Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/mdLlLwEvCyk

The latest answer from Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Britain’s National Heart and Lung Institute is a resounding NO!  They analyzed data from more than 8000 participants in the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial.

The tabulated results indicate that both non-fasting and fasting lipid levels had similar correlations with coronary events including both non-fatal and fatal heart attacks.  The non-fasting determinations did have slightly higher triglyceride levels, but this variation did not invalidate the usefulness of the non-fasting data.

The next time you need to have your lipid profile including cholesterol and triglycerides drawn, you can go anytime of the day without regard to meals.  But do eat healthy and avoid downing a pile of fat.

Mora S, Chang CL, Moorthy MV, Sever PS. Association of Nonfasting vs Fasting Lipid Levels With Risk of Major Coronary Events in the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial–Lipid Lowering Arm. JAMA Intern Med. Published online May 28, 2019. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2019.0392

#Fasting #nonfasting #cholesterol #triglycerides #coronarydisease #lipids

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/YB7O_b3T2bs

This warning comes from neurologists and ethicists at Vancouver’s University of British Columbia.  Searching online, they found 19 brain stimulating devices and 22 measuring devices with mind links that are currently being hawked and directly sold to the general public.

We’re talking about so-called transcranial direct current stimulation devices, galvanic biofeedback units, brain-sensing headbands, brain trainers, and stress balancing bracelets.  The list goes on and on.  They aren’t cheap costing as much as $500.

The advertising claims for these products make a variety of promises including increased concentration, better sleep, relaxation, enhanced self-awareness, mood elevation, better memory, and enhanced physical as well as mental performance.  A total of 20 unique claims were made for 41 devices being sold.

Only 8 of the devices had even scientific support from legitimate, published scientific studies.  In many case, studies offered support for a given technology, but there was no direct evidence that the device being marketed was effective.

Then add to the shaky scientific underpinnings that fact that many devices come with poor instructions and no safeguards against improper consumer use.  All in all, these devices can be classified as ripoffs or dangerous.  Don’t waste your money or risk your health.

Iris Coates McCall, Chloe Lau, Nicole Minielly, Judy Illes.  Owning Ethical Innovation: Claims about Commercial Wearable Brain Technologies.  Neuron.  VOLUME 102, ISSUE 4, P728-731, MAY 22, 2019.  DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2019.03.026

#TDCS #brainstimulation #selfhelp

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/JY5nRSzsOdw

If you sleep less than 7 hours each night, you are deficient in the microRNA regulators that permit your genes to refresh your heart tissues and maintain good vascular health.  This warning stems from work at the University of Colorado at Boulder that studied 24 healthy middle-aged men and women measuring their microRNA concentrations and tabulating their sleep.

The group that clocked only 5 to 6.8 hours of sleep a night had 40 to 60% lower levels of the microRNAs that regulate inflammation, immunity, and vascular stability when compared to those sleeping 7 to 8.5 hours a night.  The 7 hour threshold seems to be a constant, and the study investigators cannot yet explain why.

So, if you want to keep your heart and the blood vessels that feed all your vital organs healthy, get those ZZZs.

Jamie G. Hijmans, Ma'ayan Levy, Vinicius Garcia, Grace M. Lincenberg, Kyle J. Diehl, Jared J. Greiner, Brian L. Stauffer, Christopher A. DeSouza. Insufficient sleep is associated with a pro‐atherogenic circulating microRNA signature. Experimental Physiology, 2019; DOI: 10.1113/EP087469

#Sleep #heart #coronary arteries #carotid arteries #microRNA

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/1XFfgZZr-ZU

At least half of those seen in the ED and diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injury are left with significant functional limitations at one year post-injury.  This surprising statistic comes from a nationwide, multi-center study just published in JAMA Neurology.

Those with positive findings on brain CT had a 61% incidence of long-term disability.  But even those with negative findings on the CT had. 49% incidence of continuing issues.

This result suggests that even patients with seemingly mild traumatic brain injuries must be followed carefully post-injury in order to detect problems and promptly provide rehabilitation therapy.  The finding also adds to the many studies of chronic traumatic encephalopathy that suggest there is no such thing as a mild brain injury.

Nelson LD, Temkin NR, Dikmen S, et al. Recovery After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Patients Presenting to US Level I Trauma Centers: A Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury (TRACK-TBI) Study. JAMA Neurol. Published online June 03, 2019. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2019.1313

#TBI #traumaticbraininjury #CTE

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/o-D_Vw8oCRA

Using a bit of formula to assist breastfeeding and trigger a healthy weight gain has for years been considered a no-no.  Lactation consultants advise that this use of formula destroys the child’s interest in breast feeding.

A study from the University of California - San Francisco now labels this warning an urban myth.  Pediatricians there and at Penn State studied some 164 babies suffering from significant  post-partum weight loss.  Half of the group received syringe-fed formula in addition to breastfeeding and the others continued with breastfeeding alone.

The results showed that, at 6 months, the formula-supplemented group of children were just as likely to be breastfeeding as the no formula group.  An added benefit to supplementation was the finding that those given formula were at lower risk for jaundice.

So if your newborn is struggling with weight gain immediately after birth, ask about formula supplementation.

Valerie J. Flaherman, Michael D. Cabana, Charles E. McCulloch, Ian M. Paul. Effect of Early Limited Formula on Breastfeeding Duration in the First Year of Life. JAMA Pediatrics, 2019; DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.1424

#Breastfeeding #formula #supplementation #jaundice

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/bOqsCE8pmJY

A new German study concludes that those on blood pressure control medications enjoyed a 10 to 25% lower incidence of dementia.  Researchers from the University of Leipzig studied a total of nearly 25,000 patients half of whom suffered from dementia and the other half served as matched controls.

All classes of anti-hypertension drugs were associated with a reduced incidence of dementia though angiotensin II receptor blockers had the greatest effect.  Additional studies will be necessary to discover the mechanisms and optimal use of medications.

Please remember that blood pressure monitoring and pro-active, preventive blood pressure control are indispensable to living a long, healthy life. now, your brain leading to dementia in such a way that effective  treatment is next to impossible.

Jens Bohlken, Louis Jacob, Karel Kostev. The Relationship Between the Use of Antihypertensive Drugs and the Incidence of Dementia in General Practices in Germany. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 2019; 1 DOI: 10.3233/JAD-190362

#Dementia #hypertension

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/T3iMfBq7uok

Researchers from Norway’s University of Bergen now deliver conclusive proof that bacteria hiding in dental plaque and causing gingivitis move from mouth to brain and there produce a toxin that kills brain cells.

Several months ago, I presented a study in mice that demonstrated this same gum-brain connection.  The Norwegian researchers now prove it in humans with DNA-tracking evidence. They extend this finding by identifying a toxic enzyme released by the bacteria that destroys vital brain cells.   The investigators detected the toxin in 96% of the brains from 53 deceased Alzheimer’s victims they studied.  Even more exciting is the fact that they developed a drug that blocks this enzyme’s effect, and they are planning tests of it.

All research discoveries in medicine and in every other field are only conclusively proven when they are independently confirmed.  I am delighted that this is now the case for the gingivitis-Alzheimer’s link.  If you want to hold onto your mind over your lifetime, you best be brushing and regularly flossing.

Stephen S. Dominy, Casey Lynch, Florian Ermini, etal. Porphyromonas gingivalis in Alzheimer’s disease brains: Evidence for disease causation and treatment with small-molecule inhibitors. Science Advances, 2019; 5 (1): eaau3333 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau3333

#Gingivitis #Alzheimers

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/vHPivGIBS9Q

This week the  FDA released warnings that vinpocetine, available in the USA over-the-counter as a dietary supplement and around the world as the prescription drug Cavinton, can harm a developing baby causing miscarriage or birth defects.  

Vinpocetine is readily available online via Amazon and other outlets.  It is also called Periwinkle Liquid Extract.

Vinpocetine has been touted as a help for dementia, age-related macular degeneration, hearing loss, tinnitus, hot flashes, seizures, chronic fatigue syndrome, and even bed-wetting.  As is the case for all drugs marketed as food supplements, it has not undergone rigorous testing, and claims of its effectiveness for any of these problems are unproven.

All women of child-bearing age should avoid using Vinpocetine.  All of you should think twice about regularly using dietary supplements because lax regulations offer no guarantee of safety or effectiveness.

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/statement-warning-women-childbearing-age-about-possible-safety-risks-dietary-supplements-containing

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-175/vinpocetine

#Vinpocetine #foodsupplement #pregnancy #fetaltoxin #dementia #maculardegeneration #deafness

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/xUVxPZ6K6pE

The egg debates continues, and, if you love eggs, you’ll love the latest Finnish study just published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.  They conclude that an egg a day will not increase your risk of stroke.

The study looked at nearly 2000 men 42 to 60 years of age.  Over a 21 year followup, the risk of stroke was not increased by a moderate intake of dietary cholesterol and an average of one egg a day.

All the controversy about eggs and dietary is probably not over.   Meanwhile, you can safely enjoy up to two 3 egg omelettes every week without any pangs of guilt.

Anna M Abdollahi, Heli E K Virtanen, Sari Voutilainen, Sudhir Kurl, Tomi-Pekka Tuomainen, Jukka T Salonen, Jyrki K Virtanen. Egg consumption, cholesterol intake, and risk of incident stroke in men: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2019; DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqz066

#Egg #cholesterol #stroke

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/c5Y0tyBw3Lk

Staggering numbers of children risk irreversible injuries to their developing brains everyday as they climb on a variety of wheeled play vehicles.  A new study from The University of  Michigan surveyed over 1300 parents of children from 4 to 13 years to assess their children’s use of protective helmets and defensive measures in the streets.

Parents admit that their children don’t use helmets 61% of the time while riding scooters, during 58% of skateboard sessions, and on 18% of bike rides.  Twenty-seven percent of children ride their bikes and other play vehicles in streets and most of these streets have no bike lanes.  

National statistics show that 50 children an hour every hour visit an emergency department because of injuries sustained on bikes, scooters, and skateboards.  Many of these accidents involve younger children who should be directly supervised by their parents.  For your older kids, review helmet use and restrict their rides to car-free bike lanes and trails.

Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan. "Nearly 1 in 5 parents say their child never wears a helmet while riding a bike: National Poll focuses on children's street smarts, including bike, skateboard, scooter and road safety." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 20 May 2019. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/0

#Bicycles #scooters #skateboards #helmets #bikelanes