Monday's Health News in Snippets
29/MAY/2023
What parents do before and during pregnancy can have a significant impact on the child's heart, according to Dr. Omolola Lamina-Alaaya, a consultant paediatric cardiologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.
According to Dr. Lamina-Alaaya, a child's heart health begins in infancy, and poor health choices made before and during pregnancy can put a child at risk for developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and heart attacks as an adult.
According to experts, congenital heart disease is a problem that affects a baby's developing heart.
The baby's heart starts to form right after conception and is finished by the eighth week of gestation, according to the online resource Heart.
For more, click here.
The mother of a seven-year-old child who was mauled by a dog in a pub beer garden released graphic photos of his wounds and pleaded with the dog's owners to surrender before the vicious animal does it again.
The huge dog, likely a German wirehaired pointer, attacked Paul Ciardini as he was making his way towards the garden's children's play area.
The schoolboy's two-inch long wound was so deep that it revealed his skull after he was bitten on top of his head.
His startled mother, Wiktoria Matusiak, grabbed her son and hurried him inside as an ambulance was being dispatched.
For more, click here.
The disclosure of the alleged presence of ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic compound, in Indomie Instant Noodles' "Special Chicken Flavour" has raised concerns from the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment.
Following concerns about the possible presence of ethylene oxide in the Indomie 'Special Chicken Flavour' instant noodles, which Malaysian and Taiwanese authorities had recalled, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control announced that it was expanding its investigation of Indomie noodles to factories and markets..
Nevertheless, according to NAFDAC, the allegedly incriminated "Special Chicken Flavour" is not authorised for sale in Nigeria.
For more, click here.
Pope Francis, who was hospitalised to a hospital in Rome with a respiratory illness, may be discharged "in the coming days."
According to the Vatican, the pontiff's health has improved significantly since taking medication for bronchitis.
The Pope "devoted himself to rest, prayer, and some work" in the afternoon.
On Wednesday, he was taken to Gemelli Hospital for what was initially described as a routine check-up.
According to a Vatican statement, bronchitis was later discovered and he was treated with an antibiotic infusion.
For more, click here.
According to her partner, a mother who missed the first six months of her child's life because of a brain tumor is determined to improve for her daughter.
When Emma Taylor, 33, of Chelmsford, Essex, collapsed in October, she was seven and a half months pregnant.
When her infant Ophelia was born via emergency C-section, she was unconscious.
The dental hygienist is still in the hospital and is unable to speak, only nodding or gesturing with her hands.
Despite her communication difficulties, Emma has made it clear that she is determined to return to her family, according to her partner Scott Weeks.
For more, click here.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is being urged by US and Mexican authorities to declare a public health emergency due to a fungal outbreak linked to cosmetic procedures in Mexico.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), meningitis claimed the lives of two patients who underwent surgeries under epidural anesthesia.
Nearly 400 people are being watched in the US and Mexico.
In the Mexican city of Matamoros, two cosmetic surgery clinics have closed.
Authorities have urged patients who underwent epidural anesthesia for surgeries at either the River Side Surgical Center or Clinica K-3 since January to get checked out, even if they are not currently experiencing any symptoms.
For more, click here.
According to new research, drinking heavily when you are younger increases your risk of frailty and muscle loss as you age.
The research team from the University of East Anglia (UEA) in the United Kingdom believes that these results are yet another reason to limit alcohol consumption.
Professor Ailsa Welch of UEA's Norwich Medical School stated that problems with weakness and frailty in later life are caused by muscle loss as we age.
We wanted to learn more about the connection between drinking and muscle health as we age because alcohol consumption is a significant modifiable risk factor for many diseases, she said in a university news release.
For more, click here.
.jpg)
AUniversity of California San Diego engineers have created a straightforward, inexpensive clip that measures blood pressure at the user's fingertip using the camera and flash of a smartphone. The clip currently costs about 80 cents to produce and works with a unique smartphone app. When produced in large quantities, the cost, according to the researchers, could be as low as 10 cents per unit.
Scientific Reports published the technology on May 29.
According to researchers, it might make regular blood pressure monitoring simple, affordable, and available to people in communities with limited resources. For example, it could help pregnant women and older people manage conditions like hypertension.
For more, click here.
.jpg)
Combining supplements with prescription drugs may cause treatment failure – Experts
According to pharmacists and doctors, taking prescription medications and dietary supplements simultaneously without consulting a qualified healthcare professional is dangerous.
They pointed out that although some ingredients in supplements are micronutrients, they may interact with medications and result in treatment failure.
The experts advised people with chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases to talk to their doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplements.
They argued that this was crucial to prevent adverse reactions that, especially when used frequently, could result in organ failure and prolonged healing times.
For more, click here.
Doctors say this is the most important virus you’ve never heard of
Respiratory viruses had a particularly active winter this year, with RSV, influenza, and Covid-19 outbreaks dominating. But as it was ending, a little-known virus that shares many of the same symptoms, such as a hacking cough, runny nose, sore throat, and fever, was just beginning to gain ground.
According to respiratory virus surveillance systems run by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, increased this spring. The most vulnerable populations for these infections—young children and the elderly—were overrepresented in hospital intensive care units. Nearly 11% of tested specimens were HMPV positive at its peak in mid-March, a figure that is about 36% higher than the typical, pre-pandemic seasonal peak of 7% test positivity.
However, the majority of those who contracted it likely had no idea they did. Outside of a hospital or emergency room, sick people are not typically tested for it. There is no vaccine or medicine to treat HMPV, unlike Covid-19 and the flu. Instead, doctors treat the symptoms of seriously ill patients.
For more, click here.
.jpg)
Dr. Margaret Erhunmwunsee, president of the Association of Residents Doctors at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital Branch, has cautioned women, especially young girls, against using tissue paper and pieces of cloth during menstruation.
She claims that these things can spread infections, which over time could result in infertility.
The medical professional issued the caution while leading the leadership of the Association to observe World Menstrual Hygiene Day with the theme, "Making Menstruation a Normal Fact of Life by 2030," at the Comprehensive Secondary School Atai Otoro, in the Abak Local Government, Akwa Ibom State.
For more, click here.
Friday's Health News in Snippets
26/MAY/2023
The "zombie" drug xylazine has been linked to the death of a 43-year-old man in the UK, prompting overdose warnings in the US.
It can result in a dangerously low heart rate and significant open wounds on the skin. Usually used to tranquilize large animals, it is now present in heroin.
It is described as "a really concerning drug" by UK experts.
Users of drugs should be informed that although it is now legal in the UK, there is no safe dose for people.
For more, click here.
A recent study, according to researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, demonstrates how a common insomnia treatment can help to calm a potentially violent sleeping disorder in which victims unknowingly act out their dreams while they are asleep.
The Journal of Neuroscience published a study on the use of the sleep medication dual orexin receptor antagonist for rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder on Thursday.
The receptor antagonists function by inhibiting orexin, a neuropeptide or chemical messenger that promotes alertness in the body.
For more, click here.
The FDA has granted permission for Elon Musk's brain-chip company to carry out its initial human tests, according to the company.
By connecting people's brains to computers, the Neuralink implant company hopes to help them regain their vision and mobility.
It claims that there are no immediate plans to begin seeking participants. Previous attempts by Mr. Musk to start testing were unsuccessful.
The FDA acknowledged Neuralink's announcement, according to them.
For more, click here.
.jpg)
According to a recent study, men who gain weight as young adults are more likely to develop prostate cancer later in life.
The study found that men who gained an average of 1 kilogram per year from the ages of 17 to 29 had a 27% higher risk of developing fatal prostate cancer and a 13% higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
Researchers from Lund University in Malmö, Sweden, carried out the study, and the authors presented their findings at the 2023 European Congress on Obesity in Dublin, Ireland.
Prostate cancer incidence was more directly influenced by weight gain in young adults than it
For more, click here.
Friday's Health News in Snippets
19/MAY/2023
Several more cases of vision loss and another death from illnesses associated with eyedrops tainted with a drug-resistant bacteria were reported by U.S. health officials.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the bacteria has infected 81 people, 14 of whom have lost their vision and four of whom have passed away. Eight cases of vision loss and three fatalities were reported in March; this is an increase. According to the CDC, four people had surgery to remove an eyeball as a result of the infections.
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria that is causing the outbreak is particularly concerning because it is resistant to common antibiotics.
For more, click here.
.png)
Teeth whitening with charcoal may cause mouth ulcer, decay- Experts warn
Dental professionals have advised Nigerians against brushing their teeth with charcoal, pointing out that it is a harmful habit that can result in long-term harm.
They described how the abrasive properties of charcoal could potentially harm tooth enamel, causing sensitivity, decay, and other health issues.
They contend that frequent use of charcoal does not lighten teeth and instead leaves behind stains, particularly on the gums.
The dentists claimed there have been misunderstandings regarding the use of charcoal as a home remedy to remove stains and whiten yellow teeth over the years.
For more, click here.
New federal data revealed that the mpox vaccination campaign after an outbreak swept the United States last year was very effective at preventing infection.
According to a recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the JYNNEOS vaccine was 75% effective after one dose and 86% effective after two doses.
One dose of the vaccine was 51% effective in immunocompromised patients, and two doses were 70.2% effective.
The results, according to CDC officials, highlight the significance of immunizing at-risk populations ahead of the summer or giving those who have only received a partial dose a second dose.
Since the outbreak began last year, there have been reported 42 fatalities and nearly 31,000 cases of mpox as of March 31.
For more, click here.
Study finds significant amount of clotting in the arteries of patients with STEMI and COVID-19
Today, at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 2023 Scientific Sessions, late-breaking clinical research from The North American COVID-19 STEMI (NACMI) was presented. A significant amount of clotting was present in the arteries of patients with an ST-elevated myocardial infarction, or STEMI, and COVID-19 both before and after intervention, according to the findings. Importantly, clots were discovered in multiple arteries in nearly 30% of patients, a finding that occurs in less than 5% of heart attack patients without COVID-19.
In the United States, someone experiences a heart attack every 40 seconds (CDC). Of these patients, more than 25% will experience a more severe type of heart attack, an ST-elevated myocardial infarction, or STEMI caused by the sudden, total blockage of a coronary artery. Pre-COVID-19 mortality in STEMI patients was below 5% (JACC). Previous NACMI research has shown that mortality jumps to 20% to 25% in patients who present with COVID-19 and a heart attack.
For more, click here.
A hospital has said that a trial of a winter virus vaccine for babies shows it can reduce the strain on the NHS.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in children under the age of five.
According to a study involving 8,000 infants in Europe, the drug nirsevimab significantly reduced the number of hospitalizations for RSV by 83%.
It was a "fantastic result," according to University Hospital Southampton (UHS), which took part in the study.
For more, click here.
Thursday's Health News in Snippets
18/MAY/2023
Novel drug offers hope for people with heart failure
According to researchers from the University of Auckland in New Zealand, breathing difficulties were associated with sudden bursts of nerve activity in the carotid body, an oxygen-sensing organ, in male rats with heart failure.
They also discovered that the P2X3 receptor contributed to the occurrence of these bursts of nerve activity..
The bursts of nerve activity were stopped, and breathing and heart function were improved, when researchers used a drug to block the receptor.
For more, click here.
At two hospitals in Bedfordshire, robots have been installed to help surgeons with surgical procedures.
Each of the Luton and Dunstable Hospital and Bedford Hospital has been given a "da Vinci Xi" robot to help with various surgeries, including those for cancer treatment.
It is hoped that their accuracy will enable patients to recover more quickly and spend less time in the hospital.
This is the start of a new era, according to Katherine Bevan, clinical lead for Bedfordshire Hospitals Trust.
She claimed that since they were installed, robotic-assisted surgery had already helped 19 patients.
For more, click here.
Up to 80% of menopausal women are thought to experience vasomotor symptoms, also referred to as hot flashes.
Veozah, a novel medication, has recently received approval from federal regulators to treat this specific menopausal symptom.
According to experts, many women should find relief from the oral medication.
They also mention that leading a healthy lifestyle and getting enough sleep can reduce the frequency of hot flashes.
For more, click here.
.png)
According to a recently published case study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two women in New York, United States, have been identified as having the first cases of ringworm, a highly contagious and drug-resistant fungal infection. Although these are the first cases to be reported, the CDC report states that medical experts are looking into the possibility of more cases.
Ringworm, also known as tinea, is a typical and extremely contagious infection of the skin, hair, or nails brought on by dermatophyte molds, according to the CDC report. The severity of antifungal-resistant tinea cases has increased over the past ten years in South Asia, reaching "epidemic proportions" there.
For more, click here.
Wednesday's Health News in Snippets
17/MAY/2023
According to recently published research, Australian and Chinese scientists thought they may have discovered a remedy for the most poisonous mushroom in the entire world.
According to scientists, a medical dye that has already received widespread approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration can serve as an antidote for death cap mushroom poisoning.
This is supported by a study that was published on Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications.
The primary toxin produced by death cap mushrooms, known as -amanitin, and the critical protein (STT3B) required for it to have a toxic effect were discovered by the researchers using genome-wide CRISPR screening.
For more, click here.
In order to demand better working conditions, doctors in Nigeria's public hospitals began a five-day strike on Wednesday. As a result, many patients were unable to access healthcare.
According to Dr. Innocent Orji, president of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, or NARD, the government's refusal to raise resident doctors' salaries, pay arrears owed to some of their members, and increase hospital investment led to the strike by resident doctors.
Although the current work stoppage doesn't affect specialist doctors or nurses, medical residents make up the bulk of health care workers in Nigerian government hospitals. Such strikes are also common with the public health sector lacking sufficient funding for many years despite the country’s huge earnings as Africa’s biggest economy and top oil producer.
For more, click here.
.png)
The risk of developing obesity-related cancers is increased in both metabolically healthy and unhealthy "forms" of obesity, according to recent research.
The conclusion reached by doctors is that having a dysfunctional metabolism is bad for your overall health and is a factor in chronic illnesses, cancer, and disease.
Avoid overeating, consume more plant-based foods, and think about experimenting with intermittent fasting to boost metabolism and treat obesity.
For more, click here.