Friday, April 27, 2018

How Transplanted Livers Help Stop Organ Rejection

The study showed those who received both organs or just a liver had fewer immune cells that respond to foreign invaders than those who only received a new kidney.



From: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/news/20180427/how-transplanted-livers-help-stop-organ-rejection?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Can You Avoid Foodborne Illness?

Any food can be infected with more than 250 foodborne diseases. Bacteria, parasites, viruses, chemicals, and toxins can contaminate food.



From: https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/news/20180427/can-you-avoid-foodborne-illness?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Mayo Clinic Grand Rounds – Robotic Approach to Mitral Valve Repair: Mayo Clinic Experience



From: Mayo Clinic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0yOPS3mPKg

E. coli outbreak tied to romaine lettuce is largest since 2006

Outbreak has spread to three more states and sickened 98 people

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/e-coli-outbreak-tied-to-romaine-lettuce-is-largest-since-2006/

Don't Rely on Plastic Surgeons' Online Reviews

The researchers also found that in reviews by patients who had breast augmentation, their treatment by the surgeon's staff was nearly as important to them as the outcome of the surgery.



From: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20180427/dont-rely-on-plastic-surgeons-online-reviews?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Soda During Pregnancy May Not Help Baby's Brain

Diet soda wasn't much better. Drinking it during pregnancy was linked to poorer fine motor, visual, spatial and visual motor abilities in early childhood (around age 3). By mid-childhood (age 7), kids whose moms drank diet sodas while pregnant had poorer verbal abilities, the study findings reported.



From: https://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20180427/soda-during-pregnancy-may-not-help-babys-brain?src=RSS_PUBLIC

CDHP introduces multigenerational policy initiative

The Children's Dental Health Project announced April 25 a policy initiative focused on addressing oral health needs for the whole family.

From: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/april/cdhp-introduces-multigenerational-policy-initiative

New 'Superblood' Treatment Targets Deadly Cancers

blood cells

Researchers collect red blood cells from patients, modify them so anti-cancer or other medicines can be enclosed, then inject them back into patients. The goal is improve the medicines' effectiveness while reducing harmful side effects.



From: https://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20180427/new-superblood-treatment-targets-deadly-cancers?src=RSS_PUBLIC

New technology offers hope for people with tinnitus

FDA-cleared therapy trains the brain to ignore the sound of ringing in the ears

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tinnitus-ringing-in-ears-new-technology-offers-hope/

Why one woman broke out in hives when co-workers cranked up the AC

When she visited the doctor, the 40-year-old woman got some startling news: She was allergic to the cold

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/woman-hives-air-conditioner-allergy/

ADA asks Congress for $44 million in funding for CDC, HRSA programs

The ADA on April 26 testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education to request oral health funding for fiscal year 2019.

From: By Jennifer Garvin https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/april/ada-asks-congress-for-44-million-in-funding-for-cdc-hrsa-programs

4 ways to protect against skin cancer (other than sunscreen)

It’s almost May and here in the northeast, front-of-the-pharmacy aisles are filled with myriad brands and types of sunscreen. While sunscreen is essential to lowering your risk for skin cancer, there are other simple, over-the-counter options you can incorporate into your summer skin protection routine.

Nicotinamide may help prevent certain skin cancers

Nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that has been shown to reduce the number of skin cancers. In a randomized controlled trial performed in Australia (published in the New England Journal of Medicine), the risks of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were significantly reduced — by 23%. Nicotinamide has protective effects against ultraviolet damage caused by sun exposure. The vitamin is safe and can be purchased over the counter. We recommended starting the vitamin (500 mg twice a day) to all our patients with a history of a basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, or with extensive skin damage due to sun exposure. One caveat is that the vitamin must be taken continuously, as the benefits are lost once stopped.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, may have a modest effect on skin cancer prevention. A systematic review showed that the risk of squamous cell carcinoma was reduced by 15% with non-aspirin NSAIDs, and by 18% with any NSAID. Some studies of melanoma have also shown positive results; one found a 43% reduction in melanoma with continuous aspirin for five years, while other studies have failed to show any risk reduction. NSAIDs are known to inhibit an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain, known as COX-2, which is overexpressed in squamous cell carcinomas. A limitation to many of the studies on NSAIDs in skin cancer is that the amount of NSAID taken varied. Especially at higher doses, NSAIDs are associated with other side effects, such as ulcers, and so I do not routinely recommend that my patients take these drugs to lower skin cancer risk.

Polypodium leukotomos

Polypodium leukotomos is a tropical fern found in Central and South America that has antioxidative, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects, and is being marketed as an oral “sunscreen.” A recent small study of 22 patients showed that the fern extract altered the effects of UVB light (the more carcinogenic form of ultraviolet light) in 17 of the 22 patients to varying degrees. However, it is important to recognize that there are limitations to this study. First, it was unable to evaluate UVA light, which also causes skin cancer. Second, it is difficult to determine the most appropriate dose from the study. The participants received two doses of 240 mg of polypodium leukotomos two hours and one hour before ultraviolet exposure, but it is not clear how best to advise patients to use it. So, you may wonder whether I recommend this to my patients. The answer is, not yet. But I do plan to try the extract myself and on my husband (who has a history of skin cancer) this summer. Just keep in mind, this does not replace sunscreen and sun-protective clothing.

Watch your alcohol intake

Although alcohol is not a classic “over-the-counter” product, it has been in the spotlight in the past year, as alcohol is estimated to be responsible for 3.5% of all cancer deaths. Two meta-analyses suggested an association between skin cancer and alcohol intake. One study found that the risk of basal cell carcinoma increased by 7% and squamous cell carcinoma by 11% for every standard beer or small glass of wine each day. Another study showed a 20% increase in melanoma in drinkers, and the risk increased with the number of drinks. However, these studies didn’t take into account other factors that could affect the results, some of which cannot be measured. One example is that ultraviolet light is the main factor that increases basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and alcohol consumption has been associated with behaviors that increase one’s risk of getting a sunburn. So what is the recommendation? The American Cancer Society recommends limiting alcohol consumption to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

And you still need sunscreen!

Since we have yet to find a magic pill that completely prevents sunburns and eliminates skin cancer risk, this is my plug for good old-fashioned sunscreen. Sunscreen has been shown to reduce both melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Randomized prospective studies in Australia showed that individuals who used daily sunscreen had a 50% reduction in melanoma and a 40% reduction in squamous cell carcinoma, compared to individuals who used sunscreen intermittently. So when the sun and warm weather beckon, remember to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 prior to going out in the sun, reapply every two hours, and apply liberally: 1 teaspoon to each arm, head and neck, front torso, and back; and 2 teaspoons to each leg.

The post 4 ways to protect against skin cancer (other than sunscreen) appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.



From: Emily S. Ruiz, MD, MPH https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/4-ways-to-protect-against-skin-cancer-other-than-sunscreen-2018042713722