmol glycine/L enhanced cell growth (by 12–15%) after 24 h (P < 0.05). Glycine treatment led to increased DNA replication (by 70–80%) while enhancing mTORC1 activation by upregulating Akt and inhibiting AMPK signaling (P < 0.05). Accordingly, glycine exposure increased (P < 0.05) the rate of protein synthesis (by 20–80%) and inhibited (P < 0.05) the rate of protein degradation (by 15–30%) in a concentration-dependent manner in C2C12 cells. These observations were validated by the use of an Akt inhibitor, LY294002, or an AMPK activator, AICAR. Moreover, glycine addition resulted in decreased mRNA levels for atrogin-1 and MuRF1 (by 20–40% and 30–50%, respectively; P < 0.05). The repressing effect of glycine on the expression of MuRF1, instead of atrogin-1, was abolished by LY294002 (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: These findings indicate that glycine plays a previously unrecognized role in enhancing protein synthesis and inhibiting protein degradation in C2C12 cells. Glycine regulates protein turnover by activating mTORC1 and by inhibiting the expression of genes for proteolysis. Our results indicate that glycine is a functional amino acid that improves muscle cell growth.

From: Sun, K., Wu, Z., Ji, Y., Wu, G. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/146/12/2461?rss=1

Soy-Dairy Protein Blend or Whey Protein Isolate Ingestion Induces Similar Postexercise Muscle Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 Signaling and Protein Synthesis Responses in Older Men [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: Previous work demonstrated that a soy-dairy protein blend (PB) prolongs hyperaminoacidemia and muscle protein synthesis in young adults after resistance exercise.

Objective: We investigated the effect of PB in older adults. We hypothesized that PB would prolong hyperaminoacidemia, enhancing mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling and muscle protein anabolism compared with a whey protein isolate (WPI).

Methods: This double-blind, randomized controlled trial studied men 55–75 y of age. Subjects consumed 30 g protein from WPI or PB (25% soy, 25% whey, and 50% casein) 1 h after leg extension exercise (8 sets of 10 repetitions at 70% one-repetition maximum). Blood and muscle amino acid concentrations and basal and postexercise muscle protein turnover were measured by using stable isotopic methods. Muscle mTORC1 signaling was assessed by immunoblotting.

Results: Both groups increased amino acid concentrations (P < 0.05) and mTORC1 signaling after protein ingestion (P < 0.05). Postexercise fractional synthesis rate (FSR; P ≥ 0.05), fractional breakdown rate (FBR; P ≥ 0.05), and net balance (P = 0.08) did not differ between groups. WPI increased FSR by 67% (mean ± SEM: rest: 0.05% ± 0.01%; postexercise: 0.09% ± 0.01%; P < 0.05), decreased FBR by 46% (rest: 0.17% ± 0.01%; postexercise: 0.09% ± 0.03%; P < 0.05), and made net balance less negative (P < 0.05). PB ingestion did not increase FSR (rest: 0.07% ± 0.03%; postexercise: 0.09% ± 0.01%; P ≥ 0.05), tended to decrease FBR by 42% (rest: 0.25% ± 0.08%; postexercise: 0.15% ± 0.08%; P = 0.08), and made net balance less negative (P < 0.05). Within-group percentage of change differences were not different between groups for FSR, FBR, or net balance (P ≥ 0.05).

Conclusions: WPI and PB ingestion after exercise in older men induced similar responses in hyperaminoacidemia, mTORC1 signaling, muscle protein synthesis, and breakdown. These data add new evidence for the use of whey or soy-dairy PBs as targeted nutritional interventions to counteract sarcopenia. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01847261.

From: Borack, M. S., Reidy, P. T., Husaini, S. H., Markofski, M. M., Deer, R. R., Richison, A. B., Lambert, B. S., Cope, M. B., Mukherjea, R., Jennings, K., Volpi, E., Rasmussen, B. B. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/146/12/2468?rss=1

Obese Mice Fed a Diet Supplemented with Enzyme-Treated Wheat Bran Display Marked Shifts in the Liver Metabolome Concurrent with Altered Gut Bacteria [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: Enzyme-treated wheat bran (ETWB) contains a fermentable dietary fiber previously shown to decrease liver triglycerides (TGs) and modify the gut microbiome in mice. It is not clear which mechanisms explain how ETWB feeding affects hepatic metabolism, but factors (i.e., xenometabolites) associated with specific microbes may be involved.

Objective: The objective of this study was to characterize ETWB-driven shifts in the cecal microbiome and to identify correlates between microbial changes and diet-related differences in liver metabolism in diet-induced obese mice that typically display steatosis.

Methods: Five-week-old male C57BL/6J mice fed a 45%-lard–based fat diet supplemented with ETWB (20% wt:wt) or rapidly digestible starch (control) (n = 15/group) for 10 wk were characterized by using a multi-omics approach. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to identify variables that were strong discriminators between the ETWB and control groups.

Results: Body weight and liver TGs were decreased by ETWB feeding (by 10% and 25%, respectively; P < 0.001), and an index of liver reactive oxygen species was increased (by 29%; P < 0.01). The cecal microbiome showed an increase in Bacteroidetes (by 42%; P < 0.05) and a decrease in Firmicutes (by 16%; P < 0.05). Metabolites that were strong discriminators between the ETWB and control groups included decreased liver antioxidants (glutathione and α-tocopherol); decreased liver carbohydrate metabolites, including glucose; lower hepatic arachidonic acid; and increased liver and plasma β-hydroxybutyrate. Liver transcriptomics revealed key metabolic pathways affected by ETWB, especially those related to lipid metabolism and some fed- or fasting-regulated genes.

Conclusions: Together, these changes indicate that dietary fibers such as ETWB regulate hepatic metabolism concurrently with specific gut bacteria community shifts in C57BL/6J mice. It is proposed that these changes may elicit gut-derived signals that reach the liver via enterohepatic circulation, ultimately affecting host liver metabolism in a manner that mimics, in part, the fasting state.

From: Kieffer, D. A., Piccolo, B. D., Marco, M. L., Kim, E. B., Goodson, M. L., Keenan, M. J., Dunn, T. N., Knudsen, K. E. B., Adams, S. H., Martin, R. J. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/146/12/2445?rss=1

Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet Supplemented with Resistant Starch Display Marked Shifts in the Liver Metabolome Concurrent with Altered Gut Bacteria [Nutrient Physiology, Metabolism, and Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions]

Background: High-amylose-maize resistant starch type 2 (HAMRS2) is a fermentable dietary fiber known to alter the gut milieu, including the gut microbiota, which may explain the reported effects of resistant starch to ameliorate obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction.

Objective: Our working hypothesis was that HAMRS2-induced microbiome changes alter gut-derived signals (i.e., xenometabolites) reaching the liver via the portal circulation, in turn altering liver metabolism by regulating gene expression and other pathways.

Methods: We used a multi-omics systems biology approach to characterize HAMRS2-driven shifts to the cecal microbiome, liver metabolome, and transcriptome, identifying correlates between microbial changes and liver metabolites under obesogenic conditions that, to our knowledge, have not previously been recognized. Five-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were fed an energy-dense 45% lard-based-fat diet for 10 wk supplemented with either 20% HAMRS2 by weight (n = 14) or rapidly digestible starch (control diet; n = 15).

Results: Despite no differences in food intake, body weight, glucose tolerance, fasting plasma insulin, or liver triglycerides, the HAMRS2 mice showed a 15–58% reduction in all measured liver amino acids, except for Gln, compared with control mice. These metabolites were equivalent in the plasma of HAMRS2 mice compared with controls, and transcripts encoding key amino acid transporters were not different in the small intestine or liver, suggesting that HAMRS2 effects were not simply due to lower hepatocyte exposure to systemic amino acids. Instead, alterations in gut microbial metabolism could have affected host nitrogen and amino acid homeostasis: HAMRS2 mice showed a 62% increase (P < 0.0001) in 48-h fecal output and a 41% increase (P < 0.0001) in fecal nitrogen compared with control mice. Beyond amino acid metabolism, liver transcriptomics revealed pathways related to lipid and xenobiotic metabolism; and pathways related to cell proliferation, differentiation, and growth were affected by HAMRS2 feeding.

Conclusion: Together, these differences indicate that HAMRS2 dramatically alters hepatic metabolism and gene expression concurrent with shifts in specific gut bacteria in C57BL/6J mice.

From: Kieffer, D. A., Piccolo, B. D., Marco, M. L., Kim, E. B., Goodson, M. L., Keenan, M. J., Dunn, T. N., Knudsen, K. E. B., Martin, R. J., Adams, S. H. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/short/146/12/2476?rss=1

Vegetarian Diets Good for People and the Planet

These food plans are safe at all stages of life, nutrition group says

From: http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20161201/vegetarian-diets-called-good-for-people-and-the-planet?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Some GOP Voters Skittish On Full ACA Repeal: Poll

Trump backers expressed support for some of the health law’s consumer protections, such as allowing young adults to stay on their parents’ insurance until age 26.

From: http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/20161201/some-gop-voters-skittish-on-full-repeal-poll-finds?src=RSS_PUBLIC

USDA Proposes Revisions to Nutritional Fact Panel for Meat and Poultry Products

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today proposed a critical step in ensuring that consumers have updated nutritional information for meat and poultry products, helping Americans make better informed decisions when purchasing meat and poultry products.

From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/12/0253.xml&contentidonly=true

This May Help Type 2 Diabetics Control Blood Sugar

Study counters notion that vigorous exercise is key to battling the illness

From: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20161130/standing-or-easy-walks-may-help-type-2-diabetics-control-blood-sugar?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Testosterone Therapy May Be Linked to Blood Clots

Risk peaks in the first 6 months of hormone treatment, but overall odds are low, study finds

From: http://www.webmd.com/men/news/20161130/testosterone-therapy-may-be-linked-to-serious-blood-clots?src=RSS_PUBLIC

How compassion can boost your happiness

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/seo/art-20270120

Most lobbied bill in recent history makes its way to House floor for vote

If passed, the 21st Century Cures Act would allocate more monetary and medicinal resources to the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/most-lobbied-bill-in-recent-history-makes-its-way-to-house-floor-for-a-vote/

Pet care costs can top human medical bills

Pet health care bills can climb into the tens of thousands of dollars as new technologies and treatments drive up costs

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/pet-health-care-costs-can-top-human-medical-bills-new-cat-and-dog-health-insurance-report/

What should parents tell kids about Santa?

Some psychologists say believing in Santa Claus may be harmful to children – but this Christmas tradition has plenty of defenders

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/santa-claus-what-should-parents-tell-kids/

Dr. Ronald Petersen discusses Alzheimer's research

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy3f9wkLT24

Make the Difference: Preventing Medical Trainee Suicide

From: Mayo Clinic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9GRxF9qEBA

A.T. Still students, staff provide dental care for veterans

In celebration of Veterans Day, A.T. Still University-Missouri School of Dentistry students and staff, along with St. Louis Dental Center dentists, provided care to veterans in Southeastern Missouri.

From: http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/december/at-still-students-staff-provide-dental-care-for-veterans