http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/PREGNANCY_VIDEO_Flu_During_Pregnancy_Linked_to_Schizophrenia_Obesity_Plus_Alcohol_Connected_to_Liver_Disease_Psoriasis_and_Pregnancy_Complications_4158.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/PREGNANCY_VIDEO_Flu_During_Pregnancy_Linked_to_Schizophrenia_Obesity_Plus_Alcohol_Connected_to_Liver_Disease_Psoriasis_and_Pregnancy_Complications_4158.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/PREGNANCY_VIDEO_Flu_During_Pregnancy_Linked_to_Schizophrenia_Obesity_Plus_Alcohol_Connected_to_Liver_Disease_Psoriasis_and_Pregnancy_Complications_4158.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/PRE4158.jpg PREGNANCY VIDEO: Flu During Pregnancy Linked to Schizophrenia, Obesity Plus Alcohol Connected to Liver Disease, Psoriasis and Pregnancy Complications (March 12, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From North Carolina - According to a report published in the journal Biological Psychiatry, pregnant women who get the flu may increase their child's risk of schizophrenia. Researchers infected rhesus monkeys in their third trimester with influenza. MRI scans of the babies after 1 year revealed brain changes similar those seen in humans with schizophrenia. From Oxford - According to a report published in the British Medical Journal, obesity and alcohol consumption combine to drastically increase ones risk of liver disease. Researchers studied data on over 1.2 million women, finding that women with a BMI between 22.5 and 25 who consumed more than 150 grams of alcohol a week were at 170% increased risk of liver disease, while women with a BMI of 30 or more saw their risk raised by 400%. And finally, from Miami - Pregnant women with psoriasis are at increased risk of complications, according to a report presented at annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. Researchers compared a group of pregnant psoriasis patients to over 130,000 pregnant women without psoriasis. Results showed that the psoriasis patients were up to three to four times more likely to experience complications such as preterm birth, preeclampsia, spontaneous abortion and ectopic pregnancy. 2010-03-12T17:00:00 Pregnancy Ectopic pregnancy Psoriasis Preeclampsia Spontaneous abortion Obesity Liver Disease Alcohol Consumption University of North Carolina Massachusetts General Hospital Harvard Medical School Health yes 115 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/ANGIOGRAPHY_VIDEO_Possible_Overuse_of_Common_Heart_Test_Interview_with_Dr_Manesh_Patel_MD_Duke_University_4160.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/ANGIOGRAPHY_VIDEO_Possible_Overuse_of_Common_Heart_Test_Interview_with_Dr_Manesh_Patel_MD_Duke_University_4160.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/ANGIOGRAPHY_VIDEO_Possible_Overuse_of_Common_Heart_Test_Interview_with_Dr_Manesh_Patel_MD_Duke_University_4160.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/ANG4160.jpg ANGIOGRAPHY VIDEO: Possible Overuse of Common Heart Test (Interview with Dr. Manesh Patel, MD, Duke University) (March 12, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Less than half of individuals without known heart disease who are undergo invasive testing of the coronary blood vessels are found to have significant obstructions in these vessels, , according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Here is some information about coronary angiography: It is a procedure in which dye is injected into the body and then X-rays are used to visualize blood flow through the vessels that feed the heart. It is usually done along with catheterization, in which a balloon-tipped catheter is threaded into the coronary arteries to achieve a better view of the vessels and remove any blockages that are found The procedure carries with it a very small risk of a serious adverse event, including a heart attack or stroke Researchers from Duke University Medical Center in Durham used a national cardiovascular registry to identify nearly 400,000 individuals without known heart disease who underwent coronary catheterization to look for obstructions in the blood vessels that feed the heart. Left untreated, such obstructions can lead to a heart attack or stroke. The investigators also looked at whether certain characteristics of the individuals, including their sex, age, the presence of other medical conditions, and the results of less invasive tests, could predict who would eventually be diagnosed with one or more obstructions. Catheterization revealed the presence of an obstruction in only about 38% of the individuals tested. In addition, a lack of obstructive disease was confirmed in 39% of the individuals. Men, those who were older, those with insulin-dependent diabetes, and those with high cholesterol levels were all more likely to have obstructions in their coronary arteries. Those who had positive findings on noninvasive tests were only 28% more likely to have an obstruction than those who underwent no such testing. We spoke with Dr. Manesh Patel, one of the investigators of this study, who offered some further insight. Todays research highlights the need to do a better job of identifying who is likely to have obstructive coronary artery disease before sending individuals for invasive coronary angiography and catheterization. 2010-03-12T17:00:00 Coronary Artery Disease Stroke Heart Attack Duke University Health yes 233 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/ANGIOGRAPHY_VIDEO_Coronary_Catheterization_Overused_in_Patients_Without_Known_Heart_Disease_Interview_with_Dr_Manesh_Patel_MD_Duke_University_4161.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/ANGIOGRAPHY_VIDEO_Coronary_Catheterization_Overused_in_Patients_Without_Known_Heart_Disease_Interview_with_Dr_Manesh_Patel_MD_Duke_University_4161.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/ANGIOGRAPHY_VIDEO_Coronary_Catheterization_Overused_in_Patients_Without_Known_Heart_Disease_Interview_with_Dr_Manesh_Patel_MD_Duke_University_4161.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/ANG4161.jpg ANGIOGRAPHY VIDEO: Coronary Catheterization Overused in Patients Without Known Heart Disease (Interview with Dr. Manesh Patel, MD, Duke University) 2010-03-12T17:00:00 Coronary Artery Disease Heart Disease Stroke Heart Attack Duke University Health yes 217 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/STROKE_VIDEO_Blood_Pressure_Variability_Linked_to_Stroke_Risk_Diabetes_Possibly_Associated_with_Meal_Anticipation_Knee_Replacement_Improves_Balance_Relieves_Pain_4156.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/STROKE_VIDEO_Blood_Pressure_Variability_Linked_to_Stroke_Risk_Diabetes_Possibly_Associated_with_Meal_Anticipation_Knee_Replacement_Improves_Balance_Relieves_Pain_4156.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/STROKE_VIDEO_Blood_Pressure_Variability_Linked_to_Stroke_Risk_Diabetes_Possibly_Associated_with_Meal_Anticipation_Knee_Replacement_Improves_Balance_Relieves_Pain_4156.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/STR4156.jpg STROKE VIDEO: Blood Pressure Variability Linked to Stroke Risk, Diabetes Possibly Associated with Meal Anticipation, Knee Replacement Improves Balance, Relieves Pain (March 11, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Oxford Inconsistent systolic blood pressure readings may be a predictor of stroke, according to a report published in The Lancet. Researchers followed over 8, 000 patients through seven doctor visits, finding that those who had the most variation in their systolic blood pressure had a 6x increased risk of stroke, while patients with the highest blood pressure had a 15x increased risk of stroke. From North Carolina According to a report published in the journal Diabetes Care, anticipating a meal may be a risk factor for diabetes. Researchers compared over 500 diabetic patients to nearly 500 healthy controls, believing that when one anticipates or smells food, the nervous system triggers the body to salivate and thereby increases the production of insulin. They found that alterations to the gene that is responsible for this process may be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. And finally, from Israel According to a report presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, elderly patients who undergo knee replacement may have improved balance. Researchers studied 63 patients with knee arthritis, finding that total knee replacement resulted in not only pain relief, but also significantly improved balance and the ability to complete daily activiaties. 2010-03-11T19:00:00 Blood pressure High Blood Pressure Inconsistent blood pressure readings Stroke Heart Attack Diabetes Knee arthritis University of Oxford Duke University Medical Center Health yes 129 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/CHOLESTEROL_VIDEO_Doctors_Inadequately_Target_LDL_Cholesterol_Levels_Obesity_and_Colon_Cancer_Prognosis_Youth_Baseball_Players_and_Arm_Injuries_4154.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/CHOLESTEROL_VIDEO_Doctors_Inadequately_Target_LDL_Cholesterol_Levels_Obesity_and_Colon_Cancer_Prognosis_Youth_Baseball_Players_and_Arm_Injuries_4154.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/CHOLESTEROL_VIDEO_Doctors_Inadequately_Target_LDL_Cholesterol_Levels_Obesity_and_Colon_Cancer_Prognosis_Youth_Baseball_Players_and_Arm_Injuries_4154.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/CHO4154.jpg CHOLESTEROL VIDEO: Doctors Inadequately Target LDL Cholesterol Levels, Obesity and Colon Cancer Prognosis, Youth Baseball Players and Arm Injuries (March 10, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Germany - According to a report published in the European Heart Journal, many doctors fail to adequately lower their patient's cholesterol. Researchers studied over 25,000 patients and just over 900 doctors, finding that just 49% of female patients and 55% of male patients were given correct targets for lowering their LDL cholesterol levels. From Minnesota - According to a report published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research, obese people may be at increased risk of dying from colon cancer. Researchers studied over 4300 colon cancer patients, finding that obese males in particular were at 35% increased risk of dying from the disease. And finally, from Japan - An increasing amount of youth baseball players are incurring injuries to their throwing arms, according to a report presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Researchers studied over 150 youth baseball players, finding that 25% experienced elbow pain, 68% had limited range of motion in their elbow, and that 85% suffered osteochondral lesions. 2010-03-10T19:00:00 Arm injury Elbow pain Osteochondral lesions Cholesterol Colon Cancer Obesity Universitätsklinikums Schleswig-Holstein University of Tokushima Graduate School University of Texas Health yes 106 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/FLU_VIDEO_Vaccinating_Children_Against_Flu_Preventive_and_Protective_Lung_Cancer_Risk_with_Gene_Variant_Alzheimer_s_Risk_for_African_Americans_and_Hispanics_4150.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/FLU_VIDEO_Vaccinating_Children_Against_Flu_Preventive_and_Protective_Lung_Cancer_Risk_with_Gene_Variant_Alzheimer_s_Risk_for_African_Americans_and_Hispanics_4150.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/FLU_VIDEO_Vaccinating_Children_Against_Flu_Preventive_and_Protective_Lung_Cancer_Risk_with_Gene_Variant_Alzheimer_s_Risk_for_African_Americans_and_Hispanics_4150.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/FLU4150.jpg FLU VIDEO: Vaccinating Children Against Flu Preventive and Protective, Lung Cancer Risk with Gene Variant, Alzheimer's Risk for African Americans and Hispanics (March 9, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Hamilton - According to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, vaccinating children against the flu may prevent transmission in ones community. Researchers studied over 2300 people from different communities who were not vaccinated for the flu, randomizing nearly 1000 children to receive either an influenza vaccine or a control vaccine. They found that communities in which children received the influenza vaccine had a lower incidence of the flu. From Cincinnati - Light smokers with a specific genetic variation are at increased risk of lung cancer, according to a report published in the journal Cancer Research. Researchers studied people with varying degrees of smoke exposure, finding that even those who smoked a minimal amount of cigarettes over 20 years and who had a certain genetic variant were at a significant increased risk of lung cancer. And finally, from Washington - According to a report released by the Alzheimer's Association, African Americans and Hispanics are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. Researchers estimate that African Americans are nearly 2x as likely as Caucasians to develop dementia, while Hispanics are about 1.5x more likely. 2010-03-09T17:00:00 Alzheimer's Disease Dementia Lung Cancer Influenza Flu University of Cincinnati McMaster University Health yes 106 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/KIDNEY_DONATION_VIDEO_Kidney_Donation_a_Safe_Procedure_Interview_with_Dr_Dorry_Segev_MD_PhD_Johns_Hopkins_University_School_of_Medicine_4151.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/KIDNEY_DONATION_VIDEO_Kidney_Donation_a_Safe_Procedure_Interview_with_Dr_Dorry_Segev_MD_PhD_Johns_Hopkins_University_School_of_Medicine_4151.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/KIDNEY_DONATION_VIDEO_Kidney_Donation_a_Safe_Procedure_Interview_with_Dr_Dorry_Segev_MD_PhD_Johns_Hopkins_University_School_of_Medicine_4151.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/KID4151.jpg KIDNEY DONATION VIDEO: Kidney Donation a Safe Procedure (Interview with Dr. Dorry Segev, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine) (March 9, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Donating a kidney does not appear to increase the risk of dying in the years immediately following the procedure, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Here is some information on live kidney donation: It is a surgical procedure in which a healthy person has one of their kidneys removed to be transplanted into another person with little or no healthy kidney function Live donations are more likely to be successful than donations that are received from someone who is deceased While strangers have been known to donate kidneys, they are usually donated by family or other loved ones. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore looked at the long- and short-term outcomes of over 80,000 individuals who donated a kidney between 1994 and 2009. Their outcomes were compared with those of over 9,000 individuals participating in another study who did not donate a kidney. The death rate during the first 90 days following the donation of a kidney was about 3 per 10,000 donations. This rate remained stable during the final 15 years of the study period. After controlling for age and the presence of other medical conditions, those who donated a kidney had a similar survival rate as those who did not donate a kidney, during a follow-up period that averaged about six years. We spoke with Dr. Dorry Segev, one of the investigators of this study, who offered some further insight. Todays research suggests that donating a kidney is a relatively safe procedure for those who are identified by medical personnel to be good candidates for the procedure. 2010-03-09T17:00:00 Kidney problems Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Health yes 161 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/KIDNEY_DONATION_VIDEO_No_Long_Term_Death_Risk_with_Live_Kidney_Donation_Interview_with_Dr_Dorry_Segev_MD_PhD_Johns_Hopkins_University_School_of_Medicine_4152.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/KIDNEY_DONATION_VIDEO_No_Long_Term_Death_Risk_with_Live_Kidney_Donation_Interview_with_Dr_Dorry_Segev_MD_PhD_Johns_Hopkins_University_School_of_Medicine_4152.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/KIDNEY_DONATION_VIDEO_No_Long_Term_Death_Risk_with_Live_Kidney_Donation_Interview_with_Dr_Dorry_Segev_MD_PhD_Johns_Hopkins_University_School_of_Medicine_4152.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/KID4152.jpg KIDNEY DONATION VIDEO: No Long Term Death Risk with Live Kidney Donation (Interview with Dr. Dorry Segev, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine) (March 9, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Live kidney donation does not appear to increase long-term mortality risk, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Here are some recommendations for evaluating potential kidney donors, from the United Network for Organ Sharing Donor kidney function should be tested to determine serum creatinine, calculated creatinine clearance, and urine protein excretion. Donor should undergo imaging studies to determine that there are two kidneys of normal size and appearance and to outline the renal vascular and urinary drainage anatomy. Donor should undergo assessment of surgical risk. Researchers out of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore studied the short- and long-term outcomes of over 80,000 live kidney donors drawn from a mandated national registry. All participants had donated a kidney between April 1, 1994 and March 31, 2009. Their outcomes were compared with those of 9,364 participants in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), none of whom were contraindicated for kidney donation. Surgical mortality from live kidney donation was 3.1 per 10,000 donors and did not change during the last 15 years of the study period. Mortality was higher in men, black individuals, and those with hypertension. After a median follow-up period 6.3 years, mortality rates were similar for live donors and age- and comorbidity-matched comparators. Todays research highlights the relative safety of live kidney donation. 2010-03-09T17:00:00 Kidney problems Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Health yes 200 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/AMD_VIDEO_Eye_Injections_Increasing_for_Age_Related_Macular_Degeneration_Sunlight_Exposure_at_Work_and_Kidney_Cancer_Risk_Alcohol_and_Weight_Loss_in_Women_4145.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/AMD_VIDEO_Eye_Injections_Increasing_for_Age_Related_Macular_Degeneration_Sunlight_Exposure_at_Work_and_Kidney_Cancer_Risk_Alcohol_and_Weight_Loss_in_Women_4145.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/AMD_VIDEO_Eye_Injections_Increasing_for_Age_Related_Macular_Degeneration_Sunlight_Exposure_at_Work_and_Kidney_Cancer_Risk_Alcohol_and_Weight_Loss_in_Women_4145.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/AMD4145.jpg AMD VIDEO: Eye Injections Increasing for Age Related Macular Degeneration, Sunlight Exposure at Work and Kidney Cancer Risk, Alcohol and Weight Loss in Women (March 8, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Kingston - According to a report published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, eye injections are becoming more and more common for the treatment of age related macular degeneration. Researchers from Queen's University found that from 2005 to 2007, the amount of intravitreal injections for AMD in Ontario increased eight fold. However, the amount of ophthalmologist who perform these injections only increased by 5% during this time span. From Maryland - Occupational sunlight exposure may lower risk of kidney cancer in men, according to a report published online in the journal Cancer. Researchers studied over 2500 people--nearly 1100 of who had kidney cancer--finding that sunlight exposure at work resulted in a 24 to 38% reduced risk of kidney cancer. And finally, from Boston - According to a report published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, moderate alcohol consumption may slow weight gain in women. Researchers studied over 7,000 women for 13 years, finding that women who drank between 15 to 30 g of alcohol per day had nearly 30% reduced risk of becoming overweight or obese when compared to women who drank none at all 2010-03-08T17:00:00 Kidney Cancer Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Sunlight exposure Weight gain Alcohol Consumption National Cancer Institute Brigham and Women's Hospital Queen's University Health yes 104 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/WEIGHT_LOSS_VIDEO_Raising_Junk_Food_Prices_May_Change_Unhealthy_Eating_Habits_4146.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/WEIGHT_LOSS_VIDEO_Raising_Junk_Food_Prices_May_Change_Unhealthy_Eating_Habits_4146.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/WEIGHT_LOSS_VIDEO_Raising_Junk_Food_Prices_May_Change_Unhealthy_Eating_Habits_4146.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/WEI4146.jpg WEIGHT LOSS VIDEO: Raising Junk Food Prices May Change Unhealthy Eating Habits (March 8, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Increasing the price of junk food may make it less tempting, according to research published in the March 9 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. Here are some tips for a healthy diet: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that are prepared with little or no added fat, sugar, or salt Choose whole fruits and vegetables over juice Choose whole grains over white or processed grains Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill looked at the dietary habits of over 5,000 adults aged 18 to 30 over a 20-year period. They then compared these findings with changes in food prices during the same time period. As the price of pizza and soda increased, people consumed less of it. For instance, a one dollar increase in the price of either product was associated with eating fewer calories overall as well as with lower body weight and reduced insulin resistance. Increasing both these foods by one dollar resulted in even more dramatic drops in these factors. The authors estimate that an 18% tax soda and pizza alone would result in an average of 56 fewer calories consumed per day, a weight loss of approximately 5 lbs per person per year, and a corresponding drop in obesity-related illness. Today's research suggests that manipulating the price of junk food may be a way to steer people toward more healthy food choices. 2010-03-08T17:00:00 Unhealthy Diet University of North Carolina Health yes 107 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/WEIGHT_LOSS_VIDEO_Increasing_Junk_Food_Prices_May_Deter_Unhealthy_Eating_4147.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/WEIGHT_LOSS_VIDEO_Increasing_Junk_Food_Prices_May_Deter_Unhealthy_Eating_4147.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/WEIGHT_LOSS_VIDEO_Increasing_Junk_Food_Prices_May_Deter_Unhealthy_Eating_4147.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/WEI4147.jpg WEIGHT LOSS VIDEO: Increasing Junk Food Prices May Deter Unhealthy Eating (March 8, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Increasing the price of junk food may make it less tempting, according to research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Here are some dietary recommendations to make to patients, based on U.S. Dietary Guidelines: Emphasize fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products Include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts Limit saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium) and sugar Researchers out of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill assessed the dietary habits of 5,115 adults aged 18 to 30, starting in 1985-1986 and continuing through to 2005-2006. The investigators then analyzed these results against food prices during the same time period. As the price of soda and pizza increased, daily caloric intake amongst participants from these foods decreased. A one dollar increase in the cost of soda or pizza was associated with a lower overall daily caloric intake as well as lower body weight and reduced insulin resistance. A one dollar increase in both these foods was associated with even greater reductions in these endpoints. The authors estimate that an 18% tax on these foods alone would result in an average of 56 fewer calories consumed per day, a weight loss of approximately 5 lbs per person per year, and corresponding reductions in obesity-related diseases. Today's research suggests that artificially manipulating the price of unhealthy food might help individuals make more healthy food choices. 2010-03-08T17:00:00 Unhealthy Diet University of North Carolina Health yes 123 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/LUNG_CANCER_VIDEO_Optimism_Helps_for_Lung_Cancer_Patients_Grass_Allergy_Tablet_Successful_Cataract_Risk_for_Women_Undergoing_Hormone_Replacement_Therapy_4142.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/LUNG_CANCER_VIDEO_Optimism_Helps_for_Lung_Cancer_Patients_Grass_Allergy_Tablet_Successful_Cataract_Risk_for_Women_Undergoing_Hormone_Replacement_Therapy_4142.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/LUNG_CANCER_VIDEO_Optimism_Helps_for_Lung_Cancer_Patients_Grass_Allergy_Tablet_Successful_Cataract_Risk_for_Women_Undergoing_Hormone_Replacement_Therapy_4142.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/LUN4142.jpg LUNG CANCER VIDEO: Optimism Helps for Lung Cancer Patients, Grass Allergy Tablet Successful, Cataract Risk for Women Undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy (March 5, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Minnesota - According to a report published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, optimistic lung cancer patients may live longer than pessimistic patients. Researchers studied over 500 lung cancer patients, using personality scores from a test taken 18 years before their diagnosis. Results showed that optimistic patients lived an average of six months more than pessimistic patients. From New Orleans - A new tablet may be able to reduce symptoms of grass allergy, according to a report presented at the annual meeting for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma andamp; Immunology. Researchers studied 344 children, randomizing some to placebo or to the tablet that contains Timothy grass pollen. Results showed that children taking the tablet (which is placed under the tongue) scored 26% better on symptom scores than placebo. And finally, from Sweden - According to a report published in the journal Ophthalmology, women on hormone replacement therapy who regularly drink alcohol are at significant increased risk of cataracts. Researchers studied over 30,000 postmenopausal women, finding that those currently undergoing HRT who drank one or more alcoholic drink daily had a 42% increased risk of developing cataracts. 2010-03-05T20:00:00 Grass allergy Lung Cancer Cataract Mayo Clinic Sundsvall in Sweden Health yes 111 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/MIGRAINE_VIDEO_New_Electromagnetic_Device_Helps_Migraine_Patients_4143.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/MIGRAINE_VIDEO_New_Electromagnetic_Device_Helps_Migraine_Patients_4143.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/MIGRAINE_VIDEO_New_Electromagnetic_Device_Helps_Migraine_Patients_4143.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/MIG4143.jpg MIGRAINE VIDEO: New Electromagnetic Device Helps Migraine Patients (March 5, 2010 - Insidermedicine) A device that delivers a magnetic pulse to the back of the head may offer an alternative, non-drug treatment for migraine, according to research published online ahead of print in The Lancet Neurology. Here is some information about transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS It is a procedure in which magnetic fields are used to stimulate nerve cells in the brain To deliver the treatment, an electromagnetic coil is placed against the scalp The coil is attached to a small device that delivers an electric current to the coil, causing it to send a pulse of electromagnetic energy to the brain Researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York randomly assigned over 200 adults suffering from migraines with auras to use single-pulse TMS or a sham device that looked similar but did not actually produce a magnetic pulse. The participants were instructed to use the device to treat up to three migraine attacks while experiencing an aura over a three month period. Among the 164 participants who used their device to treat an attack, 39% were pain-free after two hours in the group that had a real TMS device, compared with only 22% of those using a sham device. Those with the real device were also more likely to have sustained pain relief for 24 or 48 hours. Today's research highlights the potential of TMS for the treatment of migraine headaches. If headache pain interferes with your life, discuss treatment options with your health care provider. 2010-03-05T20:00:00 Migraine Headache Migraine With Aura Albert Einstein College of Medicine Health yes 112 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/MIGRAINE_VIDEO_Transcranial_Magnetic_Stimulation_for_Migraines_Helps_Eliminate_Pain_4144.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/MIGRAINE_VIDEO_Transcranial_Magnetic_Stimulation_for_Migraines_Helps_Eliminate_Pain_4144.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/MIGRAINE_VIDEO_Transcranial_Magnetic_Stimulation_for_Migraines_Helps_Eliminate_Pain_4144.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/MIG4144.jpg MIGRAINE VIDEO: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Migraines Helps Eliminate Pain (March 5, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (sTMS) appears to help eliminate the pain of migraine and help sufferers remain pain-free, according to research published online ahead of print in The Lancet Neurology. Here are some situations in which prophylactic treatment for migraine headache might be appropriate, according to the European Federation of Neurological Societies: Quality of life, business duties, or school attendance are severely impaired Frequency of attacks per month is two or higher Migraine attacks do not respond to acute drug treatment Researchers out of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York randomized 201 adults suffering from migraine with aura to sTMS or sham stimulation. Patients were instructed to treat up to three attacks over three months while experiencing aura. Among the 164 patients who treated at least one migraine attack during the study period, 39% of those in the sTMS group were pain-free after two hours, as compared with only 22% in the sham group. Sustained pain-free response rates at 24 and 48 hours were also higher among those who received active therapy. Today's research suggests that sTMS could be a potential new, drug-free option for the management of migraine headaches. 2010-03-05T20:00:00 Migraine Migraine With Aura Headache Albert Einstein College of Medicine Health yes 106 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/SKIN_CANCER_VIDEO_Vitamin_D_Connected_to_Skin_Cancer_Lung_Cancer_Risk_for_Women_on_Hormone_Replacement_Therapy_Proteins_Connected_to_Colon_Cancer_Identified_4139.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/SKIN_CANCER_VIDEO_Vitamin_D_Connected_to_Skin_Cancer_Lung_Cancer_Risk_for_Women_on_Hormone_Replacement_Therapy_Proteins_Connected_to_Colon_Cancer_Identified_4139.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/SKIN_CANCER_VIDEO_Vitamin_D_Connected_to_Skin_Cancer_Lung_Cancer_Risk_for_Women_on_Hormone_Replacement_Therapy_Proteins_Connected_to_Colon_Cancer_Identified_4139.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/SKI4139.jpg SKIN CANCER VIDEO: Vitamin D Connected to Skin Cancer, Lung Cancer Risk for Women on Hormone Replacement Therapy, Proteins Connected to Colon Cancer Identified (March 4, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Detroit - Elevated vitamin D levels may be linked with skin cancer, according to a report presented at the annual meeting for the Photomedicine Society. Researchers compared skin tissue samples of 10 basal cell carcinoma patients with 10 healthy patients. The skin cancer patients had 10x the amount of Vitamin D enzyme levels and 2x the amount of Vitamin D protein levels. From Oregon - Women on hormone replacement therapy may be at increased risk of lung cancer, according to a report published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Researchers reviewed data on over 36,000 women, finding that taking estrogen plus progestin for over 10 years was associated with a 50% increased risk of lung cancer. And finally, from China - According to a report published in the Journal of Proteome Research, scientists have identified two proteins that may predict metastases of colon cancer. Researchers compared primary tumor cells to metastasized cells, finding two specific proteins occurring in elevated levels in the latter. This discovery could potentially lead to a blood test able to predict the spread of colon cancer. 2010-03-04T19:00:00 Skin Cancer Basal Cell Carcinoma Lung Cancer Colon Cancer Henry Ford Hospital Wayne State University Oregon Health and Science University School of Medic Zhejiang University Health yes 101 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/BREAST_CANCER_VIDEO_Radiotherapy_Delay_and_Breast_Cancer_Recurrence_Interview_with_Dr_Rinaa_Punglia_MD_MPH_Dana_Farber_Cancer_Institute_4140.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/BREAST_CANCER_VIDEO_Radiotherapy_Delay_and_Breast_Cancer_Recurrence_Interview_with_Dr_Rinaa_Punglia_MD_MPH_Dana_Farber_Cancer_Institute_4140.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/BREAST_CANCER_VIDEO_Radiotherapy_Delay_and_Breast_Cancer_Recurrence_Interview_with_Dr_Rinaa_Punglia_MD_MPH_Dana_Farber_Cancer_Institute_4140.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/BRE4140.jpg BREAST CANCER VIDEO: Radiotherapy Delay and Breast Cancer Recurrence (Interview with Dr. Rinaa Punglia, MD, MPH, Dana Farber Cancer Institute) (March 4, 2010 - Insidermedicine) The longer women with breast cancer wait to receive radiation therapy after having surgery, the greater their risk of experiencing a recurrence, according to research published online ahead of print in the British Medial Journal. Here is some information about radiation therapy: It involves using ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors Radiation energy attacks genetic material in targeted cells, making it impossible for them to grow and reproduce Radiation therapy damages both cancer cells and healthy cells, but healthy cells are better able to recover from the damage Researchers from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston looked at the relationship between wait times for radiation therapy and recurrence rates among over 18,000 U.S. women with breast cancer who were aged 65 or older. All the women received breast conserving surgery and radiation therapy but not chemotherapy. On average, the women waited just over a month to start radiation therapy after their surgery, but nearly one-third waited six weeks or more. Waiting that long was associated with a 19% increased risk of having a cancer recurrence. Women were more likely to have to wait six weeks or longer for radiation therapy if they had early signs of cancer spread, other medical conditions, or a history of low income. Longer waits also occurred more commonly in Black and Hispanic women, among those who were diagnosed later, and among those living outside the southern U.S. We spoke with Dr. Rinaa Punglia, the principal investigator of this study, who offered some further insight. Today's research highlights the need to provide radiation therapy as soon as possible after surgery for breast cancer. 2010-03-04T19:00:00 Cancer Breast Cancer Breast cancer recurrence Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Health yes 185 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/BREAST_CANCER_VIDEO_Radiotherapy_Delays_Increased_Breast_Cancer_Recurrence_Interview_with_Dr_Dr_Rinaa_Punglia_MD_MPH_Dana_Farber_Cancer_Institute_4141.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/BREAST_CANCER_VIDEO_Radiotherapy_Delays_Increased_Breast_Cancer_Recurrence_Interview_with_Dr_Dr_Rinaa_Punglia_MD_MPH_Dana_Farber_Cancer_Institute_4141.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/BREAST_CANCER_VIDEO_Radiotherapy_Delays_Increased_Breast_Cancer_Recurrence_Interview_with_Dr_Dr_Rinaa_Punglia_MD_MPH_Dana_Farber_Cancer_Institute_4141.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/BRE4141.jpg BREAST CANCER VIDEO: Radiotherapy Delays, Increased Breast Cancer Recurrence (Interview with Dr. Dr. Rinaa Punglia, MD, MPH, Dana Farber Cancer Institute) (March 4, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Longer wait times for radiotherapy following breast conserving therapy for breast cancer are associated with an increased risk of recurrence, according to research published online ahead of print in the British Medial Journal. Here are some management guidelines for postmastectomy radiotherapy from the American College of Radiology: Postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMR) is indicated in patients with T3N1 and T4N1andamp;2 primary tumors as well as T1-2 disease with 4 or more positive nodes. Some controversy remains regarding the benefit of PMR for patients with T1-2N1 disease (i.e., one to three positive lymph nodes) All postmastectomy patients with primary tumors larger than 5 cm with involved axillary nodes, or locally advanced (T4, N2) tumors should be irradiated. Researchers out of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston retrospectively analyzed the relationship between wait times for radiotherapy and recurrence rates among 18,050 U.S. women with stage 0-II breast cancer aged 65 or older. All patients received breast conserving surgery and radiotherapy but not chemotherapy. The median time from surgery to the start of radiotherapy was 34 days, with 29.9% of women starting after six weeks. Just over 4% of the participants experienced a local recurrence. After adjusting for clinical and sociodemographic factors, waiting six weeks or more for radiotherapy was associated with a 19% increased risk of recurrence. The relationship between time to radiotherapy and recurrence was continuous. Multivariate analysis revealed that waits of more than six weeks were significantly associated with positive nodes, comorbidity, history of low income, Hispanic ethnicity, non-white race, later year of diagnosis, and residence outside the southern U.S. Today's research highlights the need to deliver radiotherapy as soon as possible after breast conserving surgery among women with breast cancer. 2010-03-04T19:00:00 Breast Cancer Breast cancer recurrence Dana Farber Cancer Institute Health yes 220 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/BREAST_CANCER_VIDEO_Breast_Cancer_Recurrence_With_Delayed_Radiotherapy_Secondhand_Smoke_Affects_Children_s_Arteries_ICU_Visits_and_Death_Risk_4134.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/BREAST_CANCER_VIDEO_Breast_Cancer_Recurrence_With_Delayed_Radiotherapy_Secondhand_Smoke_Affects_Children_s_Arteries_ICU_Visits_and_Death_Risk_4134.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/BREAST_CANCER_VIDEO_Breast_Cancer_Recurrence_With_Delayed_Radiotherapy_Secondhand_Smoke_Affects_Children_s_Arteries_ICU_Visits_and_Death_Risk_4134.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/BRE4134.jpg BREAST CANCER VIDEO: Breast Cancer Recurrence With Delayed Radiotherapy, Secondhand Smoke Affects Children's Arteries, ICU Visits and Death Risk (March 3, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Boston - According to a report published online in the British Medical Journal, long intervals between breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy may increase risk of the disease recurring. Researchers reviewed records on over 18,000 women who underwent breast conserving surgery followed by radiation therapy. They found that initiation of radiotherapy six or more weeks following surgery was associated with an increase in local recurrence. From Finland - According to a report published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, children exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk of hardened arteries. Researchers studied nearly 500 children for 5 years, finding that those with higher secondhand smoke exposure saw their blood vessel walls thicken significantly. And finally, from New York - ICU visits increase ones risk of death, according to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers reviewed data on over 35,000 patients discharged from an intensive care unit, finding that these ICU patients were at 7% increased risk of death over a three year period when compared to patients that were hospitalized for non critical care. 2010-03-03T17:00:00 Breast Cancer Secondhand smoke Dana-Farber Cancer Institute University of Turku Columbia University Health yes 89 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/ASPIRIN_VIDEO_Standard_Test_for_Peripheral_Artery_Disease_Fails_to_Identify_Who_Would_Benefit_From_Aspirin_Therapy_4135.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/ASPIRIN_VIDEO_Standard_Test_for_Peripheral_Artery_Disease_Fails_to_Identify_Who_Would_Benefit_From_Aspirin_Therapy_4135.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/ASPIRIN_VIDEO_Standard_Test_for_Peripheral_Artery_Disease_Fails_to_Identify_Who_Would_Benefit_From_Aspirin_Therapy_4135.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/ASP4135.jpg ASPIRIN VIDEO: Standard Test for Peripheral Artery Disease Fails to Identify Who Would Benefit From Aspirin Therapy (March 3, 2010 - Insidermedicine) A standard test for peripheral artery disease fails to identify those without cardiovascular disease who might benefit from aspirin therapy, according to a trial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Here is some information about peripheral artery disease: It refers to the presence of disease, and often narrowing, of blood vessels outside of the heart and brain The presence of peripheral artery disease usually means there is also disease in the coronary arteries and the arteries that feed the brain, or that the person is at high risk for developing disease there Ankle brachial index, or ABI, is a common test used to identify peripheral artery disease. A low ABI suggests the presence of the condition. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh randomly assigned nearly 29,000 individuals aged 50 to 75 to take a daily dose of 100 mg of aspirin a day or a placebo. The participants had no known cardiovascular disease, but they did have a low ABI. After following the participants for an average of more than 8 years, the rate at which they experienced a coronary event, a stroke, or the need to have a procedure to open blocked coronary arteries was similar for both groups. The groups were also similar with respect to the rate of vascular events in general as well as death rates from any cause. Today's research calls into question the usefulness of screening individuals without cardiovascular disease using ABI, at least for the purposes of identifying those who might benefit from aspirin therapy. 2010-03-03T17:00:00 Peripheral Artery Disease Cardiovascular event Stroke University of Edinburgh Health yes 97 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/ASPIRIN_VIDEO_ABI_Fails_to_Identify_Patients_Without_Cardiovascular_Disease_Who_Would_Benefit_from_Aspirin_Therapy_4136.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/ASPIRIN_VIDEO_ABI_Fails_to_Identify_Patients_Without_Cardiovascular_Disease_Who_Would_Benefit_from_Aspirin_Therapy_4136.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/ASPIRIN_VIDEO_ABI_Fails_to_Identify_Patients_Without_Cardiovascular_Disease_Who_Would_Benefit_from_Aspirin_Therapy_4136.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/ASP4136.jpg ASPIRIN VIDEO: ABI Fails to Identify Patients Without Cardiovascular Disease Who Would Benefit from Aspirin Therapy (March 3, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Ankle brachial index fails to identify patients without cardiovascular disease who might benefit from aspirin therapy, according to a trial published the Journal of the American Medical Association. Here are some general recommendations for the management of peripheral artery disease from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology: Individuals at risk for lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) should undergo a vascular review of symptoms to assess walking impairment, claudication, ischemic rest pain, and/or the presence of nonhealing wounds. Individuals at risk for lower extremity PAD should undergo comprehensive pulse examination and inspection of the feet. Individuals over 50 years of age should be asked if they have a family history of a first-order relative with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Researchers out of the University of Edinburgh representing the Aspirin for Asymptomatic Atherosclerosis trial randomized 28,980 women and men to once daily 100 mg of aspirin or placebo. Participants were aged 50 to 75 and had no known cardiovascular disease. All underwent an ABI screening test which revealed a score of 0.95 or less. The primary endpoint was the composite of initial fatal or nonfatal coronary event of stroke or revascularization. After a mean follow-up of 8.3 years, 357 participants had a primary endpoint event. There were 13.7 such events per 1,000 person years among those taking aspirin, compared with 13.3 among those taking placebo, a difference that was not statistically significant. Rates of overall vascular events and all-cause mortality were also similar for both groups. Today's research calls into question the usefulness of measuring ABI among patients without cardiovascular disease, at least for the purposes of identifying those who might benefit from aspirin therapy. 2010-03-03T17:00:00 Peripheral Artery Disease Stroke University of Edinburgh Health yes 129 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/BREAST_CANCER_VIDEO_Breast_Cancer_Lowered_With_Osteoporosis_Drug_Coffee_Decreases_Arrhythmia_Ovarian_Cancer_Diagnosis_Delayed_in_Older_Women_4131.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/BREAST_CANCER_VIDEO_Breast_Cancer_Lowered_With_Osteoporosis_Drug_Coffee_Decreases_Arrhythmia_Ovarian_Cancer_Diagnosis_Delayed_in_Older_Women_4131.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/BREAST_CANCER_VIDEO_Breast_Cancer_Lowered_With_Osteoporosis_Drug_Coffee_Decreases_Arrhythmia_Ovarian_Cancer_Diagnosis_Delayed_in_Older_Women_4131.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/BRE4131.jpg BREAST CANCER VIDEO: Breast Cancer Lowered With Osteoporosis Drug, Coffee Decreases Arrhythmia, Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis Delayed in Older Women (March 2, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Seattle - Several osteoporosis drugs may lower risk of breast cancer, according to a report published in the British Journal of Cancer. Studying nearly 6,000 women, half of whom had breast cancer while the other half did not, results showed that using bisphosphonate drugs for more than two years resulted in a 40% reduced risk of breast cancer. From California - According to a report presented at the American Heart Association's annual conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, drinking coffee may reduce ones risk of hospitalization for heart rhythm disturbances. Researchers studied over 130,000 people, finding that those who reported drinking at least four cups of coffee a day were at 18% decreased risk of being hospitalized for arrhythmia. And finally, from the UK - According to another report published in the British Journal of Cancer, older women who may have ovarian cancer are being referred for investigation later than younger women. Researchers reviewed patient records over a 4 year period, finding that 66% of women over the age of 70 received a further investigation a year before their diagnosis of ovarian cancer, compared with 82% of women under the age of 55. 2010-03-02T21:00:00 Osteoporosis Heart Rhythm Abnormalities Arrhythmia Ovarian Cancer Breast Cancer Kaiser Permanente Brighton and Sussex Medical School Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Health yes 105 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/PSYCHOSIS_VIDEO_Cannabis_Linked_With_Psychosis_in_Adolescence_4127.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/PSYCHOSIS_VIDEO_Cannabis_Linked_With_Psychosis_in_Adolescence_4127.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/PSYCHOSIS_VIDEO_Cannabis_Linked_With_Psychosis_in_Adolescence_4127.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/PSY4127.jpg PSYCHOSIS VIDEO: Cannabis Linked With Psychosis in Adolescence (March 1, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Using cannabis in adolescence, particularly early in adolescence, is associated with an increased risk of developing psychotic symptoms, according to research published online ahead of print in the Archives of General Psychiatry. Here is some information on psychosis: It is a mental disorder primarily characterized by the presence of hallucinations and/or delusions Hallucinations are the experience of perceiving things, such as voices, that are not present in the external world Delusions are beliefs, often strange or bizarre, that are not objectively true Researchers from the University of Queensland followed nearly 4,000 young adults who were born between 1981 and 1984. During a follow-up period that took place when the participants were an average of 20.1 years of age, they were asked about previous cannabis use and tested for the presence of psychosis. Overall, 65 of the study participants were diagnosed with psychosis, and 223 had signs of having experienced hallucinations. In addition, about 18% reported using cannabis for three or fewer years, 16% for four to five years, and 14% for six or more years. The longer the period since first using cannabis, the greater the risk of having psychotic symptoms. For instance, a participant who had first used cannabis six or more years previously, at age 15 or younger, was twice as likely to receive a diagnosis of psychosis and four times as likely to have a high score on a test that indicates the presence of delusions as someone who had never used cannabis. Today's research highlights the complex relationship between psychosis and cannabis use it is possible that individuals experiencing early symptoms of psychosis are more likely to try cannabis and that long-term use of this drug increases the risk for psychosis in vulnerable individuals. 2010-03-01T17:00:00 Cannabis use Psychosis Hallucinations Marijuana Use University of Queensland Health yes 153 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/PSYCHOSIS_VIDEO_Cannabis_Associated_With_Increased_Psychosis_Among_Adolescent_Users_4128.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/PSYCHOSIS_VIDEO_Cannabis_Associated_With_Increased_Psychosis_Among_Adolescent_Users_4128.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/PSYCHOSIS_VIDEO_Cannabis_Associated_With_Increased_Psychosis_Among_Adolescent_Users_4128.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/PSY4128.jpg PSYCHOSIS VIDEO: Cannabis Associated With Increased Psychosis Among Adolescent Users (March 1, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Cannabis use in adolescence, particularly if it started early in adolescence, is associated with an increased risk for developing psychosis, according to research published online ahead of print in the Archives of General Psychiatry. Here are some recommendations for the treatment of marijuana use disorders, from the American Psychiatric Association: Studies of treatment for marijuana use disorders are limited. No specific pharmacotherapies for marijuana withdrawal or dependence can be recommended An intensive relapse prevention approach that combines motivational interventions with the development of coping skills may be effective for the treatment of marijuana dependence Researchers out of the University of Queensland followed 3,801 young adults born between 1981 and 1984. At a 21-year follow-up, when the participants' mean age was 20.1 years, they were asked about cannabis use in recent years and assessed for psychosis. Overall, 65 study participants were diagnosed with non-affective psychosis, and 223 had at least one positive item for hallucination on a diagnostic interview. In addition, 17.7% reported using cannabis for three or fewer years, 16.2% for four to five years, and 14.3% for six or more years. The longer the period since the first use of cannabis, the greater the risk of multiple psychosis-related outcomes. For example, a participant who had first used cannabis six or more years previously, at age 15 or younger, was twice as likely to receive a diagnosis of non-affective psychosis and four times as likely to have a high score on the Peters et al Delusions Inventory as someone who had never used cannabis. The association persisted even in sibling pairs. Today's research highlights the complex relationship between cannabis use and psychosis. 2010-03-01T17:00:00 Hallucinations Delusions Marijuana Use Cannabis use University of Queensland Health yes 149 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/ASPIRIN_VIDEO_Obesity_Risk_Factors_in_Infancy_Weight_Loss_May_Reverse_Heart_Disease_Hearing_Loss_and_Aspirin_Use_4129.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/ASPIRIN_VIDEO_Obesity_Risk_Factors_in_Infancy_Weight_Loss_May_Reverse_Heart_Disease_Hearing_Loss_and_Aspirin_Use_4129.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/ASPIRIN_VIDEO_Obesity_Risk_Factors_in_Infancy_Weight_Loss_May_Reverse_Heart_Disease_Hearing_Loss_and_Aspirin_Use_4129.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/ASP4129.jpg ASPIRIN VIDEO: Obesity Risk Factors in Infancy, Weight Loss May Reverse Heart Disease, Hearing Loss and Aspirin Use (March 1, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Boston - According to a report published in the journal Pediatrics, early measures should be taken to prevent childhood obesity, especially among minority children. Researchers followed over 1800 women from their second trimester until the child was 5 years old. They found that most of the risk factors linked to childhood obesity occurred in early infancy, sometimes during pregnancy--and that minority children were more likely to have these risk factors. From Israel - According to a report published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, several weight loss diets my be able to reverse atherosclerosis in the overweight. Researchers studied nearly 150 overweight people, randomizing participants to either a low fat, low carb or Mediterranean diet. Results showed that all participants were able to lose weight, improve their blood pressure and thereby reverse atherosclerosis. And finally, back to Boston - Men under 50 years old may be at increased risk of hearing loss with regular use of analgesics, according to a report published in the American Journal of Medicine. Researchers followed over 26,000 men for 18 years, finding that men who used aspirin regularly were at 33% increased risk of hearing loss, those who used NSAIDs were at 61% increased risk, and those who used acetaminophen were at 99% increased risk. 2010-03-01T17:00:00 Weight Loss Obesity Hearing Loss Atherosclerosis Harvard Medical School Nuclear Research Center and Soroka Hospital Harvard University Brigham and Women's Hospital Vanderbilt University Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Health yes 121 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/DIABETES_VIDEO_Gestational_Diabetes_Prevalence_to_Increase_Wii_May_Help_Stroke_Survivors_Smoking_Raises_Risk_of_Aneurysm_in_Certain_People_4125.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/DIABETES_VIDEO_Gestational_Diabetes_Prevalence_to_Increase_Wii_May_Help_Stroke_Survivors_Smoking_Raises_Risk_of_Aneurysm_in_Certain_People_4125.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/DIABETES_VIDEO_Gestational_Diabetes_Prevalence_to_Increase_Wii_May_Help_Stroke_Survivors_Smoking_Raises_Risk_of_Aneurysm_in_Certain_People_4125.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/DIA4125.jpg DIABETES VIDEO: Gestational Diabetes Prevalence to Increase, Wii May Help Stroke Survivors, Smoking Raises Risk of Aneurysm in Certain People (February 26, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Chicago - According to a report published in the journal Diabetes Care, the prevalence of gestational diabetes is going to increase dramatically. Researchers created new measurements of dangerous blood sugar levels based on a study covering over 23,000 women. Because of these new measurements, researchers estimate that as many as three times more pregnant women will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. From Toronto - Using Nintendo Wii may help stroke patients repair their motor function, according to a report presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference. Researchers randomized 20 stroke survivors to use the Wii or to play recreational games such as cards. They found that the gaming system produced no adverse effects and actually resulted in significant improvement in motor function. And finally, from San Antonio - According to another report presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference, people with certain genetic variations find their risk of aneurysm increase significantly with smoking. Researchers found that people who had one particular genetic variation were up to 48% increased risk of suffering an aneurysm. When these people smoked an equivalent of a pack of cigarettes a day for up to 20 years, however, this risk was raised more than five fold. 2010-02-26T17:00:00 Stroke Smoking Aneurysm Genetic variation Gestational Diabetes Pregnancy St. Michael's Hospital Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicin University of Toronto National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Health yes 95 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/HEART_ATTACK_VIDEO_Heart_Attack_Risk_for_Dialysis_Patients_Single_Men_May_Face_Risk_of_Stroke_Heart_Disease_Biggest_Killer_in_US_4121.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/HEART_ATTACK_VIDEO_Heart_Attack_Risk_for_Dialysis_Patients_Single_Men_May_Face_Risk_of_Stroke_Heart_Disease_Biggest_Killer_in_US_4121.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/HEART_ATTACK_VIDEO_Heart_Attack_Risk_for_Dialysis_Patients_Single_Men_May_Face_Risk_of_Stroke_Heart_Disease_Biggest_Killer_in_US_4121.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/HEA4121.jpg HEART ATTACK VIDEO: Heart Attack Risk for Dialysis Patients, Single Men May Face Risk of Stroke, Heart Disease Biggest Killer in US (February 25, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Japan - According to a report published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, dialysis patients feeling high levels of fatigue may be at increased risk of heart attack. Researchers studied nearly 800 dialysis patients, finding that of 16% of patients with a high fatigue score, risk of heart attack or stroke was more than doubled. From Israel - According to a report presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference, men who are single or unhappily married may be more likely to suffer a fatal stroke. Researchers reviewed data on over 10,000 people who participated in a 1963 survey. They found that single men had 64% increased risk of suffering a fatal stroke, while unhappily married men also had a 64% increased risk. And finally, from Atlanta - Heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the US, according to an editorial published in The Lancet. Citing a report from the CDC, the editorial states that in 2006 heart disease killed over 630,000 Americans. Certain lifestyle factors make heart disease particularly difficult to stop, as 20% of Americans smoke, 33% are obese, and only 33% are regularly active. 2010-02-25T19:00:00 Stroke Dialysis Heart Attack Heart Disease Obesity Smoking Fatigue Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine Tel Aviv University Health yes 96 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/STROKE_VIDEO_Study_Compares_Surgery_To_Stent_Placement_For_Carotid_Artery_Blockages_4122.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/STROKE_VIDEO_Study_Compares_Surgery_To_Stent_Placement_For_Carotid_Artery_Blockages_4122.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/STROKE_VIDEO_Study_Compares_Surgery_To_Stent_Placement_For_Carotid_Artery_Blockages_4122.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/STR4122.jpg STROKE VIDEO: Study Compares Surgery To Stent Placement For Carotid Artery Blockages (February 25, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Individuals with blockages in their carotid arteries are generally better off if they undergo surgery to remove the blockage, rather than the less invasive stent implantation, according to a randomized trial published online ahead of print in The Lancet Neurology. Here is some information about endarterectomy: It is a surgical procedure in which plaque is removed from an artery that is narrowed or blocked It is the standard treatment for narrowing or blockages in the carotid artery, which feeds the brain In the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the artery and removes the plaque from its inner lining, restoring blood flow Researchers from the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London randomly assigned nearly 2,000 patients with blocked or narrowed carotid arteries to treatment with endarterectomy or placement of a stent, a nonsurgical procedure in which a metal tube is inserted into the blockage to hold it open. After a follow-up period of up to 120 days, 8.5% of the patients who received a stent experienced a stroke, compared with only 5.2% of those who underwent surgery. In total, 84 of those who received a stent had a stroke or died, compared with only 42 in the surgery group. This difference was mainly driven by an increase of non-debilitating strokes among those who received a stent, however. The rate of debilitating stroke or death was actually similar between the two groups. Among a subgroup of patients who underwent brain imaging after treatment, new cases of narrowing of the carotid arteries were seen more commonly in those who received a stent. Today's research suggests that endarterectomy should remain the standard of care until such time as research can demonstrate that stent placement, a less invasive procedure, can produce similar or superior outcomes. 2010-02-25T19:00:00 Carotid Artery Blockage Stroke Narrowed arteries National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Health yes 0 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/STROKE_VIDEO_Endarterectomy_Compared_To_Stent_Placement_for_Carotid_Artery_Stenosis_4123.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/STROKE_VIDEO_Endarterectomy_Compared_To_Stent_Placement_for_Carotid_Artery_Stenosis_4123.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/STROKE_VIDEO_Endarterectomy_Compared_To_Stent_Placement_for_Carotid_Artery_Stenosis_4123.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/STR4123.jpg STROKE VIDEO: Endarterectomy Compared To Stent Placement for Carotid Artery Stenosis (February 25, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Outcomes of carotid stenting fall short of endarterectomy for the treatment of symptomatic carotid artery stenosis, according to a randomized trial published online ahead of print in The Lancet Neurology. Here are some recommendations for the use of carotid endarterectomy (CE) From the American Academy of Neurology: CE is established as effective for recently symptomatic (within previous 6 months) patients with 70 to 99% internal carotid artery (ICA) angiographic stenosis CE should not be considered for symptomatic patients with less than 50% stenosis CE may be considered for patients with 50 to 69% symptomatic stenosis, but also consider additional clinical and angiographic variables Researchers out of the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London representing The International Carotid Stenting Study (ICSS) investigators randomly assigned 1,713 patients with recently symptomatic carotid stenosis to stenting or surgery. After a follow-up period of up to 120 days, 8.5% of patients in the stent group experienced a stroke, compared with only 5.2% in the surgery group. In total, 84 of the patients in the stent group experienced a stroke or died, compared with only 42 in the surgery group. The main factor driving this difference, however, was a higher rate of non-disabling strokes in the stent group. The incidence of disabling strokes or death was actually similar for both groups. Among 231 patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after treatment, 50% of those in the stent group and only 17% of those in the surgery group developed new ischemic lesions. Today's research suggests that endarterectomy should remain the gold standard for the treatment of symptomatic carotid stenosis, at least until stent placement is demonstrated to be as good or better. 2010-02-25T19:00:00 Stroke Carotid artery stenosis Narrowed arteries National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Health yes 0 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/BREAST_CANCER_VIDEO_Breast_Cancer_Screening_Option_for_Women_at_High_Risk_New_Approach_To_Reduce_Stroke_Damage_Cochlear_Implant_Good_for_Deaf_Child_s_Quality_of_Life_4117.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/BREAST_CANCER_VIDEO_Breast_Cancer_Screening_Option_for_Women_at_High_Risk_New_Approach_To_Reduce_Stroke_Damage_Cochlear_Implant_Good_for_Deaf_Child_s_Quality_of_Life_4117.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/BREAST_CANCER_VIDEO_Breast_Cancer_Screening_Option_for_Women_at_High_Risk_New_Approach_To_Reduce_Stroke_Damage_Cochlear_Implant_Good_for_Deaf_Child_s_Quality_of_Life_4117.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/BRE4117.jpg BREAST CANCER VIDEO: Breast Cancer Screening Option for Women at High Risk, New Approach To Reduce Stroke Damage, Cochlear Implant Good for Deaf Child's Quality of Life (February 24, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Boston - According to a report published in the journal Radiology, young women at high risk for breast cancer may benefit from yearly combined screening of mammography and MRI. Researchers estimated the number of quality adjusted life years that high risk women would gain from annual combined screening, finding that these women could gain up to 50 QALYs. From San Antonio - A new approach to reducing stroke damage has been presented at the International Stroke Conference. Researchers are examining a new field of study--known as ischemic preconditioning--in which blood supply to a particular organ is purposely reduced in an effort to prepare the organ's tolerance of operating with limited blood supply. Researchers believe that using a blood pressure cuff, for example, could condition the brain to operate in such a way that would thereby reduce damage incurred by a stroke. And finally, from Dallas - According to a report published in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, cochlear implants appear to improve the quality of life in deaf children. Researchers surveyed nearly 100 families of deaf children with cochlear implants, finding that the implants gave the children a quality of life equal to their peers, and that the earlier the device was implanted, the more likely the child was to experience these benefits. 2010-02-24T17:00:00 Deaf child BRCA Mutation Stroke Breast Cancer Henry Ford Hospital UT Southwestern Medical Center Massachusetts General Hospital Health yes 110 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/OSTEOPOROSIS_VIDEO_Benefits_of_Lasofoxifine_For_Postmenopausal_Women_With_Osteoporosis_4118.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/OSTEOPOROSIS_VIDEO_Benefits_of_Lasofoxifine_For_Postmenopausal_Women_With_Osteoporosis_4118.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/OSTEOPOROSIS_VIDEO_Benefits_of_Lasofoxifine_For_Postmenopausal_Women_With_Osteoporosis_4118.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/OST4118.jpg OSTEOPOROSIS VIDEO: Benefits of Lasofoxifine For Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis (February 24, 2010 - Insidermedicine) The investigational drug known as lasofoxifene, which belongs to a class of drugs known as selective estrogen receptor modulators, or SERMs, can reduce the risk of fracture, breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke if taken by postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The drug also increases the risk of blood clots, however. These are the main findings of a trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Here is some information about osteoporosis: It is a disease in which both bone mass is reduced and bone tissue deteriorates It leads to increased bone fragility, resulting in an increased risk for fractures About one in four women and one in eight men over the age of 50 have osteoporosis Researchers from the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute in San Francisco randomly assigned over 8,500 women aged 59 to 80 to treatment with a high dose of lasofoxifene, a low dose of this drug, or a placebo for 5 years. All the women in the trial had bone mineral density (BMD) low enough for them to be diagnosed with osteoporosis. Compared with placebo, the women taking the high dose of lasofoxifene were less likely to have a fracture, either in the vertebra of their spine or elsewhere. They were also less likely to develop the type of breast cancer that is sensitive to estrogen, to experience a coronary event, or to have a stroke. With either dose of the drug, however, they were more likely than those on placebo to experience an event related to the development of blood clots in the veins. Today's research suggests that the effects of the investigational drug lasofoxifene among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis may compare positively with other drugs used to treat osteoporosis, including other SERMs. It has yet to be compared head-to-head with such drugs, however. 2010-02-24T17:00:00 Breast Cancer Osteoporosis Bone fracture Blood Clot Heart Disease Stroke California Pacific Medical Center Research Institu Health yes 149 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/OSTEOPOROSIS_VIDEO_Positive_Effects_of_Lasofoxifene_Among_Postmenopausal_Women_With_Osteoporosis_4119.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/OSTEOPOROSIS_VIDEO_Positive_Effects_of_Lasofoxifene_Among_Postmenopausal_Women_With_Osteoporosis_4119.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/OSTEOPOROSIS_VIDEO_Positive_Effects_of_Lasofoxifene_Among_Postmenopausal_Women_With_Osteoporosis_4119.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/OST4119.jpg OSTEOPOROSIS VIDEO: Positive Effects of Lasofoxifene Among Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis (February 24, 2010 - Insidermedicine) The investigational selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM) lasofoxifene reduces the risk of fractures, breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke but increases the risk of venous thromboembolic events in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, according to a trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Here are some recommendations regarding the use of pharmacologic therapy for osteoporosis from the American College of Physicians: offer pharmacologic treatment to men and women who have known osteoporosis and to those who have experienced fragility fractures consider pharmacologic treatment for men and women who are at risk for developing osteoporosis choose among pharmacologic treatment options for osteoporosis in men and women on the basis of an assessment of risk and benefits in individual patients Researchers out of the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute in San Francisco randomized 8,556 women between the ages 59 and 80 to treatment with once daily lasofoxifene 0.25 or 0.5 mg or a placebo for 5 years. All the women had a bone mineral density (BMD) T score of -2.5 or less at the femoral neck or spine. Compared with placebo, lasofoxifene 0.5 mg was associated with a 42% reduced risk of vertebral fracture as well as a 24% reduced risk of non-vertebral fracture. In addition, the risk of estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer was reduced by 81%, the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) was reduced by 32%, and the risk of stroke by 36%. Both the lower and higher doses of lasofoxifene were associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolic events. The drug did not increase the risk of endometrial cancer or hyperplasia. Today's research suggests that the effects of lasofoxifene among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis may compare positively with other drugs used to treat osteoporosis, including other SERMS. Head-to-head trials are required for confirmation. 2010-02-24T17:00:00 Breast Cancer Osteoporosis Blood Clot Stroke California Pacific Medical Center Research Institu Health yes 177 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/CANCER_VIDEO_Childhood_Cancer_Breakthrough_Children_Respond_to_School_Fitness_Programs_Hospitalization_and_Cognitive_Decline_4113.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/CANCER_VIDEO_Childhood_Cancer_Breakthrough_Children_Respond_to_School_Fitness_Programs_Hospitalization_and_Cognitive_Decline_4113.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/CANCER_VIDEO_Childhood_Cancer_Breakthrough_Children_Respond_to_School_Fitness_Programs_Hospitalization_and_Cognitive_Decline_4113.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/CAN4113.jpg CANCER VIDEO: Childhood Cancer Breakthrough, Children Respond to School Fitness Programs, Hospitalization and Cognitive Decline (February 23, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Sweden - Scientists may have made a breakthrough in childhood cancer research, according to a report published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. For 20 years, researchers studied 165 children with a type of childhood cancer that is particularly aggressive, known as neuroblastoma. Using novel genetic techniques, researchers were able to define the different DNA patterns of the neuroblastoma tumors. From Switzerland - According to a report published online in the British Medical Journal, children's fitness improves with more school based activity programs. Researchers studied over 500 schoolchildren, randomizing one group to receive their standard physical education lessons and an intervention group to receive an additional two lessons designed by experts on top of their weekly routine. The intervention group showed better aerobic fitness, a relative decrease in body fat, and lower cardiovascular risk than the control group. And finally, from Seattle - According to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, hospitalized older adults are at increased risk of cognitive decline. Researchers studied nearly 3,000 adults 65 years and older; nearly 1300 were hospitalized during the study for non critical illness while 1600 were not hospitalized at all. Results showed that hospitalized patients had a 40% increased risk of later developing dementia. 2010-02-23T19:00:00 Dementia Cognitive decline Hospitilization Fitness University of Washington, Seattle University of Gothenburg Karolinska Institutet University of Basel Health yes 120 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/HEALTH_CARE_VIDEO_Why_Doctors_Today_Are_Working_Fewer_Hours_4114.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/HEALTH_CARE_VIDEO_Why_Doctors_Today_Are_Working_Fewer_Hours_4114.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/HEALTH_CARE_VIDEO_Why_Doctors_Today_Are_Working_Fewer_Hours_4114.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/HEA4114.jpg HEALTH CARE VIDEO: Why Doctors Today Are Working Fewer Hours (February 23, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Insight into why physicians have been working fewer and fewer hours over the past decade is provided by research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. According to the World Health Organization: An estimated 57 countries are short 2.3 million physicians, nurses, and midwives Many countries do not have enough skilled health care workers to provide basic, essential care Africa has, and will likely to continue to have, some of the worst problems with regards to health care worker shortages Researchers from Dartmouth College in Hanover used US census data to track changes in the number of hours per week worked by physicians between 1976 and 2008. The investigators also looked at the relationship between changes in work hours and per hour fees. While the number of hours worked per week by US physicians remained steady in the early 1990s, it dropped by 7% between 1996 and 2008. The steepest drop in hours occurred among residents, nonresident physicians under the age of 45, and those working outside of hospitals. It was smallest among physicians aged 45 and older and those working in hospitals. After adjusting for inflation, physician per hour fees also dropped by 25% between 1995 and 2006. In 2001, hours worked per week were among the fewest for physicians working in metropolitan areas where fees are among the lowest. Today's research suggests that lowering of physician fees and increasing market pressure may drive physicians to work fewer hours, an effect that should be taken into account when developing health care reform policies. 2010-02-23T19:00:00 Dartmouth College Health yes 0 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/HEALTH_CARE_VIDEO_Physicians_Working_Fewer_Hours_Due_to_Lower_Fees_Market_Pressure_4115.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/HEALTH_CARE_VIDEO_Physicians_Working_Fewer_Hours_Due_to_Lower_Fees_Market_Pressure_4115.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/HEALTH_CARE_VIDEO_Physicians_Working_Fewer_Hours_Due_to_Lower_Fees_Market_Pressure_4115.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/HEA4115.jpg HEALTH CARE VIDEO: Physicians Working Fewer Hours Due to Lower Fees, Market Pressure (February 23, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Insight into why physicians have worked steadily fewer and fewer hours over the previous decade is provided by research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. According to the World Health Organization: By 2015 the global supply of physicians will be roughly in balance with demand Distribution problems will likely persist, however, causing surplus is some regions and shortages in others Countries facing demand-based and needs-based shortages in health care workers should re-evaluate recruitment and training policies Researchers out of Dartmouth College in Hanover retrospectively analyzed trends in work hours among US physicians between 1976 and 2008 using nationally representative data from the US Census Bureau Current Population Survey. They then compared trends in hours with trends in physician fees. While mean per week work hours remained stable throughout the early 1990s, they dropped by 7.2% between 1996 and 2008, from 54.9 to 51.0. Resident hours decreased by 9.8%, while nonresident physician hours decreased by 5.7%. The decrease was greatest among nonresident physicians under 45 and those working outside of hospitals. It was smallest among physicians aged 45 and older and those working in a hospital. After adjusting for inflation, mean physician fees decreased nationwide from 1995 to 2006 by 25%. In 2001, physician weekly work hours were less than 49 among those in metropolitan areas where fees are at their lowest. Today's research suggests that lower fees and increased market pressure may drive physicians to work fewer hours, an effect that should be taken into account when developing healthcare reform policies. 2010-02-23T19:00:00 Dartmouth College Health yes 0 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/ALZHEIMER_S_VIDEO_Predicting_Alzheimer_s_Disease_Progression_Exercise_Reduces_Anxiety_Napping_Good_for_the_Brain_4109.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/ALZHEIMER_S_VIDEO_Predicting_Alzheimer_s_Disease_Progression_Exercise_Reduces_Anxiety_Napping_Good_for_the_Brain_4109.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/ALZHEIMER_S_VIDEO_Predicting_Alzheimer_s_Disease_Progression_Exercise_Reduces_Anxiety_Napping_Good_for_the_Brain_4109.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/ALZ4109.jpg ALZHEIMER'S VIDEO: Predicting Alzheimer's Disease Progression, Exercise Reduces Anxiety, Napping Good for the Brain (February 22, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Texas - According to a report published in the journal Alzheimer's Research and Therapy, researchers have developed a way to reliably predict future progression of Alzheimer's disease. Studying nearly 600 patients for 15 years, researchers found that using several standardized tests to develop a progression rate prediction was successful in forecasting the speed at which Alzheimer's eventually developed. From Georgia - Regular exercise may reduce anxiety, according to a report publisehd in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Researchers conducted a meta-anaylsis of 40 clinical trials covering almost 3,000 patients, finding that regular exercise resulted in a 20% reduction in anxiety symptoms. And finally, from San Diego- According to a report presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of the Advancement of Science, napping may refresh the mind and help it learn better. Researchers had nearly 40 healthy adults undergo one learning task at noon and then another one at 6 pm, randomizing half to a 90 minute nap at 2 pm and the other half to stay awake during the day. Results showed that people who napped learned significantly more in the later session than those who stayed awake. 2010-02-22T19:00:00 Alzheimer's Disease Anxiety Baylor College of Medicine University of Georgia University of California, Berkeley Health yes 104 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/MEDICATION_VIDEO_Doctor_s_Response_to_Patient_Requests_For_Inappropriate_Medication_Interview_with_Dr_Debora_Paterniti_PhD_University_of_California_Davis_4110.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/MEDICATION_VIDEO_Doctor_s_Response_to_Patient_Requests_For_Inappropriate_Medication_Interview_with_Dr_Debora_Paterniti_PhD_University_of_California_Davis_4110.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/MEDICATION_VIDEO_Doctor_s_Response_to_Patient_Requests_For_Inappropriate_Medication_Interview_with_Dr_Debora_Paterniti_PhD_University_of_California_Davis_4110.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/MED4110.jpg MEDICATION VIDEO: Doctor's Response to Patient Requests For Inappropriate Medication (Interview with Dr. Debora Paterniti, PhD, University of California, Davis) (February 22, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Patients are more likely to accept a andquot;noandquot; to a request for a specific medication if their doctor remains sympathetic to their point of view, according to research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a doctor's visit: Write down any questions you want to ask Be prepared to list all the medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking Write down all the information, advice, and instructions your doctor gives you Researchers from the University of California, Davis in Sacramento analyzed audio transcripts of visits made between patients and physicians in which the patient requested an antidepressant medication and the physician denied the request. These andquot;patientsandquot; were actually insured, middle-aged women who were trained to report symptoms of insomnia, fatigue and either lower back strain or carpal tunnel syndrome and then to request an antidepressant drug, even though these symptoms are not a clear sign of the presence of depression. Among 199 requests for antidepressants among the women posing as patients, the request was denied 44% of the time. Overall, 63% of the physicians denied the request by discussing with the women why they were requesting these drugs, referring them to a mental health professional, or offering an alternative diagnosis. Nearly one-third of physicians took a biomedical approach, such as ordering tests or prescribing sleep aids. Another 6% simply flat out refused the request. Patients were most satisfied with the visit when the physician took an approach that relied on their point of view. Today's research offers strategies for physicians not to bow to pressure from their patients to prescribe a treatment that might not be the best option for them. 2010-02-22T19:00:00 Medication University of California, Davis Health yes 165 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/MEDICATION_VIDEO_Strategies_for_Denying_Patient_Requests_for_Inappropriate_Treatment_Interview_with_Dr_Tonya_Fancher_MD_MPH_University_of_California_Davis_4111.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/MEDICATION_VIDEO_Strategies_for_Denying_Patient_Requests_for_Inappropriate_Treatment_Interview_with_Dr_Tonya_Fancher_MD_MPH_University_of_California_Davis_4111.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/MEDICATION_VIDEO_Strategies_for_Denying_Patient_Requests_for_Inappropriate_Treatment_Interview_with_Dr_Tonya_Fancher_MD_MPH_University_of_California_Davis_4111.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/MED4111.jpg MEDICATION VIDEO: Strategies for Denying Patient Requests for Inappropriate Treatment (Interview with Dr. Tonya Fancher, MD, MPH, University of California, Davis) (February 22, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Patients are most likely to accept a andquot;noandquot; to a request for a specific medication from their doctor if that doctor is sympathetic to the patient's perspective, according to research published in the the Archives of Internal Medicine. Here are some recommendations for enhancing doctor-patient communication, from the University of Michigan: Know who the patient is before greeting him or her in your office Make eye contact with the patient, shake hands, and introduce yourself Give the patient time to tell his or her story. Researchers out of University of California, Davis in Sacramento analyzed audio transcripts of standardized patient visits to 152 randomly selected primary care physicians in 2003 and 2004. During the study period, 18 insured, middle-aged white women were trained to pose as patients complaining of subacute insomnia and fatigue in addition to symptoms suggestive of lower back strain or carpal tunnel syndrome and requesting antidepressant medication. Out of 199 standardized patient visits in which antidepressants were requested, prescriptions were not given 44% of the time. Overall, 63% of physicians denied the request using one of three strategies: exploring the context of the request, referring to a mental health professional, or offering an alternative diagnosis. A biomedical approach to the problem, such as ordering a diagnostic workup or prescribing sleep aids, was taken 31% of the time, and 6% of physicians denied the request outright. Patients were most satisfied with the visit when physicians took an approach that relied on the patient's perspective. Today's research suggests strategies for denying patient requests for treatment that is deemed inappropriate without damaging the doctor-patient relationship. 2010-02-22T19:00:00 Medication University of California, Davis Health yes 153 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/MULTIPLE_SCLEROSIS_VIDEO_Exercise_Good_for_MS_Patients_Green_Tea_May_Protect_Eyes_Postpartum_Depression_Common_Among_Low_Income_Urban_Mothers_4105.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/MULTIPLE_SCLEROSIS_VIDEO_Exercise_Good_for_MS_Patients_Green_Tea_May_Protect_Eyes_Postpartum_Depression_Common_Among_Low_Income_Urban_Mothers_4105.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/MULTIPLE_SCLEROSIS_VIDEO_Exercise_Good_for_MS_Patients_Green_Tea_May_Protect_Eyes_Postpartum_Depression_Common_Among_Low_Income_Urban_Mothers_4105.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/MUL4105.jpg MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS VIDEO: Exercise Good for MS Patients, Green Tea May Protect Eyes, Postpartum Depression Common Among Low Income Urban Mothers (February 19, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Ohio - According to a report published in the journal Brain Research, multiple sclerosis patients may benefit from exercise. Researchers compared 21 women with multiple sclerosis to 15 healthy controls, finding that the fitter the MS patient, the better they scored on cognitive functioning tests. MRI scans revealed that aerobic fitness had a protective effect on the specific parts of the brain damaged by MS. From Hong Kong - According to a report published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, green tea may be able to protect against common eye conditions. Researchers gave lab rats green tea, finding that the antioxidants in green tea were indeed capable of passing from the stomach into eye tissues. As a result, the eye was temporarily relieved of oxidative stress. And finally, from Rochester - Postpartum depression appears to be more prevalent among low-income urban mothers, according to a report published in the journal Pediatrics. Studying nearly 200 low income mothers whose children were under 14 months old, researchers found that 56% of participants had symptoms of minor or major depression. 2010-02-19T17:00:00 Multiple Sclerosis Glaucoma Postpartum Depression Ohio State University. Chinese University of Hong Kong University of Rochester Medical Center Health yes 94 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/HEAD_INJURY_VIDEO_Preventing_Skiing_and_Snowboarding_Head_Injuries_Interview_with_Dr_Michael_Cusimano_MD_PhD_St_Michael_s_Hospital_4106.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/HEAD_INJURY_VIDEO_Preventing_Skiing_and_Snowboarding_Head_Injuries_Interview_with_Dr_Michael_Cusimano_MD_PhD_St_Michael_s_Hospital_4106.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/HEAD_INJURY_VIDEO_Preventing_Skiing_and_Snowboarding_Head_Injuries_Interview_with_Dr_Michael_Cusimano_MD_PhD_St_Michael_s_Hospital_4106.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/HEA4106.jpg HEAD INJURY VIDEO: Preventing Skiing and Snowboarding Head Injuries (Interview with Dr. Michael Cusimano, MD, PhD, St. Michael's Hospital) (February 19, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Skiers and snowboarders should take a tip from bikers and start making helmets the norm rather than the exception, according to a commentary published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. While the effects of brain injuries vary depending on the precise area and type of damage, typical consequences include: Memory loss Impaired reasoning skills Paralysis or loss of vision/hearing Experts in neurosurgery from St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto are using cold, hard facts to encourage skiers and snowboarders to don helmets. They point out that head injuries are the leading cause of hospital admission and death related to these sports and that about 120,000 head injuries occur each year in North America alone among those engaging in them. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 60%, but the current culture among skiiers and snowboarders is not to wear them. The authors recommend some strategies for encouraging helmet use among the public. These include having snowboarders and skiers appearing in advertising wear helmets, having parents wear helmets to promote it among their children, and providing formal instruction on the importance of helmet-wearing at resorts, schools, and other groups. Today's commentary indicates that the smart skiers and snowboarders, such as the Olympic contenders, wear helmets. 2010-02-19T17:00:00 Head Injury Impaired reasoning skills Paralysis or loss of vision/hearing Concussion Memory Loss St. Michael's Hospital Health yes 187 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/HEAD_INJURY_VIDEO_Helmet_Wearing_While_Skiing_and_Snowboarding_Reduces_Risk_of_Head_Injury_Interview_with_Dr_Michael_Cusimano_MD_PhD_St_Michael_s_Hospital_4107.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/HEAD_INJURY_VIDEO_Helmet_Wearing_While_Skiing_and_Snowboarding_Reduces_Risk_of_Head_Injury_Interview_with_Dr_Michael_Cusimano_MD_PhD_St_Michael_s_Hospital_4107.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/HEAD_INJURY_VIDEO_Helmet_Wearing_While_Skiing_and_Snowboarding_Reduces_Risk_of_Head_Injury_Interview_with_Dr_Michael_Cusimano_MD_PhD_St_Michael_s_Hospital_4107.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/HEA4107.jpg HEAD INJURY VIDEO: Helmet Wearing While Skiing and Snowboarding Reduces Risk of Head Injury (Interview with Dr. Michael Cusimano, MD, PhD, St. Michael's Hospital) (February 19, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Skiers and snowboarders should eschew current fashion trends in favor of safety and wear a helmet, according to a commentary published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Here are some recommendations for assessing adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the acute setting, from the American College of Emergency Physicians: A noncontrast head CT is indicated in head trauma patients with loss of consciousness or posttraumatic amnesia only if one or more of the following is present: headache, vomiting, age greater than 60 years, drug or alcohol intoxication, deficits in short-term memory, physical evidence of trauma above the clavicle, posttraumatic seizure, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score less than 15, focal neurologic deficit, or coagulopathy. A noncontrast head CT should be considered in head trauma patients with no loss of consciousness or posttraumatic amnesia if there is a focal neurologic deficit, vomiting, severe headache, age 65 years or greater, physical signs of a basilar skull fracture, GCS score less than 15, coagulopathy, or a dangerous mechanism of injury. In mild TBI patients without significant extracranial injuries and a serum S-100B level less than 0.1 micrograms/L measured within 4 hours of injury, consideration can be given to not performing a CT Neurosurgery experts out of St Michael's hospital in Toronto urge skiers and snowboarders to wear helmets by pointing out the facts. Head injuries are the leading cause of hospital admission and death from these sports, and approximately 120,000 head injuries occur annually in North America while engaging in them. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a head injury by up to 60%. The key is to quash cultural stigmas against helmet-wearing. Some recommendations the authors make for doing so include putting helmets on the heads of skiers and snowboarders appearing in advertising, having parents wear helmets to promote the practice in their children, and formal instruction on the importance of helmet use at ski resorts, schools, and other places where novice skiers and snowboarders may be found. Today's commentary highlights the importance of helmet-wearing while skiing and snowboarding and recommending this practice to patients. 2010-02-19T17:00:00 Head Injury Memory Loss Impaired reasoning skills Paralysis or loss of vision/hearing Concussion St. Michael's Hospital Health yes 299 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/CANCER_VIDEO_Cancer_Researchers_Identify_Tumor_DNA_Red_Flags_Sorafenib_Shrinks_Kidney_Cancer_Tumors_Obesity_and_Kidney_Stone_Risk_4101.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/CANCER_VIDEO_Cancer_Researchers_Identify_Tumor_DNA_Red_Flags_Sorafenib_Shrinks_Kidney_Cancer_Tumors_Obesity_and_Kidney_Stone_Risk_4101.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/CANCER_VIDEO_Cancer_Researchers_Identify_Tumor_DNA_Red_Flags_Sorafenib_Shrinks_Kidney_Cancer_Tumors_Obesity_and_Kidney_Stone_Risk_4101.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/CAN4101.jpg CANCER VIDEO: Cancer Researchers Identify Tumor DNA Red Flags, Sorafenib Shrinks Kidney Cancer Tumors, Obesity and Kidney Stone Risk (February 18, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Baltimore - According to a report published in Science Translational Medicine, researchers have developed a new technique that may work to personalize cancer management. Scientists analyzed four colorectal and two breast tumors, finding that tumors DNA sequences had been uniquely rearranged. Researchers then used these rearranged DNA sequences as red flags--biomarkers capable of pointing towards other parts of the DNA that may have tumor DNA in them. From North Carolina - The drug sorafenib has been shown to shrink kidney cancer tumors before surgery, according to a report published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Researchers studied 30 kidney cancer patients, administering sorafenib twice daily up to eight weeks before surgery. Results showed that the tumors shrunk up to 40% before the operation. And finally, back to Baltimore - Obesity drastically raises ones risk of developing kidney stones, according to a report published in the Journal of Urology. Researchers reviewed data on nearly 100,000 people, finding that having a BMI of over 30kg/m2 nearly doubled the risk of having kidney stones. 2010-02-18T17:00:00 Cancer Kidney Cancer Kidney stones Obesity Johns Hopkins University UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Health yes 102 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/HYPERTENSION_VIDEO_Two_Blood_Pressure_Pills_Combined_Slow_Chronic_Kidney_Disease_4102.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/HYPERTENSION_VIDEO_Two_Blood_Pressure_Pills_Combined_Slow_Chronic_Kidney_Disease_4102.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/HYPERTENSION_VIDEO_Two_Blood_Pressure_Pills_Combined_Slow_Chronic_Kidney_Disease_4102.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/HYP4102.jpg HYPERTENSION VIDEO: Two Blood Pressure Pills Combined Slow Chronic Kidney Disease (February 18, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Combining the two blood pressure-lowering drugs benazepril and amlodipine protects the kidneys better than combining benazepil with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide, according to research published online ahead of print in The Lancet. Here is some information about high blood pressure and kidney disease: Having untreated high blood pressure makes the heart work harder, which can, over time, damage blood vessels all over the body One of the places blood vessels are often damaged in those with high blood pressure is the kidneys High blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney disease Researchers from the University of Chicago representing the ACCOMPLISH study investigators randomly assigned over 11,000 patients from five countries who were suffering from high blood pressure to treatment with the gold standard of benazepril combined with hydrochlorothiazide, a drug that helps flush excess fluid from the body, or with a novel combination of benazepril plus amlodipine, a drug that uses a different mechanism to lower blood pressure. All the participants were considered to be at high risk for cardiovascular disease. The study was stopped early, after an average follow-up period of about 3 years, because those in the benazepril/ hydrochlorothiazide were nearly twice as likely to experience progression of chronic kidney disease as those in the benazepril/amlodipine group. The rate of progression of chronic kidney disease was 2% in the benazepril/amlodipine group, versus nearly 4% in the benazepril/ hydrochlorothiazide group. Todays research suggests that health care professionals make a change from preferentially prescribing benazepril/ hydrochlorothiazide for high blood pressure to benazepril/amlodipine, because this second combination does a better job of protecting the kidneys. 2010-02-18T17:00:00 High Blood Pressure/Hypertension Chronic Kidney Disease University of Chicago Health yes 115 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/HYPERTENSION_VIDEO_Benazepril_Plus_Amlodipine_Slows_Chronic_Kidney_Disease_Advancement_4103.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/HYPERTENSION_VIDEO_Benazepril_Plus_Amlodipine_Slows_Chronic_Kidney_Disease_Advancement_4103.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/HYPERTENSION_VIDEO_Benazepril_Plus_Amlodipine_Slows_Chronic_Kidney_Disease_Advancement_4103.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/HYP4103.jpg HYPERTENSION VIDEO: Benazepril Plus Amlodipine Slows Chronic Kidney Disease Advancement (February 18, 2010 - Insidermedicine) The combination of benazepril plus amlodipine reduces the likelihood of progression of chronic kidney disease among high-risk hypertensive patients more than the combination of benazepril plus hydrochlorothiazide, according to a trial published online ahead of print in The Lancet. Here is some information about treatment goals for hypertension, from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Since most persons with hypertension, especially those age andgt;50 years, will reach the diastolic blood pressure goal once systolic blood pressure is at goal, the primary focus should be on achieving the systolic blood pressure goal. Treating systolic and diastolic blood pressure to targets that are andlt;140/90 mmHg is associated with a decrease in cardiovascular disease complications. In patients with hypertension and diabetes or renal disease, the blood pressure goal is andlt;130/80 mmHg. Researchers out of the University of Chicago representing the ACCOMPLISH study investigators randomized 11,506 patients in five countries to receive either benazepril 20 mg plus amlodipine 5 mg or benazepril 20 mg plus hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg. All patients had hypertension and were at high risk for cardiovascular disease. The prespecified endpoint of progression to chronic kidney disease was defined as a doubling of serum creatinine concentration or end-stage renal disease. The trial was terminated early, after a mean follow-up of 2.9 years, because of the superior efficacy of the benazepril/amlodipine treatment. Based on an intent-to-treat analysis, 2.0% of patients in this group experienced progression of chronic kidney disease, as compared with 3.7% in the other group. Todays research suggests that the combination of benazepril/amlodipine should be used in favor of benazepril/hydrochlorothiazide because of its superior renoprotective effects. 2010-02-18T17:00:00 Chronic Kidney Disease High Blood Pressure/Hypertension University of Chicago Health yes 132 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/MIGRAINE_VIDEO_Chronic_Migraines_Increase_Depression_Women_Alcohol_and_Fatal_Car_Crashes_Happiness_and_Heart_Disease_Risk_4097.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/MIGRAINE_VIDEO_Chronic_Migraines_Increase_Depression_Women_Alcohol_and_Fatal_Car_Crashes_Happiness_and_Heart_Disease_Risk_4097.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/MIGRAINE_VIDEO_Chronic_Migraines_Increase_Depression_Women_Alcohol_and_Fatal_Car_Crashes_Happiness_and_Heart_Disease_Risk_4097.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/MIG4097.jpg MIGRAINE VIDEO: Chronic Migraines Increase Depression, Women Alcohol and Fatal Car Crashes, Happiness and Heart Disease Risk (February 17, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From New York People who suffer from chronic migraines have worse general health and are more depressed than those who suffer migraines episodically, according to a report published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. Researchers studied nearly 12,000 episodic and chronic migraine patients, finding that chronic migraine sufferers were 2x more likely to be depressed and experience chronic pain, 40% more likely to develop heart disease and 70% more likely to suffer stroke. From Connecticut According to a report published in Injury Prevention, alcohol has been connected to the increasing amount of fatal car crashes among women in the US. Reviewing US data on fatal car crashes from 1995-2007, researchers found that 3.2% of women involved in a fatal crash had a positive blood alcohol test, compared with only 1.2% of men. And finally, back to New York According to a report published in the European Heart Journal, people who are normally content, happy and joyful may have a decreased risk of heart disease. Researchers studied nearly 1,800 adults, measuring their levels of depression and anxiety, as well as the extent of andlsquo;positive affectandmdash;a host of emotions including joy, happiness, contentment, and enthusiasm. After controlling for age, gender and heart disease risk, results showed that the less positive affect a person had, the more likely they were to suffer heart disease. 2010-02-17T19:00:00 Heart Disease Depression Stroke Migraine Drunk driving Anxiety Health yes 125 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/STROKE_VIDEO_Salt_Reduction_Lowers_Death_Risk_4098.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/STROKE_VIDEO_Salt_Reduction_Lowers_Death_Risk_4098.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/STROKE_VIDEO_Salt_Reduction_Lowers_Death_Risk_4098.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/STR4098.jpg STROKE VIDEO: Salt Reduction Lowers Death Risk (February 17, 2010 - Insidermedicine) If Americans reduce their salt intake by as little as 3 g daily, the population-wide cardiovascular health benefits would be similar to those obtained by reducing tobacco use, obesity, and cholesterol levels, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Here are some tips for reducing the amount of salt in your diet: Make sure the canned vegetables you buy are labeled andldquo;no salt addedandrdquo; Buy fresh fishes and meats instead of those that are canned or processed Instead of seasoning with salt, use herbs, spices, or salt-free seasoning blends Researchers from University of California at San Francisco used available data to estimate the benefits on health of reducing salt intake by 3 g a day among the entire population of the United States. They then calculated the cost-effectiveness of this endeavor by comparing its effects with those of other interventions designed to reduce rates of cardiovascular disease. A population-wide reduction in daily salt intake of only 3 g was estimated to reduce the yearly new cases of cardiovascular disease by up to 120,000, stroke by up to 66,000, and heart attack by up to 99,000. It was also estimated to reduce the overall annual number of deaths from any cause by up to 92,000. A regulatory intervention designed to reduce salt intake among the population would be cost effective even if it was reduced by only 1 g per day, but if a 3 g per day reduction was achieved, this would save $10 billion to $24 billion in health care costs annually. Todays research demonstrates how lowering dietary salt is as important as other well-recognized efforts to reduce cardiovascular disease, such as quitting smoking and avoiding obesity. 2010-02-17T19:00:00 Cardiovascular Disease Smoking Salt intake Cholesterol University of California San Francisco Health yes 142 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/STROKE_VIDEO_Salt_Reduction_Lowers_All_Cause_Death_Risk_4099.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/STROKE_VIDEO_Salt_Reduction_Lowers_All_Cause_Death_Risk_4099.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/STROKE_VIDEO_Salt_Reduction_Lowers_All_Cause_Death_Risk_4099.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/STR4099.jpg STROKE VIDEO: Salt Reduction Lowers All Cause Death Risk (February 17, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Among Americans, reducing salt intake by an achievable 3 g daily has similar cardiovascular benefits as reducing tobacco use, obesity and cholesterol levels, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Here are some recommendations to help patients make lifestyle changes that can help prevent cardiovascular disease, from the European Society of Cardiology: Ensure the patient understands the relationship between lifestyle and disease Involve the patient in identifying the risk factors to change Explore potential barriers to change Researchers out of the University of California at San Francisco used the Coronary Heart Disease Policy Model to quantify the benefits of a population-wide reduction in dietary salt of up to 3 g per day, or 1,200 mg of sodium per day. They then calculated the cost-effectiveness of reducing salt intake by estimating its effects on rates and costs of cardiovascular disease, based on age, sex, and race, and compared these with the costs of other interventions designed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Reducing salt intake by 3 g per day was estimated to reduce the annual number of new cases of cardiovascular disease by 60,000 to 120,000, stroke by 32,000 to 66,000, and myocardial infarction (MI) by 54,000 to 99,000. It was also estimated to reduce annual number of deaths from all causes by 44,000 to 92,000. While all segments of the population would benefit from salt reduction, the effect on the risk of specific health events varied by age, sex, and race. Regulatory intervention designed to reduce salt intake would be cost effective even if it reduced it by only 1 g, but a 3 g reduction would save 194,000 to 392,000 quality-adjusted life-years and $10 billion to $24 billion in health care costs annually. Todays research suggests that nationwide public health policy should make reducing population-wide salt intake a priority. 2010-02-17T19:00:00 Cardiovascular Disease Smoking Salt intake University of California San Francisco Health yes 168 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_NSAIDs_Do_Not_Reduce_Skin_Cancer_Risk_Genetic_Markers_Fail_to_Predict_Cardiovascular_Disease_Autism_Symptoms_Gradually_Develop_4093.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_NSAIDs_Do_Not_Reduce_Skin_Cancer_Risk_Genetic_Markers_Fail_to_Predict_Cardiovascular_Disease_Autism_Symptoms_Gradually_Develop_4093.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_NSAIDs_Do_Not_Reduce_Skin_Cancer_Risk_Genetic_Markers_Fail_to_Predict_Cardiovascular_Disease_Autism_Symptoms_Gradually_Develop_4093.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4093.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: NSAIDs Do Not Reduce Skin Cancer Risk, Genetic Markers Fail to Predict Cardiovascular Disease, Autism Symptoms Gradually Develop (February 16, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From California - According to a report published in the Archives of Dermatology, non-steroidal anti-inflammataroy drugs do no appear to reduce skin cancer risk. Researchers compared 415 squamous cell carcinoma patients with 415 controls, finding that regular use of pain medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen resulted in no reduction in risk of squamous cell carcinoma. From Boston - Using genetic markers to predict cardiovascular disease does not appear to be effective, according to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers studied over 19,000 women for 12 years, constructing a risk score based on genetic markers known to be connected to CVD. They found that using the genetic risk score did not improve prediction of CVD. And finally, back to California - According to a report published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child andamp; Adolescent Psychiatry, symptoms of autism are not apparent in children under 6 months. Researchers compared 25 children at high risk for autism with 25 low risk children, finding that autism symptoms such as lack of eye contact, smiling and babbling only developed gradually over the first year of life and were not apparent at 6 months. 2010-02-16T17:00:00 Skin Cancer Squamous Cell Carcincoma Cardiovascular Disease Infant lack of eye contact Infant lack of smiling Infant lack of babbling Autism UC Davis MIND Institute Brigham and Women's Hospital Kaiser Permanente Northern California Health yes 111 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Childhood_Chronic_Health_Conditions_On_the_Rise_Interview_with_Dr_Jeanne_Van_Cleave_MD_MassGeneral_Hospital_for_Children_4094.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Childhood_Chronic_Health_Conditions_On_the_Rise_Interview_with_Dr_Jeanne_Van_Cleave_MD_MassGeneral_Hospital_for_Children_4094.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Childhood_Chronic_Health_Conditions_On_the_Rise_Interview_with_Dr_Jeanne_Van_Cleave_MD_MassGeneral_Hospital_for_Children_4094.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4094.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Childhood Chronic Health Conditions On the Rise (Interview with Dr. Jeanne Van Cleave, MD, MassGeneral Hospital for Children) (February 16, 2010 - Insidermedicine) An increasing number of children in the United States are suffering from chronic health problems, including obesity and asthma, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Here is some information about chronic health conditions and children: An estimated 10 to 30% of children are affected by chronic health conditions, defined as conditions that limit usual activity for at least a year Children are affected differently by chronic health conditions, depending on their age Effects on the family of a having a child with a chronic health condition include neglect of other siblings and major burdens on finances and time Researchers from Mass General Hospital for Children in Boston explored the evolution of chronic health conditions among children by looking at three different groups of children over an 18 year period. All the children were 2 to 8 years old at the outset of the study and were followed up for 6 years. The first group was followed-up from 1988 to 1994, the second group from 1994 to 2000, and the third group from 2000 to 2006. Chronic conditions were grouped into four categories: obesity, asthma, other physical conditions, and behavior/learning problems. The results highlight the changing nature of chronic conditions among children. Overall, only about 7% of children had chronic condition for the entire 6-year study period, while 9% started out with a chronic condition, but it resolved before the study was completed. Another 13% of children started out without any chronic condition but developed one during the study period. The prevalence of chronic conditions among children increased over time. Only 13% of children in the first study group had a chronic condition by the end of the study period, as compared with 25% in the second group and 27% in the third group. Those in group 3 as well as males, Hispanics, and blacks were most likely to have a chronic condition at some point during the study period. Todays research highlights not only the dynamic nature of chronic health conditions among children but also demonstrates how it is alarmingly on the rise. Such information can help direct future health policies aimed at children. 2010-02-16T17:00:00 Chronic health conditions Cardiovascular Disease Obesity Asthma Mass General Hospital for Children Health yes 221 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Childhood_Chronic_Health_Conditions_Increasing_in_US_Interview_with_Dr_Jeanne_Van_Cleave_MD_MassGeneral_Hospital_for_Children_4095.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Childhood_Chronic_Health_Conditions_Increasing_in_US_Interview_with_Dr_Jeanne_Van_Cleave_MD_MassGeneral_Hospital_for_Children_4095.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Childhood_Chronic_Health_Conditions_Increasing_in_US_Interview_with_Dr_Jeanne_Van_Cleave_MD_MassGeneral_Hospital_for_Children_4095.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4095.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Childhood Chronic Health Conditions Increasing in US (Interview with Dr. Jeanne Van Cleave, MD, MassGeneral Hospital for Children) (February 16, 2010 - Insidermedicine) The prevalence of chronic health conditions in increasing among children in the United States, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Here are some recommendations for responding to the needs of children with chronic health conditions, which were published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal: Raise public awareness about health reform related to improvement of health care services for children with chronic conditions Recognize that chronic conditions, even the same conditions, affect children differently from adults Make systematic efforts to ensure that current the needs of children with chronic health conditions and their families are incorporated into policies and practices for their care. Researchers out of Mass General Hospital for Children in Boston explored the evolution of obesity and other chronic conditions among children by analyzing three consecutive cohorts of children living in the United States who formed part of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth-Child Cohort (1988-2006). Children were aged 2 to 8 at baseline, and each group was followed up for six years, from 1988 to 1994 for cohort 1, 1994 to 2000 for cohort 2, and 2000 to 2006 for cohort 3. Chronic conditions were grouped into four categories: obesity, asthma, other physical conditions, and behavior/learning problems. Results highlighted the dynamic nature of chronic conditions among children. Overall, 7.4% of participants reported having chronic conditions at the outset of the study that persisted for the full follow-up period, while 9.3% had chronic conditions that resolved during the follow-up period. Another 13.4% developed chronic conditions during the follow-up period. The prevalence of chronic conditions increased as time went on, with 12.8% having a chronic condition at studys end in cohort 1, 25.1% in cohort 2, and 26.6% in cohort 3. The prevalence of having a chronic condition at any time during the study period was highest for cohort 3 and was also higher among males as well as Hispanic and black youth. Todays research demonstrates that chronic conditions among children are dynamic and on the rise. These findings can help with the design of appropriate health policy directed at children. 2010-02-16T17:00:00 Obesity Asthma Chronic health conditions Mass General Hospital for Children Health yes 251 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_MRI_During_Breast_Cancer_Assessment_Unfinished_Treatment_of_PTSD_in_Most_Soldiers_Type_2_Diabetic_Women_and_Bone_Fracture_Risk_4090.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_MRI_During_Breast_Cancer_Assessment_Unfinished_Treatment_of_PTSD_in_Most_Soldiers_Type_2_Diabetic_Women_and_Bone_Fracture_Risk_4090.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_MRI_During_Breast_Cancer_Assessment_Unfinished_Treatment_of_PTSD_in_Most_Soldiers_Type_2_Diabetic_Women_and_Bone_Fracture_Risk_4090.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4090.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: MRI During Breast Cancer Assessment, Unfinished Treatment of PTSD in Most Soldiers, Type 2 Diabetic Women and Bone Fracture Risk (February 12, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From the UK - According to a report published in The Lancet, using MRI along with conventional breast cancer assessment does not decrease re-operation rates. Researchers studied 1623 breast cancer patients who were scheduled to undergo surgery after conventional triple assessment, randomizing half to undergo MRI and the other half to receive no further testing. Between the two groups, there was no noticeable difference in the amount of women who needed a repeat operation. From San Francisco - According to a report published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, many Americans soldiers suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder do not receive adequate treatment for the condition. Between 2002-2008, nearly 50,000 soldiers were newly diagnosed with PTSD. However, less than 10% of veterans actually complete their recommended treatment of 10-12 weekly sessions. And finally, from Detroit - Women with type 2 diabetes taking thiazolidinedione have an increased risk of bone fractures, according to a report published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology andamp; Metabolism. Researchers studied nearly 20,000 patients, finding that women taking TZD for one year had a 50% increased risk of suffering a bone fracture, though this relationship was not seen in men. 2010-02-12T17:00:00 Breast Cancer Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Bone fractures Type 2 Diabetes University of Hull Hull Royal Infirmary San Francisco Veteran Affairs Medical Center Henry Ford Hospital Health yes 112 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Most_Canadians_Live_Within_an_Hour_of_Facilities_that_Care_for_Cardiovascular_Emergencies_4091.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Most_Canadians_Live_Within_an_Hour_of_Facilities_that_Care_for_Cardiovascular_Emergencies_4091.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Most_Canadians_Live_Within_an_Hour_of_Facilities_that_Care_for_Cardiovascular_Emergencies_4091.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4091.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Most Canadians Live Within an Hour of Facilities that Care for Cardiovascular Emergencies (February 12, 2010 - Insidermedicine) About two-thirds of Canadians live within a 60-minute drive of a facility capable of performing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the current treatment of choice for many types of heart attack, according to research published in the latest issue of Open Medicine. Here is some information about PCI: It is a procedure in which a balloon-tipped catheter is threaded into the blood vessels that feed the heart in order to open blockages In general, the sooner after a heart attack individuals receive appropriate care, such as PCI, the more likely they are to recover completely Many hospitals try to give heart attack patients a PCI within 90 minutes of reaching the hospital Researchers from the University of Calgary used geographical information systems to estimate the amount of travel time by ground transportation to medical facilities capable of performing PCI. They then used 2006 Canadian census data to determine what proportion of Canadians aged 40 or over live within 60, 90, or 120 minutes of such a facility. Overall, nearly 64% of Canadians aged 40 and older live within a 60 minute drive of a facility that provides PCI, but this proportion varies considerably from province to province. In New Brunswick, for instance, less than 16% of those aged 40 and older live this close to a PCI facility. Adding a single facility to each of 4 selected provinces would increase the proportion of individuals with this type of access to a PCI facility by 3.2 to 4.3%, depending on the province, which translates to access for an additional 470,000 individuals. Today's research provides information that can help decision makers develop plans for regional care of cardiovascular emergencies. 2010-02-12T17:00:00 Heart Attack STEMI Cardiovascular emergency University of Calgary Health yes 149 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Two_Thirds_of_Canadians_Within_an_Hour_of_A_Facility_that_Provides_PCI_4092.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Two_Thirds_of_Canadians_Within_an_Hour_of_A_Facility_that_Provides_PCI_4092.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Two_Thirds_of_Canadians_Within_an_Hour_of_A_Facility_that_Provides_PCI_4092.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4092.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Two Thirds of Canadians Within an Hour of A Facility that Provides PCI (February 12, 2010 - Insidermedicine) About two-thirds of Canadians live within a 60 minute drive of a facility that can provide percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the current treatment of choice for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), according to research published in the latest issue of Open Medicine. Here are some recommendations regarding prehospital destination protocols for STEMI patients from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology: Patients with STEMI who have cardiogenic shock and are less than 75 years of age should be brought immediately or secondarily transferred to facilities capable of cardiac catheterization and rapid revascularization if it can be performed within 18 hours of onset of shock. Patients with STEMI who have contraindications to fibrinolytic therapy should be brought immediately or secondarily transferred promptly (i.e., primary receiving hospital door-to-departure time less than 30 minutes) to facilities capable of cardiac catheterization and rapid revascularization Every community should have a written protocol that guides emergency system personnel in determining where to take patients with suspected or confirmed STEMI. Researchers out of the University of Calgary used geographical information systems to estimate the amount of travel time by ground transportation to PCI facilities. They then used 2006 Canadian census data to identify adults aged 40 and older who lived within 60, 90, and 120 minutes of such a facility. Overall, 63.9% of Canadians aged 40 and older live within 60 minutes of a PCI facility, although this proportion varies widely from province to province. In New Brunswick for example, the proportion is only 15.8%. Adding of a single facility to each of 4 selected provinces would increase this proportion by 3.2 to 4.3%, depending on the province, providing ready access to PCI to about 470,000 additional individuals. Today's research provides information that can help decision-makers plan the development of regional STEMI care models. 2010-02-12T17:00:00 Heart Attack Cardiovascular emergency STEMI University of Calgary Health yes 163 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Migraines_and_Heart_Attack_Risk_Shortened_Radiation_Therapy_Successful_Milk_While_Pregnant_May_Decrease_Child_s_Chances_of_MS_4086.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Migraines_and_Heart_Attack_Risk_Shortened_Radiation_Therapy_Successful_Milk_While_Pregnant_May_Decrease_Child_s_Chances_of_MS_4086.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Migraines_and_Heart_Attack_Risk_Shortened_Radiation_Therapy_Successful_Milk_While_Pregnant_May_Decrease_Child_s_Chances_of_MS_4086.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4086.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Migraines and Heart Attack Risk, Shortened Radiation Therapy Successful, Milk While Pregnant May Decrease Child's Chances of MS (February 11, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From New York - According to a report published in the journal Neurology, migraines increase ones risk of suffering a heart attack. Researchers compared over 6,000 migraine sufferers with nearly 5,300 people without migraines. Results showed that people with migraine were nearly 2x more likely to suffer a heart attack than people without migraine. From Hamilton - According to a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a shorter, more intense course of radiation therapy has been shown to be successful for women with early stage breast cancer. Researchers randomized over 1,200 breast cancer patients to either standard 5 week regimen of radiation therapy or an accelerated, 3 week regimen. Breast cancer recurrence rates after ten years were found to be similar for both groups. And finally, from Minnesota - Women who drink milk during pregnancy may reduce their child's risk of developing multiple sclerosis later in life, according to a report presented at the annual meeting for the American Academy of Neurology. Researchers surveyed over 35,000 mothers and followed them for several years. They found that mothers who drank at least 4 glasses of milk a day during pregnancy had a 56% reduced risk of having their child develop MS. 2010-02-11T17:00:00 Multiple Sclerosis Pregnancy Heart Attack Migraines Breast Cancer McMaster University Yeshiva University Harvard School of Public Health Health yes 109 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_New_Study_Outlines_Health_Consequences_of_Childhood_Obesity_4087.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_New_Study_Outlines_Health_Consequences_of_Childhood_Obesity_4087.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_New_Study_Outlines_Health_Consequences_of_Childhood_Obesity_4087.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4087.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: New Study Outlines Health Consequences of Childhood Obesity (February 11, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Being overweight, having high levels of sugar in the blood, and having high blood pressure during childhood are all associated with a premature risk of death from endogenous causes, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Here are some tips to help you feed your children a healthy diet: Limit added sugars, including sugar-sweetened drinks and juices. Use canola, soybean, corn oil, safflower oil, or other unsaturated oils in place of solid fats during foot preparation. Use recommended portion sizes on food labels when preparing and serving food. Researchers from Umea University Hospital assessed the body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, as well as blood sugar and cholesterol levels of nearly 5,000 American Indian children who were not currently suffering from diabetes. The investigators then looked at whether these factors predicted the risk of death from endogenous causes before the age of 55. The children were born between 1945 and 1984, and their average age during their assessment was just over 11 years. During a follow-up period of nearly 24 years, 166 of the participants died from endogenous causes. Those with the highest BMIs were 2.3 times more likely to die and those with the highest blood sugar levels were 73% more likely to die from endogenous causes before age 55 than those with the lowest BMIs and lowest blood sugar levels. Having high blood pressure was associated with a 57% increased risk of dying by age 55 of an endogenous cause. Today's research highlights how important it is to control overweight, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure in childhood, as these can have long-term health consequences. 2010-02-11T17:00:00 High Blood Pressure High blood sugar Childhood Obesity Umea University Hospital Health yes 147 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_The_Importance_of_Controlling_Overweight_Glucose_Levels_and_Hypertension_In_Children_4088.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_The_Importance_of_Controlling_Overweight_Glucose_Levels_and_Hypertension_In_Children_4088.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_The_Importance_of_Controlling_Overweight_Glucose_Levels_and_Hypertension_In_Children_4088.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4088.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: The Importance of Controlling Overweight, Glucose Levels, and Hypertension In Children (February 11, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Overweight, glucose intolerance, and hypertension in childhood are all predictive of a relatively early death from endogenous causes, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Here are some dietary recommendations for children and adolescents over the age of 2, from the American Heart Association: Balance dietary calories with physical activity to maintain normal growth. Engage in 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous play or physical activity daily Eat vegetables and fruits daily; limit juice intake. Researchers out of Umea University Hospital assessed body mass index (BMI), glucose tolerance, as well as blood and cholesterol levels among 4,857 American Indian children without diabetes. The investigators then looked at whether these factors, standardized for age and sex, predicted death from endogenous causes before age 55. The children were all born between 1945 and 1984, and their mean age was 11.3 years at the time of assessment. During a median follow-up period of 23.9 years, there were 166 deaths from endogenous causes. Rates of death from endogenous causes were 2.3 times greater among children in the highest quartile of BMI, compared with those in the lowest quartile. Similarly, rates of death from endogenous causes were 73% higher among those in the highest quartile for glucose intolerance, compared with those in the lowest quartile. Childhood hypertension was associated with a 57% increased risk for premature death from endogenous causes. Today's research highlights the importance of controlling overweight, glucose levels, and hypertension among children, as these factors can have long-term health consequences. 2010-02-11T17:00:00 Childhood Obesity High blood sugar High Blood Pressure/Hypertension Umea University Hospital Health yes 151 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had__Hypertension__Chaim_Bell_MD_PhD_University_of_Toronto_4089.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had__Hypertension__Chaim_Bell_MD_PhD_University_of_Toronto_4089.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had__Hypertension__Chaim_Bell_MD_PhD_University_of_Toronto_4089.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4089.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: If I Had - Hypertension - Chaim Bell, MD, PhD, University of Toronto (February 10, 2010 - Insidermedicine) In this video, Dr. Chaim Bell, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, discusses what he would do if he had concerns about high blood pressure/hypertension. Dr. Bell is also a General Internist at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, as well as a Research Scientist at the Keenan Research Center. 2010-02-10T17:00:00 High Blood Pressure/Hypertension St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto University of Toronto Health yes 446 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Gastric_Bypass_Works_In_Obese_Teens_Medicated_Glaucoma_Patients_Less_Likely_to_Die_Patients_With_Unexplained_Chest_Pain_Experience_Little_Relief_4081.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Gastric_Bypass_Works_In_Obese_Teens_Medicated_Glaucoma_Patients_Less_Likely_to_Die_Patients_With_Unexplained_Chest_Pain_Experience_Little_Relief_4081.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Gastric_Bypass_Works_In_Obese_Teens_Medicated_Glaucoma_Patients_Less_Likely_to_Die_Patients_With_Unexplained_Chest_Pain_Experience_Little_Relief_4081.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4081.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Gastric Bypass Works In Obese Teens, Medicated Glaucoma Patients Less Likely to Die, Patients With Unexplained Chest Pain Experience Little Relief (February 9, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Australia - According to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, obese teens who underwent gastric banding lost a significant amount of weight. Researchers studied 50 obese teenagers, some underwent gastric banding while others tool part in a lifestyle intervention program. They found that 84% of participants in the gastric banding group lost more than 50% of excess weight compared with only 12% of participants in the intervention group. From Michigan - Glaucoma patients taking medication for the condition may have a decreased risk of mortality, according to a report published in the Archives of Ophthalmology. Researchers studied over 20,000 glaucoma patients for 4 years, finding that those on any kind of glaucoma medication were 74% less likely to die than those on no medication at all. And finally, from Germany - A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine reveals that many patients suffering unexplained chest pain receive little relief from standard medical care. Researchers studied over 800 patients suffering from non-specific chest pain, finding that 55.5% still had chest pain six months after visiting a primary care office, and that 10.7% underwent unnecessary further testing. 2010-02-09T17:00:00 Obesity Unexplained chest pain Glaucoma Monash University University of Michigan Philipps-University of Marburg Health yes 108 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Study_Identifies_Key_Factors_Influencing_Fetal_Growth_Interview_with_Dr_Dennis_Mook_Kanamori_Erasmus_Medical_Center_4082.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Study_Identifies_Key_Factors_Influencing_Fetal_Growth_Interview_with_Dr_Dennis_Mook_Kanamori_Erasmus_Medical_Center_4082.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Study_Identifies_Key_Factors_Influencing_Fetal_Growth_Interview_with_Dr_Dennis_Mook_Kanamori_Erasmus_Medical_Center_4082.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4082.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Study Identifies Key Factors Influencing Fetal Growth (Interview with Dr. Dennis Mook-Kanamori, Erasmus Medical Center) (February 9, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Several physical characteristics of mothers as well as lifestyle habits such as smoking and use of supplements can affect growth of the fetus in early pregnancy, which in turn can influence the eventual outcome of pregnancy, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Here is some information about preterm birth: It is defined as a birth that takes place before 37 weeks' gestation. Normally, pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. It is a leading cause of infant death Babies born preterm are at increased risk for several health problems, including potentially life-threatening breathing difficulties, infections, and cerebral palsy Researchers from Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam looked at the relationship between several physical characteristics and lifestyle habits among over 1,500 mothers-to-be and the growth of their fetuses during the first trimester of their pregnancy. The investigators also looked at whether restrictions in growth during this period were associated with negative outcomes of the pregnancy. Fetal growth during the first trimester was greater among older mothers. High blood pressure and a high concentration of red blood cells in the mother's circulation were associated with poor fetal growth. Fetal growth was reduced among mothers who both smoked and failed to take supplements of folic acid in an optimal manner. Restrictions in growth during the first trimester were associated with babies being born either prematurely or being born at term but being underweight and/or small. Smaller babies tended to grow faster than usual during their first two years of life. Today's research helps identify some key factors that affect fetal growth, which in turn can affect the outcomes of pregnancy. 2010-02-09T17:00:00 Preterm birth Pregnancy Smoking while pregnant Erasmus University Medical Center High blood pressure Health yes 0 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Key_Influential_Factors_Affect_Early_Fetal_Growth_Interview_with_Dr_Dennis_Mook_Kanamori_Erasmus_Medical_Center_4083.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Key_Influential_Factors_Affect_Early_Fetal_Growth_Interview_with_Dr_Dennis_Mook_Kanamori_Erasmus_Medical_Center_4083.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Key_Influential_Factors_Affect_Early_Fetal_Growth_Interview_with_Dr_Dennis_Mook_Kanamori_Erasmus_Medical_Center_4083.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4083.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Key Influential Factors Affect Early Fetal Growth (Interview with Dr. Dennis Mook-Kanamori, Erasmus Medical Center) (February 9, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Maternal age, blood pressure, and hematocrit levels as well as smoking and use of folic acid supplements affect fetal growth during the first trimester, and restricted growth during this period is associated with several negative outcomes of pregnancy, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Here are some recommendations for managing premature rupture of membranes (PROM) from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Patients with PROM before 32 weeks of gestation should be cared for expectantly until 33 completed weeks of gestation if no maternal or fetal contraindications exist. A 48-hour course of intravenous ampicillin and erythromycin followed by 5 days of amoxicillin and erythromycin is recommended during expectant management of preterm PROM remote from term to prolong pregnancy and to reduce infectious and gestational age-dependent neonatal morbidity. A single course of antenatal corticosteroids should be administered to women with PROM before 32 weeks of gestation to reduce the risks of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), perinatal mortality, and other morbidities. Researchers out of Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam looked at the relationship between maternal physical characteristics and lifestyle habits and fetal growth during the first trimester among 1,631 mothers with regular menstrual cycles. Fetal growth was determined by measuring crown to rump length. The researchers also assessed the risk of adverse outcomes associated with restricted first trimester growth. Maternal age was positively associated with first trimester fetal growth, while diastolic blood pressure and hematocrit levels were negatively associated with growth during this period. Fetuses of women who both smoked and failed to optimally use folic acid supplements experienced less first trimester growth. First-trimester growth restriction was associated with an increased risk for preterm birth, low birth weight, and small size for gestational age at birth. Each standard deviation decrease in first trimester fetal growth was associated with a postnatal growth acceleration until the age of 2 years. Today's research highlights the link between early fetal growth and the outcomes of pregnancy and identifies some key influential factors. 2010-02-09T17:00:00 Preterm birth Pregnancy Smoking while pregnant High Blood Pressure Erasmus University Medical Center Health yes 0 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_High_Blood_Pressure_Possible_Predictor_of_Dementia_Hazards_of_Third_Hand_Smoke_IBD_Increases_Blood_Clot_Risk_4077.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_High_Blood_Pressure_Possible_Predictor_of_Dementia_Hazards_of_Third_Hand_Smoke_IBD_Increases_Blood_Clot_Risk_4077.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_High_Blood_Pressure_Possible_Predictor_of_Dementia_Hazards_of_Third_Hand_Smoke_IBD_Increases_Blood_Clot_Risk_4077.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4077.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: High Blood Pressure Possible Predictor of Dementia, Hazards of Third Hand Smoke, IBD Increases Blood Clot Risk (February 8, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From London - According to a report published in the Archives of Neurology, high blood pressure may be a predictor of dementia in some older adults. For five years, researchers studied nearly 1,000 elderly people suffering from cognitive impairment, but not dementia. They found that hypertension was associated with an increased risk of developing dementia in those adults who were unable to organize thoughts and make decisions, but not in those who suffered from memory dysfunction. From California - A new report published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences outlines the hazards of third hand smoke. Residual nicotine from burning tobacco attaches to almost every surface--lasting days, weeks and even months. Lab tests revealed that when this leftover nicotine interacted with a common ambient air pollutant nitrous acid, it created a carcinogen known as tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNA). And finally, from Nottingham - According to a report published in The Lancet, people suffering from inflammatory bowel disease face a significant increased risk of blood clots. Researchers compared over 13, 500 IBD patients with over 70,000 healthy controls. They found that non-hospitalized patients with active IBD were 16x more likely to suffer a blood clot when compared to non-hospitalized controls. 2010-02-08T19:00:00 Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Blood Clot Venous Thromboembolism Dementia Third hand smoke High Blood Pressure/Hypertension Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory University of Western Ontario University of Nottingham Health yes 115 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Paroxetine_Interferes_With_Life_Saving_Qualities_of_Breast_Cancer_Drug_Tamoxifen_Interview_with_Dr_David_Juurlink_Institute_for_Clinical_Evaluative_Sciences_4078.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Paroxetine_Interferes_With_Life_Saving_Qualities_of_Breast_Cancer_Drug_Tamoxifen_Interview_with_Dr_David_Juurlink_Institute_for_Clinical_Evaluative_Sciences_4078.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Paroxetine_Interferes_With_Life_Saving_Qualities_of_Breast_Cancer_Drug_Tamoxifen_Interview_with_Dr_David_Juurlink_Institute_for_Clinical_Evaluative_Sciences_4078.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4078.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Paroxetine Interferes With Life Saving Qualities of Breast Cancer Drug Tamoxifen (Interview with Dr. David Juurlink, Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences) (February 8, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Taking the antidepressant paroxetine interferes with the life-saving properties of the breast cancer therapy tamoxifen, according to research published in the British Medical Journal. Here is some information about cancer and depression: An estimated 15 to 25% of cancer patients suffer from depression Depression associated with cancer can usually be treated with a combination of counseling and medication Depressed cancer patients should be evaluated by a professional for their risk of suicide Researchers from Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre in Toronto and from the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) analyzed the long-term survival rates of nearly 2,500 Ontario women aged 66 and older who were treated with tamoxifen for breast cancer between the years 1993 to 2005. These women were also treated with one antidepressant of the SSRI class for some or all of the time they were taking tamoxifen. Overall, about 30% of the women received antidepressant treatment while taking tamoxifen. After adjusting for factors that affect survival rates, including age, women who were taking paroxetine, which is also known under its tradename Paxil, while taking tamoxifen were more likely to die from breast cancer than those who had not taken this drug. The more paroxetine therapy overlapped with tamoxifen therapy, the higher the risk of dying from breast cancer. The authors estimate that using paroxetine for 41% of the duration of tamoxifen therapy would result in 1 additional death from breast cancer within five years for every 20 women treated. No association with breast cancer survival rates were found for other antidepressant. We spoke with Dr. David Juurlink, one of the investigators of this study, who offered some further insight. Todays research suggests that women taking tamoxifen for breast cancer should not also take paroxetine. Never stop tamoxifen or paroxetine therapy without first consulting your health care professional 2010-02-08T19:00:00 Depression Breast Cancer Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) Health yes 169 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Paroxetine_Interferes_with_Metabolism_and_Efficacy_of_Tamoxifen_for_Breast_Cancer_Interview_with_Dr_David_Juurlink_Institute_for_Clinical_Evaluative_Sciences_4079.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Paroxetine_Interferes_with_Metabolism_and_Efficacy_of_Tamoxifen_for_Breast_Cancer_Interview_with_Dr_David_Juurlink_Institute_for_Clinical_Evaluative_Sciences_4079.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Paroxetine_Interferes_with_Metabolism_and_Efficacy_of_Tamoxifen_for_Breast_Cancer_Interview_with_Dr_David_Juurlink_Institute_for_Clinical_Evaluative_Sciences_4079.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4079.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Paroxetine Interferes with Metabolism and Efficacy of Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer (Interview with Dr. David Juurlink, Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences) (February 8, 2010 - Insidermedicine) The antidepressant paroxetine, which is a potent irreversible inhibitor of the CYP2D6 metabolic pathway, interferes with the metabolism and thus the efficacy of tamoxifen when used for breast cancer, according to a population cohort study published in the British Medical Journal. Here are some recommendations for the management of depression in patients with cancer, from Cancer Care Ontario: Antidepressant medications should be considered to treat moderate to severe major depression in cancer patients. Cancer patients diagnosed with major depression may benefit from a combined modality approach that includes both psychosocial and pharmacological interventions. Psychosocial treatment approaches that may be of value include those that provide information and support and which address emotional, cognitive, and/or behavioral factors. Researchers out of Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre in Toronto and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) analyzed the outcomes of 2,430 women aged 66 and older who were living in Ontario. All participants were treated with tamoxifen for breast cancer between 1993 and 2005 and also had overlapping therapy with a single SSRI. The overall mortality rate from breast cancer was 15.4%. After adjusting for age, duration of tamoxifen therapy, and other potential confounders, paroxetine use overlapping with tamoxifen use was associated with an increased risk of death from breast cancer. The more time spent on paroxetine while on tamoxifen, the higher the mortality rate. The authors estimate that use of paroxetine for 41% of tamoxifen therapy would result in 1 additional breast cancer death within five years for every 20 women treated. No such risk increase was seen with other antidepressants. We spoke with Dr. David Juurlink, one of the investigators of this study, who offered some further insight. Todays research suggests that women being treated with tamoxifen for breast cancer should not receive concomitant therapy with paroxetine, and caution should be applied when using other CYP2D6 inhibitors in this patient population. 2010-02-08T19:00:00 Breast Cancer Depression Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre Health yes 177 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Ultrasound_Screening_May_Reduce_Risk_of_Preterm_Birth_HPV_Vaccination_Decreases_Genital_Diseases_Progesterone_May_Ward_Off_Preterm_Birth_4074.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Ultrasound_Screening_May_Reduce_Risk_of_Preterm_Birth_HPV_Vaccination_Decreases_Genital_Diseases_Progesterone_May_Ward_Off_Preterm_Birth_4074.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Ultrasound_Screening_May_Reduce_Risk_of_Preterm_Birth_HPV_Vaccination_Decreases_Genital_Diseases_Progesterone_May_Ward_Off_Preterm_Birth_4074.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4074.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Ultrasound Screening May Reduce Risk of Preterm Birth, HPV Vaccination Decreases Genital Diseases, Progesterone May Ward Off Preterm Birth (February 5, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Chicago - Doctors can reduce the risk of preterm birth by conducting ultrasound screening for a short cervix, according to a report presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine (SMFM). Researchers estimated the outcomes and costs of screening cervical length in all women--not just those at high risk for preterm birth. They found that such universal screening would actually reduce costs, improve quality of life and decrease neonatal deaths. From Columbia - According to a report published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, HPV vaccination in young women may decrease occurrence of several genital diseases. Researchers studied over 17,000 15 year old women, finding that HPV vaccination resulted in a reduction in the risk of lesions, genital warts, abnormalities on pap smears, as well as the need for procedures such as colposcopy. And finally, back to Chicago - According to another report presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine, scientists may have identified the process by which the hormone progesterone wards off preterm birth. Many preterm births occur because the fetal membranes are weakened by apoptosis and then rupture. Researchers have found, however, that progesterone can inhibit apoptosis and thereby prevent preterm birth. 2010-02-05T17:00:00 Preterm birth Short cervix Genital diseases Genital lesions Genital Warts Pap smear abnormalities National Institute of Cancer Yale School of Medicine Yale School of Medicine Health yes 109 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Practical_Solutions_for_Managing_Jet_Lag_4075.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Practical_Solutions_for_Managing_Jet_Lag_4075.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Practical_Solutions_for_Managing_Jet_Lag_4075.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4075.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Practical Solutions for Managing Jet Lag (February 5, 2010 - Insidermedicine) As traveling across time zones has become a commonplace occurrence worldwide, the problem of jet lag is highlighted in the New England Journal of Medicine. Here are some tips to minimize jet lag when you travel: Make sure you get enough sleep before you travel Opt for the most comfortable form of travel that is convenient and affordable Drink plenty of water while in flight to stay hydrated A sleep expert from the Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland defines get lag as a sleep disorder that occurs as a result of crossing time zones too quickly for your body to adjust its sleep/wake cycle. While the primary symptoms are insomnia and daytime sleepiness, it can also cause depressed mood, impaired physical and intellectual functioning, and even digestive disturbance. There are three categories of treatment for jet lag. The first involves resetting the sleep/wake cycle, which can be done by taking supplements of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin before bed and by exposing yourself to bright light at strategic times during the day. The second strategy involves rescheduling yourself in advance of travel by slowly adjusting your sleeping and waking closer to the one youll be following when you reach your destination. The third strategy is drug therapy and includes using mild sedatives to help you sleep and mild stimulants, such as caffeine, to keep you awake. Todays research highlights the problem of jet lag and provides some practical solutions for managing it. If you have problems with jet lag, talk to your healthcare provider about strategies that might work best for you. ... 2010-02-05T17:00:00 Jet lag Depressed mood Impaired physical/cognitive function Digestive disturbance Oregon Health and Sciences University Health yes 126 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_The_Clinical_Problem_of_Jet_Lag_4076.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_The_Clinical_Problem_of_Jet_Lag_4076.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_The_Clinical_Problem_of_Jet_Lag_4076.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4076.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: The Clinical Problem of Jet Lag (February 5, 2010 - Insidermedicine) As international travel becomes increasingly commonplace, the clinical problem of jet lag is highlighted in the New England Journal of Medicine. Here are some recommendations for managing jet lag from the American Academy of Sleep medicine: Melatonin supplementation should be used as the standard treatment Scheduling of sleep and timed exposure to light are reasonable treatment options Pharmacotherapy with hypnotics and stimulants are also reasonable treatment options A sleep expert out of the Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland defines jet lag as a sleep disorder that occurs when time zones are traversed too rapidly for the circadian clock to keep pace, causing a misalignment between the circadian clock and local time. Primary symptoms are insomnia and daytime sleepiness but can also include dysphoria, impaired physical and cognitive functioning, and gastrointestinal disturbance. There are three main treatment strategies for jet lag. Therapeutic resetting of the circadian clock can be attained by optimizing light exposure or supplementation with melatonin. Strategic scheduling of sleep can involve remaining on ones home sleep/wake schedule while on short trips or shifting ones sleep schedule by 1 to 2 hrs a day before departure. Finally, pharmacotherapy involving short course hypnotics to promote sleep in the evening and agents that promote alertness, such as caffeine, to promote wakefulness during the day, can be helpful. Todays research highlights the increasing clinical problem of jet lag and provides practical recommendations for managing it. 2010-02-05T17:00:00 Jet lag Insomnia Dysphoria Impaired physical/cognitive function Digestive disturbance Oregon Health and Sciences University Health yes 135 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Five_Point_Checklist_System_Essentially_Eliminates_Central_Line_Catheter_Infections_Interview_with_Dr_Peter_Pronovost_MD_PhD_Johns_Hopkins_University_4070.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Five_Point_Checklist_System_Essentially_Eliminates_Central_Line_Catheter_Infections_Interview_with_Dr_Peter_Pronovost_MD_PhD_Johns_Hopkins_University_4070.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Five_Point_Checklist_System_Essentially_Eliminates_Central_Line_Catheter_Infections_Interview_with_Dr_Peter_Pronovost_MD_PhD_Johns_Hopkins_University_4070.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4070.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Five Point Checklist System Essentially Eliminates Central Line Catheter Infections (Interview with Dr. Peter Pronovost, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins University) (February 4, 2010 - Insidermedicine) A five-point checklist system has essentially eliminated central line catheter infection in participating Michigan hospitals, according to research published in the British Medical Journal. Here are some ways that physicians can prevent the spread of nosocomial infections, from the World Health Organization: . Protect your own patients from other infected patients and from hospital staff who may be infected . Obtain appropriate microbiological specimens when an infection is present or suspected . Advise patients, visitors, and staff on techniques to prevent the transmission of infection Researchers out of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore followed the infection rates of more than 100 Michigan-based intensive care units (ICUs) after they instituted a Hopkins' developed 5-item checklist system for the placement of a central line catheter. The five steps are: wash hands; wash patient's skin with chlorhexidine; wear a mask, hat, gown, and gloves; drape the patient; avoid placing catheter in the groin area; and remove it as soon as possible, even if it may need to be replaced in the future. Median central line infection rate dropped from about 3 per 1,000 catheter-hours before the checklist system was instituted to virtually none 18 months after it started. A three year follow-up confirmed that central-line infection rates remained practically nil in participating ICUs. We spoke with Dr. Peter Pronovost, the principal investigator of this study, who offered some further insight. Today's research demonstrates how simple, inexpensive infection-control steps, provided they are followed religiously, can have dramatic impact on hospital infection rates. 2010-02-04T18:00:00 Infections Hospital Infection Johns Hopkins University Health yes 256 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Genetic_Cause_for_Preterm_Labor_COPD_Raises_Risk_of_Depression_BPA_Exposure_Increases_Child_s_Chances_of_Asthma_4068.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Genetic_Cause_for_Preterm_Labor_COPD_Raises_Risk_of_Depression_BPA_Exposure_Increases_Child_s_Chances_of_Asthma_4068.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Genetic_Cause_for_Preterm_Labor_COPD_Raises_Risk_of_Depression_BPA_Exposure_Increases_Child_s_Chances_of_Asthma_4068.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4068.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Genetic Cause for Preterm Labor, COPD Raises Risk of Depression, BPA Exposure Increases Child's Chances of Asthma (February 4, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Chicago - According to a report presented at the Annual Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine meeting, genetics may cause some women to go into preterm labor. Researchers studied over 800 pregnant women--all of whom had a preterm birth prior to onset of the study-- and their fetuses. They found that the presence of a DNA variant in the fetus that influences inflammation doubled the risk of preterm birth, while certain variants in the mothers genes also raised this risk. From Switzerland - COPD patients are more likely to suffer depression, according to a report published in the journal Chest. Comparing over 35,000 COPD patients with over 35,000 healthy controls, researchers found that the COPD patients had 6.8% higher prevalence of depression. And finally, from Texas - According to a report published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, a mother's exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) raises her child's risk of developing asthma. Researchers gave mice BPA in their drinking water before pregnancy, during pregnancy and afterwards. They found that offspring of mice exposed to BPA demonstrated symptoms of asthma, while those who were not exposed showed no such signs. 2010-02-04T17:30:00 BPA exposure Asthma Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Pregnancy Preterm birth Labor Depression National Institute of Child Health and Human Devel University of Texas Health yes 106 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Simple_Inexpensive_Infection_Control_Steps_Drastically_Reduce_Hospital_Infections_Interview_with_Dr_Peter_Pronovost_MD_PhD_Johns_Hopkins_University_4069.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Simple_Inexpensive_Infection_Control_Steps_Drastically_Reduce_Hospital_Infections_Interview_with_Dr_Peter_Pronovost_MD_PhD_Johns_Hopkins_University_4069.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Simple_Inexpensive_Infection_Control_Steps_Drastically_Reduce_Hospital_Infections_Interview_with_Dr_Peter_Pronovost_MD_PhD_Johns_Hopkins_University_4069.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4069.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Simple, Inexpensive Infection Control Steps Drastically Reduce Hospital Infections (Interview with Dr. Peter Pronovost, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins University) (February 4, 2010 - Insidermedicine) By simply following 5 simple steps, Michigan hospitals have been able to virtually eliminate infections related to central line catheters, according to research published in the British Medical Journal. Here is some information about hospital-acquired infections: . They are a major problem in both the developing and developed world, affecting an estimated 8.7% of hospitalized patients, overall. . They are a major cause of death among hospitalized patients worldwide . At any given time, about 1.4 million people worldwide are suffering from problems related to infections they acquired while in hospital Researchers from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore followed the infection rates of more than 100 Michigan-based intensive care units (ICUs) after they instituted a 5-item checklist system developed at Hopkins for the placement of a central line catheter, which threads through a vein to reach in or near the heart. The five steps are: wash hands; wash patient's skin with an antimicrobial solution; wear a mask, hat, gown, and gloves; cover the patient in sterile drapes; avoid placing the catheter in the groin area; and remove it as soon as possible, even if it may need to be replaced in the future. Before instituting this simple checklist, about three central line infections occurred for every 1,000 hours that patients were attached to one of these catheters. Eighteen months after instituting the checklist system, infection rates were virtually zero, and they remained virtually zero for up to three years in all participating institutions. We spoke with Dr. Peter Pronovost, the principal investigator of this study, who offered some further insight. Today's research demonstrates how carefully-followed infection-control steps, which are simple and inexpensive, can drastically reduce hospital infection rates. 2010-02-04T17:00:00 Infection Johns Hopkins University Health yes 247 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Supplements_Recommended_to_Reduce_Chances_of_Psychosis_in_High_Risk_Patients_4063.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Supplements_Recommended_to_Reduce_Chances_of_Psychosis_in_High_Risk_Patients_4063.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Supplements_Recommended_to_Reduce_Chances_of_Psychosis_in_High_Risk_Patients_4063.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4063.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Supplements Recommended to Reduce Chances of Psychosis in High Risk Patients (February 3, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Taking supplements that contain long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may reduce the rate at which high risk individuals develop psychosis, according to research published in the Archives of Psychiatry. Here is some information about psychosis: It is a condition in which a person loses contact with reality It is often associated with hallucinations, or perceiving things that are not there, and delusions, or having strange beliefs that are not true There is evidence that those with schizophrenia, a psychotic disorder, have problems with their ability to metabolize long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids Researchers from the Medical University of Vienna randomly assigned 81 individuals at ultra high risk for developing psychosis to receive daily supplements of fish oil capsules containing 1.2 grams of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids or a placebo. The participants were considered to be high risk because they either had mild psychotic symptoms, transient psychosis, or a family history of psychotic disorders plus a decrease in functioning. Based on these criteria, the risk of becoming psychotic in a 12-month period could be as high as 40%. At the end of the 12-week study, only 5% of those taking the fish oil supplements developed psychosis, as compared with nearly 28% taking a placebo. This represented a 23% reduced risk for psychosis with the capsules. Those who took the fish oil supplements also experienced significant improvements in their symptoms and had more improved functioning overall, as compared with those on placebo. The authors estimate that four high-risk adults would need to be treated with this therapy in order to prevent one from developing psychosis over a 12-month period. Todays research suggests that those at high risk for psychosis should try taking a long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplement. 2010-02-03T17:30:00 Psychosis Schizophrenia Hallucinations Delusions Medical University of Vienna Health yes 142 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Omega_3_Polyunsaturated_Fatty_Acid_Supplementation_For_Patients_at_High_Risk_for_Developing_Psychosis_4064.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Omega_3_Polyunsaturated_Fatty_Acid_Supplementation_For_Patients_at_High_Risk_for_Developing_Psychosis_4064.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Omega_3_Polyunsaturated_Fatty_Acid_Supplementation_For_Patients_at_High_Risk_for_Developing_Psychosis_4064.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4064.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation For Patients at High Risk for Developing Psychosis (February 3, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Supplementation with long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may reduce the rate at which ultra high risk patients transition to psychosis, according to a small trial published in the Archives of Psychiatry. Here are some guidelines for working with patients with schizophrenia, from the National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health: Work in partnership with people with schizophrenia and their carers. Offer help, treatment and care in an atmosphere of hope and optimism. Take time to build supportive and empathic relationships as an essential part of care. Researchers out of the Medical University of Vienna randomized 81 individuals at ultra high risk for developing psychosis to daily supplementation with capsules containing 1.2 grams of long-chain omega-3polyunsaturated fatty acids or a placebo. Participants were considered to be high risk because they either had mild psychotic symptoms, transient psychosis, or a family history of psychotic disorders plus a decrease in functioning. Based on these criteria, the risk of becoming psychotic in a 12-month period could be as high as 40%. By the end of the study period, 4.9% of patients taking the fish oil supplements and 27.5% of those on placebo transitioned to psychotic disorder. This represented a 22.6% reduced risk of developing psychosis with the fish oil. The fish oil supplements were also associated with significantly reduced symptoms and improved functioning compared with placebo. The authors estimate that four high-risk adults would need to receive fish oil supplementation to prevent one from developing psychosis over a 12-month period. Todays research suggests that patients at high risk for developing psychosis should be initiated on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation. 2010-02-03T17:30:00 Schizophrenia Psychosis Hallucinations Delusions Hearing voices Medical University of Vienna Health yes 141 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Possible_Missing_Gene_in_Morbidly_Obese_Protein_Levels_in_Urine_and_Reduced_Kidney_Function_Raise_Mortality_Risk_Doctors_and_Diabetics_Disagree_on_Priorities_4067.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Possible_Missing_Gene_in_Morbidly_Obese_Protein_Levels_in_Urine_and_Reduced_Kidney_Function_Raise_Mortality_Risk_Doctors_and_Diabetics_Disagree_on_Priorities_4067.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Possible_Missing_Gene_in_Morbidly_Obese_Protein_Levels_in_Urine_and_Reduced_Kidney_Function_Raise_Mortality_Risk_Doctors_and_Diabetics_Disagree_on_Priorities_4067.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4067.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Possible Missing Gene in Morbidly Obese, Protein Levels in Urine and Reduced Kidney Function Raise Mortality Risk, Doctors and Diabetics Disagree on Priorities (February 3, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From London - According to a report published in the journal Nature, a significant amount of morbidly obese people are missing genes in their DNA. Researchers studied DNA samples of over 16,000 people, both obese and of normal weight. They found that 7 in every 1000 morbidly obese people shared a genetic deletion that was not found in any of those of normal weight. This genetic deletion becomes the second most frequent genetic cause of obesity. From Calgary - According to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, elevated levels of protein in the urine and reduced kidney function may lead to heart attack, kidney failure or death. Researchers studied data on over 900,000 individuals, analyzing measurements of protein in the urine as well as eGFR (a measurement of how well the kidney filters and removes waste). They found that all cause mortality risk was increased when patients had lower eGFR levels or higher proteinuria levels. And finally, from Michigan - Diabetics prioritize their health concerns differently than their doctors, according to a report published in Journal of General Internal Medicine. Researchers surveyed almost 1,200 diabetic patients and 92 of their doctors, finding that 38% of the doctors ranked high blood pressure as the most important health concern for the patients, while only 18% of the patients agreed. The diabetic patients instead ranked pain and depression as their most important concern. 2010-02-03T17:15:00 Obesity Reduced Kidney function Heart Attack Kidney Failure Diabetes High Blood Pressure/Hypertension Depression Pain Imperial College London University of Calgary University of Michigan Medical School Health yes 129 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Possible_Biological_Cause_for_SIDS_Internet_Addiction_Linked_With_Depression_Prostate_Cancer_Diagnosis_Brings_Immediate_Risk_of_Suicide_Cardiovascular_Death_4066.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Possible_Biological_Cause_for_SIDS_Internet_Addiction_Linked_With_Depression_Prostate_Cancer_Diagnosis_Brings_Immediate_Risk_of_Suicide_Cardiovascular_Death_4066.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Possible_Biological_Cause_for_SIDS_Internet_Addiction_Linked_With_Depression_Prostate_Cancer_Diagnosis_Brings_Immediate_Risk_of_Suicide_Cardiovascular_Death_4066.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4066.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Possible Biological Cause for SIDS, Internet Addiction Linked With Depression, Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Brings Immediate Risk of Suicide, Cardiovascular Death (February 2, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Boston - Researchers believe that low serotonin production in the brain stem may cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), according to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Taking samples from 36 infants who died of SIDS and comparing them with controls, researchers found that the SIDS cases had 26% lower serotonin levels in their brain stem. From Leeds - According to a report published in the journal Psychopathology, too much internet use may lead to depression. Researchers studied over 1300 people aged 16-51, finding that 1.2% of participants developed an internet addiction. Of these addicts, there was a greater incidence of moderate to severe depression when compared with those who were not addicted. And finally, back to Boston - According to a report published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, men diagnosed with prostate cancer are at immediate risk of both suicide and cardiovascular death. Researchers reviewed data over 340, 000 prostate cancer patients, finding an increased incidence of suicide and cardiovascular death in the first year following diagnosis. 2010-02-02T19:00:00 SIDS Internet addiction Cardiovascular Death Prostate Cancer Low serotonin Depression Suicide Children's Hospital Boston University of Leeds Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard Medical School Health yes 97 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_ADHD_Linked_To_Lead_Exposure_Improving_Eating_Skills_in_Dementia_Patients_Possible_Blood_Test_to_Predict_Rheumatoid_Arthritis_4059.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_ADHD_Linked_To_Lead_Exposure_Improving_Eating_Skills_in_Dementia_Patients_Possible_Blood_Test_to_Predict_Rheumatoid_Arthritis_4059.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_ADHD_Linked_To_Lead_Exposure_Improving_Eating_Skills_in_Dementia_Patients_Possible_Blood_Test_to_Predict_Rheumatoid_Arthritis_4059.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4059.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: ADHD Linked To Lead Exposure, Improving Eating Skills in Dementia Patients Possible, Blood Test to Predict Rheumatoid Arthritis (January 29, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Oregon - According to two studies published in the journal Current Directions in Psychological Science, ADHD may arise because of lead exposure. The first study found that children with ADHD had higher levels of lead in their blood, though researchers could only connect these blood levels with hyperactivity. The second study, however, found a clear connection between levels of lead in the blood and the parent's and teacher's assessment of ADHD, an assessment that included both hyperactivity and attention problems. From Sheffield - According to a report published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, researchers have found that it is possible to improve eating skills of dementia patients. Comparing two different step-by-step intervention methods with no intervention at all, researchers found that the two methods improved nutritional assessment and difficulty feeding scores in dementia patients. And finally, from Sweden - A simple blood test may be able to predict rheumatoid arthritis even before symptoms develop, according to a report published in the journal Arthritis andamp; Rheumatism. Researchers studied blood samples of over 80 people prior to developing RA symptoms, 69 of these people after they developed RA symptoms, as well as 256 controls. They found that elevation of cytokine levels in the blood predicted eventual development of rheumatoid arthritis. 2010-01-29T17:00:00 Rheumatoid Arthritis Elevated cytokines ADHD Lead Exposure Dementia Oregon Health and Science University University of Sheffield The American College of Rheumatology Health yes 115 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Bone_Marrow_and_Peripheral_Stem_Cell_Transplantations_Have_Similar_Outcomes_For_Leukemia_Patients_4060.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Bone_Marrow_and_Peripheral_Stem_Cell_Transplantations_Have_Similar_Outcomes_For_Leukemia_Patients_4060.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Bone_Marrow_and_Peripheral_Stem_Cell_Transplantations_Have_Similar_Outcomes_For_Leukemia_Patients_4060.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4060.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Bone Marrow and Peripheral Stem Cell Transplantations Have Similar Outcomes For Leukemia Patients (January 29, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Ten years after treatment, individuals with leukemia treated with peripheral stem cell transplantation are doing about as well as those who received a bone marrow transplant, according a long-term update of a randomized trial published online ahead of print in The Lancet Oncology. Here is some information about leukemia and its treatment: It is a cancer of the bone marrow and blood that has both acute and chronic forms One of the many treatments for leukemia is allogeneic stem cell transplantation, in which the patients cells that make blood and immune cells are killed off with chemotherapy and replaced with new ones These new stem cells can be obtained from the bone marrow of a donor, called a bone marrow transplant, or they can be obtained from the blood of a donor, called peripheral stem cell transplant. Researchers representing The European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) compared the 10-year outcomes of 329 leukemia patients who had been randomly assigned to treatment with a bone marrow transplant or a peripheral stem cell transplant in the years 1995 to 1999. Most of those who lived more than 3 years completed questionnaires about their health and the long-term effects of their treatment. Overall 10-year survival rates were similar for both groups, with a survival rate of 49% among those who were treated with peripheral blood and 56% for those who were treated with bone marrow. Patients with acute forms of leukemia, however, tended to live longer without a recurrence of their leukemia if they were treated with a bone marrow transplant. Patients treated with peripheral blood cells were more likely to have ongoing immune system-related complications from treatment and to require immune system suppressing drugs for 5 or more years, but there was no difference between the two groups with respect to their overall ability to function, return to work, incidence of serious lung complications, blood functioning, or incidence of secondary cancers. Todays research demonstrates that, overall, individuals with leukemia can expect similar long-term results from bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cell transplantations. However, there is some suggestion that certain subgroups of patients may be better off with bone marrow transplant. 2010-01-29T17:00:00 Leukemia Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) The European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplant Health yes 152 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_For_Leukemia_Patients_Bone_Marrow_and_Peripheral_Blood_Progenitor_Transplantation_Have_Similar_Ten_Year_Outcomes_4061.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_For_Leukemia_Patients_Bone_Marrow_and_Peripheral_Blood_Progenitor_Transplantation_Have_Similar_Ten_Year_Outcomes_4061.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_For_Leukemia_Patients_Bone_Marrow_and_Peripheral_Blood_Progenitor_Transplantation_Have_Similar_Ten_Year_Outcomes_4061.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4061.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: For Leukemia Patients, Bone Marrow and Peripheral Blood Progenitor Transplantation Have Similar Ten Year Outcomes (January 29, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Ten-year outcomes of leukemia patients are similar regardless of whether they were treated with bone marrow transplantation or peripheral blood progenitor transplantation, according a long-term update of a randomized trial published online ahead of print in The Lancet Oncology. Here are some recommendations for the use of transplant in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), from the British Society of Haematology: Patients should be fully informed of both the advantages and disadvantages of the available treatments, and of the strategies that can be used to treat long-term side effects, particularly in the area of sexual function and infertility. Intensive consolidation chemotherapy treatment during first complete remission should be offered as the preferred treatment to patients with favourable cytogenetics and to those unwilling to accept the risk of permanent damage to their sexual health and fertility, with bone marrow transplantation remaining as the choice for salvage treatment in the event of relapse. Allogeneic transplantation should be offered to patients with high risk AML in first remission who have an HLA identical donor, although it is accepted that only a minority of patients will benefit. Researcher representing The European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) compared the 10-year outcomes of 329 leukemia patients who were randomized between 1995 and 1999 to be treated with peripheral blood or bone marrow from a matched sibling donor. Overall, 87% of patients who survived longer than 3 years responded to questionnaires about chronic graft vs. host disease, late effects of therapy, and secondary cancers. Overall 10-year survival was 49.1% for those treated with peripheral blood and 56.5% for those who received bone marrow transplantation. Survival rates were not significantly different between the two groups after breaking them down by leukemia type, although there was a trend toward longer leukemia-free survival with bone marrow transplant among patients with acute leukemias. While graft vs. host disease and the need for immunosuppressive therapy 5 years after transplantation were both more frequent among those who received peripheral blood, there was no difference between the two groups with respect to performance status, return to work, incidence of bronchiolitis obiterans, hematopoietic function, or incidence of secondary malignancies. Todays research demonstrates overall similar outcomes among patients with leukemia treated with bone marrow transplant or peripheral blood progenitor transplantation, but it also suggests that some subgroups of leukemia patients may still benefit more from bone marrow transplantation than peripheral blood. 2010-01-29T17:00:00 Leukemia Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) The European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplant Health yes 163 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Smokers_Endangered_by_Own_Secondhand_Smoke_Overweight_Elderly_May_Be_At_Reduced_Risk_of_Death_Symptoms_Weak_For_Evaluation_of_Early_Ovarian_Cancer_4053.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Smokers_Endangered_by_Own_Secondhand_Smoke_Overweight_Elderly_May_Be_At_Reduced_Risk_of_Death_Symptoms_Weak_For_Evaluation_of_Early_Ovarian_Cancer_4053.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Smokers_Endangered_by_Own_Secondhand_Smoke_Overweight_Elderly_May_Be_At_Reduced_Risk_of_Death_Symptoms_Weak_For_Evaluation_of_Early_Ovarian_Cancer_4053.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4053.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Smokers Endangered by Own Secondhand Smoke, Overweight Elderly May Be At Reduced Risk of Death, Symptoms Weak For Evaluation of Early Ovarian Cancer (January 28, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Italy - People who smoke are also at risk from breathing their own secondhand smoke, according to a report published in the journal Environmental Health. Researchers studied the effects of second hand smoke on newsagents, following 15 active smokers who worked in their own newsstand and thereby were exposed only to their own smoke. They found that if someone was to smoke 14 cigarettes daily, inhaling their own secondhand smoke would be equivalent to smoking an extra 2.6 cigarettes. From Australia - According to a report published in the Journal of The American Geriatrics Society, overweight adults over 70 years old actually have a reduced risk of death in a ten year period. Researchers examined over 9,000 men and women, aged 70-75 at the beginning of the study, for ten years. Results showed, surprisingly, that participants who had a BMI considered overweight had a 13% lower risk of death during the study than participants considered to be of normal weight. And finally, from Seattle - According to a report published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, symptoms are largely ineffective in determining early ovarian cancer. Researchers compared over 800 patients with ovarian cancer to over 1300 healthy controls. They found that evaluating symptoms--including abdominal pain, frequent urination and bloating--would only be effective in detecting early stage ovarian cancer in about 1 in 100 women. 2010-01-28T19:00:00 Smoking Secondhand smoke Overweight Abdominal Pain Frequent urination Bloating Ovarian Cancer National Cancer Research Institute Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center University of Western Australia Health yes 117 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_New_Effective_Less_Toxic_Therapy_for_Rheumatoid_Arthritis_On_the_Horizon_Interview_with_Dr_Harris_Perlman_PhD_Northwestern_University_4054.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_New_Effective_Less_Toxic_Therapy_for_Rheumatoid_Arthritis_On_the_Horizon_Interview_with_Dr_Harris_Perlman_PhD_Northwestern_University_4054.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_New_Effective_Less_Toxic_Therapy_for_Rheumatoid_Arthritis_On_the_Horizon_Interview_with_Dr_Harris_Perlman_PhD_Northwestern_University_4054.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4054.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: New, Effective, Less Toxic Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis On the Horizon (Interview with Dr. Harris Perlman, PhD, Northwestern University) (January 28, 2010 - Insidermedicine) A new therapy that targets malfunctioning immune cells may prove to be a more effective and less toxic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, according to research published in Arthritis andamp; Rheumatism. Here is some information about rheumatoid arthritis: It is an autoimmune condition, meaning it is caused by a malfunction in the immune system In those with the condition immune cells known as macrophages fail to self-destruct after killing off potential dangers to the body, such as viruses and bacteria. These andldquo;rogueandrdquo; macrophages find their way into the joints, where they cause pain and inflammation and damage bone and cartilage. Researchers from Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago discovered that the malfunctioning macrophages present in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis are low in a molecule called Bim, which is important for the cells normal process of self-destruction. To correct this shortage, they developed an imitation of the Bim molecule, called a BH3 mimetic. After injecting the BH3 mimetic into mice, the molecule floated into the animals macrophages, resulting in normal self-destruction of these cells. Injecting the BH3 mimetic into mice with rheumatoid arthritis resulted in a lessening of both the swelling in their joints and the destruction in their bones, suggesting the drug could both prevent and treat damage from rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike other treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, no toxic reactions were observed. We spoke with Dr. Harris Perlman, PhD, the lead author of this study, who offered some further insight. Todays research suggests that new, more effective and less toxic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis may be on the horizon. 2010-01-28T19:00:00 Rheumatoid Arthritis Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medic Health yes 184 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Therapy_Targets_Abnormal_Macrophage_Functioning_In_Rheumatoid_Arthritis_Interview_with_Dr_Harris_Perlman_PhD_Northwestern_University_4055.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Therapy_Targets_Abnormal_Macrophage_Functioning_In_Rheumatoid_Arthritis_Interview_with_Dr_Harris_Perlman_PhD_Northwestern_University_4055.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Therapy_Targets_Abnormal_Macrophage_Functioning_In_Rheumatoid_Arthritis_Interview_with_Dr_Harris_Perlman_PhD_Northwestern_University_4055.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4055.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Therapy Targets Abnormal Macrophage Functioning In Rheumatoid Arthritis (Interview with Dr. Harris Perlman, PhD, Northwestern University) (January 28, 2010 - Insidermedicine) A novel therapy directly targeting abnormal macrophage functioning may prove to be an effective therapy for rheumatoid arthritis with a low risk for toxicity, according to research published in Arthritis andamp; Rheumatism. Here are some guidelines for the use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence: In people with newly diagnosed active rheumatoid arthritis, offer a combination of DMARDs (including methotrexate and at least one other DMARD, plus short-term glucocorticoids) as first-line treatment as soon as possible, ideally within 3 months of the onset of persistent symptoms. Consider offering short-term treatment with glucocorticoids (oral, intramuscular or intra-articular) to rapidly improve symptoms in people with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis if they are not already receiving glucocorticoids as part of DMARD combination therapy. In people with recent-onset rheumatoid arthritis receiving combination DMARD therapy and in whom sustained and satisfactory levels of disease control have been achieved, cautiously try to reduce drug doses to levels that still maintain disease control. Researchers out of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine discovered that malfunctioning macrophages involved in the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis are low in Bim, a molecule important for apoptosis. To correct this shortage, the researchers developed a BH3 mimetic of Bim and injected it into an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis. After injection, the BH3 mimetic of Bim migrated to the macrophages, where it immediately induced cell apoptosis. When injected into mice with rheumatoid arthritis, it reduced joint inflammation and bone destruction, suggesting that the molecule may both prevent and treat damage caused by the disease. No toxic reactions were observed. Todays research suggests a novel therapy for rheumatoid arthritis that directly addresses the underlying pathophysiology and appears to have a low risk of toxicity may be on the horizon 2010-01-28T19:00:00 Rheumatoid Arthritis Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicin Health yes 203 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Resting_Boosts_Memory_Schizophrenic_Patients_More_Likely_to_Be_Crime_Victim_Rural_Ontario_Trauma_Victims_At_Increased_Risk_of_Death_4050.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Resting_Boosts_Memory_Schizophrenic_Patients_More_Likely_to_Be_Crime_Victim_Rural_Ontario_Trauma_Victims_At_Increased_Risk_of_Death_4050.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Resting_Boosts_Memory_Schizophrenic_Patients_More_Likely_to_Be_Crime_Victim_Rural_Ontario_Trauma_Victims_At_Increased_Risk_of_Death_4050.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4050.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Resting Boosts Memory, Schizophrenic Patients More Likely to Be Crime Victim, Rural Ontario Trauma Victims At Increased Risk of Death (January 27, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From New York - According to a report published in the journal Neuron, resting while awake may boost memory retention. Researchers showed participants several images and then put them in a period of awake rest--in which subjects could think about whatever they wanted to--while imaging a part of the brain that plays a role in memory known as the hippocampus. Results showed that during rest, there was significant activity in the hippocampus--and that those who had the most activity in that region scored better on consequent memory tests. From Indianapolis - Many American schizophrenic patients becomes victims of crime, according to a report published in BMC Psychiatry. Researchers studied 600 schizophrenic patients, finding that 46% of these patients had at least one encounter with the criminal justice system and that in 67% of these cases, the schizophrenic patients were the victim of a crime. And finally, from Toronto - According to a study published in the Journal of Trauma, a majority of trauma-related injuries that occur in rural Ontario, Canada result in pre-hospital patient mortality. Researchers studied nearly 3,500 trauma related mortalities that occurred in Ontario, finding 54% of trauma related deaths occurred before the patient even reached the emergency department. People who lived in the most rural locations, with little access to immediate trauma care centers, were twice as likely to die before reaching the hospital. 2010-01-27T19:00:00 Trauma Schizophrenia St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto Eli Lilly and Company New York University Health yes 121 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Rotavirus_Vaccine_For_Young_Children_Can_Save_Lives_4051.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Rotavirus_Vaccine_For_Young_Children_Can_Save_Lives_4051.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Rotavirus_Vaccine_For_Young_Children_Can_Save_Lives_4051.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4051.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Rotavirus Vaccine For Young Children Can Save Lives (January 27, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Vaccinating young children against the rotavirus appears to have substantially reduced the risk of death from diarrhea among young Mexican children, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Here is some information about the rotavirus: andmiddot; It is a virus that is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in children andmiddot; About 600,000 children worldwide die each year from rotavirus infections andmiddot; Infection is characterized by vomiting and watery diarrhea for 3 to 8 days, usually accompanied by fever and abdominal pain Researchers from the Mexican Ministry of Health in Mexico City collected data on death rates from diarrhea among Mexican children under the age of 5 from 2003 to 2009. They then compared the death rates from 2003 to 2006, before a rotavirus vaccine was introduced for children 11 months and under, with those of the years 2008 to 2009, after the vaccine was introduced. By December 2007, an estimated 74% of children aged 11 months and under had received a dose of the rotavirus vaccine. From the period before the vaccine was introduced to the period afterward, death rates from diarrhea fell by 35% among children under the age of 5. Among children under 11 months, who were eligible for the vaccine, death rates fell by 41%. Among children aged 12 to 23 months, only a few of whom would have been eligible for the vaccine, death rates fell by 29%. Among older children, who would not have been eligible for the vaccine, death rates were unchanged. Todays research demonstrates how the rotavirus vaccine can save lives if given to young children. 2010-01-27T19:00:00 Rotavirus Diarrhea Fever Abdominal Pain Mexican Ministry of Health Health yes 141 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Monovalent_Rotavirus_Vaccine_For_Young_Children_Substantially_Reduces_Risk_of_Death_From_Diarrhea_4052.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Monovalent_Rotavirus_Vaccine_For_Young_Children_Substantially_Reduces_Risk_of_Death_From_Diarrhea_4052.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Monovalent_Rotavirus_Vaccine_For_Young_Children_Substantially_Reduces_Risk_of_Death_From_Diarrhea_4052.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4052.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Monovalent Rotavirus Vaccine For Young Children Substantially Reduces Risk of Death From Diarrhea (January 27, 1010 - Insidermedicine) Introduction of a monovalent rotavirus vaccine for children aged 11 months and younger in Mexico appears to have substantially reduced the risk of death from diarrhea, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Here are some recommendations for the use of the rotavirus vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: andmiddot; The maximum age for dose 1 of rotavirus vaccine is 14 weeks and 6 days andmiddot; The maximum age for the last dose of rotavirus vaccine is 8 months and 0 days andmiddot; The minimum interval between doses of rotavirus vaccine is 4 weeks; no maximum interval is set Researchers out of the Mexican Ministry of Health in Mexico City obtained data on the deaths from diarrhea from January 2003 through May 2009 among Mexican children under the age of 5. They then compared the diarrhea-related mortality rates in 2008 and 2009, after the introduction of a monovalent rotavirus vaccine, with baseline mortality rates in 2003 to 2006, before the vaccine was introduced. Children 11 months an younger were eligible for the vaccine. By December 2007, an estimated 74% of children aged 11 months or younger had received a dose of the rotavirus vaccine. Deaths from diarrhea fell from an annual median of 18.1 per 100,000 children at baseline to 11.8 per 100,000 children in 2008, representing a reduction of 35%. Among infants aged 11 months and younger, the mortality from diarrhea dropped by 41% in 2008, as compared to baseline. Among those aged 12 to 23 months, few of whom were eligible for vaccination, mortality from diarrhea dropped by 29%. They were unchanged among those aged 24 to 59 months. This mortality reduction was maintained through two rotavirus seasons. Todays research suggests that the rotavirus vaccine likely results in substantial reductions in mortality rates from diarrhea among young children. 2010-01-27T19:00:00 Rotavirus Diarrhea Fever Abdominal Pain Mexican Ministry of Health Health yes 167 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Childhood_Obesity_Raises_Risk_of_Heart_Disease_UV_Blocking_Contact_Lenses_Good_For_Eyes_Pregnancy_and_Malaria_Risk_4046.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Childhood_Obesity_Raises_Risk_of_Heart_Disease_UV_Blocking_Contact_Lenses_Good_For_Eyes_Pregnancy_and_Malaria_Risk_4046.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Childhood_Obesity_Raises_Risk_of_Heart_Disease_UV_Blocking_Contact_Lenses_Good_For_Eyes_Pregnancy_and_Malaria_Risk_4046.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4046.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Childhood Obesity Raises Risk of Heart Disease, UV Blocking Contact Lenses Good For Eyes, Pregnancy and Malaria Risk (January 26, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Florida - Being obese by age 7 increases a child's risk of heart disease and stroke later in life, according to a report published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology andamp; Metabolism. Researchers studied 202 children--115 of whom were obese and 87 who were lean controls--that had not yet developed symptoms of metabolic syndrome. Results showed that the obese children had abnormalities in their blood widely regarded as predictors for the development of heart disease, even though these children did not have risk factors such as high blood pressure. From Ohio - According to a report published in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology andamp; Visual Science, contact lenses that block ultraviolet radiation may protect eyes from the sun. Researchers exposed rabbits to the equivalent of roughly 16 hours of sunlight, finding that those who wore the UV blocking contact lenses experienced no damage to their corneas And finally, from Liverpool- According to a report published in Public Library of Science Medicine, at least 125 million pregnancies are at risk of malaria each year. Researchers targeted certain territories in which malaria thrives, multiplying the number of pregnancies by the fraction of people living within the limits of malaria transmission in each country. Results showed that 125.2 million pregnancies--or, 60% of all pregnancies globally--were at risk of malaria every year. 2010-01-26T17:00:00 Malaria Pregnancy UV Exposure Sun Damage Obesity Metabolic Syndrome High Blood Pressure Heart Disease Stroke Cardiovascular Disease Childhood Obesity Nemours Children's Clinic Ohio State University's College of Optometry Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Health yes 123 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Atrial_Fibrillation_Patients_Who_Do_Not_Respond_to_Antiarrhythmic_Drugs_Should_Be_Treated_With_Catheter_Ablation_4047.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Atrial_Fibrillation_Patients_Who_Do_Not_Respond_to_Antiarrhythmic_Drugs_Should_Be_Treated_With_Catheter_Ablation_4047.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Atrial_Fibrillation_Patients_Who_Do_Not_Respond_to_Antiarrhythmic_Drugs_Should_Be_Treated_With_Catheter_Ablation_4047.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4047.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Atrial Fibrillation Patients Who Do Not Respond to Antiarrhythmic Drugs Should Be Treated With Catheter Ablation (January 26, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Individuals suffering from atrial fibrillation that does not respond to a drug designed to treat heart rhythm disorders would likely do better with catheter ablation than with more drugs, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Here is some information about atrial fibrillation: It is the most common type of heart arrhythmia Untreated, it can lead to fatigue and stroke It can be treated with drugs that stabilize heart rhythm, called antiarrhythmics, or with catheter ablation, in which the section of the heart that is the source of the arrhythmia is burned away, or ablated. Researchers from Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood randomly assigned over 150 individuals with atrial fibrillation to treatment with antiarrhythmic drug therapy or catheter ablation. All of the individuals had taken an antiarrhythmic drug in the past without success. At the end of a 9-month evaluation period, 84% of the individuals who received drug therapy continued to have symptoms to such a degree that treatment was considered a failure. In contrast, only 33% of those who underwent catheter ablation experienced a failure of treatment. Three months after the start of therapy, those who received catheter ablation had significantly greater increases in their quality of life than those on drug therapy, and this improvement was maintained throughout the study. Todays research suggests that individuals with atrial fibrillation who do not experience relief from an antiarrhythmic drug should be immediately treated with catheter ablation rather than additional drugs. 2010-01-26T17:00:00 Atrial Fibrillation Irregular heartbeat Loyola University Medical Center Health yes 130 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Benefits_of_Catheter_Ablation_Over_Antiarrhythmic_Drug_Therapy_in_Treating_Paroxysmal_Atrial_Fibrillation_4048.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Benefits_of_Catheter_Ablation_Over_Antiarrhythmic_Drug_Therapy_in_Treating_Paroxysmal_Atrial_Fibrillation_4048.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Benefits_of_Catheter_Ablation_Over_Antiarrhythmic_Drug_Therapy_in_Treating_Paroxysmal_Atrial_Fibrillation_4048.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4048.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Benefits of Catheter Ablation Over Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy in Treating Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (January 26, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation that is resistant to initial therapy with an antiarrhythmic drug is likely better treated with radiofrequency catheter ablation than more antiarrhythmic therapy, according to a trial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Here are some recommendations for pharmacological rate control during atrial fibrillation from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology: Measure heart rate at rest and control the rate using pharmacological agents (either a beta blocker or nondihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist, in most cases) among patients with persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation. In the absence of preexcitation, administer beta blockers (esmolol, metoprolol, or propranolol) or nondihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists (verapamil, diltiazem) intravenously to slow the ventricular response to atrial fibrillation in the acute setting. Administer digoxin or amiodarone intravenously to control heart rate in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure who do not have an accessory pathway. Researchers out of Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood randomized 167 atrial fibrillation patients in a 2:1 fashion to catheter ablation or antiarrhythmic drug therapy. All the patients in the trial had not responded to at least one antiarrhythmic drug in the past, and they experienced at least 3 episodes of atrial fibrillation within the 6 months before randomization. The primary outcome was time to protocol-defined treatment failure, which included continued episodes of atrial fibrillation. At the end of a 9-month effectiveness evaluation period, only 33% of patients in the ablation group reached protocol-defined treatment failure, as compared with 84% in the drug group, for a hazard ratio (HR) of ablation to drug therapy of 0.30. At 3 months, mean quality of life scores had increased significantly more in the ablation group as compared to the drug therapy group, and this improvement was maintained throughout the study. Todays research highlights the benefits of catheter ablation over antiarrhythmic drug therapy for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation unresponsive to initial pharmacotherapy. 2010-01-26T17:00:00 Atrial Fibrillation Irregular heartbeat Loyola University Medical Center Health yes 174 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Abnormal_Blood_Pressure_in_Children_of_Pregnant_Smokers_Blood_Pressure_Lowered_with_Low_Carb_Diet_Ambidextrous_Kids_At_Raised_Risk_of_ADHD_4042.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Abnormal_Blood_Pressure_in_Children_of_Pregnant_Smokers_Blood_Pressure_Lowered_with_Low_Carb_Diet_Ambidextrous_Kids_At_Raised_Risk_of_ADHD_4042.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Abnormal_Blood_Pressure_in_Children_of_Pregnant_Smokers_Blood_Pressure_Lowered_with_Low_Carb_Diet_Ambidextrous_Kids_At_Raised_Risk_of_ADHD_4042.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4042.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Abnormal Blood Pressure in Children of Pregnant Smokers, Blood Pressure Lowered with Low Carb Diet, Ambidextrous Kids At Raised Risk of ADHD (January 25, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Sweden - According to a report published in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association, mothers who smoke while pregnant increase their newborn's odds of having abnormal blood pressure. Researchers studied 19 children of non-smoking parents and 17 children of women who smoked during pregnancy, measuring blood pressure by having the infant tilted upright during sleep. At one week, results showed that newborns of mothers who smoked had a 10% increase in blood pressure when tilted, compared with only 2% increase in the non-smoking group. From North Carolina - A low-carbohydrate diet may help lower blood pressure, according to a report published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Researchers studied nearly 150 overweight people, administering either a low fat diet plus the weight-loss drug orlistat or a low carb diet. Results showed that 47% of patients in the low-carb group had their blood pressure medication either lowered or stopped altogether, compared with only 21% in the orlistat group. And finally, from London - Children who are ambidextrous are more likely to suffer ADHD later in life, according to a report published online in the journal Pediatrics. Researchers followed nearly 8,000 children for 10 years, finding that children who were mixed handed by age 5 were 2x more likely to have ADHD symptoms in adolescence. 2010-01-25T17:00:00 Smoking while pregnant Abnormal blood pressure Child birth Obesity Weight Loss Weight Loss ADHD Karolinska Institute Duke University Imperial College London Health yes 0 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Physical_Activity_in_Middle_Age_and_Beyond_Beneficial_for_Mental_Physical_and_Intellectual_Health_4043.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Physical_Activity_in_Middle_Age_and_Beyond_Beneficial_for_Mental_Physical_and_Intellectual_Health_4043.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Physical_Activity_in_Middle_Age_and_Beyond_Beneficial_for_Mental_Physical_and_Intellectual_Health_4043.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4043.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Physical Activity in Middle Age and Beyond Beneficial for Mental, Physical, and Intellectual Health (January 25, 2010 - Insidermedicine) TThe benefits of exercise for healthy aging are demonstrated in several studies published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Here are some exercise recommendations for older adults from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association: To promote and maintain health, older adults need moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 30 min on five days each week or vigorous-intensity aerobic activity for a minimum of 20 min on three days each week. To promote and maintain health and physical independence, older adults will benefit from performing activities that maintain or increase muscular strength and endurance for a minimum of two days each week Participation in aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities above minimum recommended amounts provides additional health benefits and results in higher levels of physical fitness Researchers out of the Technical University of Munich found that physical activity, which they monitored over a two-year period, was independently associated with a reduced risk for cognitive function decline among a group of 3,903 self-selected volunteers who were over 55 years of age. Cognitive function was measured using a brief measure of global cognitive function. Using a broader battery of neuropsychological tests, researchers out of The University of British Columbia in Vancouver evaluated the impact of 1-year of once or twice weekly resistance training among 155 women aged 65 to 75, as compared with a control group that participated in twice weekly balance and tone training. Resistance exercise reduced the risk for decline in measures of executive functioning. Those who adhered best to the resistance training program had better scores on a test of selective attention and conflict resolution. Interestingly those in the resistance training group actually had lower brain volumes at 12 months. Researchers out of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston used data from the Nurses Health Study to demonstrate that even modest levels of physical exercise during middle age increased the likelihood of andldquo;successfulandrdquo; again beyond 70 years, which was defined as having low comorbidity, no mental health disease, and preserved physical and cognitive functioning. Finally, researchers out of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg randomized 246 women aged 65 or older who were living independently to an 18-month exercise or wellness program. In this study, regular, high intensity exercise was associated with improvements in bone mineral density (BMD) and fall rate, but no significant differences in health care costs were seen between the two groups. Todays research provides concrete benefits of participating in a regular exercise program in middle age and beyond. These benefits include better cognitive functioning and bone health as well as better overall health and quality of life. 2010-01-25T17:00:00 Exercise Cognitive function University of Erlangen-Nuremberg University of British Columbia Technical University of Munich Harvard School of Public Health Health yes 229 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Exercise_Beneficial_for_Healthy_Aging_4044.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Exercise_Beneficial_for_Healthy_Aging_4044.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Exercise_Beneficial_for_Healthy_Aging_4044.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4044.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Exercise Beneficial for Healthy Aging (January 25, 2010 - Insidermedicine) The benefits of engaging in regular exercise during middle age and beyond are demonstrated in several studies published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Here are some tips to help you stick to a regular exercise program: Find a type of exercise or activity that you enjoy doing Find a partner to join you in the activity with so that you can provide each other with support and motivation Challenge yourself by setting reasonable goals and making an effort to reach them Researchers from the Technical University of Munich followed the exercise habits of nearly 4,000 volunteers over 55 years of age during a two-year period. They found that physical activity was independently associated with a reduced risk for experiencing a decline in intellectual functioning, based on a simple test of cognitive skills. Using a broader battery of tests that assess intellect, cognition, and mental health, researchers from The University of British Columbia in Vancouver evaluated the impact of 1-year of once or twice weekly resistance training, as compared with twice weekly balance and tone training, among 155 women aged 65 to 75. Those who participated in the resistance training were less likely to experience a decline in measures of executive functioning, and those who followed the resistance training routine most closely had better scores on tests of selective attention and conflict resolution. Interestingly, resistance training was also associated with a small reduction in brain volume. Researchers out of the Harvard School of Public Health used data from the Nurses Health Study to demonstrate that exercising during middle age increases the likelihood of being physically, mentally, and intellectually healthy at age 70 and beyond. Finally, researchers from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg randomly assigned nearly 250 women aged 65 and older to an 18-month exercise or wellness program. Those in the exercise program had better bone health and fewer falls than those in the wellness program, although healthcare costs were similar for both groups. Todays research highlights some of the benefits of remaining physically active into middle age and beyond. These include remaining intellectually sharp, having better bone health, and being in better shape physically, mentally, and intellectually. 2010-01-25T17:00:00 Aging Aging Cognitive function Exercise Technical University of Munich University of British Columbia Harvard School of Public Health University of Erlangen-Nuremberg Health yes 180 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Eating_Less_Salt_Can_Save_Lives_Cognitive_Difficulties_In_Childhood_Linked_to_Schizophrenia_Later_in_Life_H1N1_ICU_Cases_Described_4039.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Eating_Less_Salt_Can_Save_Lives_Cognitive_Difficulties_In_Childhood_Linked_to_Schizophrenia_Later_in_Life_H1N1_ICU_Cases_Described_4039.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Eating_Less_Salt_Can_Save_Lives_Cognitive_Difficulties_In_Childhood_Linked_to_Schizophrenia_Later_in_Life_H1N1_ICU_Cases_Described_4039.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4039.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Eating Less Salt Can Save Lives, Cognitive Difficulties In Childhood Linked to Schizophrenia Later in Life, H1N1 ICU Cases Described (January 22, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From California - Limiting the amount of salt in the diet can reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers used a computer model to estimate the impact that salt has on heart disease in the US. They found that reducing daily salt intake by 3 grams a day could potentially prevent 32,000 strokes and 54,000 heart attacks a year. From North Carolina - According to a report published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, researchers may have found clues in childhood that may be linked to schizophrenia later in life. Studying over 1,000 children since 1972, researchers found that children who went on to develop schizophrenia in adulthood experienced certain cognitive difficulties by age 7--including problems with visual and verbal learning, difficulty reasoning and conceptualizing, and memory and attention problems. And finally, from Manitoba - According to a report published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, researchers underline the importance of prompt treatment of severe H1N1 symptoms. Studying all confirmed cases of H1N1 in Manitoba, finding that the longer the time between development of symptoms and treatment with antiviral medication, the more likely that person was to have severe disease that necessitated admission to ICU. 2010-01-22T17:00:00 Cardiovascular Death Heart Disease Schizophrenia H1N1 H1N1 University of Manitoba Duke University Columbia University Health yes 119 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Quitting_Smoking_After_Lung_Cancer_Diagnosis_Can_Prolong_Life_4040.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Quitting_Smoking_After_Lung_Cancer_Diagnosis_Can_Prolong_Life_4040.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Quitting_Smoking_After_Lung_Cancer_Diagnosis_Can_Prolong_Life_4040.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4040.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Quitting Smoking After Lung Cancer Diagnosis Can Prolong Life (January 22, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Quitting smoking after being diagnosed with lung cancer can prolong life and reduce the risk of a cancer recurrence or the development of a new lung cancer, according to research published online ahead of print in the British Medical Journal. Here are just a few of the effects of quitting smoking: After 20 minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure drop After 12 hours, carbon monoxide levels in your blood return to normal After 2 weeks to 3 months, your circulation and lung function improve Researchers from University of Birmingham analyzed data taken from 10 studies that explored the effects of quitting smoking on the survival and health of individuals who were diagnosed with lung cancer. Most of the individuals included in these studies had early stage disease. Overall, continuing to smoke after a diagnosis of lung cancer increased the risk of death by nearly two to three times. It also substantially increased the risk of recurrence of the initial cancer or the development of a new lung cancer. The researchers estimated that a 65-year old with early stage non-small cell lung cancer who quit smoking had a 70% chance of living another five years. If that same person decided not to quit, the chance of living that long dropped to 33%. Todays research demonstrates that there are definite health benefits to quitting smoking, even after being diagnosed with lung cancer. 2010-01-22T17:00:00 Smoking Lung Cancer University of Birmingham Health yes 116 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Morbidity_and_Mortality_Benefits_From_Smoking_Cessation_Following_Lung_Cancer_Diagnosis_4041.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Morbidity_and_Mortality_Benefits_From_Smoking_Cessation_Following_Lung_Cancer_Diagnosis_4041.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Morbidity_and_Mortality_Benefits_From_Smoking_Cessation_Following_Lung_Cancer_Diagnosis_4041.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4041.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Morbidity and Mortality Benefits From Smoking Cessation Following Lung Cancer Diagnosis (January 22, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Quitting smoking following a diagnosis of lung cancer can substantially reduce mortality as well as the risk of recurrence or the development of new lung cancers, according to research published online ahead of print in the British Medical Journal. Here are some recommendations to promote motivation to quit tobacco use from the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs: Advise tobacco users to quit at every visit because there is a dose response relationship between number of contacts and abstinence. Assess tobacco users for willingness to quit at every visit Provide the tobacco user who desires to quit choices and a variety of treatment modalities Researchers out of the University of Birmingham conducted a meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials or observational longitudinal studies that measured the effects of quitting smoking after receiving a diagnosis of lung cancer. Overall, most of the patients in the studies were diagnosed with early stage lung tumor. Continuing to smoke after diagnosis was associated with 2.94 times the risk of all-cause mortality and 1.86 times the risk of recurrence among those with early stage non-small cell lung cancer. Among those with limited stage small cell lung cancer, continuing to smoke was associated with 1.86 time the risk of all-cause mortality, 4.31 times the risk of developing a second primary tumor, and 1.26 times the risk of recurrence. Life table modeling estimated a 33% five year survival for a 65-year old with early stage non-small cell lung cancer who continues to smoke, compared with 70% for one who quits. Todays research indicates that there are definite mortality and morbidity benefits to quitting smoking, even after being diagnosed with lung cancer. 2010-01-22T17:00:00 Smoking Lung Cancer University of Birmingham Health yes 150 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Degree_of_Obesity_Linked_With_Stroke_Risk_ECG_In_the_Field_Lowers_Mortality_and_Time_to_Treatment_Blood_Test_for_Colorectal_Cancer_4036.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Degree_of_Obesity_Linked_With_Stroke_Risk_ECG_In_the_Field_Lowers_Mortality_and_Time_to_Treatment_Blood_Test_for_Colorectal_Cancer_4036.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Degree_of_Obesity_Linked_With_Stroke_Risk_ECG_In_the_Field_Lowers_Mortality_and_Time_to_Treatment_Blood_Test_for_Colorectal_Cancer_4036.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4036.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Degree of Obesity Linked With Stroke Risk, ECG In the Field Lowers Mortality and Time to Treatment, Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer (January 21, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Minnesota - The higher degree of obesity a person has, the more likely they are to suffer a stroke regardless of how the obesity is measured, according to a report published in the Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association. Researchers studied over 13, 0 00 adults for 19 years, finding that patients in the highest BMI category had up to 2.12 times increased risk of stroke; those with the highest waist circumference had an increased risk of up to 3.19 times, and those with the highest waist-to-hip ratio saw their risk increase up to 2.55 times. From Michigan - According to a report published in the journal Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions, giving chest pain patients an electrocardiogram before going to the hospital has significant benefits. Researchers studied two groups of patients with symptoms suggestive of a heart attack: one received an ECG in the field, and the data was sent electronically to the hospital so that ER physicians could interpret the data and prepare for the patients' arrival, while the control group had no prehospital ECG. Results showed that the ECG group had a lower mortality rate and a shorter time-to-treatment than the control group. And finally from Orlando - According to a report presented at the ASCO GI Cancers Symposium, researchers may have developed a blood test that can detect early colorectal cancer. Testing for CD24 protein levels in one group of patients with colorectal cancer and in another group of healthy controls, researchers saw that the test had a 78% sensitivity and nearly 87% specificity at distinguishing between the two groups. 2010-01-21T17:00:00 Heart Attack Myocardial Infarction STEMI Chest Pain Stroke Obesity Colorectal Cancer Providence Hospital and Medical Center University of Minnesota Tel Aviv Souraski Medical Center Health yes 141 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Cladribine_Shows_Significant_Benefit_for_MS_Patients_Mild_COPC_Decreases_Heart_Function_HPV_Testing_Better_than_Paps_at_Preventing_Cervical_Cancer_4034.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Cladribine_Shows_Significant_Benefit_for_MS_Patients_Mild_COPC_Decreases_Heart_Function_HPV_Testing_Better_than_Paps_at_Preventing_Cervical_Cancer_4034.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Cladribine_Shows_Significant_Benefit_for_MS_Patients_Mild_COPC_Decreases_Heart_Function_HPV_Testing_Better_than_Paps_at_Preventing_Cervical_Cancer_4034.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4034.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Cladribine Shows Significant Benefit for MS Patients, Mild COPC Decreases Heart Function, HPV Testing Better than Paps at Preventing Cervical Cancer (January 20, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From the UK - A new drug has shown to significantly help people with multiple sclerosis, according to a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers studied over 1300 MS patients for two years, administering the drug Cladribine or a placebo. Results showed that the Cladribine group had a 55% reduced risk of relapse and 30% reduced risk of deterioration of their disease. From New York - According to another report published in the New England Journal of Medicine, even mild COPD has been shown to decrease heart functioning. Researchers studied nearly 3,000 adults, finding that even mild COPD--with little or no symptoms--was linked to a decreased ability of the heart to pump blood effectively. And finally, from Italy - HPV DNA testing may be more effective at preventing cervical cancer than pap smears, according to a report published in the Lancet Oncology. Researchers studied data on 95,000 women, finding that those who were tested for HPV did not develop as many cancers as those who underwent only pap smears. These results, however, apply only to women over the age of 35--as HPV testing for women under 35 would likely lead to unnecessary treatment. 2010-01-20T17:00:00 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Multiple Sclerosis Cervical Cancer Queen Mary, University of London Columbia University Centre for Cancer Prevention Health yes 108 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Women_in_Labor_Can_Eat_and_Drink_Normally_Concussions_in_Kids_Not_Taken_Seriously_Enough_Treadmill_Helps_For_Parkinson_s_Patients_4032.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Women_in_Labor_Can_Eat_and_Drink_Normally_Concussions_in_Kids_Not_Taken_Seriously_Enough_Treadmill_Helps_For_Parkinson_s_Patients_4032.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Women_in_Labor_Can_Eat_and_Drink_Normally_Concussions_in_Kids_Not_Taken_Seriously_Enough_Treadmill_Helps_For_Parkinson_s_Patients_4032.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4032.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Women in Labor Can Eat and Drink Normally, Concussions in Kids Not Taken Seriously Enough, Treadmill Helps For Parkinson's Patients (January 19, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From South Africa - According to a report published online in the Cochrane Library, women in labour should be allowed to eat and drink what they want. Researchers conducted an analysis of five studies covering over 3000 women, finding no risks or benefits from eating or drinking during labor. This research calls into question many maternity wards' andquot;nil by mouthandquot; policies, in which women in labor are restricted in what they can eat and drink. From Hamilton - Concussions are not being taken as seriously as they should be, according to a report published in the journal Pediatrics. Researchers reviewed over 400 cases of children admitted to hospital with an acquired brain injury. Results showed that children who were diagnosed with a concussion were discharged from hospital earlier and returned to school earlier than children who were not diagnosed as having a concussion, an aspect that suggests that concussions are not widely regarded as the potentially serious brain injury that they may be. And finally, from Germany - According to another report published online in the Cochrane Library, people suffering from Parkinson's disease may find their walking improved with treadmill training. Researchers looked at data from 8 studies, covering over 200 Parkinson's patients. They found that treadmill training had a positive impact on patient's stride, speed, steps per minute and gait. 2010-01-19T19:00:00 Concussion Head Injury Labor Pregnancy Child birth Parkinson's Disease Tremor Difficulty walking East London Hospital Complex Wissenschaftliches Institut McMaster University Health yes 115 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had__H1N1_Flu__Dr_Donald_Low_MD_FRCPC_Mount_Sinai_Hospital_4033.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had__H1N1_Flu__Dr_Donald_Low_MD_FRCPC_Mount_Sinai_Hospital_4033.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had__H1N1_Flu__Dr_Donald_Low_MD_FRCPC_Mount_Sinai_Hospital_4033.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4033.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: If I Had - H1N1 Flu - Dr. Donald Low, MD, FRCPC, Mount Sinai Hospital (January 19, 2010 - Insidermedicine) In this video, Dr. Donald Low, MD, FRCPC, Chief of Microbiology at Mount Sinai Hospital, discusses what he would do if he had the H1N1 flu. 2010-01-19T19:00:00 Sneezing H1N1 Influenza Flu Swine Flu Coughing Head ache Muscle ache Mount Sinai Hospital Health yes 379 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_High_Opioid_Dose_and_Risk_of_Overdose_Mental_Lapses_May_Be_Sign_of_Alzheimer_s_Texting_More_Dangerous_than_Drunk_Driving_4028.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_High_Opioid_Dose_and_Risk_of_Overdose_Mental_Lapses_May_Be_Sign_of_Alzheimer_s_Texting_More_Dangerous_than_Drunk_Driving_4028.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_High_Opioid_Dose_and_Risk_of_Overdose_Mental_Lapses_May_Be_Sign_of_Alzheimer_s_Texting_More_Dangerous_than_Drunk_Driving_4028.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4028.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: High Opioid Dose and Risk of Overdose, Mental Lapses May Be Sign of Alzheimer's, Texting More Dangerous than Drunk Driving (January 18, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Seattle - According to a report published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, people suffering chronic pain that receive high doses of opioids face an increased risk of overdose. Researchers studied nearly 10,000 patients with opioid prescriptions, finding that those who were given a higher opioid dose had a nine-fold increased risk of overdose when compared to those with low doses. From St. Louis - According to a report published in the journal Neurology, elderly people who are developing Alzheimer's disease are more likely to suffer cognitive fluctuations--a host of symptoms that include daytime sleepiness, disorganized thinking and mental lapses. Researchers surveyed over 500 elderly people with memory problems. They found that patients who suffered these mental lapses had a 4.6x increased risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. And finally, from the UK - Text messaging while driving may be more dangerous than drunk driving, according to a report presented by the RAC Foundation for Motoring. Researchers studied 17-24 year olds using a driving simulator, examining how text messaging affected their ability to operate the car. They found that steering control was dramatically reduced by 91% when texting and that reaction times also worsened by 35%-- compared with 12% longer reaction times when inebriated. 2010-01-18T17:00:00 Overdose Daytime sleepiness Disorganized thinking Mental lapses Cognitive fluctuations Text messaging while driving Drunk driving Drunk driving Washington University School of Medicine Group Health Research Institute RAC Foundation Health yes 115 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_New_Model_Outlines_Risks_Benefits_and_Efficacy_of_Bariatric_Surgery_4029.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_New_Model_Outlines_Risks_Benefits_and_Efficacy_of_Bariatric_Surgery_4029.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_New_Model_Outlines_Risks_Benefits_and_Efficacy_of_Bariatric_Surgery_4029.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4029.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: New Model Outlines Risks, Benefits and Efficacy of Bariatric Surgery (January 18, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Most obese individuals can expect to live longer following bariatric surgery, but everyone considering such a procedure must weigh multiple potential risks and benefits, according to research published in the Archives of Surgery. Here is some information on bariatric surgery: It is surgery performed for the express purpose of helping patients lose weight It includes several procedures that lessen the size of the stomach and/or re-route the passage of food to limit its absorption Because of its risks, it is generally indicated only for individuals who are excessively overweight and who have been unable to keep weight off by any other means Researchers from the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center constructed a model to help determine who is most likely to live longer as a result of bariatric surgery. They used data from almost 400,000 individuals nationwide to calculate the excess risk of death from obesity, another study of over 20,000 patients to calculate the risks associated with bariatric surgery, and a third long-term study to estimate the effects of bariatric surgery on weight. Based on their model, 42-year-old woman with a body mass index (BMI) of 45 would gain nearly 3 years of life expectancy through bariatric surgery. Not everyone would benefit as much from the procedure, however. The benefits were less for men than for women and less for older than younger patients. For older patients with medical conditions that made surgery risky, the procedure could actually lower life expectancy. Today's research demonstrates how important it is to balance the potential benefits and risks before making a decision to undergo bariatric surgery. 2010-01-18T17:00:00 Obesity In hospital mortality University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center Health yes 119 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_New_Model_Outlines_Efficacy_of_Bariatric_Surgery_and_Risks_Benefits_of_the_Procedure_4030.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_New_Model_Outlines_Efficacy_of_Bariatric_Surgery_and_Risks_Benefits_of_the_Procedure_4030.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_New_Model_Outlines_Efficacy_of_Bariatric_Surgery_and_Risks_Benefits_of_the_Procedure_4030.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4030.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: New Model Outlines Efficacy of Bariatric Surgery and Risks, Benefits of the Procedure (January 18, 2010 - Insidermedicine) A new model that takes into account the risks of surgery, the risks of obesity, and the efficacy of bariatric surgery helps clarify which patients are likely to live longer as a result of this intervention. The research is published in the January issue of the Archives of Surgery. Here are some recommendations regarding the use of bariatric surgery in obese patients, from the American College of Physicians: Consider it for patients with a BMI of 40 kg/m2 or greater who instituted but failed an adequate exercise and diet program (with or without adjunctive drug therapy) and who present with obesity-related comorbid conditions A doctorpatient discussion of surgical options should include the long-term side effects, such as possible need for reoperation, gall bladder disease, and malabsorption. Refer patients to high-volume centers with surgeons experienced in bariatric surgery. Researchers out of the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center used data from the 2005 National Inpatient Survey to calculate in-hospital mortality risk associated with bariatric surgery. They calculated the excess risk of mortality associated with obesity using the 1991-1996 National Health Interview Survey linked to the National Death Index, and estimated the efficacy of bariatric surgery for weight loss based on a recent large observational trial. Based on their model, a 42-year old woman with a body mass index (BMI) of 45 would gain an additional 2.95 years of life expectancy through bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery had a baseline 30-day mortality of 0.2% and a baseline efficacy for reducing mortality of 53%. Surgery was no longer considered beneficial when surgical 30-day mortality exceeded 9.5% or when the efficacy of bariatric surgery for reducing mortality was decreased to 2% or less. Today's research provides a tool to help clinicians determine which of their obese patients will obtain a mortality benefit from bariatric surgery. 2010-01-18T17:00:00 Obesity In hospital mortality University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center Health yes 140 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_End_of_Life_Care_Inadequate_for_Kidney_Disease_Patients_Green_Tea_Cuts_Lung_Cancer_Risk_More_Info_Needed_On_Kidney_Abnormalities_4024.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_End_of_Life_Care_Inadequate_for_Kidney_Disease_Patients_Green_Tea_Cuts_Lung_Cancer_Risk_More_Info_Needed_On_Kidney_Abnormalities_4024.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_End_of_Life_Care_Inadequate_for_Kidney_Disease_Patients_Green_Tea_Cuts_Lung_Cancer_Risk_More_Info_Needed_On_Kidney_Abnormalities_4024.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4024.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: End of Life Care Inadequate for Kidney Disease Patients, Green Tea Cuts Lung Cancer Risk, More Info Needed On Kidney Abnormalities (January 15, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Alberta - According to a report published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, end of life care for patients with chronic kidney disease is often inadequate. Researchers surveyed nearly 600 patients with late stage kidney disease. 61% said that they regretted the initiation of dialysis--maintaining that the treatment was often the doctors and family's choice, rather than their own. As well, most did not receive help in managing their pain nor did they receive psychological or emotional support. From California - Green tea may have a protective effect against lung cancer, according to research presented at the Joint Conference for Molecular Origins of Lung Cancer. Researchers studied over 500 people, 170 who had lung cancer, 340 who were healthy controls. They found that people who drank at least one cup of green tea a day had 5x reduced risk of lung cancer, while past and present smokers had nearly 13x lower risk when compared to non green tea drinkers. And finally, from Rochester - According to another report published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, more information is needed regarding kidney abnormalities. Researchers examined nearly 2000 healthy potential kidney donors. They found that 1 in 4 of these people had an abnormality in their kidneys. Although these findings were not considered harmful, their long term effects were not clear. 2010-01-15T17:00:00 Chronic Kidney Disease Lung Cancer Kidney abnormality Mayo Clinic Chung Shan Medical University University of Alberta Health yes 118 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Importance_of_Dosing_Antibiotics_Based_on_One_s_Physical_Characteristics_Interview_with_Dr_Matthew_Falagas_Alfa_Institute_of_Biomedical_Sciences_4025.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Importance_of_Dosing_Antibiotics_Based_on_One_s_Physical_Characteristics_Interview_with_Dr_Matthew_Falagas_Alfa_Institute_of_Biomedical_Sciences_4025.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Importance_of_Dosing_Antibiotics_Based_on_One_s_Physical_Characteristics_Interview_with_Dr_Matthew_Falagas_Alfa_Institute_of_Biomedical_Sciences_4025.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4025.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Importance of Dosing Antibiotics Based on One's Physical Characteristics (Interview with Dr. Matthew Falagas, Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences) (January 15, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Antibiotics and other drugs used to fight infections should be individually dosed based on patients' physical characteristics in order to maximize the drugs' effectiveness and safety, according to a Viewpoint argument made in the The Lancet. Here is some information about antimicrobial drugs: They are drugs used to kill germs, including bacteria and fungi, which can cause disease Some microbes are developing resistance to antimicrobial drugs Taking antimicrobial drugs only as prescribed by a health care professional can help diminish the threat of resistance Researchers from the Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences in Athens provided many compelling reasons why antimicrobial drugs should be dosed based on patients' individuals characteristics instead of using the same dose for all adults. In the face of globalization and the worldwide epidemic of obesity, physicians today are likely to treat adults who vary dramatically in size and body composition from one another. At the same time, there is good evidence that the way antimicrobial drugs are broken down and cleared by the body can be heavily influenced by such characteristics as body size and the proportion of fat to lean body mass present. In addition, as the threat of drug-resistant germs increases, it is crucial that currently available antimicrobial drugs be used in a matter than maximizes their effectiveness. An unresolved issue is exactly what body characteristics to take into account when determining the appropriate dose of an antimicrobial drug. Body weight, amount of lean body mass, amount of fat, and body surface area can all affect how a drug performs. It remains unclear which of these physical characteristics dosing adjustments should be based on. We spoke with Dr Matthew E Falagas, one of the author's of the viewpoint, who offered some further insight. Today's research suggests there is a need to move away from a andquot;one size fits allandquot; approach to dosing antimicrobial drugs and instead tailor the dose to the individual. Always follow your physicians' instructions carefully when taking antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs. 2010-01-15T17:00:00 Obesity Infections Drug-resistant germs Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences Health yes 178 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Importance_of_Dosing_Antimicrobials_Based_on_Patient_s_Physical_Characteristics_Interview_with_Dr_Matthew_Falagas_Alfa_Institute_of_Biomedical_Sciences_4026.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Importance_of_Dosing_Antimicrobials_Based_on_Patient_s_Physical_Characteristics_Interview_with_Dr_Matthew_Falagas_Alfa_Institute_of_Biomedical_Sciences_4026.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Importance_of_Dosing_Antimicrobials_Based_on_Patient_s_Physical_Characteristics_Interview_with_Dr_Matthew_Falagas_Alfa_Institute_of_Biomedical_Sciences_4026.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4026.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Importance of Dosing Antimicrobials Based on Patient's Physical Characteristics (Interview with Dr. Matthew Falagas, Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences) (January 15, 2010 - Insidermedicine) The dosing of antimicrobial agents should be tailored to patients' physical characteristics in order to achieve maximal effectiveness and safety, according to a Viewpoint argument made in the The Lancet. Here are some guidelines for the use of antibiotics in adults from the Singapore Ministry of Health: Antibiotics should be used only for treatment of patients with confirmed or suspected bacterial infections. Antibiotics may be used for prophylaxis where consequences of infection would be severe. Clearly instruct patients or their caregivers on the dose and the necessity of finishing a course of treatment. Researchers out of the Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences in Athens provided many compelling reasons why antimicrobial agents should be dosed based on patients' individual physical characteristics. Physicians treat adults whose body weight and composition vary dramatically from one another, and there is good evidence that the metabolism and clearance of some antimicrobial drugs can be substantially affected by these factors. At the same time, the growing threat of drug-resistant pathogens calls for a need to maximize the effectiveness of currently available antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobials most in need of individualized dosing include those with a narrow therapeutic window, such as aminoglycosides, daptomycin, colistin, and amphotericin B, as well as those that are given at high doses for specific indications, including co-trimoxazole, metronidazole, and acyclovir. An unresolved issue for the proper dosing of most antimicrobial agents, however, is which body size descriptor to use in order to determine dose. Possibilities include total, adjusted, ideal or lean bodyweight, body surface area, and body mass index. We spoke with Dr Matthew E Falagas, one of the author's of the viewpoint, who offered some further insight. Today's research indicates that a move toward individualizing the dosing of antimicrobial agents is warranted. 2010-01-15T17:00:00 Drug-resistant germs Infections Obesity Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences Health yes 170 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Stelara_Trumps_Enbrel_for_Treatment_of_Moderate_to_Severe_Psoriasis_4019.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Stelara_Trumps_Enbrel_for_Treatment_of_Moderate_to_Severe_Psoriasis_4019.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Stelara_Trumps_Enbrel_for_Treatment_of_Moderate_to_Severe_Psoriasis_4019.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4019.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Stelara Trumps Enbrel for Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis (January 14, 2010 - Insidermedicine) A new drug known as Stelara appears to be more effective than Enbrel for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis, according to a head-to-head comparison published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Here is some information about psoriasis: It is a skin condition that typically produces red, scaly, raised patches of skin known as plaques It is an autoimmune disorder, meaning it is caused by a disruption in the normal activity of the immune system It is a chronic condition that comes and goes, but it is not contagious In a 12-week study, over 900 individuals with moderate-to-severe psoriasis were treated with either a high or low dose of Stelara or with a standard dose of Enbrel. Stelara is also known by its generic name ustekinumab, while Enbrel is also called etancercept. Both drugs are biologic agents that work by blocking different functions of the immune system. At the end of 12 weeks, 68% of those on the low dose of Stelara and 74% of those on the high dose of the drug experienced at least a 75% improvement in their condition, based on a standard measurement of psoriasis severity. In contrast, only 57% of those taking Enbrel experienced this much improvement. Similarly, 65% of those on low dose Stelara, 71% on high dose Stelara, but only 41% of those on Enbrel experienced a near or complete clearing of their psoriasis. In addition, nearly half of those who did not respond to Enbrel and who eventually went on to try Stelara experienced substantial improvement in their condition. Today's research highlights the benefits of Stelara over Enbrel for the treatment of mild-to-moderate psoriasis. 2010-01-14T17:00:00 Psoriasis Red Scaly Patches Manchester University Health yes 104 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Ustekinumab_Better_than_Etanercept_in_Treatment_of_Moderate_to_Severe_Psoriasis_4020.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Ustekinumab_Better_than_Etanercept_in_Treatment_of_Moderate_to_Severe_Psoriasis_4020.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Ustekinumab_Better_than_Etanercept_in_Treatment_of_Moderate_to_Severe_Psoriasis_4020.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4020.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Ustekinumab Better than Etanercept in Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis (January 14, 2010 - Insidermedicine) More patients suffering from moderate-to-severe psoriasis experienced substantial clearing of their condition with ustekinumab better than etanercept in a head-to-head trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Here are some guidelines for the use of biologic therapies to treat psoriasis, from the American Academy of Dermatology: Obtain an age appropriate history and physical examination along with an updated medication list. Obtain a reliable set of baseline laboratory studies that will allow you to detect and be aware of any underlying conditions or risk factors. During treatment with biologics, periodically re-evaluated patients for the development of new symptoms, including infection and malignancy. Researchers out of the University of Manchester randomized 903 patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis to receive subcutaneous injections of either ustekinumab or etanercept. Ustekinumab was administered in doses of 45 or 90 mg at weeks 0 and 4, while etanercept was dosed at 50 mg twice weekly for 12 weeks. At week 12, 67.5% of patients on low dose ustekinumab, 73.8% on high dose ustekinumab, and 56.8% on etanercept experienced at least a 75% improvement in psoriasis area-and-severity index (PASI) score. Similarly, 65.1% of patients on low dose ustekinumab, 70.6% on high dose ustekinumab, and 40.9% of those on etanercept had cleared or minimal disease, as determined by the physician's global assessment. Among patients who did not respond to etanercept, 48.9% had a 75% or greater improvement in PASI within 12 weeks of crossing over to the ustekinumab group. Today's research suggests that patients with psoriasis who do not respond adequately to etanercept may experience some relief with ustekinumab. 2010-01-14T17:00:00 Psoriasis Red Scaly Patches Skin plaques University of Manchester Health yes 106 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Retina_Test_for_Alzheimer_s_Elderly_Women_With_Cognitive_Impairment_Get_Unnecessary_Mammograms_New_Blood_Test_for_Lung_Cancer_Accurate_4022.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Retina_Test_for_Alzheimer_s_Elderly_Women_With_Cognitive_Impairment_Get_Unnecessary_Mammograms_New_Blood_Test_for_Lung_Cancer_Accurate_4022.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Retina_Test_for_Alzheimer_s_Elderly_Women_With_Cognitive_Impairment_Get_Unnecessary_Mammograms_New_Blood_Test_for_Lung_Cancer_Accurate_4022.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4022.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Retina Test for Alzheimer's, Elderly Women With Cognitive Impairment Get Unnecessary Mammograms, New Blood Test for Lung Cancer Accurate (January 14, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From London - According to a report published in the journal Cell Death andamp; Disease, a new eye test could help produce an early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The new technique, tested on animals, entails eye drops consisting of fluorescent markers that attach to the relevant retinal cells and highlight the ones that are dying. The retina is then imaged and this indicates the extent of brain cell death that occurs in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. From San Francisco - According to a report published in the American Journal of Public Health, elderly women who suffer cognitive impairment are frequently given unnecessary mammograms. Researchers studied over 2,000 women aged 70 and older, finding that 18% of women with severe cognitive impairment received mammography screening. The problem, however , is that to benefit from screening one must have a life expectancy of 4-5 years, whereas the severely cognitively impaired women in this study had an average life expectancy of only 3.3 years. And finally, from California - A new blood test may be able to accurately diagnose early stage lung cancer, according to research presented at the Joint Conference for Molecular Origins of Lung Cancer. Researchers studied 28 lung cancer patients and 56 controls--people who were at high risk for the disease--using a panel of 40 potential lung cancer biomarkers. Results showed that the blood test was 92% accurate at finding stage 1 lung cancer among controls. 2010-01-14T17:00:00 Lung Cancer Smoking Alzheimer's Disease Brain cell death Cognitive Impairment UCL Institute of Ophthalmology University of California, San Francisco. UCLA Health yes 124 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Ticalgrelor_Reduces_Mortality_in_Heart_Attack_Patients_Genetic_Variant_May_Reduce_Risk_of_Dementia_BPA_Confirmed_to_Raise_Risk_of_Heart_Disease_4018.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Ticalgrelor_Reduces_Mortality_in_Heart_Attack_Patients_Genetic_Variant_May_Reduce_Risk_of_Dementia_BPA_Confirmed_to_Raise_Risk_of_Heart_Disease_4018.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Ticalgrelor_Reduces_Mortality_in_Heart_Attack_Patients_Genetic_Variant_May_Reduce_Risk_of_Dementia_BPA_Confirmed_to_Raise_Risk_of_Heart_Disease_4018.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4018.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Ticalgrelor Reduces Mortality in Heart Attack Patients, Genetic Variant May Reduce Risk of Dementia, BPA Confirmed to Raise Risk of Heart Disease (January 13, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Boston - According to a report published in The Lancet, the anti-clotting medication ticagrelor has proven to reduce mortality without consequently increasing bleeding in heart attack patients. Researchers studied nearly 13, 500 heart attack patients, randomizing some to ticagrelor and placebo and others to clopidogrel and placebo for six months following hospitalization. Results showed that the ticagrelor group had a 16% reduced risk of suffering either cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or stroke when compared to the clopidogrel group. From New York - Scientists have discovered a genetic variant that may be associated with a lower risk for dementia, according to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers studied 523 adults aged 70 and older, finding that those who had two copies of the CETP longevity variant had a 72% reduced risk of eventually developing dementia during the 4.3 years of the study. And finally, from England - According to a report published in the journal PLoS ONE, new research has confirmed that BPA--or bisphenol A--is linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers studied nearly 1500 patients, finding that those who had the highest urinary concentration of BPA--a chemical compound that is used in baby bottles, food cans and water containers--were 33% more likely to suffer heart disease. 2010-01-13T18:30:00 Heart Disease Cardiovascular Disease Dementia Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer's Disease Myocardial Infarction Stroke Brigham and Women's Hospital Albert Einstein College of Medicine Peninsula Medical School Health yes 125 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Childhood_Obesity_Still_a_Problem_in_US_Interview_with_Cynthia_Ogden_PhD_Centers_for_Disease_Control_and_Prevention_4016.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Childhood_Obesity_Still_a_Problem_in_US_Interview_with_Cynthia_Ogden_PhD_Centers_for_Disease_Control_and_Prevention_4016.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Childhood_Obesity_Still_a_Problem_in_US_Interview_with_Cynthia_Ogden_PhD_Centers_for_Disease_Control_and_Prevention_4016.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4016.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Childhood Obesity Still a Problem in US (Interview with Cynthia Ogden, PhD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) (January 13, 2010 - Insidermedicine) The problem of childhood obesity in the United States has held fast during the past decade, according to research published in the January 20 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Here are some things families can do to combat childhood obesity: Ensure everyone eats 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day Limit time in front of TV, computer, or game console screens to 2 hours or less per day Engage in physical activity for an hour or more a day Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Hyattsville used data from a nationally representative sample of the U.S population to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children aged 19 and younger in the years 2007-8. Among infants and toddlers under the age of 2, nearly 10% were at above the 95th percentile with regard to human growth charts of weight-for-length. Among those aged 2 to 19, 12% were at or above the 97th percentile for body mass index (BMI) for their age group. Another 17% were at or above the 95th percentile, and 32% were at or above the 85th percentile. Based on the adult definition of obesity of a BMI or 30 or over, nearly 13% of these children were obese. Today's research highlights the ongoing problem of childhood overweight and obesity and suggests more needs to be done to address the issue. 2010-01-13T11:00:00 Childhood Obesity Overweight child Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health yes 175 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_High_Rates_of_Childhood_Obesity_in_US_Remain_Interview_with_Cynthia_Ogden_PhD_Centers_for_Disease_Control_and_Prevention_4017.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_High_Rates_of_Childhood_Obesity_in_US_Remain_Interview_with_Cynthia_Ogden_PhD_Centers_for_Disease_Control_and_Prevention_4017.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_High_Rates_of_Childhood_Obesity_in_US_Remain_Interview_with_Cynthia_Ogden_PhD_Centers_for_Disease_Control_and_Prevention_4017.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4017.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: High Rates of Childhood Obesity in US Remain (Interview with Cynthia Ogden, PhD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) January 13, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Alarmingly high rates of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents have remained stable during the past decade in the United States, according to research published in the January 20 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Here are some recommendations to give your overweight or obese pediatric patients, from the Endocrine Society: Avoid the consumption of calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods (e.g., sweetened beverages, sports drinks, fruit drinks and juices, most andquot;fast food,andquot; and calorie-dense snacks) Engage in at least 60 min of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity Decrease in time spent in sedentary activities, such as watching television, playing video games, or using computers for recreation Researchers out of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Hyattsville used data from the 2007-8 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to make updated estimates of the prevalence of high BMI among children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 as well as high weight for recumbent length among younger children in the U.S. Among infants and toddlers under 2, 9.5% were at or above the 95the percentile of the weight-for-recumbent-length growth charts. Among those aged 2 to 19, 11.9% were at or above the 97th percentile of BMI for age. Another 16.9% were at or above the 95th percentile, and 31.7% were at or above the 85th percentile. Fully 12.6% of these children were obese, based on the adult definition of a BMI of 30 or above. Today's research suggests that not enough is being done to address childhood obesity, as high rates of overweight among American children have held fast for the past decade. 2010-01-13T11:00:00 Childhood Obesity Overweight child Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health yes 0 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Loss_of_Smell_Possible_Predictor_of_Alzheimer_s_Family_History_of_Pancreatic_Cancer_Increases_Risk_Excessive_TV_May_Shorten_Life_4014.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Loss_of_Smell_Possible_Predictor_of_Alzheimer_s_Family_History_of_Pancreatic_Cancer_Increases_Risk_Excessive_TV_May_Shorten_Life_4014.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Loss_of_Smell_Possible_Predictor_of_Alzheimer_s_Family_History_of_Pancreatic_Cancer_Increases_Risk_Excessive_TV_May_Shorten_Life_4014.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4014.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Loss of Smell Possible Predictor of Alzheimer's, Family History of Pancreatic Cancer Increases Risk, Excessive TV May Shorten Life (January 12, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From New York - Scientists believe that loss of smell may be a predictor of Alzheimer's disease, according to a report published in the Journal of Neuroscience. Studying mice genetically engineered to develop amyloid plaques in their brains, researchers noted that the mice with the highest concentration of amyloid sniffed items longer in order to identify them and also had difficulty discerning between odors. Researchers attributed these changes to the fact that the amyloid plaques first developed in a part of the mouse's brain that is also directly above their nose and responsible for smelling. From Baltimore - According to a report published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, family history of pancreatic cancer significantly increases ones risk of also developing the disease. Researchers studied data on over 9,000 people from 1700 families. They found that a person has a sixfold raised risk of pancreatic cancer if one has multiple family members with the disease, while those who had a relative under 50 with pancreatic cancer were at a 9x increased risk. And finally, from Australia - According to a repot published in the journal Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, excessive television watching may shorten ones lifespan. Researchers followed nearly 9,000 adults for six and a half years, finding that those who watched four or more hours of TV each day had a 46% increased risk of dying during the study when compared with those who watched less than two hours daily. 2010-01-12T17:00:00 Alzheimer's Disease Loss of smell Dementia Pancreatic Cancer Family history of cancer Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center Johns Hopkins University NYU Langone Medical Center Monash University Health yes 121 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_C_Sections_Only_When_Indicated_Predictor_of_Success_in_Cornea_Transplant_Surgery_Even_Low_Levels_of_Lead_Bad_for_Children_s_Kidneys_4010.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_C_Sections_Only_When_Indicated_Predictor_of_Success_in_Cornea_Transplant_Surgery_Even_Low_Levels_of_Lead_Bad_for_Children_s_Kidneys_4010.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_C_Sections_Only_When_Indicated_Predictor_of_Success_in_Cornea_Transplant_Surgery_Even_Low_Levels_of_Lead_Bad_for_Children_s_Kidneys_4010.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4010.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: C Sections Only When Indicated, Predictor of Success in Cornea Transplant Surgery, Even Low Levels of Lead Bad for Children's Kidneys (January 11, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Switzerland - According to a report published in The Lancet, cesarean sections should not be done unless medically indicated. Researchers from the World Health Organization examined data on over 100 000 deliveries, finding an increased risk of both morbidity--admission to intensive care, hysterectomy and blood transfusion--and maternal mortality associated with cesarean sections that were not medically indicated. From Ohio - Researchers have identified a new predictor of success in cornea transplant surgery, according to a report published in the Archives of Ophthalmology. Previous theories maintained that the donor's endothelial cells--the cells that line the underside of the cornea--would predict whether the transplant would succeed or not. New research, however, shows that the patient's endothelial count six month after transplantation is much better at predicting the eventual success of the procedure. And finally, from Baltimore - According to a report published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, even a tiny amount of lead in the blood can be dangerous for children's kidneys. Researchers studied nearly 800 children and teenagers, finding that children with lead levels above 2.9 micrograms per deciliter had a kidney filtration rate that was 6.6 units lower than children who had less than 1 micrograms per deciliter in their blood. 2010-01-11T18:30:00 Vision problems Cornea surgery rejection Cesarean section Pregnancy Hysterectomy Blood transfusion Lead Exposure Kidney problems Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Johns Hopkins Children's Cente Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine KK Women's and Children's Hospital Health yes 110 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Exercise_Helps_Stave_Off_Cognitive_Impairment_In_Elderly_Women_Interview_with_Dr_Yonas_Geda_MD_Mayo_Clinic_4011.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Exercise_Helps_Stave_Off_Cognitive_Impairment_In_Elderly_Women_Interview_with_Dr_Yonas_Geda_MD_Mayo_Clinic_4011.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Exercise_Helps_Stave_Off_Cognitive_Impairment_In_Elderly_Women_Interview_with_Dr_Yonas_Geda_MD_Mayo_Clinic_4011.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4011.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Exercise Helps Stave Off Cognitive Impairment In Elderly Women (Interview with Dr. Yonas Geda, MD, Mayo Clinic) (January 11, 2010 - Insidermedicine) A moderately intensive exercise routine can help stave off cognitive impairment, while intense exercise may help improve cognitive impairment that has already begun, at least among women, according to two studies published in the Archives of Neurology. Here is some information about mild cognitive impairment: it is a transition stage between the cognitive decline that occurs with normal aging and dementia seen in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease it can affect memory as well as reasoning, judgment, language, and attention while the condition may remain stable, many of those with mild cognitive impairment will go on to develop more serious symptoms In the first study, researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle randomly assigned over 30 adults aged 55 to 85 with mild cognitive impairment to partake in a high-intensity aerobic exercise regimen or a stretching regimen. The aerobic group worked out with a professional to within 75 to 85% of their maximum heart rate for 45 to 60 min 4 days a week. After six months, both men and women in the aerobic group were more fit. The women in this group also enjoyed significant improvement in their cognitive ability. This improvement was much less marked in men, possibly due to sex differences in the metabolic effects of exercise. In the second study, researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester compared the exercise habits of nearly 200 older adults with mild cognitive impairment with those of over 1,000 older adults without the condition. Their analysis revealed that exercising moderately reduced the risk of having mild cognitive impairment in mid life by 39% and in late life by 32% in both men and women. Interestingly, neither light nor intense exercise had this effect. Today's research suggests that engaging in at least a moderately intensive exercise routine can help keep your brain sharp as you age. 2010-01-11T18:30:00 Cognitive Impairment Memory Loss Aging Exercise University of Washington School of Medicine Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System Health yes 224 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Moderately_Intensive_Exercise_Regimen_Reduces_Risk_of_Cognitive_Impairment_In_Elderly_Females_Interview_with_Dr_Yonas_Geda_MD_Mayo_Clinic_4012.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Moderately_Intensive_Exercise_Regimen_Reduces_Risk_of_Cognitive_Impairment_In_Elderly_Females_Interview_with_Dr_Yonas_Geda_MD_Mayo_Clinic_4012.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Moderately_Intensive_Exercise_Regimen_Reduces_Risk_of_Cognitive_Impairment_In_Elderly_Females_Interview_with_Dr_Yonas_Geda_MD_Mayo_Clinic_4012.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4012.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Moderately Intensive Exercise Regimen Reduces Risk of Cognitive Impairment In Elderly Females (Interview with Dr. Yonas Geda, MD, Mayo Clinic) (January 11, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Moderate exercise reduces the risk of developing cognitive impairment while intensive aerobic exercise helps improve symptoms of the condition, at least in women, according to two studies published in the Archives of Neurology. Here are some guidelines for the early identification of dementia from the American Academy of Neurology: Recognize and monitor patients with mild cognitive impairment for cognitive and functional decline due to their increased risk for subsequent dementia Consider general cognitive screening instruments (e.g., Mini-Mental State Examination) for the detection of dementia in individuals with suspected cognitive impairment Consider brief cognitive assessment instruments that focus on limited aspects of cognitive function (i.e., Clock Drawing Test, Time and Change Test) when screening patients for dementia In the first study, researchers out of the University of Washington School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle randomized 33 adults aged 55 to 85 with amnestic mild cognitive impairment to high-intensity aerobic exercise or stretching. The aerobic group exercised under the supervision of a fitness trainer at 75 to 85% of heart rate reserve for 45 to 60 min a day 4 days a week. After six months, the women but not the men in the aerobic group had improvements in several measures of executive functioning, a difference that appeared to be due to sex differences in glucometabolic and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responses. In the second study, researchers out of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester compared the frequency of exercise of 198 older individuals with mild cognitive impairment with that of 1,126 older individuals without the condition. The analysis was adjusted for age, sex, years of education, medical comorbidities, and depression. Those who engaged in moderate exercise were 39% less likely to have mild cognitive impairment at midlife and 32% less likely to have it late in life. Neither light nor vigorous exercise were associated with changes in the risk for mild cognitive impairment. These findings were consistent across sexes. We spoke with Dr. Yonas Geda, MD, one of the investigator's of this study, who offered some further insight. Today's research suggests that a moderately intensive exercise regimen could be recommended for older adults at high risk of developing cognitive impairment and/or who are beginning to develop the condition. 2010-01-11T18:30:00 Exercise Cognitive Impairment Memory Loss Aging Mayo Clinic University of Washington School of Medicine Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System Health yes 253 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_PET_Scanning_Accurately_Differentiates_Underlying_Causes_of_Parkinsonism_4007.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_PET_Scanning_Accurately_Differentiates_Underlying_Causes_of_Parkinsonism_4007.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_PET_Scanning_Accurately_Differentiates_Underlying_Causes_of_Parkinsonism_4007.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4007.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: PET Scanning Accurately Differentiates Underlying Causes of Parkinsonism (January 11, 2010 - Insidermedicine) An image-based classification system based on positron emission tomography (PET) scanning can accurately differentiate underlying causes of parkinsonism, according to research published online ahead of print in The Lancet Neurology. Here are some guidelines for initiating drug therapy in patients with Parkinson's disease from the American Academy of Neurology Consider initial symptomatic treatment of patients with selegiline in order to confer mild, symptomatic benefit prior to the institution of dopaminergic therapy Use either levodopa or a dopamine agonist in patients who require the initiation of dopaminergic treatment Select dopaminergic treatment base on the relative impact of improving motor disability (better with levodopa) compared with the lessening of motor complications (better with dopamine agonists) for each individual patient Researchers out of the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research in Manhasset conducted fluorine-18-labelled-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET scanning on the brains of 167 patients with parkinsonism. They used an automated image-based classification procedure of their own design to differentiate patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy. Following imaging, patients were assessed by a blinded movement disorders specialist for a mean of 2-6 years before a final diagnosis was made. As compared with the diagnoses made by the movement specialists, PET-based diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease had a sensitivity of 84%, a specificity of 97%, a positive predictive value of 98%, and a negative predictive value of 82%. Similar accuracy rates were found for the diagnoses of multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy. Today's research suggests that PET imaging can be used to differentiate underlying pathologies among patients with parkinsonism, providing guidance for appropriate treatment and inclusion in clinical trials. 2010-01-11T05:00:00 Parkinson's Disease Progressive supranuclear palsy Multiple system atrophy Tremor of limbs Slowness of movement Feinstein Institute for Medical Research Health yes 153 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_PET_Scanning_Effective_at_Differentiating_Parkinson_s_Disease_From_Other_Brain_Disorders_4006.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_PET_Scanning_Effective_at_Differentiating_Parkinson_s_Disease_From_Other_Brain_Disorders_4006.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_PET_Scanning_Effective_at_Differentiating_Parkinson_s_Disease_From_Other_Brain_Disorders_4006.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4006.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: PET Scanning Effective at Differentiating Parkinson's Disease From Other Brain Disorders (January 11, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Different brain diseases that cause symptoms similar to those associated with Parkinson's disease can be distinguished from one another through a type of brain scan known as positron emission tomography, or PET, according to research published online ahead of print in The Lancet Neurology. Here is some information about Parkinson's disease: It belongs to a group of disorders known as motor system or movement disorders It is caused by damage of unknown cause to a part of the brain responsible for movement Key symptoms include tremor or trembling of the limbs, rigidity or stiffness, slowness of movement; and impaired balance and coordination. Researchers from the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research in Manhasset conducted PET scans on the brains of over 150 patients with symptoms of Parkinson's disease but whose diagnosis was not certain. They then used an automated image-based classification procedure to estimate the likelihood that the patients were indeed suffering from Parkinson's disease or whether they had one of two other brain diseases that cause similar symptoms. The patients next underwent regular assessments by a movement disorders specialist for an average of 2 to 6 years in order to confirm their diagnosis. PET scanning differentiated Parkinson's disease from the other two brain disorders with a high degree of accuracy. In fact, when the test indicated that the patient had Parkinson's disease, the likelihood that this was indeed the case was 98%. The accuracy was so high, in fact, that the researchers say it could be used as a diagnostic tool. Today's research offers a method for differentiating Parkinson's disease from other brain disorders that have similar symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is important for ensuring that patients receive appropriate treatment and/or that they participate in the appropriate clinical trials. 2010-01-11T02:30:00 Parkinson's Disease Multiple system atrophy Progressive supranuclear palsy Tremor of limbs Rigidity or stiffness Slowness of movement Impaired balance and coordination Feinstein Institute for Medical Research Health yes 141 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_TB_Risk_Decreases_With_Additional_Birth_Weight_Atherosclerosis_Risk_For_HIV_Infected_Men_New_Discovery_in_Fight_Against_Cancer_4005.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_TB_Risk_Decreases_With_Additional_Birth_Weight_Atherosclerosis_Risk_For_HIV_Infected_Men_New_Discovery_in_Fight_Against_Cancer_4005.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_TB_Risk_Decreases_With_Additional_Birth_Weight_Atherosclerosis_Risk_For_HIV_Infected_Men_New_Discovery_in_Fight_Against_Cancer_4005.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4005.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: TB Risk Decreases With Additional Birth Weight, Atherosclerosis Risk For HIV Infected Men, New Discovery in Fight Against Cancer (January 8, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Michigan - According to a report published online in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, every additional pound at birth lowers a newborns risk of developing tuberculosis. Studying identical twins, researchers found that for every 1.1 pounds of birth weight, TB risk decreased by 87% for males and 16% for females. From Massachusetts - Men infected with HIV who have minimal cardiac risk factors nonetheless have been found to suffer from serious atherosclerosis, according to a report published in the journal AIDS. Researchers studied 110 men--78 of whom had HIV while 32 were healthy controls--with no symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Results of CT angiography showed coronary atherosclerosis in 59% of HIV patients, compared with 34% of controls. As well, five of the HIV patients had critical coronary stenosis compared with none of the controls. And finally, from Montreal - According to a report published in the journal Science Signalling, scientists have identified a connection between two genetic pathways that may help in the fight against cancer. Researchers discovered a link between the gene PTEN--which is known to suppress tumors--and the protein PKR--known to hinder protein synthesis. They found that, when the gene PTEN is either missing or mutated, PKR no longer stops protein synthesis, thereby setting the stage for tumor development. This discovery could potentially lead to new cancer treatments aimed at activating the PKR protein. 2010-01-08T17:00:00 AIDS/HIV Birth Tumor Cancer Atherosclerosis Cardiovascular Disease Tuberculosis (TB) University of Michigan Massachusetts General Hospital Jewish General Hospital McGill University Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research Health yes 129 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Abnormal_Blood_Calcium_Levels_Linked_With_Death_Risk_Pediatric_Cancer_Survivors_More_Likely_to_Get_Heart_Disease_Obesity_As_Bad_As_Smoking_4002.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Abnormal_Blood_Calcium_Levels_Linked_With_Death_Risk_Pediatric_Cancer_Survivors_More_Likely_to_Get_Heart_Disease_Obesity_As_Bad_As_Smoking_4002.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Abnormal_Blood_Calcium_Levels_Linked_With_Death_Risk_Pediatric_Cancer_Survivors_More_Likely_to_Get_Heart_Disease_Obesity_As_Bad_As_Smoking_4002.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4002.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Abnormal Blood Calcium Levels Linked With Death Risk, Pediatric Cancer Survivors More Likely to Get Heart Disease, Obesity As Bad As Smoking (January 7, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Virginia - Kidney disease patients with either high or low blood calcium levels are increased risk of premature mortality, according to a report published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Researchers analyzed over 1200 males suffering from chronic kidney disease but who did not need dialysis. They found that patients with unusually high blood calcium levels were at 31% increased risk of death, while those with unusually low levels saw their risk increase by 21%. From Philadelphia - According to a report published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers andamp; Prevention, childhood cancer survivors are more likely to develop several health conditions that consequently raise their risk of heart disease. Researchers examined information on over 8,500 pediatric cancer survivors and nearly 3,000 of their siblings. They found that survivors were 70% more likely to have diabetes than their siblings, 60% more likely to be taking a medication for cholesterol, and 2x more likely to be on medication for hypertension. And finally, from New York - Obesity is now considered as big a health threat as smoking, according to a report published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. The 15 year study focused on quality adjusted life years (QALY)--a measurement of both quantity and quality of life, in regards to health. Though smoking was found to cause more mortality, obesity--which rose 85% over the course of the study--was found to have caused more disease. 2010-01-07T19:00:00 Kidney Disease Abnormal blood calcium levels Heart Disease Pediatric Cancer High Cholesterol High Blood Pressure Diabetes Obesity Smoking Health yes 128 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_New_Device_Helps_Children_Lose_Weight_By_Controlling_Eating_Habits_Interview_with_Dr_Per_Sodersten_PhD_Karolinska_Institutet_4003.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_New_Device_Helps_Children_Lose_Weight_By_Controlling_Eating_Habits_Interview_with_Dr_Per_Sodersten_PhD_Karolinska_Institutet_4003.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_New_Device_Helps_Children_Lose_Weight_By_Controlling_Eating_Habits_Interview_with_Dr_Per_Sodersten_PhD_Karolinska_Institutet_4003.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4003.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: New Device Helps Children Lose Weight By Controlling Eating Habits (Interview with Dr. Per Sodersten, PhD, Karolinska Institutet) (January 7, 2010 - Insidermedicine) A portable device that provides real-time feedback on how quickly food is going down during a meal helps children and adolescents control their eating and lose weight better than standard lifestyle modification therapy, according to a trial published online ahead of print in the British Medical Journal. Some consequences of unhealthy lifestyle habits in childhood include: an increased risk of death and disability in adulthood continuation of childhood overweight and obesity into adulthood increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular risk at a younger age Researchers from the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and the University of Bristol tested a device known as the Mandometer among obese children and adolescents aged 9 to 17. The Mandometer is a portable computerized weighing scale. Users place their meal directly on the scale, and it provides real-time feedback as to how quickly the meal is consumed. The investigators randomly assigned over 100 participants to use this device for 12 months or to undergo standard lifestyle modification therapy. After 12 months, those using the Mandometer had a body mass index (BMI) that was closer to a healthy BMI than those who did not use the device, and this difference was maintained for an additional six months after they stopped using the device. The Mandometer-users also had body fat levels closer to healthy levels. In addition, the Mandometer-users dropped the average size of their meals by 45g and saw improvements in their HDL or andquot;healthyandquot; cholesterol. We had a chance to speak with Dr. Per Sodersten, one of the investigator's of this study, who offered some further insight. Today's research demonstrates how retraining eating behavior through use of a computerized scale can help obese children and adolescents lose weight and develop more healthy eating habits better than standard approaches to weight loss. 2010-01-07T19:00:00 Weight Loss Obesity Weight gain Bristol Royal Hospital for Children University of Bristol Health yes 208 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Portable_Device_Helps_Children_Lose_Weight_By_Controlling_How_They_Eat_Interview_with_Dr_Per_Sodersten_PhD_Karolinska_Institutet_4004.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Portable_Device_Helps_Children_Lose_Weight_By_Controlling_How_They_Eat_Interview_with_Dr_Per_Sodersten_PhD_Karolinska_Institutet_4004.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Portable_Device_Helps_Children_Lose_Weight_By_Controlling_How_They_Eat_Interview_with_Dr_Per_Sodersten_PhD_Karolinska_Institutet_4004.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4004.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Portable Device Helps Children Lose Weight By Controlling How They Eat (Interview with Dr. Per Sodersten, PhD, Karolinska Institutet) (January 7, 2010 - Insidermedicine) A computerized device that provides direct feedback on food consumption during meals helps children and adolescents control food intake and lose weight better than standard lifestyle modification therapy, according to a trial published online ahead of print in the British Medical Journal. Here are some guidelines for helping adolescents increase their physical activity levels, from the American Academy of Pediatrics: identify activities that are of interest to the adolescent, especially those that are fun and include friends, recommend competitive contact and collision sports that are based on size and ability instead of chronologic age. as the individual reaches physical maturity weight training can include longer sets using heavier weights and fewer repetitions Researchers out of the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and the University of Bristol tested the ability of the Mandometer to help obese children and adolescents lose weight. The Mandometer is a portable computerized weighing scale on which meals can be placed. It provides real-time feedback on how quickly food is consumed during a meal. The investigators randomized 106 obese children aged 9 to 17 to use the device for 12 months during meals or to standard lifestyle modification therapy. At the end of 12 months, those using the Mandometer had lower mean body mass index standard deviation scores (BMI SDS), as compared with the control group. This difference was maintained at 18 months, six months after the children had stopped using the device. After adjustment for baseline levels, mean body fat SDS was significantly lower for the Mandometer users, and they also saw greater improvements in HDL cholesterol. Mean meal size among those using the Mandometer dropped by 45g. We had a chance to speak with Dr. Per Sodersten, one of the investigator's of this study, who offered some further insight. Today's research suggests that retraining eating behavior through use of a real-time feedback device is better than lifestyle modification therapy for helping obese children and adolescents lose weight. 2010-01-07T19:00:00 Weight gain Obesity Weight Loss Bristol Royal Hospital for Children University of Bristol Health yes 207 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Cell_Phones_May_Reduce_Alzheimer_s_Risk_Coffee_Linked_With_Less_Likelihood_of_Liver_Fibrosis_Childhood_Abuse_and_Migraines_Connected_3999.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Cell_Phones_May_Reduce_Alzheimer_s_Risk_Coffee_Linked_With_Less_Likelihood_of_Liver_Fibrosis_Childhood_Abuse_and_Migraines_Connected_3999.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Cell_Phones_May_Reduce_Alzheimer_s_Risk_Coffee_Linked_With_Less_Likelihood_of_Liver_Fibrosis_Childhood_Abuse_and_Migraines_Connected_3999.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3999.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Cell Phones May Reduce Alzheimer's Risk, Coffee Linked With Less Likelihood of Liver Fibrosis, Childhood Abuse and Migraines Connected (January 6, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Florida - According to a report published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, long term exposure to cell phones may have a protective effect against Alzheimer's disease. Researchers studied nearly 100 mice that were genetically engineered to have brain plaques, exposing them to electromagnetic waves from a cell phone. Results showed that beta-amyloid proteins were eliminated thereby erasing the brain plaques, while exposure in younger mice actually prevented the buildup of these proteins. From Bethesda - Caffeine may decrease liver fibrosis risk in chronic liver disease patients, according to a report published in the journal Hepatology. Researchers surveyed nearly 200 patients scheduled for a liver biopsy, finding that those who drank roughly 2.25 cups of coffee daily-or 308 mg of caffiene--had a 75% reduced risk of suffering advanced fibrosis. And finally, from Ohio - According to a report published in the journal Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, children who are emotionally or physically abused are more likely to suffer migraines and pain disorders later in life. Researchers surveyed nearly 1,400 migraine patients, finding that participants who reported emotional abuse or neglect in childhood had a higher rate of comorbid pain conditions than those who did not suffer this abuse. 2010-01-06T18:00:00 Migraine Pain disorder Childhood Abuse Chronic Liver Disease Liver Fibrosis Chronic Hepatitis C Alzheimer's Disease Brain plaques Memory problems University of South Florida University of Toledo Medical Center National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Health yes 113 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Identifying_Nasal_S_Aureus_Bacteria_Reduces_Risk_of_Infections_For_Hospitalized_Patients_Interview_with_Dr_Henri_Verbrugh_Erasmus_University_4000.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Identifying_Nasal_S_Aureus_Bacteria_Reduces_Risk_of_Infections_For_Hospitalized_Patients_Interview_with_Dr_Henri_Verbrugh_Erasmus_University_4000.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Identifying_Nasal_S_Aureus_Bacteria_Reduces_Risk_of_Infections_For_Hospitalized_Patients_Interview_with_Dr_Henri_Verbrugh_Erasmus_University_4000.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4000.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Identifying Nasal S. Aureus Bacteria Reduces Risk of Infections For Hospitalized Patients (Interview with Dr. Henri Verbrugh, Erasmus University) (January 6, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Infections with a type of bacteria known as Staphylococcus aureus, or S. aureus, can be diminished by identifying and treating those who carry it in their nasal passages, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Here is some information about hospital-acquired infections: They are a common problem in hospitals worldwide They are a leading cause of death among hospitalized patients They increase the cost of healthcare, primarily by extending the length of hospital stays Researchers from Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam identified over 900 individuals about to be admitted to hospital who were nasal carriers of S. aureus. The investigators randomized these patients to use an antibiotic nasal ointment and body soap or to a placebo group. The overall rate of infection was more than twice as high for the patients using a placebo, as compared with those using the antibiotic ointment and soap. The treatment was particularly helpful with respect to preventing deep surgical infections those who used the placebo were five times more likely to develop such an infection, as compared with those who used the antibiotic therapy. Overall survival rates were similar for both groups of patients. We spoke with Dr. Henri Verbrugh, MD, PhD, Erasmus University Medical Center, one of the investigators of this study, who offered some further insight. Today's research suggests that simple procedures for identifying and treating S. aureus in the nose can help reduce the risk of infection among hospitalized patients. 2010-01-06T18:00:00 Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) Surgical infections Erasmus University Medical Center Health yes 155 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Screening_Decolonizing_Nasal_S_Aureus_Reduces_In_Hospital_Infections_Interview_with_Dr_Henri_Verbrugh_Erasmus_University_4001.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Screening_Decolonizing_Nasal_S_Aureus_Reduces_In_Hospital_Infections_Interview_with_Dr_Henri_Verbrugh_Erasmus_University_4001.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Screening_Decolonizing_Nasal_S_Aureus_Reduces_In_Hospital_Infections_Interview_with_Dr_Henri_Verbrugh_Erasmus_University_4001.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS4001.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Screening, Decolonizing Nasal S. Aureus Reduces In Hospital Infections (Interview with Dr. Henri Verbrugh, Erasmus University) (January 6, 2010 - Insidermedicine) The risk of infection, particularly those occurring at surgical sites, can be reduced by identifying and treating nasal carriers of Staphylococcus aureus, according to a trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine. According to the World Health Organization, physicians can help with the prevention and control of nosocomial infections by: Providing direct patient care using practices which minimize infection Following appropriate practice of hygiene (e.g. handwashing, isolation) Serving on and/or supporting the Infection Control Committee Researchers out of Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam randomized 917 patients being admitted to hospital whose nasal swabs were positive for S. aureus to treatment with mupirocin nasal ointment and chlorhexidine body soap or placebo. All S. aureus strains were known to be susceptible to mupirocin. Overall infection rate was 3.4% in the mupirocin-chlorhexidine group, compared with 7.7% in the placebo group. Benefits of active therapy were most pronounced among patients with deep surgical site infections, for whom the relative risk of infection was 0.21 for active therapy vs. placebo. All-cause mortality rates were not affected by treatment, but time to the onset of nosocomical infection was shorter in the placebo group. We spoke with Dr. Henri Verbrugh, MD, PhD, Erasmus University Medical Center, one of the investigators of this study, who offered some further insight. Today's research demonstrates how rapid screening and decolonizing of nasal S. aureus can reduce in-hospital infection rates. 2010-01-06T18:00:00 Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) Erasmus University Medical Center Health yes 158 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Leptin_and_Diabetes_Reversal_Smoking_Past_80_Increases_AMD_Risk_Nurse_Visits_Linked_With_Decreased_Criminal_Problems_In_Youth_3994.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Leptin_and_Diabetes_Reversal_Smoking_Past_80_Increases_AMD_Risk_Nurse_Visits_Linked_With_Decreased_Criminal_Problems_In_Youth_3994.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Leptin_and_Diabetes_Reversal_Smoking_Past_80_Increases_AMD_Risk_Nurse_Visits_Linked_With_Decreased_Criminal_Problems_In_Youth_3994.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3994.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Leptin and Diabetes Reversal, Smoking Past 80 Increases AMD Risk, Nurse Visits Linked With Decreased Criminal Problems In Youth (January 5, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From New York - According to a report published in the journal Cell Metabolism, the hormone leptin appears to control a gene that may have significant anti-diabetes effects. Previous research has demonstrated an association between leptin and diabetes reversal, however, researchers did not know whether these effects were because of the hormone itself or because of the hormone's ability to reduce body weight. However, scientists have now discovered that leptin controls a gene called IGFBP2--a gene that, when increased in obese and diabetic mice, reversed the rodent's diabetes without inducing weight loss. From California - Smoking past age 80 significantly raises ones risk of age related macular degeneration, according to a report published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology. Researchers studied nearly 2,000 women taking part in a long term study. They found that smokers who were 80 years or older had 5.5 times increased risk of developing AMD than those of the same age who did not smoke. And finally, back to New York - Home visits by a nurse during and after pregnancy may help keep female children out of jail later in life, according to a report published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. Researchers followed 400 families in a 27 year study, comparing a group of mothers who received prenatal and infancy home nurse visits with a group that did not. While 30% of girls in the group who did not receive nurse visits were arrested by age 19, only 10% of girls in the group who did receive visits were arrested. 2010-01-05T17:00:00 Diabetes Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Smoking Vision loss Black spot in vision Distortion in vision Pregnancy Birth Antisocial Behavior Cornell University Rockefeller University UCLA's Jules Stein Eye Institute Health yes 132 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Antidepressants_More_Beneficial_For_Those_With_Severe_Depression_3995.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Antidepressants_More_Beneficial_For_Those_With_Severe_Depression_3995.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Antidepressants_More_Beneficial_For_Those_With_Severe_Depression_3995.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3995.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Antidepressants More Beneficial For Those With Severe Depression (January 5, 2010 - Insidermedicine) The benefits of antidepressants are greater among those with more severe depression, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Some typical signs of depression include: Feeling worthless, hopeless, or helpless Sleeping and/or eating more or less than usual Having difficulty enjoying things that once were pleasurable Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia analyzed data taken from six randomized, controlled trials that compared the benefits of antidepressants to placebo among depressed adults. Taken together, over 700 patients were included in these studies. Among patients with mild depression, antidepressants were only slightly more helpful than a placebo for alleviating symptoms. As the severity of patients' depression grew, so did the effectiveness of the antidepressants, compared with placebo. Only in patients with moderate-to-severe depression did antidepressants reach a degree of effectiveness over placebo that was considered to be of practical importance for patients and their doctors. Today's research suggests that only those with more severe forms of depression actually benefit from antidepressant therapy. 2010-01-05T17:00:00 Depression Severe Depression Feeling hopeless, worthless, helpless Sleeping, eating less than usual Difficulty enjoying things previously found pleasu University of Pennsylvania Health yes 74 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Antidepressants_Appear_to_Only_Offer_Clinical_Benefit_to_Patients_With_Severe_Depression_3996.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Antidepressants_Appear_to_Only_Offer_Clinical_Benefit_to_Patients_With_Severe_Depression_3996.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Antidepressants_Appear_to_Only_Offer_Clinical_Benefit_to_Patients_With_Severe_Depression_3996.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3996.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Antidepressants Appear to Only Offer Clinical Benefit to Patients With Severe Depression (January 5, 2010 - Insidermedicine) The benefits of antidepressant therapy increase with the severity of underlying depression, according to a meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Here are some guidelines for using second-generation antidepressants to treat depression from the American College of Physicians: Select second-generation antidepressants on the basis of adverse effect profiles, cost, and patient preferences Assess patient status, therapeutic response, and adverse effects of antidepressant therapy on a regular basis beginning within 1 to 2 weeks of initiation of therapy Modify treatment if the patient does not have an adequate response to pharmacotherapy within 6 to 8 weeks of the initiation of therapy for major depressive disorder Researchers out of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia conducted a meta-analysis of six randomized, placebo-controlled trial exploring the benefits of antidepressant medications in adults with depression. Overall, data from 718 patients were included in the analysis. The difference in efficacy between antidepressant therapy and placebo varied substantially based on the severity of the depression at baseline. Among the patients with Hamilton Depression (HAM-D) scores below 23, antidepressant therapy offered only a small benefit over placebo. As the severity of the depression increased, so did the magnitude of superiority of active therapy over placebo. The difference in efficacy between active therapy and placebo became clinically significant once baseline HAM-D score reached 25. Today's research suggests that antidepressant therapy may only offer clinical benefit among patients with relatively severe forms of depression. 2010-01-05T17:00:00 Difficulty enjoying things previously found pleasu Depression Feeling hopeless, worthless, helpless Severe Depression Sleeping, eating less than usual University of Pennsylvania Health yes 98 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Standard_Measures_in_Children_Predictive_of_Diabetes_Risk_Later_in_Life_Interview_with_Dr_Charles_Glueck_MD_Jewish_Hospital_of_Cincinnati_3991.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Standard_Measures_in_Children_Predictive_of_Diabetes_Risk_Later_in_Life_Interview_with_Dr_Charles_Glueck_MD_Jewish_Hospital_of_Cincinnati_3991.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Standard_Measures_in_Children_Predictive_of_Diabetes_Risk_Later_in_Life_Interview_with_Dr_Charles_Glueck_MD_Jewish_Hospital_of_Cincinnati_3991.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3991.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Standard Measures in Children Predictive of Diabetes Risk Later in Life (Interview with Dr. Charles Glueck MD, Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati) (January 4, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Standard measurements taken in doctors' offices, such as height, weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels can help predict which school-aged children will go on to develop type 2 diabetes, according to research published in the January issue of Archives of Pediatrics andamp; Adolescent Medicine. Here are some tips for staving off type 2 diabetes: Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight Engage in at least 30 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity physical activity on most days Eat at least three to five serving of fruits and vegetables daily and limit saturated fat and sugar intake Researchers from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center followed-up two groups of school-aged children for either nine or 26 years. The investigators looked at whether standard measurements taken during a typical doctor's check-up, such as height and weight, blood pressure, or blood sugar and cholesterol levels, could predict whether the children would develop diabetes by age 19 or 39. In the first group of over 1000 girls blood pressure, BMI, and insulin level were all found to be predictive of diabetes at age 19. In the second group of over 800 school children, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, race, family history, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels were found to be highly predictive of the risk of diabetes as at 39. In fact, those with blood pressure and a BMI below the 75th percentile and whose parents did not have diabetes had a risk of diabetes at age 39 of only 1% We spoke with Dr. Charles Glueck MD, one of the investigators of this study, who offered some further insight. Today' research provides health care workers with simple formulas for identifying children who are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes and who might benefit from interventions such as diet and exercise regimens. 2010-01-04T17:15:00 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Health yes 0 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Standard_Pediatric_Measures_Predictive_of_Type_2_Diabetes_Risk_Interview_with_Dr_Charles_Glueck_MD_Jewish_Hospital_of_Cincinnati_3992.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Standard_Pediatric_Measures_Predictive_of_Type_2_Diabetes_Risk_Interview_with_Dr_Charles_Glueck_MD_Jewish_Hospital_of_Cincinnati_3992.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Standard_Pediatric_Measures_Predictive_of_Type_2_Diabetes_Risk_Interview_with_Dr_Charles_Glueck_MD_Jewish_Hospital_of_Cincinnati_3992.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3992.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Standard Pediatric Measures Predictive of Type 2 Diabetes Risk (Interview with Dr. Charles Glueck MD, Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati) (January 4, 2010 - Insidermedicine) Standard pediatric measures such as body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, family history, and cholesterol levels can help identify which school-aged children are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life, according to a prospective study published in the January issue of Archives of Pediatrics andamp; Adolescent Medicine. Here are some recommendations for the prevention or delay of type 2 diabetes from the American Diabetes Association: Counsel patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) on weight loss of 5% to 10% of body weight, as well as on increasing physical activity to at least 150 min/week of moderate activity such as walking. In addition to lifestyle counseling, consider metformin in those who are at very high risk and who are obese and under 60 years of age. Monitor for the development of diabetes in those with pre-diabetes yearly Researchers out of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center conducted a prospective follow-up study of two cohorts of children: 1,067 school-aged girls and 822 children aged 6 to 18. The researchers investigated whether standard pediatric office measures, including waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure, family history of diabetes, and blood glucose level, could predict whether the children would develop diabetes nine and 16 years later. In the first cohort, systolic blood pressure and insulin level in the top fifth percentile combined with parental diabetes predicted the likelihood of having type 2 diabetes at age 19, with an AUC of 0.764. When BMI and blood pressure were below the 75th percentile, the risk of having diabetes at age 19 dropped to 0.2%. In the second cohort of children, being in the top fifth percentile for systolic blood pressure and BMI as well as black race predicted the presence of type 2 diabetes at age 39 with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.698. The predictive value increased slightly with the addition of blood glucose, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Values below the 75th percentile for blood pressure and BMI were associated with a 2% or lower risk of diabetes at age 39. We spoke with Dr. Charles Glueck, MD, one of the investigators of this study, who offered some further insight. Today's research can help clinicians identify children at high risk for type 2 diabetes, who might therefore benefit from early preventive intervention. 2010-01-04T17:15:00 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Health yes 265 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Quitting_Smoking_Increases_Risk_of_Diabetes_Americans_With_Depression_Not_Treated_Properly_New_Protein_Targeted_in_Fight_Against_Breast_Cancer_3990.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Quitting_Smoking_Increases_Risk_of_Diabetes_Americans_With_Depression_Not_Treated_Properly_New_Protein_Targeted_in_Fight_Against_Breast_Cancer_3990.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Quitting_Smoking_Increases_Risk_of_Diabetes_Americans_With_Depression_Not_Treated_Properly_New_Protein_Targeted_in_Fight_Against_Breast_Cancer_3990.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3990.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Quitting Smoking Increases Risk of Diabetes, Americans With Depression Not Treated Properly, New Protein Targeted in Fight Against Breast Cancer (January 4, 2010 - Insidermedicine) From Baltimore - Quitting smoking may result in an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a report published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Researchers studied nearly 11,000 adults for 17 years. Results showed that those who quit smoking were 70% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes within six years than those who had never smoked, an aspect that indicates the importance of weight control following smoking cessation and the importance of never smoking. From Detroit - According to a report published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, most Americans suffering from major depression do not receive adequate treatment for the condition. Researchers personally surveyed over 15,000 adults, finding that even though half of participants with depression received at least one form of therapy, only 21% actually received a form of therapy that met treatment guidelines. And finally, from Michigan - Scientists may have discovered a new target in the fight against breast cancer, according to a report published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Researchers studied human breast cancer stem cells in vitro, targeting the protein known as CXCR1 with an antibody. Results showed a decrease in cancer stem cells as well as the death of many remaining tumor cells. 2010-01-04T17:00:00 Smoking Type 2 Diabetes Obesity Weight gain Depression Breast Cancer Cancer Wayne State University University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center Johns Hopkins University Health yes 111 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_a_Preterm_Baby__Dr_Robin_Walker_IWK_Health_Centre_3988.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_a_Preterm_Baby__Dr_Robin_Walker_IWK_Health_Centre_3988.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_a_Preterm_Baby__Dr_Robin_Walker_IWK_Health_Centre_3988.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3988.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: If I Had a Preterm Baby - Dr. Robin Walker, IWK Health Centre (January 1, 2010 - Insidermedicine) On a recent trip to Halifax, we caught up with Dr. Robin Walker, MD, FRCPC, Professor of Pediatrics at Dalhousie University, as well as Vice President Medicine of the IWK Health Centre. 2010-01-01T17:00:00 Preterm Baby Pediatrics IWK Health Centre Dalhousie Medical School Dalhousie University Health yes 351 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_Acne_in_Middle_Age__Dr_Amy_Taub_Northwestern_University_3987.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_Acne_in_Middle_Age__Dr_Amy_Taub_Northwestern_University_3987.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_Acne_in_Middle_Age__Dr_Amy_Taub_Northwestern_University_3987.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3987.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: If I Had Acne in Middle Age - Dr. Amy Taub, Northwestern University (December 31, 2009 - Insidermedicine) At the American Academy of Dermatology's annual meeting in San Franciso, we had a chance to catch up with Dr. Amy Taub, MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Dermatology at Northwestern University School of Medicine. Dr. Taub is the founder/medical director of Advanced Dermatology, as well as the founder/medical director of both Skinfo and SkinQRI. 2009-12-31T17:00:00 Acne Dermatology Northwestern University Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medici Health yes 256 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_a_Baby_With_Bloody_Diarrhea__Dr_Scott_Sicherer_Mount_Sinai_School_of_Medicine_NY_3986.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_a_Baby_With_Bloody_Diarrhea__Dr_Scott_Sicherer_Mount_Sinai_School_of_Medicine_NY_3986.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_a_Baby_With_Bloody_Diarrhea__Dr_Scott_Sicherer_Mount_Sinai_School_of_Medicine_NY_3986.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3986.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: If I Had a Baby With Bloody Diarrhea - Dr. Scott Sicherer, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY (December 30, 2009 - Insidermedicine) At the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's Annual Meeting in Washington, we had a chance to catch up with Dr. Scott Sicherer, a pediatric allergistand associate professor at Mt Sinai School of Medicine in NY, and is a researched in the Jaffe Food Allergy research institute at Mt Sinai and is an expert on food allergy. 2009-12-30T17:00:00 Allergy Food allergy Allergy and Immunology Mount Sinai Hospital Mount Sinai School of Medicine Health yes 418 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_a_Baby_who_was_Vomiting_After_Transitioning_from_Formula_to_Milk__Dr_Amal_Asa_ad_3985.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_a_Baby_who_was_Vomiting_After_Transitioning_from_Formula_to_Milk__Dr_Amal_Asa_ad_3985.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_a_Baby_who_was_Vomiting_After_Transitioning_from_Formula_to_Milk__Dr_Amal_Asa_ad_3985.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3985.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: If I Had a Baby who was Vomiting After Transitioning from Formula to Milk - Dr. Amal Asa'ad (December 29, 2009 - Insidermedicine) At the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's Annual Meeting in Washington, we had a chance to catch up with Dr. Amal Asaad, who is a professor of pediatrics in allergy and immunology and the director of the fellowship training programme and the director of of clinical services at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center. 2009-12-29T17:00:00 Newborn with Vomiting, Lethargy, and Seizures Vomiting Pediatrics Allergy and Immunology Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Health yes 474 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_Ocular_Hypertension__Dr_Paul_Lee_Duke_University_3984.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_Ocular_Hypertension__Dr_Paul_Lee_Duke_University_3984.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_Ocular_Hypertension__Dr_Paul_Lee_Duke_University_3984.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3984.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: If I Had Ocular Hypertension - Dr. Paul Lee, Duke University At the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Annual Meeting in Atlanta, we had a chance to catch up with Dr. Paul Lee, MD, JD, the Joy Gills Professor of Ophthalmology at Duke University Eye Center. 2009-12-28T17:00:00 Ocular Hypertension Ophthalmology Duke University Duke University Medical Center Health yes 450 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_Leber_s_Hereditary_Optic_Neuropathy_LHON__Dr_Nancy_Newman_Emory_University_3983.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_Leber_s_Hereditary_Optic_Neuropathy_LHON__Dr_Nancy_Newman_Emory_University_3983.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_Leber_s_Hereditary_Optic_Neuropathy_LHON__Dr_Nancy_Newman_Emory_University_3983.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3983.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: If I Had Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) - Dr. Nancy Newman, Emory University (December 25, 2009 - Insidermedicine) At the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Annual Meeting in Atlanta, we had a chance to catch up with Dr. Nancy Newman, MD, the Leo Delle Jolley Professor of Ophthalmology at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Newman is Professor of Ophthomalogy and Neurology, Director of the Section of Neuro-ophthalmology at Emory University School of Medicine. She also lectures in Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School and is an editor of the neuro-ophthalmology textbook, andquot;Walsh andamp; Hoyt's Clinical Neuro-Ophthalmology: The Essentialsandquot; 2009-12-25T17:00:00 Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy LHON Ophthalmology Emory University Emory University School of Medicine Health yes 550 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_Pseudoexfoliation__Dr_Richard_Parrish_Bascom_Palmer_Eye_Institute_3982.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_Pseudoexfoliation__Dr_Richard_Parrish_Bascom_Palmer_Eye_Institute_3982.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_Pseudoexfoliation__Dr_Richard_Parrish_Bascom_Palmer_Eye_Institute_3982.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3982.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: If I Had Pseudoexfoliation - Dr. Richard Parrish, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (December 24, 2009 - Insidermedicine) At the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Annual Meeting in Atlanta, we had a chance to catch up with Dr. Richard Parrish, MD, who is Professor of Ophtalmology and Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Educatio at the University of Miami School of Medicine, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. 2009-12-24T17:00:00 Pseudoexfoliation Ophthalmology University of Miami Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Health yes 246 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_Sudden_Painless_Vision_Loss__Dr_Anthony_Arnold_UCLA_3981.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_Sudden_Painless_Vision_Loss__Dr_Anthony_Arnold_UCLA_3981.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_Sudden_Painless_Vision_Loss__Dr_Anthony_Arnold_UCLA_3981.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3981.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: If I Had Sudden, Painless Vision Loss - Dr. Anthony Arnold, UCLA (December 24, 2009 - Insidermedicine) At the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Annual Meeting in Atlanta, we had a chance to catch up with Dr. Anthony Arnold, a professor of neuro-ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at the Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Dr. Arnold is the chief of the department of ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology at UCLA, and director of the Optic Neuropathy Center. 2009-12-23T17:00:00 Painless loss of vision Sudden Painless Loss of Vision Ophthalmology UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute David Geffen School of Medicine Health yes 180 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_Concerns_About_Contracting_the_Flu__Dr_Donald_Low_MD_Mount_Sinai_Hospital_3980.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_Concerns_About_Contracting_the_Flu__Dr_Donald_Low_MD_Mount_Sinai_Hospital_3980.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_If_I_Had_Concerns_About_Contracting_the_Flu__Dr_Donald_Low_MD_Mount_Sinai_Hospital_3980.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3980.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: If I Had Concerns About Contracting the Flu - Dr. Donald Low, MD, Mount Sinai Hospital (December 22, 2009 - Insidermedicine) We recently had a chance to catch up with Dr. Donald Low, MD, FRCPC, who is the Microbiologist-in-Chief in the Department of Microbiology at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. Dr. Low is also Head of the Department of Microbiology at the University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital, a diagnostic laboratory serving 10 hospitals in the Greater Toronto Area. He is a Professor at the University of Toronto in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and Department of Medicine. He is also currently Head of the Division of Microbiology in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology. We asked Dr. Low what he would do if he had concerns about contracting the flu. 2009-12-22T17:00:00 Flu H1N1 Influenza Microbiology Mount Sinai Hospital Mount Sinai School of Medicine University Health Network University of Toronto Health yes 418 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Environmental_Factors_in_Skin_Aging_Operating_Room_Strategies_Virus_Fighting_Proteins_Identified_3989.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Environmental_Factors_in_Skin_Aging_Operating_Room_Strategies_Virus_Fighting_Proteins_Identified_3989.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Environmental_Factors_in_Skin_Aging_Operating_Room_Strategies_Virus_Fighting_Proteins_Identified_3989.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3989.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Environmental Factors in Skin Aging, Operating Room Strategies, Virus Fighting Proteins Identified (December 21, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Cleveland - It is estimated that up 40% of skin aging is related to environmental factors. According to an analysis of 65 twin pairs, smoking, being overweight and not using sunscreen raise the risk of premature skin aging. The research, published in the Archives of Dermatology, also suggests that drinking alcohol may prevent premature skin aging. From Providence - According to research published in the Archives of Surgery, surgeons who run their ORs like a aviation cockpit may make surgical error less likely. Based on lessons learned from the aviation industry, surgical teams from Brown University implemented a series of checklists to improve communication and reduce errors. The process has resulted in 100% compliance and an improved feeling of self-empowerment among staff. And finally, from Boston - A new family of proteins has been identified that may lower the risk of getting the flu and may one day help in treating other viral infections. A research team from Harvard, studying human and mouse cells, identified the flu-fighting proteins that slowed most virus particles, including the H1N1 virus from infecting cells at the earliest stage in the virus lifecycle. 2009-12-21T19:00:00 Aging Skin Flu H1N1 Influenza Viral Infection Health yes 108 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Alcohol_Outlets_Play_Role_in_Alcohol_Problems_of_Young_Adults_Smoking_Mutates_DNA_New_Blood_Clotting_Agent_to_Help_Wounded_Soldiers_3975.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Alcohol_Outlets_Play_Role_in_Alcohol_Problems_of_Young_Adults_Smoking_Mutates_DNA_New_Blood_Clotting_Agent_to_Help_Wounded_Soldiers_3975.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Alcohol_Outlets_Play_Role_in_Alcohol_Problems_of_Young_Adults_Smoking_Mutates_DNA_New_Blood_Clotting_Agent_to_Help_Wounded_Soldiers_3975.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3975.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Alcohol Outlets Play Role in Alcohol Problems of Young Adults, Smoking Mutates DNA, New Blood Clotting Agent to Help Wounded Soldiers (December 18, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From California - According to a report published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical andamp; Experimental Research, underage and young adults may have more alcohol related problems depending on the amount and type of alcohol outlets that surround them. Researchers examined hospital discharge information, as well as demographic data regarding alcohol outlets, focusing on youth aged 18-20 and 21-29. They found that greater numbers of restaurants were associated with more traffic accidents and greater numbers of bars were associated with more assault injuries. From the UK - Scientists have found that smoking can mutate a person's DNA, according to a report published in the journal Nature. A large international study identified almost 23,000 genetic mutations in lung cancer cells. As a result, researchers estimate that people attain one genetic mutation for every 15 cigarettes smoked--emphasizing that every time these mutations occur, they have a chance to 'hit' a cancer gene. And finally, from Cleveland - According to a report published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, scientists have developed a new blood clotting agent that may help soldiers wounded in combat. Researchers developed synthetic platelets that, once injected into the patient, combine with natural platelets to form a blood clot and stop the bleeding. When injected in rats 20 seconds following an injury, bleeding time was reduced by 25%. 2009-12-18T17:00:00 Bleeding Combat casualty Alcohol Consumption Drug Use Smoking Health yes 122 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Participation_in_Clubs_Help_Teens_Feel_Healthy_and_Live_Healthier_Lifestyle_3976.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Participation_in_Clubs_Help_Teens_Feel_Healthy_and_Live_Healthier_Lifestyle_3976.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Participation_in_Clubs_Help_Teens_Feel_Healthy_and_Live_Healthier_Lifestyle_3976.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3976.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Participation in Clubs Help Teens Feel Healthy and Live Healthier Lifestyle (December 18, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Today's research suggests it might be wise to encourage teens to join clubs, as it might be good for their health and help promote healthy habits. Teens who participate in clubs are more likely to feel healthier and have healthy lifestyle habits, according to research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. While adolescents are generally considered to be a healthy group, the World Health Orgainzation points out they are vulnerable injury or death from problems such as: Suicide or attempted suicide Accidents or violence Pregnancy-related complications In an effort to identify the social underpinnings of health, the World Health Organization asked about 4,500 adolescents from 41 countries to complete questionnaires about their social habits as well as their health. To look at the particular impact of clubs, researchers from the University of Turin focused on data obtained from 15-year-olds from six countries who were asked specifically about their participation in clubs. Sports clubs were the most popular type of clubs mentioned by the teens. Other clubs mentioned included volunteer services, political organization, cultural organizations, church groups, and youth clubs. Those who participated in most types of clubs were more likely to report having better self-perceived health and well-being and were less likely to smoke or drink. Today's research suggests it might be wise to encourage teens to join clubs, as it might be good for their health and help promote healthy habits. 2009-12-18T17:00:00 Suicide Pregnancy related complications University of Turin Health yes 119 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Being_A_Member_of_a_Formal_Club_Benefits_Teen_s_Overall_Health_3977.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Being_A_Member_of_a_Formal_Club_Benefits_Teen_s_Overall_Health_3977.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Being_A_Member_of_a_Formal_Club_Benefits_Teen_s_Overall_Health_3977.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3977.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Being A Member of a Formal Club Benefits Teen's Overall Health (December 18, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Teens who are members of formal clubs are more likely to have good overall health as well as have healthy lifestyle habits, according to research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. Here are some recommendations for promoting the prevention and management of tobacco, alcohol, and other drug abuse among adolescent patients from the American Academy of Pediatrics: Be knowledgeable about the prevalence, patterns, cultural differences, and health consequences of substance abuse in your community Incorporate substance-abuse prevention into anticipatory guidance at routine and episodic office visits Be aware of the manifesting signs and symptoms of substance abuse, the association with other risk behaviors, and the possibility of dual diagnoses with other mental health disorders Researchers out of the University of Turin used data from the 2005-6 World Health Organization (WHO) Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study to explore the relationship between involvement among teens in clubs and various health outcomes. For the HBSC study, about 4,500 adolescents from 41 countries completed questionnaires at their schools about their social behaviors and their health. The investigators focused their analysis on data from 15-year-olds from six countries who were specifically asked about club memberships. The most common type of formal association reported by the teens was sports clubs. Others included volunteer services, political organizations, cultural organizations, church groups, and youth clubs. Teens who participated in most types of clubs were more likely to report better perceived health and well-being. They were also less likely to smoke or drink. Today's research suggests it is wise to encourage teens to participate in formal clubs because it appears to promote positive health behaviors and outcomes. 2009-12-18T17:00:00 University of Turin Health yes 153 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_In_Hospital_Kidney_Injury_Increases_Risk_of_Mortality_Cutting_TV_Time_Burns_Calories_in_Overweight_People_Natural_Antiviral_Protein_Discovered_3971.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_In_Hospital_Kidney_Injury_Increases_Risk_of_Mortality_Cutting_TV_Time_Burns_Calories_in_Overweight_People_Natural_Antiviral_Protein_Discovered_3971.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_In_Hospital_Kidney_Injury_Increases_Risk_of_Mortality_Cutting_TV_Time_Burns_Calories_in_Overweight_People_Natural_Antiviral_Protein_Discovered_3971.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3971.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: In Hospital Kidney Injury Increases Risk of Mortality, Cutting TV Time Burns Calories in Overweight People, Natural Antiviral Protein Discovered (December 17, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Massachusetts - Suffering an acute kidney injury (AKI) in-hospital increases a patient's risk of mortality once released, according to a report published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Researchers studied over 83,000 patients who suffered sudden loss of their kidney function in-hospital, but did not undergo dialysis and survived a minimum of three months after their release from the hospital. Results showed that 30% of patients who suffered AKI died after two years, compared with only 16% of patients who did not suffer this injury. From California - According to a repot published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, watching less television burns calories in overweight adults. Researchers studied 36 overweight adults, having one group of participants cut their TV time in half while the other watched their normal amount. Results showed that the group of patients who watched less TV burned an extra 120 calories per day. And finally, back to Massachusetts - Researchers have identified naturally occurring proteins that help prevent viral infections, according to a report published in the journal Cell. Researchers found antiviral proteins in human and mouse cells, discovering that the proteins were able to either prevent or at least slow viruses--such as the seasonal flu, H1N1 influenza, West Nile virus, and the dengue virus--as soon as the infection started its course. 2009-12-17T19:00:00 H1N1 Influenza West Nile virus Dengue virus Diabetes Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Viral Infection Influenza Health yes 120 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Only_One_Dose_of_H1N1_Vaccine_Needed_in_Healthy_Adults_3972.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Only_One_Dose_of_H1N1_Vaccine_Needed_in_Healthy_Adults_3972.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Only_One_Dose_of_H1N1_Vaccine_Needed_in_Healthy_Adults_3972.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3972.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Only One Dose of H1N1 Vaccine Needed in Healthy Adults (December 17, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Healthy adults require only a single dose of H1N1 vaccine in order to be optimally protected, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Here is some information about H1N1 (swine) flu: It is a new flu virus that most people have never encountered and therefore have not developed natural immunity to it It can cause mild, moderate, or severe illness It is spread from person-to-person like a regular flu; it cannot be contracted from eating pork Researchers from the biopharmaceutical company CSL Limited in Australia randomly assigned 240 healthy adults to receive two doses of either 15 mcg or 30 mcg of the H1N1 vaccine. Their immune response was measured before vaccination and again 21 days afterward. By the 21st day following the first vaccination, 95% of those who received the 15 mcg dose and 89% of those who received the 30 mcg dose of the vaccine had developed an adequate number of antibodies to the H1N1 virus. The second vaccination did not increase their immunity to this virus. There were no deaths or serious adverse events in response to the vaccination, although just over half of the participants reported soreness at the injection site. Today's research demonstrates that there is no need for healthy adults to have more that one dose of the H1N1 vaccine in order to be protected from the H1N1 flu. 2009-12-17T19:00:00 H1N1 Influenza Influenza Viral Infection Health yes 111 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Single_Dose_of_H1N1_Monovalent_Vaccine_Enough_For_Healthy_Adults_3973.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Single_Dose_of_H1N1_Monovalent_Vaccine_Enough_For_Healthy_Adults_3973.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Single_Dose_of_H1N1_Monovalent_Vaccine_Enough_For_Healthy_Adults_3973.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3973.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Single Dose of H1N1 Monovalent Vaccine Enough For Healthy Adults (December 17, 2009 - Insidermedicine) A single dose of the H1N1 monovalent vaccine produces a robust immune response in healthy adults, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Here are some quick facts about the use of antivirals for H1N1 flu from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: It is not too late to start using them more than 48 hrs after the onset of symptoms Patients without risk factors for complications from the flu may still benefit from antivirals Do not wait for laboratory confirmation of H1N1 flu to start treatment Researchers out of CSL Limited in Australia randomized 240 adults aged 18 to 64 to receive two doses of either 15 or 30 mcg of an inactivated, split-virus 2009 H1N1 vaccine. The two doses were administered 21 days apart. Antibody titers were measured at baseline and again 21 days after each vaccination. By the 21st day following the first dose, 95% of participants who received the low dose and 89% of those who received the high dose of the vaccine had attained antibody titers of 1:40 or more. A similar result was seen after the second dose of the vaccine. There were no deaths, and participants did not experience any serious adverse events or adverse events of special interest. Local discomfort at the injection site, usually mild-to-moderate in nature, occurred in 54% of participants. Today's research demonstrates that a single 15 mcg dose of H1N1 monovalent vaccine is all that is needed to confer protection in healthy adults. 2009-12-17T19:00:00 H1N1 Influenza Swine Flu Influenza Viral Infection Health yes 123 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Less_Education_Linked_to_More_Asthma_Problems_FDA_Recommends_Preventive_Use_of_Rosuvastatin_Nearsightedness_On_the_Rise_3967.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Less_Education_Linked_to_More_Asthma_Problems_FDA_Recommends_Preventive_Use_of_Rosuvastatin_Nearsightedness_On_the_Rise_3967.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Less_Education_Linked_to_More_Asthma_Problems_FDA_Recommends_Preventive_Use_of_Rosuvastatin_Nearsightedness_On_the_Rise_3967.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3967.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Less Education Linked to More Asthma Problems, FDA Recommends Preventive Use of Rosuvastatin, Nearsightedness On the Rise (December 16, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Montreal According to a report published in the journal Respiratory Research, researchers may have found a connection between education level and problems with asthma. Researchers studied over 800 adult patients, finding that those with less than 12 years of formal schooling were more likely to have worse control over their asthma symptoms as well as a 55% increased risk of going to the emergency department with an asthma related incident. From Washington The FDA is now recommending that rosuvastatin can be used for preventive purposes, even in patients with no history of atherosclerosis. Researchers studied over 17,000 adult men and women who had no prior history of heart disease but had elevated c-reactive protein levels, administering rosuvastatin for nearly 2 years. Results showed a relative decrease of 44% in the amount of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death. And finally, from Bethesda According to a report published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, the amount of people with nearsightedness has increased significantly in the past 30 years. Researchers examined information from the National Health and Nutrition Examination survey (NHANES), comparing the prevalence of nearsightedness (or, myopia) from 1971-1972 with 1999-2004. They found that the overall incidence of myopia increased from 25% in the earlier period to 41.6% in the later period. 2009-12-16T19:00:00 Atherosclerosis Heart Disease Stroke Cardiovascular Death Asthma Myopia Nearsighted Blurred Distance Vision Health yes 120 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Coffee_Decaf_and_Tea_May_Reduce_Risk_of_Type_2_Diabetes_3968.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Coffee_Decaf_and_Tea_May_Reduce_Risk_of_Type_2_Diabetes_3968.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Coffee_Decaf_and_Tea_May_Reduce_Risk_of_Type_2_Diabetes_3968.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3968.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Coffee, Decaf and Tea May Reduce Risk of Type 2 Diabetes (December 16, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Drinking regular coffee, decaffeinated coffee, or tea may help stave off type 2 diabetes, according to research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Here is some information about type 2 diabetes: It is a condition in which the body fails to produce adequate insulin and/or fails to respond appropriately to insulin Insulin helps the body process sugar, so type 2 diabetes can result in excess amounts of sugar in the blood. The condition is associated with several serious medical conditions, including heart and kidney disease Researchers from the University of Sydney analyzed data from 18 studies that looked at the impact of drinking regular coffee and developing diabetes , six studies that explored the relationship between decaffeinated coffee and diabetes, and seven that looked at the relationship between tea-drinking and the risk of diabetes. Drinking coffee was associated with a lower risk for developing diabetes. For every cup of coffee drunk per day, the risk of developing diabetes dropped by 7%. Drinking decaffeinated coffee or drinking tea reduced the risk of diabetes by a similar amount, even after taking into account other factors known to influence diabetes risk. Today's research suggests that one or more compounds found in coffee and tea could help reduce the risk for diabetes. If these findings are confirmed, those at high risk for diabetes might do well to increase their intake of coffee and tea. 2009-12-16T19:00:00 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes Coffee consumption University of Sydney Health yes 105 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Meta_Analysis_Reveals_that_Coffee_Decaf_and_Tea_May_Reduce_Risk_of_Type_2_Diabetes_3969.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Meta_Analysis_Reveals_that_Coffee_Decaf_and_Tea_May_Reduce_Risk_of_Type_2_Diabetes_3969.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Meta_Analysis_Reveals_that_Coffee_Decaf_and_Tea_May_Reduce_Risk_of_Type_2_Diabetes_3969.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3969.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Meta Analysis Reveals that Coffee, Decaf and Tea May Reduce Risk of Type 2 Diabetes (December 16, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Drinking regular coffee, decaffeinated coffee, or tea has been linked with a reduced risk for type 2 diabetes in a meta-analysis published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Here are some nutrition recommendations for the prevention of diabetes among high risk patients from the American Diabetes Association: Recommend structured programs that emphasize lifestyle changes, including moderate weight loss (7% body weight) and regular physical activity (150 min/week), with dietary strategies that include reduced calories and reduced intake of dietary fat Encourage achievement of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommendation for dietary fiber (14 g fiber/1,000 kcal) and foods containing whole grains (one-half of grain intake). There is not sufficient, consistent information to conclude that lowglycemic load diets reduce the risk for diabetes. Nevertheless, encourage lowglycemic index foods that are rich in fiber and other important nutrients Researchers out of the University of Sydney conducted a meta-analysis of 18 studies involving 457,922 participants that explored the association between coffee consumption and the risk of developing diabetes. They also analyzed six studies involving 225,516 participants that looked at the relationship between drinking decaffeinated coffee and the risk of diabetes, as well as seven studies involving 286,701 participants that explored the relationship between tea-drinking and diabetes. All the studies were published between 1966 and 2009. There was an inverse log-linear relationship between coffee consumption and risk for diabetes such that each additional cup of coffee drunk per day was associated with a 7% reduction in the risk of developing the condition. Similar inverse relationships were seen between the drinking of decaffeinated coffee or tea and the risk of type 2 diabetes. These associations were independent of several potential confounding factors. Today's research suggests a potential for identifying one or more compounds that are present in coffee and tea that might help reduce the risk of diabetes. If confirmed, these findings also suggest that patients at high risk for diabetes should increase their intake of tea and/or coffee. 2009-12-16T19:00:00 Coffee consumption Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes University of Sydney Health yes 149 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Low_Leptin_Levels_Linked_to_Alzheimer_s_Disease_Cystic_Fibrosis_Decreases_with_More_Screening_Insomnia_Connected_to_Childhood_Medical_Presentation_3965.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Low_Leptin_Levels_Linked_to_Alzheimer_s_Disease_Cystic_Fibrosis_Decreases_with_More_Screening_Insomnia_Connected_to_Childhood_Medical_Presentation_3965.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Low_Leptin_Levels_Linked_to_Alzheimer_s_Disease_Cystic_Fibrosis_Decreases_with_More_Screening_Insomnia_Connected_to_Childhood_Medical_Presentation_3965.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3965.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Low Leptin Levels Linked to Alzheimer's Disease, Cystic Fibrosis Decreases with More Screening, Insomnia Connected to Childhood Medical Presentation (December 15, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Boston - According to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, high leptin levels may be associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers measured leptin levels of over 700 healthy patients at the beginning of the study, 198 of whom underwent brain MRIs 7 years later. Results showed that those with the lowest leptin levels had an absolute risk of 25% for Alzheimer's, while those with the highest levels had a risk of only 6%. From Italy - According to another report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers have noted an association between increased cystic fibrosis carrier screening and decreased newborns who have the condition. Researchers studied two Italian regions for 14 years; one had a limited CF screening program of only relatives of CF patients and couples undergoing in vitro fertilization, while the other was more comprehensive and screened infertile couples as well as couples who were of reproductive age. Results showed that the comprehensive screening region had a much more significant decrease in neonates born with CF than the region with limited screening. And finally, from Pennsylvania - Young children presenting with headaches and gastrointestinal regurgitation frequently have insomnia symptoms as well, according to a report published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. Researchers analyzed 700 children between 5 and 12 years old, surveying their parents on how the child slept. Results showed that children with gastrointestinal regurgitation were 3.3 times more likely to have symptoms of insomnia, while children with headaches were 2.3 times likely to suffer these symptoms. 2009-12-15T17:00:00 Gastrointestinal Regurgitation Insomnia Headaches Alzheimer's Disease Cystic Fibrosis Health yes 141 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Brain_Plaques_May_Be_Predictor_of_Alzheimer_s_Protein_Discovered_that_Helps_Prevent_Liver_Cancer_Antidepressants_Linked_With_Stroke_Death_Risk_3961.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Brain_Plaques_May_Be_Predictor_of_Alzheimer_s_Protein_Discovered_that_Helps_Prevent_Liver_Cancer_Antidepressants_Linked_With_Stroke_Death_Risk_3961.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Brain_Plaques_May_Be_Predictor_of_Alzheimer_s_Protein_Discovered_that_Helps_Prevent_Liver_Cancer_Antidepressants_Linked_With_Stroke_Death_Risk_3961.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3961.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Brain Plaques May Be Predictor of Alzheimer's, Protein Discovered that Helps Prevent Liver Cancer, Antidepressants Linked With Stroke, Death Risk (December 14, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From St Louis - According to a study published in the Archives of Neurology, the presence of brain plaques in an otherwise healthy person may be a predictor of Alzheimer's disease later in life. For four years, researchers studied 150 adults aged 51 to 88, using positron emission tomography to image participant's brains. Over the course of the study, results showed that those who scanned positive for brain plaques would go on to demonstrate signs of mental impairment and a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, while those who scanned negative for plaques did not develop these problems. From San Diego - Scientists have discovered a protein that works to prevent liver cancer, according to a report published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. Researchers made a mouse model that lacked the TAK1 protein--a sort of 'switch' that signals other proteins that help keep liver cells from dying and thereby provide protection against cancer. They found a significantly high rate of liver cell death in these mice--as their livers overcompensated for the missing protein and consequently produced too many liver cells thereby leading to inflammation and cancer. And finally, from Washington - According to a report published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, antidepressants use in postmenopausal women is associated with an increased risk of stroke and death. Researchers examined data on over 160,000 women, finding that those who took antidepressants had an 45% increased risk of stroke and a 32% increased risk of death, though the overall risk of both were quite small. 2009-12-14T17:00:00 Alzheimer's Disease Memory Loss Liver Cancer Stroke Liver damage Health yes 138 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Radiation_Exposure_Associated_With_CT_Scans_Interview_with_Dr_Rebecca_Smith_Bindman_MD_University_of_California_of_San_Francisco_3962.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Radiation_Exposure_Associated_With_CT_Scans_Interview_with_Dr_Rebecca_Smith_Bindman_MD_University_of_California_of_San_Francisco_3962.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Radiation_Exposure_Associated_With_CT_Scans_Interview_with_Dr_Rebecca_Smith_Bindman_MD_University_of_California_of_San_Francisco_3962.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3962.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Radiation Exposure Associated With CT Scans (Interview with Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman, MD, University of California of San Francisco) (December 14, 2009 - Insidermedicine) The amount of radiation exposure associated with computed tomography (CT) scans as well as the increased risk of cancer associated with this exposure have been estimated in two studies published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Here is some information about CT, or CAT, scanning: It is a method of examining the body without physically entering it that is used for diagnosing medical conditions It employs multiple X-rays that are then analyzed by computer to produce an image of the inside of the body Every CT scan involves exposing the patient to a small amount of radiation Researchers from the University of California at San Francisco studied the average dose of radiation delivered to over 1,000 patients who underwent 11 of the most common types of diagnostic CT scans. They found that the amount of radiation delivered by each scan varied widely. Even when looking at the same type of scan on the same part of the body, one person's radiation exposure could be as much as 13 times higher than another's. The risk of developing cancer following one of these scans varied dramatically depending on how much radiation patients received as well as their age and sex. In a second study, researchers from the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda developed a risk model to estimate how many future cancers the CT scans given to patients in 2007 would likely cause. According to their analysis, CT scans given in 2007 would cause about 29,000 cancers at some point in the future. Those most likely to cause cancer were ones of the abdomen, pelvis, chest, and head as well as those delivered to patients aged 35 to 54. We spoke with Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman, MD, Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco one of the principal investigators, who offered some further insight. Today's research demonstrates that radiation exposure associated with CT scanning is higher than expected and highlights the need to develop methods of limiting this exposure. 2009-12-14T17:00:00 Cancer Radiation exposure University of California at San Francisco Health yes 165 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Radiation_Dose_and_Cancer_Risk_of_CT_Scanning_Interview_with_Dr_Rebecca_Smith_Bindman_MD_University_of_California_San_Francisco_3963.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Radiation_Dose_and_Cancer_Risk_of_CT_Scanning_Interview_with_Dr_Rebecca_Smith_Bindman_MD_University_of_California_San_Francisco_3963.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Radiation_Dose_and_Cancer_Risk_of_CT_Scanning_Interview_with_Dr_Rebecca_Smith_Bindman_MD_University_of_California_San_Francisco_3963.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3963.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Radiation Dose and Cancer Risk of CT Scanning (Interview with Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman, MD, University of California San Francisco) (December 14, 2009 - Insidermedicine) The radiation dose and cancer risk associated with computed tomography (CT) scanning has been estimated in two studies published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. According to the World Health Organization diagnostic imaging should be: Developed as an integral part of national health care systems, according to the needs and social and economic structure of the country, region and area Regulated by governments in accordance with international standards Appropriate to the level of the health care system at which they are provided and to the therapeutic capabilities that are available. Researchers out of the University of California at San Francisco conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study of the radiation doses associated with 11 of the most common type of diagnostic CT scans performed on 1,119 consecutive adult patients. They found that radiation doses varied substantially among the different types of scans, from a median of 2-31 mSv. Even within a particular type of scan, doses varied by as much as 13-fold within and across institutions. The risk of cancer following a CT scan varied widely by type of scan, age, and sex. In the second study, researchers out of the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda used risk models based on research performed by the National Research Council and organ-specific radiation doses obtained from a national survey to estimate the age-specific cancer risk of different types of CT scans. They used their results to estimate how many future cancers would likely be caused by all the CT scans delivered in 2007 in the U.S. Based on their calculations, about 29,000 future cancers could be related to CT scans performed that year. The largest contributors to future cancers would likely be from scans of the pelvis, abdomen, chest, and head. One-third of these future cancers would be due to scans performed on those aged 35 to 54. We spoke with Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman, MD, Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco one of the principal investigators, who offered some further insight. Today's research demonstrates that radiation exposure related to CT scanning is much higher than anticipated and highlights the need to explore measures to help reduce this exposure. 2009-12-14T17:00:00 Cancer Radiation exposure University of California at San Francisco National Cancer Institute Health yes 192 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Cancer_Fighting_Molecule_Discovered_Weight_Loss_Improves_Hearts_of_Obese_People_Molecule_May_Be_Able_to_Slow_ALS_3957.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Cancer_Fighting_Molecule_Discovered_Weight_Loss_Improves_Hearts_of_Obese_People_Molecule_May_Be_Able_to_Slow_ALS_3957.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Cancer_Fighting_Molecule_Discovered_Weight_Loss_Improves_Hearts_of_Obese_People_Molecule_May_Be_Able_to_Slow_ALS_3957.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3957.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Cancer Fighting Molecule Discovered, Weight Loss Improves Hearts of Obese People, Molecule May Be Able to Slow ALS (December 11, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Montreal - Scientists have discovered a molecule that provides a natural defense against cancer, according to a report published in the journal Molecular Cell. Researchers found that the SOCS1 molecule works to prevent cancer by impeding the excessive activity of cytokines that is seen with the disease. The researchers also found that reintroducing the SOCS1 molecule into tumor cells precluded the cells from multiplying, thereby rendering the cancer dormant. From St. Louis - According to a report published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, obese people can improve their heart function with even moderate weight loss. Researchers studied 60 obese patients for two years, subjecting the participants to low calorie diets and roughly 3 hours of exercise per week. Results showed that participants hearts were able to pump and relax better, and that their carotid artery walls and the heart muscle itself both decreased in thickness. And finally, from Texas - Researchers have found a naturally produced molecule that may help delay progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (or, Lou Gehrig's disease), according to a report published in the journal Science. Researchers discovered that the molecule microRNA-206 is produced by skeletal muscle as a response to nerve damage, pushing healthy nerves to send new 'branches' towards those nerves that have been affected, temporarily regenerating them. The molecule was shown to limit ALS symptoms and even lengthen life in a mouse model. 2009-12-11T17:00:00 Lou Gehrig's Disease Nerve damage Cancer Obesity Heart Disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Health yes 119 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_20_mph_Speed_Limits_Reduce_Traffic_Injuries_and_Save_Lives_3958.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_20_mph_Speed_Limits_Reduce_Traffic_Injuries_and_Save_Lives_3958.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_20_mph_Speed_Limits_Reduce_Traffic_Injuries_and_Save_Lives_3958.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3958.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: 20 mph Speed Limits Reduce Traffic Injuries and Save Lives (December 11, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Instituting speed limits of 20 mph (32 km/h) can reduce traffic-related-injuries and save lives, especially young lives, according to research published online ahead of print in the British Medical Journal. Here is some information about road injuries They are one of the leading causes of injury and death worldwide It is expected that they will have an increasing impact on public health in the coming decades The most severely affected by road accidents are pedestrians, particularly children and young adult pedestrians Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine used police data to determine the impact on road accidents of instituting 20 mph speed limits on certain stretches of road in London between 1986 and 2006. The zones with 20 mph speed limits saw a 42% reduction in the risk of traffic accidents. Accidents involving younger children as well as those causing serious injuries and deaths were most affected by these speed limits. In areas adjacent to the 20 mph zones, traffic accidents dropped by an average of 8%. Today's research demonstrates how effective lowering speed limits in cities can be for preventing road-related injuries and deaths. 2009-12-11T17:00:00 Traffic Related Injuries Car accident Car crash London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Health yes 113 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_20_mph_Speed_Limit_Drastically_Reduces_Road_Related_Casualties_3959.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_20_mph_Speed_Limit_Drastically_Reduces_Road_Related_Casualties_3959.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_20_mph_Speed_Limit_Drastically_Reduces_Road_Related_Casualties_3959.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3959.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: 20 mph Speed Limit Drastically Reduces Road Related Casualties (December 11, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Limiting traffic speed to 20 mph (32 km/h) can dramatically cut road casualties, particularly among children, according to research published online ahead of print in the British Medical Journal. Here are some statistics about road injuries from the World Health Organization: More than 3,000 people die from road injuries daily They are responsible for tens of millions of injuries yearly Children, the elderly, pedestrians, and cyclists are the most vulnerable Researchers out of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine used geographically-coded police data to determine the impact of introducing 20 mph zones within 119,029 road segments between the years 1986 to 2006 in London. Their main outcome measures were serious road injuries and fatalities. After adjusting for background changes in traffic fatalities over time, the introduction of 20 mph speed limits was associated with a 41.9% reduction in road casualties. The reduction in injuries and deaths was greatest for younger children and for the most serious casualties. In areas adjacent to the 20 mph speed zones, casualties fell by an average of 8%. Today's research demonstrates how setting low speed limits in urban areas can reduce serious road injuries and fatalities. 2009-12-11T17:00:00 Traffic Related Injuries Car crash Car accident Health yes 123 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Health_Canada_Issues_Warning_Over_Acai_Berry_Products_New_Avenue_for_Blood_Clot_Treatments_Alcohol_Raises_Risk_of_Breast_Cancer_Recurrence_3951.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Health_Canada_Issues_Warning_Over_Acai_Berry_Products_New_Avenue_for_Blood_Clot_Treatments_Alcohol_Raises_Risk_of_Breast_Cancer_Recurrence_3951.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Health_Canada_Issues_Warning_Over_Acai_Berry_Products_New_Avenue_for_Blood_Clot_Treatments_Alcohol_Raises_Risk_of_Breast_Cancer_Recurrence_3951.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3951.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Health Canada Issues Warning Over Acai Berry Products, New Avenue for Blood Clot Treatments, Alcohol Raises Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence (December 10, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Ottawa - Canadians should be wary of taking certain acai berry products, according to a warning from Health Canada. The warning comes following the discovery that shipments of acai berry products crossing the Canadian border were found to contain sildenafil--a medication for erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil should not be taken unless supervised by a doctor, as it is a prescription medication and people with heart problems may be at increased risk of stroke and heart attack should they take the drug. From Leeds - According to a report published in the journal Cell, researchers may have found a new approach to treating blood clots. Currently, most patients with blood clots are treated with the anticoagulant Warfarin--a medication that thins the blood but also puts the patient at risk of excessive bleeding if they get injured. Researchers have now discovered, however, that the molecule polyphosphate contributes to the blood clot in the artery without adversely affecting the patient's wound healing ability--a discovery that could make the molecule a new target in blood clot treatments. And finally, from California - Moderate alcohol consumption significantly increases a woman's risk for breast cancer recurrence, according to research presented at the 2009 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. Researchers studied nearly 1,900 breast cancer survivors for eight years. They found that three to four alcoholic drinks per week, regardless of the type, increased breast cancer recurrence risk by 30%, with obese women and postmenopausal women at the greatest risk. 2009-12-10T19:00:00 Breast Cancer Breast cancer recurrence Heart Attack Stroke Heart problems Blood Clots Thrombosis Alcohol Consumption Health yes 123 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Research_Outlines_Which_Breast_Cancer_Patients_Benefit_Most_From_Chemotherapy_And_How_Best_to_Administer_It_3952.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Research_Outlines_Which_Breast_Cancer_Patients_Benefit_Most_From_Chemotherapy_And_How_Best_to_Administer_It_3952.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Research_Outlines_Which_Breast_Cancer_Patients_Benefit_Most_From_Chemotherapy_And_How_Best_to_Administer_It_3952.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3952.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Research Outlines Which Breast Cancer Patients Benefit Most From Chemotherapy And How Best to Administer It (December 10, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Giving breast cancer patients chemotherapy before hormone-suppressing therapy with tamoxifen may improve their prognosis, but only if they are at high risk for a cancer recurrence, according to research published online ahead of print in The Lancet and The Lancet Oncology. Here is some information about the treatment of breast cancer: Surgery is usually the first line of attack against breast cancer. It might involve removal of a lump, a breast, or breast plus lymph node tissue Some patients receive chemotherapy, either before or after surgery For those whose cancer is fed by hormones, drugs that suppress hormones, such as tamoxifen, are frequently given Researchers from the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood randomly assigned over 1,500 postmenopausal women with breast cancer that had spread to their lymph nodes to one of three treatment regimens. One group received tamoxifen alone, another received tamoxifen and chemotherapy at the same time, and a third received chemotherapy followed by tamoxifen. After a maximum of 13 years of follow-up, the chemotherapy followed by tamoxifen treatment regimen was associated with the lowest cancer recurrence rates. The same group of researchers then conducted genetic testing on samples of tumors taken from 367 patients. These tumors were tested for the presence of 21 genes that are known to influence a patient's risk of having a cancer recurrence. The tests revealed that, among women with a low chance of cancer recurrence, adding chemotherapy to their tamoxifen treatment provided no benefit. Among those with a high risk of recurrence, however, the chemotherapy helped reduce their risk. Today's research can help health care professionals appropriately plan treatment for breast cancer, identifying who is most likely to benefit from chemotherapy and how best to administer it. 2009-12-10T19:00:00 Breast Cancer Breast cancer recurrence Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medici Health yes 146 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Administering_Chemotherapy_to_Node_positive_Breast_Cancer_Patients_Prior_to_Tamoxifen_Improves_Survival_in_Certain_Women_3953.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Administering_Chemotherapy_to_Node_positive_Breast_Cancer_Patients_Prior_to_Tamoxifen_Improves_Survival_in_Certain_Women_3953.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Administering_Chemotherapy_to_Node_positive_Breast_Cancer_Patients_Prior_to_Tamoxifen_Improves_Survival_in_Certain_Women_3953.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3953.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Administering Chemotherapy to Node-positive Breast Cancer Patients Prior to Tamoxifen Improves Survival in Certain Women (December 10, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Administering chemotherapy to node-positive breast cancer patients prior to tamoxifen therapy can increase disease-free survival, but only in those whose genetic tests suggest a high risk of recurrence, according to research published online ahead of print in The Lancet and The Lancet Oncology. Here are some guidelines for the evaluation and management of a positive sentinel lymph node in breast cancer from the National Collaborating Centre for Cancer: Offer further axillary treatment to patients with early invasive breast cancer who have macrometastases or micrometastases shown in a sentinel lymph node or who have a preoperative ultrasound-guided needle biopsy with histologically proven metastatic cancer The preferred technique is axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) because it gives additional staging information. Do not offer further axillary treatment to patients found to have only isolated tumour cells in their sentinel lymph nodes. These patients should be regarded as lymph node-negative. Researchers out of the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood randomized 1,558 postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive and node-positive breast cancer to tamoxifen therapy alone or chemotherapy consisting of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and fluorouracil (CAF) given every 4 weeks for 6 cycles plus 5 years of daily tamoxifen. CAF was given either concurrently (CAFT) or prior to tamoxifen (CAF-T). After a maximum of 13 years of follow-up, disease-free survival was longest with combined therapy compared with tamoxifen alone. CAF-T produced better outcomes than CAF, although this difference did not reach statistical significance. The proportions of women alive at 10 years were 68%, 62%, and 60%, for CAF-T, CAFT, and tamoxifen, respectively. In a retrospective analysis of the data by the same group, 367 tumor specimens were tested using the 21-gene recurrence assay, which is known to be prognostic among women with node-negative disease. Indeed, the recurrence score was prognostic among patients who received tamoxifen alone. Among patients with a low recurrence score, there was no benefit to adding CAF to their tamoxifen regimen. The addition of CAF to patients with high recurrence scores increased disease-free survival, however. Today's research helps direct breast cancer therapy, identifying which women might benefit most from chemotherapy and how best to administer it. 2009-12-10T19:00:00 Breast Cancer Breast cancer recurrence Loyola Stritch School of Medicine Health yes 185 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Process_Can_Reverse_Sickle_Cell_Disease_Damage_Solid_Foods_and_Food_Sensitivity_Bone_Marrow_Cell_Procedure_For_Heart_Attack_Patients_3947.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Process_Can_Reverse_Sickle_Cell_Disease_Damage_Solid_Foods_and_Food_Sensitivity_Bone_Marrow_Cell_Procedure_For_Heart_Attack_Patients_3947.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Process_Can_Reverse_Sickle_Cell_Disease_Damage_Solid_Foods_and_Food_Sensitivity_Bone_Marrow_Cell_Procedure_For_Heart_Attack_Patients_3947.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3947.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Process Can Reverse Sickle Cell Disease Damage, Solid Foods and Food Sensitivity, Bone Marrow Cell Procedure For Heart Attack Patients (December 9, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Baltimore According to a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine, scientists may have discovered a way to reverse severe sickle cell disease in adults. Researchers studied 10 patients with severe sickle cell disease, administering an IV transplant of blood forming stem cells from healthy donors along with the drug rapamcyin. Results showed that 90% of these patients had normal red blood cells and consequently saw their organ damage reversed. From Finland According to a report published in the journal Pediatrics, delayed introduction of solid foods into an infants diet may lead to food allergies later in life. Researchers reviewed data on nearly 1000 children who took part in a large birth cohort study. They found that late introduction (defined as 6 months) of eggs, wheat and oats into the childs diet had a significant association with food sensitivity at age 5. And finally, from Germany Bone marrow cells may be able to reduce patients risk of suffering a second heart attack, according to a report published in the journal Circulation: Heart Failure. Researchers randomized over 200 heart attack survivors who had undergone stent placement to either an infusion of progenitor cells from their own bone marrow into the damaged artery or a placebo solution. Results showed that none of the bone marrow infusion group suffered a second heart attack compared with 7 in the placebo group, a difference deemed statistically significant 2009-12-09T17:00:00 Heart Attack Heart Failure Food allergy Sickle Cell Anemia Organ damage Health yes 119 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Inhaling_Pure_Oxygen_at_Fast_Rate_Reduces_and_Can_Possibly_Eliminate_Cluster_Headache_Pain_3948.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Inhaling_Pure_Oxygen_at_Fast_Rate_Reduces_and_Can_Possibly_Eliminate_Cluster_Headache_Pain_3948.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Inhaling_Pure_Oxygen_at_Fast_Rate_Reduces_and_Can_Possibly_Eliminate_Cluster_Headache_Pain_3948.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3948.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Inhaling Pure Oxygen at Fast Rate Reduces, and Can Possibly Eliminate, Cluster Headache Pain (December 9, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Inhaling pure oxygen at a fast rate can reduce or even eliminate the pain of cluster headaches, according to a study published in the December 9 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Here is some information about cluster headaches: It is an excruciating type of headache that tends to occur in a cyclical pattern Bouts of frequent attacks known as clusters can continue for weeks or months Inhaled oxygen is used to treat cluster headaches, usually at a rate of 7 to 10 L/min Researcher from the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London treated over 100 adults suffering from cluster headaches with either 100% inhaled oxygen delivered at a rate of 12L/min or a placebo. The participants treated four episodes of their headaches with one type of treatment, then the next four with the other treatment. Both treatments were delivered via a face mask for 15 minutes at the onset of symptoms, and the participants did not know when they were receiving 100 % oxygen or regular air. Overall, the oxygen treatment eliminated the pain or provided adequate pain relief 78% of the time when used at the onset of a cluster headache episode. In contrast, the placebo provided the same degree of relief only 20% of the time. Today's research demonstrates how inhaling 100% oxygen at a faster than usual rate can provide relief from cluster headaches, which are both extremely painful and notoriously difficult to treat. 2009-12-09T17:00:00 Cluster headache Headache National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Health yes 120 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Inhaled_Pure_Oxygen_at_Fast_Rate_Offers_Relief_Against_Cluster_Headache_Pain_3949.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Inhaled_Pure_Oxygen_at_Fast_Rate_Offers_Relief_Against_Cluster_Headache_Pain_3949.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Inhaled_Pure_Oxygen_at_Fast_Rate_Offers_Relief_Against_Cluster_Headache_Pain_3949.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3949.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Inhaled Pure Oxygen at Fast Rate Offers Relief Against Cluster Headache Pain (December 9, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Inhaled oxygen, administered at the rate of 12L/min, may offer quick relief of cluster headaches, according to a trial published in the December 9 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Here are some guidelines for the use of oxygen in the treatment of cluster headaches, from the National Headache Foundation: Oxygen inhalation is the standard recommended therapy for cluster headaches. Treatment is initiated with 100% oxygen by non-rebreathing facial mask. Flow rate is set at 7 to 10 liters per minute and treatment should continue for 15 minutes. Researchers out of the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London treated 109 adults with cluster headache with high-flow inhaled 100% oxygen at 12 L/min or placebo, alternately. Patients treated four headaches with one of the therapies and then the following four headaches with the other therapy. They were blinded to which therapy was which. Therapy was delivered via face mask for 15 min at the start of an attack. Overall, 57 patients with episodic cluster headaches and 19 with chronic cluster headaches were available for analysis. Among these participants, oxygen rendered them pain-free or gave them adequate relief at 15 minutes 78% if the time, compared with only 20% of the time for placebo. Today's research shows promise for the use of high-flow 100% inhaled oxygen to treat cluster headaches, which are both extremely painful and frequently intractable. 2009-12-09T17:00:00 Cluster headache Head ache National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Health yes 116 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Child_Cancer_Survivors_At_Increased_Risk_of_Heart_Disease_Newborn_Screening_Test_for_Lymphopenia_Pistachios_May_Reduce_Risk_of_Lung_Cancer_3944.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Child_Cancer_Survivors_At_Increased_Risk_of_Heart_Disease_Newborn_Screening_Test_for_Lymphopenia_Pistachios_May_Reduce_Risk_of_Lung_Cancer_3944.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Child_Cancer_Survivors_At_Increased_Risk_of_Heart_Disease_Newborn_Screening_Test_for_Lymphopenia_Pistachios_May_Reduce_Risk_of_Lung_Cancer_3944.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3944.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Child Cancer Survivors At Increased Risk of Heart Disease, Newborn Screening Test for Lymphopenia, Pistachios May Reduce Risk of Lung Cancer (December 8, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Minnesota - According to a report published in the British Medical Journal, pediatric cancer survivors are at increased risk of heart disease as young adults. Researchers compared over 14, 000 cancer survivors taking part in a long term study with nearly 4,000 of their siblings. Results showed that childhood cancer survivors were more likely to develop heart failure, heart attacks, and heart inflammation in young adulthood. This risk was apparent even up to 30 years following cancer treatment. From Wisconsin - DNA screening of newborns is able to detect T-cell lymphopenia, according to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers screened over 70,000 samples of newborn blood screening cards. They found that screening the amount of T-cell receptor excision circles (TREC) in the blood was able indicate whether or not the child suffered from T-cell lymphopenia (low levels of white blood cells). And finally, from Houston - A daily dose of pistachios may be able to reduce risk of lung cancer, according to a report presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference. Researchers divided 36 participants into two groups: one ate 68 grams of pistachios a day while the other maintained their normal diet. Results showed that the pistachio group had a significant rise in their amount of gamma-tocopherol--a form of Vitamin E that is known to provide some protection against lung cancer. 2009-12-08T19:00:00 Lung Cancer Cancer Lymphopenia Low white blood cells Health yes 119 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_For_Women_With_Breast_Cancer_Soy_Rich_Diet_Reduces_Risk_of_Recurrence_and_Death_Interview_with_Dr_Xiao_Shu_MD_PhD_Vanderbilt_University_3945.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_For_Women_With_Breast_Cancer_Soy_Rich_Diet_Reduces_Risk_of_Recurrence_and_Death_Interview_with_Dr_Xiao_Shu_MD_PhD_Vanderbilt_University_3945.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_For_Women_With_Breast_Cancer_Soy_Rich_Diet_Reduces_Risk_of_Recurrence_and_Death_Interview_with_Dr_Xiao_Shu_MD_PhD_Vanderbilt_University_3945.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3945.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: For Women With Breast Cancer, Soy Rich Diet Reduces Risk of Recurrence and Death (Interview with Dr. Xiao Shu, MD, PhD, Vanderbilt University) (December 8, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Women who underwent treatment for breast cancer were less likely to die or experience a recurrence of their cancer if their diet was high in soy-rich foods, according to research published in the December 9 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Foods that are high in soy include: Green vegetable soybeans, also known as edamame Meat alternatives made with soy protein or tofu Soy milk Researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville looked at the relationship between eating soy-rich foods and the risk of death and breast cancer recurrence among over 5,000 women living in China who were diagnosed with breast cancer and received treatment for the condition. The participants were followed up for about four years. Those who ate the most soy-rich foods had a 29% lower risk of dying and a 32% lower risk of having a recurrence of their breast cancer, compared with those who ate the least soy-rich foods. After taking into account several factors that could influence outcomes, the 4-year death rate was found to be about 7% for those who ate the most soy rich foods, compared with 10% for those who ate the least. Similarly, cancer recurrence rates were 8% for those who ate the most soy, compared with 11% for those who ate the least. We spoke with Dr. Xiao Shu, the principal investigator of this study, who offered some further insight. Today's research suggests that women with breast cancer may be able to reduce their risk of dying or having a recurrence of their cancer by eating soy-rich foods. 2009-12-08T19:00:00 Breast Cancer Breast cancer recurrence Vanderbilt University Medical Center Health yes 129 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Soy_Rich_Foods_Linked_With_Decreased_Risk_of_Death_and_Recurrence_in_Women_with_Breast_Cancer_Interview_with_Dr_Xiao_Shu_Vanderbilt_University_3946.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Soy_Rich_Foods_Linked_With_Decreased_Risk_of_Death_and_Recurrence_in_Women_with_Breast_Cancer_Interview_with_Dr_Xiao_Shu_Vanderbilt_University_3946.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Soy_Rich_Foods_Linked_With_Decreased_Risk_of_Death_and_Recurrence_in_Women_with_Breast_Cancer_Interview_with_Dr_Xiao_Shu_Vanderbilt_University_3946.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3946.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Soy Rich Foods Linked With Decreased Risk of Death and Recurrence in Women with Breast Cancer (Interview with Dr. Xiao Shu, Vanderbilt University) (December 8, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Intake of soy foods is associated with a decreased risk of death and recurrence among women who have been treated for breast cancer, according to research published in the December 9 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Here are some guidelines for the follow-up of women with early or locally-advanced breast cancer, from the National Collaborating Centre for Cancer: Offer annual mammography to all patients with early breast cancer, including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) After completion of adjuvant treatment for early breast cancer, discuss with patients where they would like follow-up to be undertaken. Patients treated for breast cancer should have an agreed, written care plan, which should be recorded by a named healthcare professional (or professionals), a copy sent to the GP and a personal copy given to the patient. Researchers out of Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville explored the relationship between intake of soy foods and breast cancer outcomes using data from the Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study. Women aged 20 to 75 who were diagnosed with breast cancer between March 2002 and April 2006 were followed-up regularly through June 2009. Follow-ups included assessments of treatment, lifestyle exposures, and disease progression. During the median follow-up period of 3.9 years, 444 deaths and 534 breast cancer recurrences were documented among 5,033 participants. Among those in the highest quartile for soy intake, the hazard ratio (HR) for total mortality was 0.71 and the HR for recurrence was 0.68, compared with those in the lowest quartile. Multivariate analysis revealed a 10.3% 4-year mortality rate and 11.2% 4-year recurrence rate for those in the lowest quartile of soy intake, compared with a 7.4% mortality and 8.0% recurrence rate for those in the highest quartile. We spoke with Dr. Xiao Shu, the principal investigator of this study, who offered some further insight. Today's research suggests that women who have been treated for breast cancer might reduce their risk of death or recurrence by increasing their intake of soy-rich foods. 2009-12-08T19:00:00 Breast Cancer Breast cancer recurrence Vanderbilt University Medical Center Health yes 203 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Genetic_Cause_For_Some_Obesity_New_Drug_For_Cystic_Fibrosis_Venous_Thromboembolism_Treatment_3943.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Genetic_Cause_For_Some_Obesity_New_Drug_For_Cystic_Fibrosis_Venous_Thromboembolism_Treatment_3943.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Genetic_Cause_For_Some_Obesity_New_Drug_For_Cystic_Fibrosis_Venous_Thromboembolism_Treatment_3943.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3943.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Genetic Cause For Some Obesity, New Drug For Cystic Fibrosis, Venous Thromboembolism Treatment (December 7 - Insidermedicine) From Cambridge (UK) - According to a report published in the journal Nature, genetic mutations, known as copy number variants (where sections of DNA are deleted or duplicated), have been identified as a cause of severe childhood obesity. The researchers examining 300 severely obese children found that some of these children were missing sections of chromosome 16. They believe that a specific gene on this chromosome, SH2B1, plays a role in regulating weight and blood sugar. From California - Researchers have found a compound that may restore some lung function in those who suffer from cystic fibrosis, according to a report published in the online edition of Nature Chemical Biology. The drug suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), originally used to treat lymphoma, was able to restore 28% of normal lung cell function in cells taken from cystic fibrosis patients. While further research is necessary, this may one day ease the symptoms and improve the quality of life of those who suffer from cystic fibrosis. And finally, from Hamilton - A more convenient oral medication for those with the clotting disorder venous thromboembolism may soon be available. VTE is usually treated with the blood thinner warfarin, which requires patients to carefully watch their diet and has known interactions with other drugs. According to a new report published online by The New England Journal of Medicine, dabigatran etexilate is as safe and effective as warfarin, without the need for such careful monitoring or dose adjustment. 2009-12-07T20:00:00 Cystic Fibrosis Venous Thromboembolism Childhood Obesity Obesity Health yes 127 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_OxyContin_Death_Risk_Interview_with_Dr_Irfan_Dhalla_MD_ICES_St_Michael_s_Hospital_University_of_Toronto_3941.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_OxyContin_Death_Risk_Interview_with_Dr_Irfan_Dhalla_MD_ICES_St_Michael_s_Hospital_University_of_Toronto_3941.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_OxyContin_Death_Risk_Interview_with_Dr_Irfan_Dhalla_MD_ICES_St_Michael_s_Hospital_University_of_Toronto_3941.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3941.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: OxyContin Death Risk (Interview with Dr. Irfan Dhalla, MD, ICES, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto) (December 7, 2009 - Insidermedicine) The alarming risk of death associated with the use of prescribed narcotic drugs, particularly OxyContin, is highlighted in a study published in the latest issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Here is some information about narcotic drugs and OxyContin: Also known as opioid drugs, narcotics are commonly prescribed pain-relieving drugs Narcotics are dangerous because their side effects can include depression of breathing and a decrease in consciousness OxyContin, also known as oxycodone, is a particularly potent and popular narcotic To evaluate the impact of narcotic drugs on death rates in Ontario, researchers from St. Michael's Hospital and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) in Toronto reviewed over 7,000 files from the Coroner' office and linked these with provincial data on physician visits and medication prescribing. They also analyzed data on the sales of prescription narcotics that were collected by a private company. The researchers focused their evaluation on the period from 1991 to present. Based on their analyses, prescriptions of OxyContin have increased by more than 850% during the study period. In 2006, this drug represented one-third of the narcotic prescriptions written in 2006 in Ontario. Since this drug began to be covered by provincial drug plans in 2000, deaths associated with its use have increased fivefold. In fact, deaths from use of prescribed narcotics far outstrip those associated with heroin use. Overall, 54% of deaths associated with prescribed narcotics were considered to be accidental. Most of those whose deaths were related to use of a prescribed narcotic drug had visited a doctor and received a prescription for the drug in the previous month. We had a chance to speak with Dr. Irfan Dhalla, the principal investigator of this study, who provided some further insight. Today's research highlights the increased risk associated with prescribed narcotic drugs in general and OxyContin in particular. Both physicians and patients need to be better informed about the dangers of these drugs. 2009-12-07T17:00:00 St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto University of Toronto Health yes 207 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_ICES_Study_Shows_Significant_Rise_In_Mortalilty_Linked_To_Opoid_Use_Interview_With_Dr_Irfan_Dhalla_MD_ICES_St_Michael_s_Hospital_University_of_Toronto_3942.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_ICES_Study_Shows_Significant_Rise_In_Mortalilty_Linked_To_Opoid_Use_Interview_With_Dr_Irfan_Dhalla_MD_ICES_St_Michael_s_Hospital_University_of_Toronto_3942.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_ICES_Study_Shows_Significant_Rise_In_Mortalilty_Linked_To_Opoid_Use_Interview_With_Dr_Irfan_Dhalla_MD_ICES_St_Michael_s_Hospital_University_of_Toronto_3942.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3942.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: ICES Study Shows Significant Rise In Mortalilty Linked To Opoid Use (Interview With Dr. Irfan Dhalla, MD, ICES, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto) (December 7, 2009 - Insidermedicine) The significant risk of mortality associated with use of prescribed opioids, particularly related to oxycodone, is highlighted in a study published in the latest issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Here are some guidelines for the use of opioids for non-cancer pain from the Washington State Agency Medical Directors' Group: In general, the total daily dose of opioid should not exceed 120 mg oral morphine equivalents. Safety and effectiveness of opioid therapy for chronic non-cancer pain should be routinely evaluated by the prescriber. A specialty consultation may be considered at any time if there is evidence of frequent adverse effects or lack of response to an opioid trial. To evaluate the contribution of narcotic pain relievers to mortality in Ontario, researchers from St. Michael's Hospital and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) in Toronto reviewed nearly 7,100 files from the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario. They then linked these files with provincial data on physician visits and medication prescribing. The investigators also analyzed data available from IMS Health Canada about the sales of prescription narcotics. They focused their research on the years 1991 to present. Based on their analyses, prescriptions for oxycodone have risen by more than 850% during the study period. In 2006, this drug represented one-third of prescriptions for narcotics in Ontario. Since the drug was added to provincial drug benefit plans in 2000, deaths associated with its use increased fivefold. In fact, deaths from prescribed opioid drugs far outnumber deaths from heroin. Overall, 54% of fatalities associated with opioids were considered accidental. Most of those whose deaths involved an opioid had visited a doctor and received a prescription for the drug in the previous month. We had a chance to speak with Dr. Irfan Dhalla, principal investigator of this study, who provided some further insight. Today's research highlights the significant risk of prescribing opioid drugs in general and oxycodone in particular. Both physicians and their patients need to better appreciate and understand the potential risks of these drugs and prescribing should be better monitored. 2009-12-07T17:00:00 St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto University of Toronto Health yes 229 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Childhood_Cancer_Survival_Rates_Cell_Phones_Do_Not_Cause_Brain_Tumors_Cannabis_Helpful_for_MS_Symptoms_3937.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Childhood_Cancer_Survival_Rates_Cell_Phones_Do_Not_Cause_Brain_Tumors_Cannabis_Helpful_for_MS_Symptoms_3937.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Childhood_Cancer_Survival_Rates_Cell_Phones_Do_Not_Cause_Brain_Tumors_Cannabis_Helpful_for_MS_Symptoms_3937.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3937.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Childhood Cancer Survival Rates, Cell Phones Do Not Cause Brain Tumors, Cannabis Helpful for MS Symptoms (December 4, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Atlanta Certain childhood cancers are more likely to recur, according to a report published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Analyzing data from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study in which over 12,000 pediatric cancer survivors were evaluated, researchers found that the overall cancer recurrence rate was 4.4% at 10 years, and 6.2% at 20 years. However, ewing sarcomas had a recurrence rate of 13% at 20 years and astrocytoma had a recurrence rate of 14.4% after 20 years. From Denmark - Researchers have been unable to connect cell phone usage to the development of brain tumors, according to another report published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Using information from 4 Scandinavian countries, researchers found no significant difference in brain tumor rates from 1974 to 2003. Though there was an increase in meningioma occurrence among women, most of this increase was attributed to women over the age of 60--a group not considered to be heavy cell phone users. And finally, from Los Angeles Cannabis may be helpful for patients with multiple sclerosis, according to a report published in the journal BMC Neurology. Researchers reviewed several controlled trials analyzing effects of cannabis extracts on MS symptoms. 5 out of 6 of these trials noted that cannabis use resulted in improvements in mobility as well as a reduction of spasticity (a symptom in which the central nervous system tells muscles to contract or tense up). 2009-12-04T17:00:00 Cancer Pediatric Cancer Ewing Sarcoma Astrocytoma Cancer recurrence Brain tumor Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Health yes 126 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Weight_Loss_Beneficial_For_Obese_Men_With_Sleep_Apnea_3938.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Weight_Loss_Beneficial_For_Obese_Men_With_Sleep_Apnea_3938.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Weight_Loss_Beneficial_For_Obese_Men_With_Sleep_Apnea_3938.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3938.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Weight Loss Beneficial For Obese Men With Sleep Apnea (December 4, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Obese men with obstructive sleep apnea can both lose weight and improve their symptoms by going on an extremely low calorie liquid diet for a few weeks, according to research published in the latest issue of the British Medical Journal. Here is some information about obstructive sleep apnea: It is a condition in which a person stops breathing or takes only shallow breaths for a few seconds during sleep It is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness and an increased risk for motor vehicle accidents It occurs more commonly among men who are obese Researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm assigned over 60 obese men with obstructive sleep apnea severe enough for them to require a special oxygen mask while they slept to one of two groups. The first group received an extremely low calorie liquid diet for seven weeks, followed by two weeks of gradually reintroducing normal food. The second group was a comparison group that maintained their normal eating habits. Both groups were followed-up regularly, and in the diet group this included support and motivational sessions. Those on the diet lost an average of 18.7kg, compared with only 1.1 kg in the comparison group. The dieters also went from having an average of 37 episodes of apnea per hour while sleeping to only 12 per hour, on average, and in 17% the obstructive sleep apnea disappeared completely. Another half of the dieters were left with only mild sleep apnea. In the comparison group, the severity of their obstructive sleep apnea remained about the same. Today's research highlights the link between obstructive sleep apnea and obesity and demonstrates that it is indeed possible for obese men with this condition to lose enough weight to dramatically improve their symptoms 2009-12-04T17:00:00 Sleep Apnea Sleep problems Obesity Weight Loss Karolinska Institute Health yes 140 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Low_Energy_Liquid_Diet_Reduces_Sleep_Apnea_Symptoms_in_Obese_Men_3939.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Low_Energy_Liquid_Diet_Reduces_Sleep_Apnea_Symptoms_in_Obese_Men_3939.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Low_Energy_Liquid_Diet_Reduces_Sleep_Apnea_Symptoms_in_Obese_Men_3939.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3939.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Low Energy Liquid Diet Reduces Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Obese Men Putting obese men with sleep apnea on an extremely low energy liquid diet results not only in weight loss but also in a dramatic amelioration of their symptoms, according to research published in the latest issue of the British Medical Journal. Here are some clinical considerations for managing obstructive sleep apnea from the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement: It is a significant risk factor for the development of hypertension and has been associated with type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease, and may lead to significant impairment in quality of life. Untreated sleep apnea may mimic or exacerbate depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other chronic disorders. It is important to rule out sleep deprivation (i.e., insomnia or poor sleep hygiene) when evaluating daytime sleepiness. Researchers out of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm assigned 63 obese men aged 30 to 65 who were being treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for moderate to severe sleep apnea to one of two treatment groups. Thirty of the men received a liquid very low energy diet for seven weeks to promote weight loss, followed by two weeks of a gradual introduction of normal food. The other 33 men were controls and followed their usual diet. Both groups of men were followed-up regularly, and in the treatment group, this follow-up included group support and motivation sessions. Those in the diet group lost a mean of 18.7 kg, compared with a weight loss of 1.1 kg among controls. At the outset of the study, both groups of men had a mean apnea hypopnea index (AHI) of 37 apnea events per hour. At the end of the nine week study, this had dropped to 12 for the treatment group and 35 for controls. Among dieters, 17% no longer had sleep apnea by the end of the study, and half had only mild disease. Today's research highlights the link between obesity and sleep apnea and demonstrates that obese men with sleep apnea can lose weight and can improve their condition. 2009-12-04T17:00:00 Sleep Apnea Sleep problems Obesity Weight Loss Karolinska Institute Health yes 157 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Smoking_Linked_to_Colorectal_Cancer_Risk_Gene_Connected_to_Medulloblastoma_Identified_Secondhand_Smoke_Exposure_Raises_Risk_of_Breast_Cancer_3933.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Smoking_Linked_to_Colorectal_Cancer_Risk_Gene_Connected_to_Medulloblastoma_Identified_Secondhand_Smoke_Exposure_Raises_Risk_of_Breast_Cancer_3933.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Smoking_Linked_to_Colorectal_Cancer_Risk_Gene_Connected_to_Medulloblastoma_Identified_Secondhand_Smoke_Exposure_Raises_Risk_of_Breast_Cancer_3933.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3933.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Smoking Linked to Colorectal Cancer Risk, Gene Connected to Medulloblastoma Identified, Secondhand Smoke Exposure Raises Risk of Breast Cancer (December 3, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Philadelphia - According to a report published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers andamp; Prevention, scientists have identified a strong connection between cigarette smoking and colorectal cancer. For 13 years, researchers followed over 180,000 people aged 50-74. They found that people who smoked for more than 40 years had up to a 50% raised risk of developing either colon or rectal cancer. From Texas - Scientists have pinpointed a gene linked to medullobalstoma, according to a report published in the journal Science. Researchers genetically altered mice specifically to develop medulloblastoma--or, the deadliest form of brain cancer. However, they found that by shutting down the production of the gene Atoh1 they were able to prevent these mice from actually developing medulloblastoma, an aspect that researchers believe may lead to a new target in the fight against brain cancer. And finally, back to Philadelphia - Long term exposure to secondhand smoke raises risk of breast cancer, according to another report published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers andamp; Prevention. Researchers surveyed over 57,000 women who had no smoking history, but had experienced exposure to second hand smoke at home, work, or social settings. They found that women with high amounts of exposure to secondhand smoke during adulthood, primarily postmenopausal women, had an increased risk of breast cancer. Exposure under the age of 20, however, did not appear to raise this risk. 2009-12-03T19:00:00 Medulloblastoma Brain Cancer Colon Cancer Rectal Cancer Colorectal Cancer Breast Cancer Smoking Secondhand smoke Health yes 124 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Volume_CT_Scanning_In_Individuals_at_High_Risk_for_Lung_Cancer_Improves_Screening_3934.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Volume_CT_Scanning_In_Individuals_at_High_Risk_for_Lung_Cancer_Improves_Screening_3934.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Volume_CT_Scanning_In_Individuals_at_High_Risk_for_Lung_Cancer_Improves_Screening_3934.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3934.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Volume CT Scanning In Individuals at High Risk for Lung Cancer Improves Screening (December 3, 2009 - Insidermedicine) A special system for screening for lung cancer among those at high risk for the condition using computed tomography (CT) has been developed by researchers whose work is published in the December 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Here is some information about lung cancer: Symptoms may include a persistant cough that gets worse over time or coughing associated with bloody sputum It is usually caused by smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke It can also be caused by exposure to chemicals such as radon and asbestos Researchers from Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam used CT scanning to screen the lungs of over 7,500 individuals who were known to be at high risk for lung cancer. If the results of the scan were indeterminate meaning it was not clear whether there were signs of cancer -- the scan was repeated three months later. The investigators outlined specific criteria by which they considered the screen to be positive or negative, based on the size of a specific type of lesion known as a noncalcified nodule found in the lungs as well as how quickly these nodules grew. Using their criteria, the ability of the screen to detect cancer when it was present was 94.6%, and the likelihood that there was no cancer when the screen was negative was 99.9%. Among over 7,000 patients who had negative findings with the screening, only 20 were eventually diagnosed with lung cancer in the following 2 years. Today's research demonstrates how selecting specific criteria to look for in a CT scan can improve the usefulness of this noninvasive test for screening for lung cancer in high-risk individuals. 2009-12-03T19:00:00 Lung Cancer Smoking Erasmus University Medical Center Health yes 119 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Volumetric_Data_From_CT_Scanning_Improves_Screening_of_Patients_at_High_Risk_for_Lung_Cancer_3935.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Volumetric_Data_From_CT_Scanning_Improves_Screening_of_Patients_at_High_Risk_for_Lung_Cancer_3935.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Volumetric_Data_From_CT_Scanning_Improves_Screening_of_Patients_at_High_Risk_for_Lung_Cancer_3935.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3935.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Volumetric Data From CT Scanning Improves Screening of Patients at High Risk for Lung Cancer (December 3, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Using volumetric data about noncalcified nodules obtained from computed tomography (CT) scanning may help improve screening of patients at high risk for lung cancer, according to research published in the December 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Here are some considerations regarding early screening for lung cancer among asymptomatic high risk individuals, from the American Cancer Society: Informed decision making is important for individuals who elect to be tested for early lung cancer detection Ideally, testing should be done only in experienced centers that also are linked to multidisciplinary specialty groups for diagnosis and follow-up Current smokers should be informed that the more immediate preventive health priority is the elimination of tobacco use altogether Researchers out of Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam conducted multidetector CT scanning of the lungs of 7,557 individuals at high risk for lung cancer. A second scan was conducted about three months later among those with indeterminate findings. Noncalcified nodules, when detected, were evaluated based on volume and volume-doubling time between screening rounds. Growth of a nodule was defined as an increase in volume of at least 25%. The screen was considered negative if the nodule volume was under 50 mm3, if it was 50 to 500 mm3 but had not grown by the second screening round, or if it had grown but the volume-doubling time was 400 days or more. Based on these criteria, the sensitivity of the screen was 94.6%, and the negative predictive value was 99.9%. Among the 7,361 patients with a negative screening result, only 20 lung cancers were identified after 2 years of follow-up. Today's research provides some perspective on how to follow-up patients at high risk for lung cancer using noninvasive CT scanning. 2009-12-03T19:00:00 Smoking Lung Cancer Erasmus University Medical Center Health yes 129 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Balancing_Protein_Good_For_Healthy_Aging_Ultrasound_Beneficial_in_Detection_of_Breast_Cancer_For_Some_Women_Aspirin_Does_Not_Prevent_AMD_3929.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Balancing_Protein_Good_For_Healthy_Aging_Ultrasound_Beneficial_in_Detection_of_Breast_Cancer_For_Some_Women_Aspirin_Does_Not_Prevent_AMD_3929.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Balancing_Protein_Good_For_Healthy_Aging_Ultrasound_Beneficial_in_Detection_of_Breast_Cancer_For_Some_Women_Aspirin_Does_Not_Prevent_AMD_3929.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3929.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Balancing Protein Good For Healthy Aging, Ultrasound Beneficial in Detection of Breast Cancer For Some Women, Aspirin Does Not Prevent AMD (December 2, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From London - According to a report published in the journal Nature, balancing the protein in ones diet may be better for healthy aging than limiting caloric intake. Researchers fed fruit flies varying amounts of vitamins, lipids and amino acids in a diet consisting of sugar, water and yeast. The researchers were able to maximize lifespan without compromising fertility of the flies by varying the amount of amino acids, while changing the other nutrients had no such effect. From Chicago - Women at high risk for breast cancer and have dense breasts may benefit from annual ultrasound screening, according to research presented at the annual meeting of Radiological Society of North America. Researchers studied over 600 high risk women, administering mammography and ultrasound every year. Of the 16 women that developed breast cancer, mammography alone detected 50-56% of cancers, while the addition of ultrasound detected 70-94% of cancers. And finally, from Boston - A ten year study into the possible preventive effect of aspirin in age related macular degeneration has yielded no significant results, according to research published online in the journal Ophthalmology. Researchers studied nearly 40,000 women involved in the Women's Health Study, finding that patients who took aspirin every other day had an 18% lower risk of AMD compared with those who took placebo; this difference was deemed nonsignificant. 2009-12-02T17:00:00 Aging Dense Breasts Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Breast Cancer Breast lump Family history of Breast Cancer Health yes 121 http://www.insidermedicine.com/archives/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Ecstasy_Use_Increases_Risk_of_Sleep_Apnea_in_Young_Healthy_Adults_3930.aspx http://www.insidermedicine.com/Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Ecstasy_Use_Increases_Risk_of_Sleep_Apnea_in_Young_Healthy_Adults_3930.flv http://insidermedicine.com/flvplayer.swf?file=Archievesflv/INSIDERMEDICINE_VIDEO_Ecstasy_Use_Increases_Risk_of_Sleep_Apnea_in_Young_Healthy_Adults_3930.flv http://www.insidermedicine.com/Images/Video/Thumbnail/INS3930.jpg INSIDERMEDICINE VIDEO: Ecstasy Use Increases Risk of Sleep Apnea in Young, Healthy Adults (December 2, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Repeated use of the club drug MDMA, which is known on the street as andquot;ecstasyandquot; increases the risk of the breathing disorder known as sleep apnea, according to research published in journal Neurology. Here is some information about sleep apnea: It is a common disorder in which several episodes of shallow breathing or pauses in breathing occur during sleep It occurs most commonly among middle-aged and older men, especially if they are overweight Serious forms of sleep apnea can increase the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and death from heart disease or stroke Researchers from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore conducted sleep studies in 71 habitual users of ecstasy who reported that they had tried the drug at least 25 times in the past. These volunteers had typically abused several other street drugs, so the investigators compared the findings of their sleep studies with those of 62 other volunteers who had a similar pattern of drug abuse but who had never used ecstasy. While rates of mild sleep apnea were similar between both groups, eight ecstasy users h