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A recent meta-analysis has highlighted the cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide, a diabetes medication also popular for weight loss, suggesting it significantly reduces cardiovascular risk. The study, which included 38 trials involving both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals, aimed to differentiate the drug's direct effects from those resulting from weight loss. It revealed that patients using the 2.4 mg dose reported the highest gastrointestinal side effects, prompting some to discontinue treatment. Notably, oral semaglutide was found to be more effective in reducing all-cause mortality compared to its subcutaneous counterpart. Experts emphasize the importance of managing side effects to ensure adherence, likening obesity treatment to managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. With ongoing research, semaglutide shows promise not just for those with diabetes but potentially for individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease, underscoring its role in comprehensive health management. 
Published: Oct 20 2024, 12 pmeznews.inNew research from the University of Surrey links a preference for sugary foods, termed a "sweet tooth," to increased risks of type 2 diabetes, depression, and stroke. The study, involving over 181,000 participants from the UK Biobank, categorized individuals into three dietary groups: health-conscious, omnivores, and sweet tooth. Findings revealed that the health-conscious group had a 14% lower risk of heart failure and a 31% reduced risk of chronic kidney disease, while the sweet tooth group faced a 27% higher risk of depression and a 15% higher risk of diabetes. Experts emphasize the importance of reducing free sugar intake, recommending less than 25 grams daily, to mitigate these health risks. They suggest that gradually cutting back on added sugars and replacing them with natural alternatives can help reshape taste preferences and improve overall health. Consulting a registered dietitian for personalized guidance is also advised.
Published: Oct 22 2024, 8 pmeznews.inA recent study led by Dr. Jennifer Brunet from the University of Ottawa has revealed that aerobic exercise may significantly improve cognitive function and quality of life for women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, a treatment that often results in "chemo brain," affecting up to 75% of patients. The research, published in the journal *CANCER*, involved 57 women who participated in an aerobic exercise program either concurrently with chemotherapy or after completing it. Those who exercised during treatment reported enhanced mental clarity and cognitive abilities compared to those who began exercising later, despite similar neuropsychological testing results between both groups. Experts emphasize the importance of incorporating aerobic activity into care plans, as it can alleviate some symptoms of brain fog, thus improving patients' overall well-being during and after chemotherapy. This study highlights the need for ongoing research into effective interventions to support cognitive health in cancer survivors.
Published: Oct 22 2024, 8 pmeznews.inA recent randomized clinical trial in China has provided strong evidence that acupuncture can significantly alleviate chronic sciatica pain and disability, particularly in patients with herniated spinal discs. Over 216 participants received either genuine acupuncture or sham treatments, with those undergoing acupuncture reporting twice the reduction in pain and nearly three times the decrease in disability over the 52-week study period. The trial, published in *JAMA Internal Medicine*, found no serious adverse effects linked to acupuncture, which is increasingly recognized as a conservative treatment option for sciatica. Experts suggest that acupuncture may work by enhancing blood flow, relaxing muscles, and stimulating the release of natural painkillers like endorphins. While acupuncture has been used for thousands of years, this study aims to bolster its clinical validation, highlighting its potential alongside traditional therapies such as physical therapy and medication for managing sciatica symptoms.
Published: Oct 22 2024, 9 pmeznews.inA recent study by researchers at the Danish Cancer Society Research Center has found that hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), specifically those releasing levonorgestrel, may be associated with a slight increase in breast cancer risk among women aged 15 to 49. Analyzing data from over 78,000 first-time users of these IUDs between 2000 and 2019, the study revealed an excess risk of 14 additional breast cancer diagnoses per 10,000 women using hormonal IUDs. While this risk mirrors findings related to combined oral contraceptive pills, experts caution that the actual increase is small. They emphasize the importance of informed discussions between women and healthcare providers regarding the benefits and risks of hormonal IUDs, particularly for those with specific health histories. The study underscores the need for further research to validate these findings across diverse populations.
Published: Oct 22 2024, 8 pmeznews.inA new study from the University of Sydney has revealed that standing for prolonged periods may not enhance heart health and could increase the risk of circulatory diseases, such as deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins. While previous research suggested that standing could mitigate some negative effects of prolonged sitting, this latest analysis of data from approximately 83,000 adults indicates otherwise. Researchers found that standing for more than two hours daily raises the risk of orthostatic circulatory disorders by an average of 11% for every additional 30 minutes. In contrast, sitting over 10 hours a day correlates with a 15% increase in cardiovascular disease risk for each extra hour. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating physical activity alongside both standing and sitting to optimize heart health, as standing still does not actively promote blood circulation. Future studies may explore the effects of breaking up long sitting periods with movement.
Published: Oct 22 2024, 12 ameznews.inResearchers have identified two distinct phases of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, which impacts approximately 7 million people in the United States. The initial phase is characterized as silent, with minimal symptoms and damage to specific vulnerable brain cells, while the later phase is marked by pronounced cognitive decline and the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles. This study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, analyzed postmortem brain samples from 84 donors and utilized machine learning to quantify disease progression. Findings suggest that early detection during the silent phase could lead to new diagnostic and treatment strategies, potentially delaying or preventing the more aggressive symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Experts emphasize the importance of understanding these early changes, as they may offer opportunities for effective intervention before significant cognitive impairment occurs.
Published: Oct 21 2024, 10 pmeznews.inA recent study published in _Neurology_ has revealed that tenecteplase, a clot-dissolving medication, may offer better recovery outcomes than alteplase for patients suffering from acute ischemic strokes. Ischemic strokes, caused by blocked blood flow to the brain, can lead to significant disability and are a leading cause of death in the U.S. The systematic review analyzed data from 11 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 7,600 participants, finding that those treated with tenecteplase had a higher likelihood of achieving excellent functional outcomes and reduced disability three months post-stroke compared to those given alteplase. While tenecteplase is currently approved for heart attack treatment, it lacks FDA approval for stroke, prompting calls for its broader adoption in clinical practice. Experts emphasize the need to address regulatory and logistical challenges to facilitate this transition, as tenecteplase's ease of administration could enhance patient care and outcomes.
Published: Oct 19 2024, 12 pmeznews.inResearch from the Technical University of Munich suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction may play a critical role in triggering Crohn's disease, a chronic autoimmune condition affecting approximately 4.9 million people globally. Using a mouse model, scientists found that deleting a specific gene segment responsible for producing the protein Hsp60 disrupted mitochondrial function, leading to intestinal damage and changes in the gut microbiome akin to those observed in Crohn's patients. This study marks a significant step in understanding the disease's underlying mechanisms, with researchers hopeful that restoring mitochondrial functionality could lead to more effective treatments, moving beyond current therapies that primarily address symptoms. Experts emphasize the potential for personalized medicine approaches and the importance of identifying triggers to prevent disease progression, which could improve the lives of those affected by Crohn's disease and related inflammatory bowel disorders.
Published: Oct 18 2024, 11 pmeznews.inA recent study by the National Institute of Mental Health has found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can be as effective as the antidepressant escitalopram in alleviating anxiety symptoms. Conducted with 276 adults diagnosed with various anxiety disorders, the eight-week trial revealed that while escitalopram initially led to a greater reduction in anxiety, by the end of the study, both treatments showed similar efficacy. Notably, participants in the medication group reported significantly more side effects, with 78.6% experiencing adverse events compared to just 15.4% in the MBSR group. Experts suggest that MBSR, which involves weekly sessions and daily mindfulness practices, may offer a viable alternative for those seeking to avoid medication-related side effects. The findings highlight the importance of personalized treatment options for anxiety disorders, emphasizing mindfulness as a potential therapeutic approach in clinical settings.
Published: Oct 17 2024, 6 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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