Drink water responsibly only drink when thirsty to avoid health risks

Keeping hydrated is important when exercising, but drinking too much can be hazardous - in some cases even resulting in death. Buy Precose (Acarbose) with free prescription A panel of experts has published new guidelines to avoid fatal overconsumption of fluids, recommending that athletes only drink when they are thirsty. New guidelines suggest that only drinking when thirsty is the healthiest way for athletes to keep hydrated, reducing the risk of exercise-associated hyponatremia. Too much water or sports drinks can lead to a condition called exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH), whereby the kidneys are unable to excrete the excess water in the body completely. About Furadantin (Nitrofurantoin) with no Rx As a result, the sodium in the body becomes diluted, causing dangerous swelling in cells. While mild symptoms of EAH include dizziness, nausea and puffiness, in severe cases the condition can lead to confusion, seizures, coma and even death. Minipress (Prazosin) At present, at least 14 athletes are estimated to have died as a result of EAH. About Betnesol with free Rx According to the authors, it is not just athletes engaging in strenuous exercise such as hiking and marathons that are susceptible to the condition. About Lotrel (Benazepril / Amlodipine) without Rx Cases have also been reported among people participating in lawn bowls and yoga. The new 2015 EAH Consensus Guidelines, published in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, suggest that there is a simple way for athletes to avoid these risks - just follow the natural thirst stimulus when it comes to drinking. "Using the innate thirst mechanism to guide fluid consumption is a strategy that should limit drinking in excess and developing hyponatremia while providing sufficient fluid to prevent excessive dehydration," the authors state. Many experts recommend drinking more water than usual in hot weather to improve the body s chances of keeping cool and reducing the risk of heat-related illness like heat cramps and heat stroke. Buy Eyebright online Several groups have previously advised against waiting until feeling thirsty before drinking. However, the authors state that this advice is largely meant for situations where people sweat much more frequently, and that the advice has helped foster the idea that thirst is a poor guide for knowing when to drink. "Muscle cramps and heat stroke are not related to dehydration," says panel member Dr. http://mdreview.wordpress.com James Winger, an associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. "You get heat stroke because you re producing too much heat." Drinking when not thirsty is potentially disastrous According to Dr. Winger, modest to moderate levels of dehydration can be tolerated by otherwise healthy athletes, with athletes capable of losing up to 3% of their body weight while exercising due to dehydration and it not compromising their performance. Writing in an associated editorial, panel member Dr. Mitchell H. Rosner, from the Division of Nephrology at University of Virginia Health System, states that inaccurate statements can lead to dangerous behaviors and subsequent EAH: "In all cases, blanket statements that can be found on the Internet such as don t wait until you feel thirsty make little sense for the majority of casual athletes and have the potential for disastrous consequences as they promulgate the idea that near constant fluid ingestion during athletic events is a reasonable and even necessary thing to do." The authors of the guidelines also discuss how EAH can be treated. They state that a concentrated 3% sodium solution - three times the concentration found in regular saline solution - can be used to treat severe life-threatening cases. They also recommend that prospective and clinical trials should be conducted in order to assess the success of the "drink to thirst" strategy, along with further research into whether EAH increases the risk of long-term health problems and whether there are genetic markers that give people a predisposition toward the condition. For Dr. Rosner, the immediate goal is that no other athletes die from EAH. "The consensus group feels that EAH is completely avoidable and with training and education regarding safe drinking/hydration that this goal is achievable," he concludes. Previously, Medical News Today reported on research that suggested extreme levels of exercise could lead to blood poisoning. Written by James McIntosh

MERS vaccine 'ready for human trials'

Researchers have started planning for the first clinical trial to test a candidate vaccine to protect against the coronavirus that causes Middle East respiratory syndrome. The researchers say the MERS-CoV candidate vaccine has passed all the preclinical tests and is ready to start human trials. The news follows a study led by Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit"at M"unchen in Germany (LMU) that demonstrated the vaccine s protective effect in the lab and in mice. Writing in the Journal of Virology, the researchers conclude that the vaccine - called MVA-MERS-S - meets important criteria for use in human trials. Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a respiratory illness caused by the MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV). At first, infection causes flu-like symptoms, but they can progress to a severe respiratory illness that can be fatal. There is currently no vaccine against MERS-CoV, which kills around 36% of people it infects. MERS-CoV was first identified in 2012 when it emerged in Saudi Arabia. Niaspan (Niacin) without Rx It has spread to other countries in the Arabian Peninsula and beyond, including the US and Germany - where the vaccine has been developed. The present MERS outbreak in South Korea - where 166 confirmed cases and 12 deaths have been reported - is the largest so far recorded outside the Middle East. Buy Kamagra Soft (Sildenafil Citrate) with free Rx There have been suggestions that mammals play a role in spreading MERS. Ibuprofen () with free Rx For example, one study has suggested MERS may have started in bats, and another, that MERS could be carried by camels. Vaccine based on a safe virus carrying MERS-CoV antigen Two years ago, Gerd Sutter, a virology professor and chair of LMU s Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, and his team reported they had developed a candidate vaccine against MERS-CoV. As well as researchers from LMU, the vaccine development team includes members from Marburg University in Germany, and the Erasmus Medical Center of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. In the new study, they describe how subsequent preclinical tests confirm that the vaccine is effective, paving the way for phase 1 trials in humans. Buy Baxan The idea of a vaccine is to prime the immune system to fight a particular disease without causing the subject to actually have the full-blown disease. In this study, the team based the candidate vaccine on a safety-tested vaccine virus called Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA). They used MVA as a vehicle to carry an MERS-CoV antigen called the spike glycoprotein (protein S). About Motrin (Ibuprofen) without Rx An antigen is a part of a virus, bacteria, or other unwanted material that causes the immune system to produce antibodies to eliminate it. Once inside the body, the modified virus gets into cells and makes many copies of the MERS-CoV protein S, displaying them on the cell surface so they can be readily recognized by the immune system. When the immune system recognizes the MERS-CoV protein S, it begins to produce antibodies and T cells against the pathogen. Tests in cell cultures and mice showed vaccine is effective As a first step, the researchers showed the vaccine had the desired immune reaction in cell cultures - it produced protective levels of MERS-CoV-neutralizing antibodies. Next, the team used mice genetically modified to be susceptible to MERS-CoV infection and exposed them to varying doses of the vaccine. Tests showed the MERS virus could not replicate itself in mice that had received the highest doses of vaccine. Buy Digestion Supplements online They also showed the vaccinated mice had lower levels of MERS DNA in their lungs than non-vaccinated mice. http://cholesterolreviews.wordpress.com Prof. Sutter says the results show the vaccine candidate is both safe and effective, and: "Thus, there is no obvious risk that the resulting immune response might exacerbate rather than prevent the infection." Planning for the next step, a phase 1 clinical trial in humans, is already under way with the help of a €1.5 million ($1.66 million) grant from the German Center for Infection Research (DIFZ). Meanwhile, Medical News Today recently covered a report of Thailand s first confirmed case of MERS. Public health minister Rajata Rajatanavin said a man who traveled to Thailand from the Middle East has tested positive for the virus. Written by Catharine Paddock PhD

Study identifies barriers to abortion services in developed countries

. Buy Atrovent without prescription new study published in the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care finds women in developed countries face significant difficulties when it comes to getting an abortion in early pregnancy, despite developed countries having fewer legal barriers to abortion. Negative attitudes toward abortion from health care providers are one of the main factors restricting access to the procedure, according to the researchers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 5 pregnancies around the globe end in abortion - defined as the termination of pregnancy so it does not result in the birth of a baby. In the US, a medical abortion procedure is an option in the early weeks of the first trimester, in which a woman receives a drug called methotrexate either orally or by injection, followed by oral or vaginal administration of a drug called misoprostol 3-7 days later. In the second and third trimesters, only surgical abortion procedures - such as dilation and curettage or dilation and extraction - may be performed. Buy Periactin (Cyproheptadine) with no Rx Lotemax (Loteprednol) While surgical abortion procedures are very safe when performed legally under sufficient regulation, WHO estimate that for every 100 live births globally, around four unsafe abortions are performed - defined as a "procedure for terminating a pregnancy that is performed by an individual lacking the necessary skills, or in an environment that does not conform to minimal medical standards, or both." Negative attitudes toward abortion remain a key barrier For their study, Frances Doran and Susan Nancarrow, of the School of Health and Human Sciences at Southern Cross University in Australia, conducted a systematic review of more than 2,500 studies published between 1993 and 2014 that investigated access to abortion services in developed countries during the first 3 months of pregnancy. Of these studies, the researchers identified 38 that involved early abortion and included views from both women and health care providers regarding factors that may be preventing women from accessing abortion services. From their review, Doran and Nancarrow found that the main barriers to abortion services cited by health care providers were moral opposition to abortion, lack of sufficient training, lack of health care professionals able to carry out the procedure, insufficient hospital resources - primarily in rural areas - and harassment of medical staff by individuals opposed to abortion. Women included in the studies cited health care professionals negative attitudes toward abortion, the cost of the procedure - particularly in North America - as barriers to abortion services. Buy Coral Calcium online Maxalt (Rizatriptan) with free prescription A lack of local abortion services was also named as a key barrier, especially among low-income women, those living in rural areas and those from minority groups. Commenting on their findings, the researchers say: "Despite the safety and frequency with which legal, regulated abortions are performed, this review identifies several avoidable factors that limit the provision of, and access to, abortion services." How can these barriers be broken down? The team points to a number of ways to increase access to abortion services, including providing appropriate training of health care providers in how to treat women wishing to have an abortion in early pregnancy. "Negative attitudes and beliefs of health professionals toward abortion create obstacles for women seeking access to abortion," they note. http://cardiobloodreview.wordpress.com About Minocin (Minocycline hydrochloride) without Rx "Regardless of practitioner values, they should be trained to refer appropriately, and provide services that are in the best interests of the woman." Doran and Nancarrow say making abortion services free or affordable to women to avoid requiring referral could be another way to increase access, as could providing abortion services that are part of a multidisciplinary clinic to lower associated stigma. The researchers also point out that increasing access to medical abortion may also boost access to the procedure during early pregnancy, noting that in some countries - such as Canada - medical abortion is unlicensed. "The provision of medical abortion via telemedicine has clear benefits for the woman and the provider with excellent clinical outcomes," they add. "Furthermore, if women could procure safe medical abortifacients from non-physician providers outside their local community, or in an outpatient medical setting, termination then becomes a private decision between the doctor and the patient, which is less susceptible to the outside scrutiny of external conservative anti-abortion attitudes and pressures." In February, Medical News Today reported on a WHO study that found low contraception in 35 low- and middle-income countries is behind 15 million unwanted pregnancies globally every year. Written by Honor Whiteman

High-fiber diet during pregnancy may protect offspring against asthma

. http://cardiobloodreview.wordpress.com omen who consume a high-fiber diet during pregnancy may reduce the risk of their offspring developing asthma, according to the results of a new study published in Nature Communications. Researchers say a high-fiber diet during pregnancy may prevent offspring from developing asthma. Led by Dr. About Imuran (Azathioprine) Alison Thorburn, of the Department of Immunology at Monash University in Australia, the study suggests a high-fiber diet alters a mother s gut bacteria during pregnancy, producing anti-inflammatory substances that suppress asthma-related genes in offspring. This is not the first to study to associate a high-fiber diet with reduced asthma risk. About Noroxin (Norfloxacin) with free prescription In January 2014, Medical News Today reported on a study in which researchers found mice fed a high-fiber diet had reduced reactions to asthma-inducing allergens, compared with mice fed a low-fiber diet. For their study, Dr. Chloromycetin (Chloramphenicol) Thorburn and colleagues set out to determine whether a high-fiber diet consumed during pregnancy could impact offspring s risk for asthma development. To reach their findings, the team fed pregnant mice one of three diets during their third trimester: a high-fiber diet, a moderate-fiber diet or a low-fiber diet. When the offspring of the mice were adults, they were exposed to house dust mites - a trigger for asthma in humans. Metabolites produced by fiber digestion suppressed asthma-associated genes in offspring The researchers found that the offspring of mice whose mothers were fed a high-fiber diet during pregnancy did not develop asthma-like symptoms, while the offspring whose mothers were fed a low-fiber diet did. Further investigation revealed that the pregnant mice fed a high-fiber diet experienced changes in gut bacteria; they possessed specific microbes that produced anti-inflammatory metabolites when the fiber was digested. Buy Aropax with no prescription These metabolites circulated the bloodstream and traveled through the uterus to the fetus, suppressing Foxp3 genes linked to asthma development. The researchers wanted to see whether a maternal high-fiber diet in humans would have the same effect on offspring. About Red Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) without Rx They did so by analyzing the blood samples and diet data of 40 pregnant women, as well as data detailing the frequency of doctor s visits due to respiratory symptoms in their offspring during the first year of life. The team found women who consumed a high-fiber diet during pregnancy also had anti-inflammatory metabolites present in their blood, and the offspring of these women were significantly less likely to have visited the doctor two or more times as a result of respiratory complaints in their first year of life. Commenting on their findings, the researchers say: "High fiber [...] suppresses expression of certain genes in the mouse fetal lung linked to both human asthma and mouse AAD [allergic airway disease]. Buy Chromium Picolinate online Thus, diet acting on the gut microbiota profoundly influences airway responses, and may represent an approach to prevent asthma, including during pregnancy." In addition, the team says their findings may explain why children who grow up on a farm appear to be at lower asthma risk. "We speculate [this] may relate to dietary differences between rural and urban settings," they explain, "or may relate to microbes encountered in the farm environment that are geared for high SCFA [short-chain fatty acid] production (that is, feces from livestock that mostly digest fiber)." Written by Honor Whiteman

Lab-made blood to enter human trials in 2 years

Artificial blood grown in a lab from stem cells is one step closer to being available to people with complex blood types for whom it is difficult to find matching donors. The trial will compare the survival of red blood cells grown in the lab with that of standard red cells from blood donors. The UK s NHS (National Health Service) Blood and Transplant say manufactured blood will be used in clinical trials with human volunteers within 2 years. The aim is one of several that the joint England and Wales special health authority has entered into with top universities to develop transfusion, transplantation and regenerative medicine over the next 5 years. The intention is not to replace human donation, says Dr. About Imuran (Azathioprine) Nick Watkins, NHS Blood and Transplant assistant director of research and development, but to offer specialist treatment for specific patient groups. The health authority say there is a need to increase the availability of better-matched blood for patients with rare blood types. About Noroxin (Norfloxacin) with free prescription These include patients with blood conditions like sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia, who require regular blood transfusions. The authority collects 1.7 million units of blood each year. Chloromycetin (Chloramphenicol) Hospitals in England and Wales need around 6,000 units a day, they say, and volunteer blood donors are vital. The pressure is building not only because of demand, but also because of a shortage of donors. Buy Aropax with no prescription In 2014, 40% fewer people volunteered as new donors compared with 10 years earlier. To ensure the nation s stock of blood remains at a safe level, NHS Blood and Transplant say there is a need to recruit 204,000 donors in 2015. Teams around the world are trying to develop artificial blood Dr. About Red Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) without Rx Watkins says teams around the world have been trying to make artificial red blood cells as an alternative to donated blood, and adds: "We are confident that by 2017 our team will be ready to carry out the first early phase clinical trials in human volunteers." The team includes scientists from NHS Blood and Transplant and the Universities of Bristol, Cambridge and Oxford, also in the UK. The first trial is likely to be small - 20 volunteers will be transfused with a small amount (5-10 mls) of lab-produced blood. Buy Chromium Picolinate online It will compare the survival of red blood cells grown in the lab with that of standard red cells from blood donors. The scientists are using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) sourced from adult and umbilical cord blood to make the lab-grown red blood cells. "Research has laid the foundation for current transfusion and transplantation practices," Dr. http://cardiobloodreview.wordpress.com Watkins explains, and adds: "The manufactured red cell trials form part of our world-leading work in regenerative medicine and one of eight research goals for 2015-2020 that will bring long-term improvements for patients and donors." In 2013, Medical News Today reported a study that suggested the shelf life of blood is nearer to 3 weeks than the 6 weeks that blood banks regard as standard for blood used in transfusion. The researchers came to this conclusion after showing that red cells in stored blood lose their ability to deliver oxygen where it is most needed once the 3-week shelf life is exceeded. Written by Catharine Paddock PhD

Fasting what are the health benefits and risks?

Fasting is commonly associated with the month of Ramadan. About Enablex (Darifenacin) with free prescription As you read this, billions of Muslims around the world are engaging in this declaration of faith that involves abstaining from food and drink from dusk until dawn. Prilosec (Omeprazole) While fasting for Ramadan is down to spiritual beliefs, many of us choose to fast with the belief that it benefits our health. About Elavil (Amitriptyline) But does it? A number of studies have suggested intermittent fasting has numerous health benefits, including weight loss, lower blood pressure and reduced cholesterol. In recent years, numerous studies have suggested that intermittent fasting - abstaining or reducing food and drink intake periodically - can be good for us, making it one of the most popular diet trends worldwide. One of the most well-known intermittent fasting diets is the 5:2 Fast Diet - a plan that involves eating the recommended calorie intake for 5 days a week but reducing calorie intake by 25% for the remaining 2 days - to 500 calories a day for women and 600 a day for men. According to Dr. Angised with free prescription Michael Mosley - author of The Fast Diet books - this eating plan can not only help people lose weight, but it offers an array of other health benefits. "Studies of intermittent fasting show that not only do people see improvements in blood pressure and their cholesterol levels, but also in their insulin sensitivity," he adds. In June 2014, for example, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting periodic fasting - defined in the study as 1 day of water-only fasting a week - may reduce the risk of diabetes among people at high risk for the condition. Another study, conducted by Dr. Buy Skelaxin (Metaxalone) with free Rx Valter Longo and colleagues from the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, found longer periods of fasting - 2-4 days - may even "reboot" the immune system, clearing out old immune cells and regenerating new ones - a process they say could protect against cell damage caused by factors such as aging and chemotherapy. But what are the mechanisms underlying the suggested health benefits of fasting? The potential benefits of intermittent fasting Since the body is unable to get its energy from food during fasting, it dips into glucose that is stored in the liver and muscles. Buy Cell Volumizers online This begins around 8 hours after the last meal is consumed. When the stored glucose has been used up, the body then begins to burn fat as a source of energy, which can result in weight loss. As well as aiding weight loss, Dr. http://cardiobloodreview.wordpress.com Razeen Mahroof, of the University of Oxford in the UK, explains that the use of fat for energy can help preserve muscle and reduce cholesterol levels. When the body has used up glucose stores during fasting, it burns fat for energy, resulting in weight loss. "A detoxification process also occurs, because any toxins stored in the body s fat are dissolved and removed from the body," he adds, noting that after a few days of fasting, higher levels of endorphins - "feel-good" hormones - are produced in the blood, which can have a positive impact on mental well-being. As mentioned previously, the study by Dr. Longo and colleagues suggests prolonged fasting may also be effective for regenerating immune cells. "When you starve, the system tries to save energy, and one of the things it can do to save energy is to recycle a lot of the immune cells that are not needed, especially those that may be damaged," Dr. Longo explains. In their study, published in the journal Cell Stem Cell, the team found that repeated cycles of 2-4 days without food over a 6-month period destroyed the old and damaged immune cells in mice and generated new ones. What is more, the team found that cancer patients who fasted for 3 days prior to chemotherapy were protected against immune system damage that can be caused by the treatment, which they attribute to immune cell regeneration. "The good news is that the body got rid of the parts of the system that might be damaged or old, the inefficient parts, during the fasting," says Dr. Longo. "Now, if you start with a system heavily damaged by chemotherapy or aging, fasting cycles can generate, literally, a new immune system." With the potential health benefits of fasting widely hailed by nutritionists worldwide, it is no wonder many of us are putting our love of food to one side in order to give it a try. But intermittent fasting isn t all bells and whistles, according to some researchers and health care professionals, and there are some people who should avoid the diet altogether. The health risks According to the UK s National Health Service (NHS), there are numerous health risks associated with intermittent fasting. People who fast commonly experience dehydration, largely because their body is not getting any fluid from food. As such, it is recommended that during Ramadan, Muslims consume plenty of water prior to fasting periods. Other individuals following fasting diets should ensure they are properly hydrated during fasting periods. If you are used to having breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between, fasting periods can be a major challenge. As such, fasting can increase stress levels and disrupt sleep. Dehydration, hunger or lack of sleep during a fasting period can also lead to headaches. Fasting can also cause heartburn; lack of food leads to a reduction in stomach acid, which digests food and destroys bacteria. But smelling food or even thinking about it during fasting periods can trigger the brain into telling the stomach to produce more acid, leading to heartburn. While many nutritionists claim intermittent fasting is a good way to lose weight, some health professionals believe such a diet is ineffective for long-term weight loss. "The appeal is that [fasting] is quick, but it is quick fluid loss, not substantial weight loss," says Madelyn Fernstrom, PhD, of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center s Weight Loss Management Center. "If it s easy off, it will come back quickly - as soon as you start eating normally again." "My experience has been that [this] way of eating does not produce weight loss even in the short term," dietitian and author of Diet Simple Katherine Tallmadge told ABC News in 2013. Some health professionals believe intermittent fasting may steer people away from healthy eating recommendations, such as eating five portions of fruits and vegetables a day. Many fear fasting may also trigger eating disorders or binge eating. In a blog for The Huffington Post last year, fitness and nutrition expert JJ Virgin wrote: "The anything goes mentality some experts permit during the feeding state could lead someone to overeat, creating guilt, shame, and other problems that only become worse over time. For someone with emotional or psychological eating disorders, intermittent fasting could become a convenient crutch to amplify these issues." While Dr. Mosely says there is no evidence to suggest the 5:2 Fast Diet is associated with eating disorders, he stresses people who have eating disorders should not engage in intermittent fasting. Other people who should not follow this diet include people who are underweight, individuals under the age of 18, pregnant women, people with type 1 diabetes and individuals recovering from surgery. Could we reap the benefits of fasting without fasting? While intermittent fasting may have health risks, nutritionists claim it can be good for us if individuals consult with their doctors before adopting such a diet and adhere to it correctly. But could there be a way to reap the potential health benefits of fasting without actually having to fast? Dr. Longo believes so. Researchers say a fasting-mimicking diet could simulate the effect of fasting without the food deprivation and side effects. Earlier this week, Dr. Longo and colleagues from USC published a study in the journal Cell Metabolism revealing how a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) triggered immune cell regeneration and extended the lifespan of mice. What is more, on testing the diet in humans - who adhered to it for only 5 days a month for 3 months - they found it reduced a number of risk factors associated with aging, cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes and cancer. The FMD is low in protein, low in unhealthy fats and high in healthy fats, according to the researchers. It stimulates markers linked to fasting, such as low glucose levels and high levels of ketone bodies, in order to mimic the effects of prolonged fasting. Dr. Longo and colleagues say their diet could promote immune cell regeneration and longevity associated with fasting without the need for food restriction and the potential adverse effects that come with it. "Although the clinical results will require confirmation by a larger randomized trial," they add, "the effects of FMD cycles on biomarkers/risk factors for aging, cancer, diabetes, and CVD, coupled with the very high compliance to the diet and its safety, indicate that this periodic dietary strategy has high potential to be effective in promoting human healthspan." The team hopes that clinicians will one day have the ability to prescribe this diet to patients. "This is arguably the first non-chronic preclinically and clinically tested anti-aging and healthspan-promoting intervention shown to work and to be very feasible as a doctor or dietitian-supervised intervention," says Dr. Longo. It may be a while before the FMD receives approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use. First, the team needs to put the diet through a rigorous testing process. Further research is required to gain a better understanding of the exact benefits and risks the FMD poses, and this appears to be the case with existing fasting diets. One thing is clear, however; talk to your doctor before engaging in any form of fasting. Written by Honor Whiteman

Too hot to handle how to avoid heat-related illness

Hot weather can be extremely pleasant and relaxing, but it also comes with its dangers. Buy Cyclogyl (Cyclopentolate) with free prescription Sometimes, the human body is unable to handle exposure to extreme heat and maintain the stable core temperature essential for normal bodily functioning. The hotter it is, the more that needs to be done for the body to regulate its core internal temperature. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there was a total of 7,415 deaths in the US between 1999-2010 as a result of extreme heat. Buy Silvitra (Sildenafil + Vardenafil) without Rx Despite being highly preventable, heat-related illness can be lethal. In Europe in 2003, unprecedented heatwaves were responsible for an increase in deaths. Dostinex (Cabergoline) with free prescription In England, temperatures reached record highs (101 degrees) over a period of 9 days. "There is considerable evidence that heatwaves are dangerous and can kill," states Graham Bickler of Public Health England. Alupent with no Rx "In the 2003 heatwave, there were 2,000 to 3,000 excess deaths in England. About Tegopen (Cloxacillin) without Rx Across Europe, there were around 30,000 excess deaths." Extreme heat is defined by the CDC as "summertime temperatures that are substantially hotter and/or more humid than average for location at that time of year." Although certain groups of people are more susceptible to these temperatures than others, anyone can be affected in the wrong situation. In this Spotlight, we take a look at the effects extreme heat have on the body and the measures that can be taken to prevent dangerous conditions such as heat stroke from occurring. Regulating core internal temperature Problems begin to occur in extreme heat when the body struggles to cool itself down properly. Buy Bug Spray online The human body has a very precise core internal temperature that needs to be maintained - a state that is known as homeostasis. http://cardiobloodreview.wordpress.com A healthy core temperature should sit between 98 degrees and 100 degrees. A part of the brain known as the hypothalamus is responsible for controlling the way in which the body regulates its temperature. If the body s core internal temperature starts to get too low or too high, then it can send signals to glands, muscles, nerves and organs activating mechanisms to adjust the body temperature. The mechanism the body normally uses to cool itself is sweating. Liquid containing salt is released from the sweat glands, and when this sweat evaporates from the body, the body cools down. However, on some occasions, sweating is not enough. For example, if humidity is high - when large amounts of damp air are trapped near the ground - sweat will not evaporate as quickly as it normally would, meaning that the body s ability to cool itself down is compromised. A number of other factors limit how well the body can regulate temperature and, therefore, increase the risk of heat-related illness. These include the following: Old age Youth (age 0-4) Overweight and obesity Heart disease Mental illness affecting judgment Medical conditions that limit activity or restrain blood flow Sunburn Use of certain medications Use of alcohol. In terms of medication, there are a number of different reasons why these can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. Some, such as those taken for Parkinson s disease, can inhibit sweating while others, such as diuretic medications or "water pills," alter the balance of fluids in the body. When the body is struggling or unable to regulate temperature properly, a number of different illnesses can occur. These vary in severity from heat rash - a common problem in hot work environments - to heat stroke, a medical emergency that can kill. What types of heat-related illnesses are there? Heat-related illnesses come in all shapes, sizes and levels of severity. Some present solely external symptoms, some only internal symptoms and some a combination of the two. Some can be debilitating, some can be lethal and some require nothing more than keeping an affected area of skin dry. Heat rash Probably the least problematic of the heat-related illnesses, heat rash is caused when the skin becomes irritated due to excessive sweating and sweat that does not evaporate. The rash is formed by clusters of red bumps or small blisters on the skin, commonly in areas such as the groin, the upper chest and in folds of the skin. Moving to a cooler location such as the shade of a tree can help cool the body down and reduce the risk of heat-related illness. Young children are most likely to be affected by the condition. Heat rash is best treated by keeping the affected area as dry as possible and moving to a cooler, less humid environment. Heat cramps Heat cramps are muscle spasms and pains that typically occur in the abdomen, arms and legs. Sweating decreases the level of salt and moisture in the body, and it is low salt levels that cause heat cramps. These cramps normally occur in association with strenuous activity and exercise, affecting those who sweat a lot during these pursuits. Drinking water and other cool beverages helps, as does stopping strenuous activity for a few hours. If heat cramps persist for an hour, medical attention should be sought. Heat cramps can also be a sign of more advanced heat-related illnesses - heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion Heat exhaustion takes a little longer to develop than the forms of illness above, occurring after several days of exposure to extreme heat and imbalanced body fluid levels. The condition is due to the loss and inadequate replacement of water and salt from heavy sweating. People with heat exhaustion can appear pale and sweat heavily, leaving their skin cool and moist. Their heartbeat will be fast but weak, and their breathing is likely to be quick and shallow. In addition to muscle cramps, people with heat exhaustion can experience headaches, nausea or vomiting, fainting and fatigue. Heat exhaustion is most likely to affect older people, people with hypertension and people carrying out activities in hot environments. People with heat exhaustion should cool their bodies by drinking plenty of water or other cool beverages, taking a cool shower or bath and resting in a cooler environment. Heat stroke Heat stroke is the most dangerous of all the heat-related illnesses and occurs when the body is unable to regulate its core internal temperature. Within 10-15 minutes, the core internal temperature can rise to over 106 degrees, a dangerous increase that can lead to permanent disability or death if untreated. The symptoms of heat stroke are far more extreme than those of heat exhaustion. The individual will no longer be able to sweat and, therefore, have red, hot and often dry skin. Their heartbeat will be rapid and strong. Other symptoms include dizziness, throbbing headaches, seizures and unconsciousness. As heat stroke is a medical emergency, action should be taken as quickly as possible. While immediate medical assistance is summoned, the person s body must be cooled down rapidly by whatever means are available. Removing clothing, applying ice packs, immersing the individual in cool water, spraying them with a hose, wrapping them in damp sheets, fanning them: all are methods that can help lower body temperature to safer levels. In all instances of heat-related illness, including heat stroke, moving to a cooler location is one measure that should be taken to improving the situation. This is just one common step that everyone can take to reduce the risk of developing these illnesses. How to keep your cool When the body is struggling to cool itself down, cooling down the location that the body is in is a great way to prevent heat-related illness. In fact, the CDC state that "air conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death." If a person s home is not air conditioned, they can derive benefit from visiting public spaces that are, such as shopping malls or libraries. Exposure to air conditioning for just a few hours a day is enough to reduce the risk of heat-related illness. The body requires more liquid in extreme heat. Do not wait until feeling thirsty before drinking. To improve the body s chances of cooling itself down, it is important that people drink enough fluids. In extreme heat, people should drink more water than they normally would and should not wait until feeling thirsty before drinking. If exercising, the CDC recommend drinking two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool nonalcoholic fluid every hour. Drinking sports beverages can also help by replacing the salt and minerals that are also lost through sweating. Outdoor exercise is best carried out in the morning and evening rather than the afternoon, as these are the times of day when outdoor temperatures are coolest. Resting in shaded areas will give the body more of a chance to regulate its temperature. It is also important that people take care to pace themselves when exercising or carrying out strenuous activities in hot environments. Wearing appropriate clothing helps. Loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing is best, as is wearing as little as you can get away with. Accessories that shade the body such as hats and umbrellas are useful. Of course, any skin that is exposed to the sun will need to be adequately protected from its rays. As sunburn disrupts the skin s ability to cool itself and results in the loss of body fluid, apply sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher around 30 minutes before venturing outside. Be sure to follow the directions on the sunscreen s packaging concerning how frequently it should be reapplied. In terms of keeping cool, a lot of what can be done is common sense. Large, hot meals should be avoided as they heat the body, as does the use of appliances such as ovens. To cool down, take cold showers or baths or have a swim. Keep an eye on weather reports so you can be prepared for a day of extreme heat if one is forecast. Look out for each other! Some of the people who are most at risk from heat-related illnesses are vulnerable individuals who depend on others for care. Be sure to look out for young children, people older than 65, people with chronic and mental disorders and pets during times of extreme heat. Do not leave children or animals alone in cars, where interior temperatures can rise suddenly in a very short space of time, even when the windows are open slightly. If working or exercising in hot environments, be sure to monitor the condition of your colleagues and teammates and have them do the same for you. Some heat-induced illnesses can lead to confusion and visible symptoms that others may be better placed to identify. Most heat-related illnesses are avoidable. By keeping cool, drinking plenty of fluids and being alert, these health conditions should not stop you and others from enjoying a lovely warm summer. Written by James McIntosh

Diets high in fat, sugar may reduce cognitive functioning by altering gut bacteria

A diet high in fat or sugar may do more than expand our waistlines. Buy Casodex (Bicalutamide) without prescription A new study by researchers from Oregon State University finds such diets may lead to reduced cognitive functioning, with a high-sugar diet named as the biggest culprit. The team found diets high in sugar or fat triggered alterations to the gut microbiome linked to reduced cognitive functioning. Published in the journal Neuroscience, the study reveals that high-fat and high-sugar diets trigger changes in gut bacteria that are largely associated with loss of "cognitive flexibility" - the ability to adapt to changing situations. In addition, the high-sugar diet was associated with poorer short- and long-term memory. Principal investigator Prof. Trandate (Labetalol) with free prescription Kathy Magnusson, of the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State, notes there is an increasing amount of evidence emerging that gut bacteria can communicate with the brain. "Bacteria can release compounds that act as neurotransmitters, stimulate sensory nerves or the immune system, and affect a wide range of biological functions," Prof. About Megalis (Tadalafil ) without prescription Magnusson explains. Buy Albendazole with no Rx "We re not sure just what messages are being sent, but we are tracking down the pathways and the effects." One example of how gut bacteria may interact with the brain was revealed in a study published in the journal Cell in April, in which researchers from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) found that gut bacteria influence the production of serotonin - a neurotransmitter responsible for maintaining mood balance. Reduced cognitive flexibility with high-fat, high-sugar diets Prof. About Vasotec (Enalapril) without Rx Magnusson and colleagues reached their findings using 2-month-old male mice, which were randomized to be fed either a high-fat diet (42% fat, 43% carbohydrate), a high-sugar diet (12% fat, 70% carbohydrate - mainly from sugars) or normal chow. Prior to dietary intervention and 2 weeks after, the researchers analyzed the feces of the mice in order to establish the composition of their gut bacteria. The short- and long-term memory and cognitive flexibility of the mice were assessed before and after dietary intervention via water maze testing and novel object and location tasks. Compared with mice fed normal chow, mice fed the high-fat or high-sugar diets experienced a significant reduction in cognitive functioning - particularly in cognitive flexibility. Explaining what cognitive flexibility is, Prof. Buy Biotin online Magnusson asks us to imagine driving home using a route that is very familiar. http://cardiobloodreview.wordpress.com One day, the road is closed, meaning we need to find a different route. An individual with a high level of cognitive flexibility would adapt to the situation straight away, immediately seeking out an alternative route. But a person with impaired cognitive flexibility may find the unexpected change in situation very stressful, causing them to become flustered and take longer getting home. Reduction in cognitive flexibility was strongest for mice fed the high-sugar diet, according to the researchers, and this diet was also found to reduce short- and long-term memory. Diets altered gut microbiome of mice The team believes the reduction in cognitive functioning following diets high in fat or sugar was driven by alterations to the composition of gut bacteria, or the gut microbiome. Both diets were linked to an increase in bacteria called Clostridiales and a reduction in bacteria known as Bacteroidales, with such changes associated with reduced cognitive flexibility. Mice fed the high-sugar diet experienced the highest increases in Clostridiales and the biggest reductions in Bacteroidales, consistent with the largest reductions in cognitive flexibility. The team says their findings are consistent with some previous studies suggesting that a Western diet - typically high in fat and sugar - may negatively impact cognitive functioning. Past research has associated a Western diet with greater risk of Alzheimer s disease, for example. Their study indicates that such a diet may affect cognitive functioning via alteration of the gut microbiome. Prof. Magnusson says: "We ve known for a while that too much fat and sugar are not good for you. This work suggests that fat and sugar are altering your healthy bacterial systems, and that s one of the reasons those foods aren t good for you. It s not just the food that could be influencing your brain, but an interaction between the food and microbial changes." Medical News Today recently reported on a study in which researchers have identified a gut microbe - Akkermansia muciniphila - that could prove effective for improving leanness and metabolic health among people who are overweight or obese. Written by Honor Whiteman

Fallopian Tube Cancer Therapeutics Pipeline Review, H1 2015

. About Acomplia with free prescription DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (.researchandmarkets.com/research/qbbmtg/fallopian_tube) has announced the addition of the "Fallopian Tube Cancer - Pipeline Review, H1 2015" report to their offering. This report provides comprehensive information on the therapeutic development for Fallopian Tube Cancer, complete with comparative analysis at various stages, therapeutics assessment by drug target, mechanism of action (MoA), route of administration (RoA) and molecule type, along with latest updates, and featured news and press releases. Buy Voveran (Diclofenac) with no prescription Aristocort (Triamcinolone) with free prescription It also reviews key players involved in the therapeutic development for Fallopian Tube Cancer and special features on late-stage and discontinued projects. The report enhances decision making capabilities and help to create effective counter strategies to gain competitive advantage. Buy Appetite Suppressant online Buy Vibramycin (Doxycycline) with free prescription It strengthens R&D pipelines by identifying new targets and MOAs to produce first-in-class and best-in-class products. Companies Involved in Therapeutics Development AbbVie Inc. AstraZeneca PLC Bayer AG BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. Bionomics Limited Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. Curis, Inc. Eli Lilly and Company Exelixis, Inc. F. http://cardiobloodreview.wordpress.com Buy Tadacip (Tadalafil) without Rx Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Galena Biopharma, Inc. Genentech, Inc. GlaxoSmithKline plc Glycotope GmbH Immunovaccine, Inc. Johnson & Johnson MabVax Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. MedImmune, LLC Merck & Co., Inc. Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. NeoStem, Inc. Novartis AG Onxeo SA Oxford BioMedica plc OXiGENE, Inc. Pharma Mar, S.A. Pharmacyclics, Inc. PsiOxus Therapeutics, Ltd. TapImmune Inc. Tesaro, Inc. TetraLogic Pharmaceuticals TRACON Pharmaceuticals, Inc. VentiRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. For more information visit .researchandmarkets.com/research/qbbmtg/fallopian_tube

Surveillance of 'silent transmission' of polio needed to wipe out virus

The world stands on the cusp of eradicating the polio virus, but a new study examining transmission of the virus suggests that the battle will continue long after the last case of the disease is reported. In order to completely eradicate polio, the researchers recommend intense environmental surveillance alongside vaccination campaigns. In the study, published in PLOS Biology, researchers from the University of Michigan demonstrate that the polio virus can be spread for long periods without any cases being reported, suggesting that aggressive surveillance and vaccination programs will be required to guarantee its eradication. "Using transmission models, we show that you can have sustained chains of silent transmission in populations for more than 3 years, without a single person ever showing up as a reported polio case," explains graduate research fellow Micaela Martinez-Bakker. "Once we ve eradicated polio - or think we ve eradicated polio - we probably should intensify the environmental surveillance to make sure the virus is not just lurking under the hood at very low levels," she adds. Polio is a contagious viral illness that mainly affects children under 5, with 1 in 200 infections leading to irreversible paralysis. About Aceon (Perindopril Erbumine) with no prescription Although the last case of naturally occurring polio in the US was reported in 1979, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 416 cases worldwide in 2013. Rates of polio prevalence have fallen significantly in the past few decades. Zyrtec (Cetirizine) with no Rx In 1988, the virus was endemic in more than 125 countries, but now it is only prevalent in Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. A lot of this reduction is down to the success of polio vaccination. About Flomax (Tamsulosin) with free Rx The authors report, however, that due to this success, "critical features of polio virus transmission remain obscure." In order to investigate, the team analyzed polio case reports from large epidemics in the US during the pre-vaccine era. Buy 5-Amino Salicylic Acid with free Rx These data included birth statistics and census numbers from every state, allowing the researchers to examine the ecology of polio infection in a world without human intervention. True extent of polio prevalence in 1950s in the US revealed Polio prevalence in the US was at its highest in 1952, with 57,000 reported cases. About Zyrtec (Cetirizine) without prescription Mass inoculations with the new vaccine occurred just 3 years later, after the vaccine was declared safe and effective. Incidence of the virus in the US increased greatly between the 1930s and the 1950s, and researchers initially believed that this was due to the "disease of development" hypothesis. Buy Absorption online The hypothesis is that improved hygiene had "reduced transmission and pushed the burden of infection onto children more susceptible to paralytic polio," the authors write, therefore increasing the likelihood of clinical manifestation of the virus. Following their investigation, the researchers now believe this hypothesis is wrong. http://cardiobloodreview.wordpress.com Instead, they attribute the increase in cases in the late 1940s to rising birth rates following the end of the Second World War. "If you have more kindling, you can have a much larger forest fire," Martinez-Bakker explains. "The baby boom provided more kindling for polio epidemics - young children and infants over 6 months of age - so much more explosive outbreaks were now possible." The data obtained for the study also allowed the researchers to track the unobserved and symptomless polio infections that occurred around this time. While the reported number of polio cases for 1952 was 57,000, the team discovered that more than 3 million people were likely to have been infected that year. According to the authors, "the regular identification of, and rapid response to, these silent chains of transmission is of the utmost importance." Their study also offers further insight into why these historical polio epidemics fluctuated, were seasonal and varied geographically. "Reaching eradication and preventing re-emergence of polio requires intimate knowledge of how the virus persists," Martinez-Bakker concludes. "Historical epidemics that predate the use of vaccines can be used to disentangle the epidemiology of disease from vaccine effects. They allow us to establish a baseline by studying the system in the absence of intervention." Last year, Medical News Today reported on a study that found an extra dose of polio vaccine for children under the age of 5 could help to speed up eradication of the virus. Written by James McIntosh

Surveillance of 'silent transmission' of polio needed to wipe out virus

The world stands on the cusp of eradicating the polio virus, but a new study examining transmission of the virus suggests that the battle will continue long after the last case of the disease is reported. In order to completely eradicate polio, the researchers recommend intense environmental surveillance alongside vaccination campaigns. In the study, published in PLOS Biology, researchers from the University of Michigan demonstrate that the polio virus can be spread for long periods without any cases being reported, suggesting that aggressive surveillance and vaccination programs will be required to guarantee its eradication. "Using transmission models, we show that you can have sustained chains of silent transmission in populations for more than 3 years, without a single person ever showing up as a reported polio case," explains graduate research fellow Micaela Martinez-Bakker. "Once we ve eradicated polio - or think we ve eradicated polio - we probably should intensify the environmental surveillance to make sure the virus is not just lurking under the hood at very low levels," she adds. Polio is a contagious viral illness that mainly affects children under 5, with 1 in 200 infections leading to irreversible paralysis. About Aceon (Perindopril Erbumine) with no prescription Although the last case of naturally occurring polio in the US was reported in 1979, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 416 cases worldwide in 2013. Rates of polio prevalence have fallen significantly in the past few decades. Zyrtec (Cetirizine) with no Rx In 1988, the virus was endemic in more than 125 countries, but now it is only prevalent in Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. A lot of this reduction is down to the success of polio vaccination. About Flomax (Tamsulosin) with free Rx The authors report, however, that due to this success, "critical features of polio virus transmission remain obscure." In order to investigate, the team analyzed polio case reports from large epidemics in the US during the pre-vaccine era. Buy 5-Amino Salicylic Acid with free Rx These data included birth statistics and census numbers from every state, allowing the researchers to examine the ecology of polio infection in a world without human intervention. True extent of polio prevalence in 1950s in the US revealed Polio prevalence in the US was at its highest in 1952, with 57,000 reported cases. About Zyrtec (Cetirizine) without prescription Mass inoculations with the new vaccine occurred just 3 years later, after the vaccine was declared safe and effective. Incidence of the virus in the US increased greatly between the 1930s and the 1950s, and researchers initially believed that this was due to the "disease of development" hypothesis. Buy Absorption online The hypothesis is that improved hygiene had "reduced transmission and pushed the burden of infection onto children more susceptible to paralytic polio," the authors write, therefore increasing the likelihood of clinical manifestation of the virus. Following their investigation, the researchers now believe this hypothesis is wrong. http://cardiobloodreview.wordpress.com Instead, they attribute the increase in cases in the late 1940s to rising birth rates following the end of the Second World War. "If you have more kindling, you can have a much larger forest fire," Martinez-Bakker explains. "The baby boom provided more kindling for polio epidemics - young children and infants over 6 months of age - so much more explosive outbreaks were now possible." The data obtained for the study also allowed the researchers to track the unobserved and symptomless polio infections that occurred around this time. While the reported number of polio cases for 1952 was 57,000, the team discovered that more than 3 million people were likely to have been infected that year. According to the authors, "the regular identification of, and rapid response to, these silent chains of transmission is of the utmost importance." Their study also offers further insight into why these historical polio epidemics fluctuated, were seasonal and varied geographically. "Reaching eradication and preventing re-emergence of polio requires intimate knowledge of how the virus persists," Martinez-Bakker concludes. "Historical epidemics that predate the use of vaccines can be used to disentangle the epidemiology of disease from vaccine effects. They allow us to establish a baseline by studying the system in the absence of intervention." Last year, Medical News Today reported on a study that found an extra dose of polio vaccine for children under the age of 5 could help to speed up eradication of the virus. Written by James McIntosh