COVID-19
New Evidence Suggests Long COVID Could Be a Brain Injury: A new study has found that brain fog may be the result of a viral-borne brain injury that may cause cognitive and mental health issues that persist for years. Researchers found that 351 patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 had evidence of a long-term brain injury a year after contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The findings were based on a series of cognitive tests, self-reported symptoms, brain scans, and biomarkers. The brain deficits found in COVID-19 patients were equivalent to 20 years of brain aging and provided proof of what doctors have feared: that this virus can damage the brain and result in ongoing mental health issues. Medscape
COVID, No Matter the Severity, Linked With Urologic Effects in Men: SARS-CoV-2 infection is linked in men with increased incidence of urinary retention, urinary tract infection (UTI), and blood in the urine, a new study finds.
Study finds high levels of physical activity lowered risk of developing COVID-19 infection and hospitalization: A cohort study of older adults found that those who followed recommended exercise guidelines before the pandemic had significantly lower odds of being infected or hospitalized from COVID-19 than those who did not follow guidelines. he study found that adults who adhered to U.S. and World Health Organization physical activity guidelines before the pandemic had 10 percent lower odds of becoming infected with COVID-19 and 27 percent lower odds of being hospitalized from it compared to people who were inactive. JAMA Network Open
The CDC may be reconsidering its COVID isolation guidance: Currently, people who test positive are advised to stay home for at least five days to reduce the chances of spreading the coronavirus to others. The unnamed officials told the Post that the agency will advise people to rely on symptoms instead. If a person doesn't have a fever and the person's symptoms are mild or resolving, they could still go to school or work. These changes could come as early as April. NPR
CDC may recommend a spring Covid booster for some groups: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considering whether to recommend yet another Covid booster shot this spring, especially for people most at risk for severe complications of the illness. A spring booster would be the same vaccine that was approved last fall, which was formulated to target the XBB.1.5 subvariant. The vaccine is also very effective against the JN.1 subvariant, which is causing almost all Covid infections in the U.S. right now. NBC News
PAIN
Proinflammatory Diet May Prompt Worse Pain Course in Knee OA: Higher scores on the dietary inflammatory index in patients with knee osteoarthritis(KOA) were associated with an increased risk of experiencing greater pain over 10 years of follow-up. "An anti-inflammatory diet may reduce pain among KOA patients. Future trials investigating the potential of an anti-inflammatory diet for pain relief in KOA are warranted," the researchers wrote. The study was published online on January 29, 2024, in Arthritis Care & Research.
What Is the Clinical Course of Low Back Pain? Patients with back pain that has persisted for less than 12 weeks have a high probability of substantial pain reduction over time, but patients with back pain that has persisted for 12 or more weeks have a lower chance of improvement, new data suggest. In a systematic review and meta-analysis of 95 studies, pain score decreased by 35 points on a 100-point scale from baseline to 52 weeks among patients with acute pain (ie, pain lasting for less than 6 weeks). Patients with persistent pain (ie, pain lasting for more than 12 weeks but less than 52 weeks) had smaller improvements at 52 weeks, however. The study was published on January 22, 2024, in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Repetitive high concentration capsaicin patch applications for nerve pain in a real-world setting:Capsaicin, derived from hot chili pepper plants, has been used to treat various types of pain, and a high concentration capsaicin patch (HCCP) is approved for the treatment of nerve (or neuropathic) pain. In a real-world study published in Pain Practice that included 97 outpatients in Germany diagnosed primarily with neuropathic back pain, postoperative/posttraumatic neuropathic pain, or postherpetic neuralgia (shingles pain), patients appeared to benefit from multiple HCCP applications.
New guideline details acute pain management strategies for adolescent, adult dental patients:Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken alone or along with acetaminophen are recommended as first-line treatments for managing short-term dental pain in adults and adolescents aged 12 or older, according to a new clinical practice guideline developed by the American Dental Association (ADA), the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and the Center for Integrative Global Oral Health at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. The guideline has been endorsed by the ADA and is now available in the February issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association.
Virginia Tech scientist shows focused ultrasound can reach deep into the brain to relieve pain: The study, published in the journal PAIN (Monday, Feb. 5), found soundwaves from low-intensity focused ultrasound aimed at a place deep in the brain called the insula can reduce both the perception of pain and other effects of pain, such as heart rate changes.
Brain changes behind pain sensitivity may affect older women more: A new study has found that the brain system enabling us to inhibit our own pain changes with age, and that gender-based differences in those changes may lead females to be more sensitive to moderate pain than males as older adults. The Journal of Pain.
Can we predict when a migraine attack will occur?: Migraine is often underdiagnosed and untreated, and even when it is treated, it can be difficult to treat early enough as well as find strategies to prevent attacks. A new study looks at ways to more accurately predict when a migraine will occur—through the use of mobile apps to track sleep, energy, emotions and stress—to enhance the ability to prevent attacks. The study is published in the January 24, 2024, online issue of Neurology®
Study reveals disparities in use of evidence-based integrative pain management modalities among adults with chronic pain: A recent study from researchers at University Hospitals (UH) Connor Whole Health examined variables associated with engagement in (1) integrative health and medicine (IHM) and (2) nonpharmacologic modalities rather than opioids among United States adults with chronic pain. The study, published in the Journal of Pain Research, uncovered disparities in access to these modalities, particularly among older adults, Black/African American individuals, and those with higher depressive symptoms and lower education and income levels, who are more likely to have chronic pain.
Does physical activity lessen pain intensity for cancer survivors? Study shows that higher levels of physical activity are linked with less pain, and to a similar extent in adults with and without a history of cancer. CANCER
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Mood Interventions May Help Reduce Inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis and Chron’s Disease: According to research published on January 24, 2024, in eBioMedicineTrusted Source, interventions that improved mood also brought down inflammation in people with inflammatory bowel disease by 18%. The team found that psychotherapy performed better than antidepressants and exercise. Cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction were the most effective forms of psychotherapy.
Chinese Herbal Medicine May Help People with Ulcerative Colitis Stay Symptom-Free: An herb used in Chinese herbal medicine helped people with ulcerative colitis stay symptom-free for up to a year with no serious negative side effects, a preliminary study found. In the study, which included a small group of people with ulcerative colitis who had already been receiving oral treatment with indigo naturalis, those who continued the therapy were more likely to be in remission after one year, compared to those who stopped taking the Chinese herbal medicine.
Heat therapy may lead to better outcomes in treating depression than cold exposure: Researchers from the University of California – San Francisco have found that people with depression have higher body temperatures than those who do not, suggesting novel therapies used to lower body temperature — such as heat therapy through a hot tub or sauna — might provide a mental health benefit. Scientific ReportsTrusted Source.
Castor oil may have potential as a natural treatment for dry eye disease: While there are some treatments available for dry eye disease, researchers from the University of Auckland were curious if a natural remedy could be effective. They conducted a pilot study where participants applied castor oil to their eyelids, which proved beneficial for the participants. University of Auckland.
Active components of ginkgo biloba may improve early cognitive recovery after stroke: Adults treated with 14 days of intravenous injections of ginkgo diterpene lactone meglumine (GDLM) -- a combination of biologically active components of ginkgo biloba -- after an ischemic (clot-caused) stroke had better cognitive recovery at 14 days and 90 days. International Stroke Conference 2024
Medical Cannabis for Chronic Pain Tied to Arrhythmia Risk: Adults using medical cannabis for chronic pain, especially those with cancer or cardiometabolic disease, have a slightly elevated risk of developing arrhythmia, mainly atrial fibrillation/flutter, a Danish registry study suggested. Cannabis use has been associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk, but data on CV side effects with use of medical cannabis for chronic pain are limited. published online European Heart Journal
Acupuncture may help reduce stroke risk in people with rheumatoid arthritis: Researchers based in Taiwan and China conducted a comparative study using data available on people with rheumatoid arthritis to see what sort of cardiovascular benefits acupuncture provided. Their findings showed that people with rheumatoid arthritis who underwent acupuncture had a 43% reduced risk of having a stroke. BMJ Open.
FDA ACTION
• Approved cell-based gene therapy Casgevy for transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDT), an inherited blood disorder that results in anemia and frequent blood transfusions.
• Approved Amtagvi, the first cellular therapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with a type of skin cancer (melanoma) that is unable to be removed with surgery (unresectable) or has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) that previously has been treated with other therapies (a PD-1 blocking antibody, and if BRAF V600 mutation positive, a BRAF inhibitor with or without a MEK inhibitor).
• Approved Xolair (omalizumab) injection for immunoglobulin E-mediated food allergy in certain adults and children 1 year or older for the reduction of allergic reactions (Type I), including reducing the risk of anaphylaxis, that may occur with accidental exposure to one or more foods.
• Converted approval of tepotinib (Tepmetko, EMD Serono, Inc.) for adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) exon 14 skipping alterations, to traditional approval.
• Approved Aurlumyn (iloprost) injection to treat severe frostbite in adults to reduce the risk of finger or toe amputation.
PREVENTION
Exercise
Improving Cardiac Fitness by Just 3% Can Drop Prostate Cancer Risk by 35%: Swedish researchers found that an annual increase in cardiorespiratory fitness of 3% or more was linked to a 35% lower risk of developing prostate cancer, after accounting for potentially influential variables. British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Tai Chi May Work Better Than Aerobics to Lower Blood Pressure: According to the new study, tai chi proved to be more effective than aerobic exercise in lowering blood pressure among patients with prehypertension. Practicing tai chi helps reduce stress, boost mood, and promote heart health, all of which contribute to improving hypertension. Aside from tai chi, additional ways to lower blood pressure include exercising regularly (walking or swimming) and eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. JAMA Network Open.Trusted Source
Running Won’t Help You Lose Weight, But It Can Prevent You from Gaining It: Contrary to popular belief, running is not an effective way to lose weight, say the authors of a study out of the University of Jyväskylä in Finland. The study, which was published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, did show, however, that continued running over a person’s lifetime can prevent weight gain.
Research confirms benefits of resistance exercise training in treatment of anxiety and depression: A new study has demonstrated the impact resistance exercise training can have in the treatment of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Trends in Molecular Medicine and is available online.
Why Walking, Yoga, and Strength Training May Help Ease Depression: A review of 218 scientific trials has found that walking, jogging, yoga, and strength training may be the most effective exercises for relieving symptoms of depression. The more vigorous the exercise, the greater the mental health benefits are likely to be. Experts say this is likely due to the release of feel-good hormones, engagement in a routine, and the social interaction exercise often provides. It can be difficult to exercise when you’re depressed, so experts recommend starting slow and finding something you enjoy. The research was published in The BMJ.
Self-monitoring improves physical activity of care-needing elderly: Self-monitoring of physical activity with an accelerometer and feedback is an effective tool to improve physical activity in elderly people requiring long-term support. The Kobe University study is the first to show that with simple and safe means the physical activity of this demographic can be improved, which is expected to help prevent serious illness and reduce costs for long-term care. European Geriatric Medicine
Diet/Nutrition
Eating Three Servings of Kimchi Daily Linked to Lower Risk of Obesity: A new study shows consuming up to three servings of kimchi each day is linked to a lower rate of obesity among men. As an observational study, it’s difficult to know kimchi’s specific impact on weight loss. Health benefits of kimchi include being high in antioxidants, the ability to improve gut health, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity. To incorporate more kimchi into your diet, you can add it as a topping to many dishes you already like to add some spice or crunch. BMJ Open.
Eating Vegan, Keto Diets May Help Improve Your Immune System In 2 Weeks: In a small study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers observed rapid changes to the immune system in individuals who adopted vegan and ketogenic diets. The results of the study were published in the journal Nature MedicineTrusted Source.
Adequate Protein Intake in Midlife Tied to Healthy Aging: Intake of protein, especially from plants, in middle age is associated with higher odds of healthy aging and positive mental and physical health status in older women, a recent analysis of the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) data suggests. The study is said to be the first to examine the long-term impact of midlife protein consumption on later health status. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Study Finds Atlantic Diet Can Help Your Cholesterol and Shrink Your Waistline: People who followed the Atlantic Diet, a traditional way of eating in parts of Portugal and Spain, lowered their chances of developing metabolic syndrome, a new study showed. The diet is very similar to the well-studied and beneficial Mediterranean diet. JAMA Network OpenTrusted Source.
Dietary vitamin B3 may help lower death risk in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Participants with the highest daily consumption of niacin — of over 26.7 milligrams (mg) — appeared to have a 30% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, and 35% lower risk of all-cause mortality than participants who had a daily niacin intake of 18.4 mg or lower, in their diet. The study authors suggested their results support the notion that 20 mg a day of niacin would be helpful for people with NAFLD. It is rare for people to have a deficiency in this vitamin as it is found in many foods, including meat, fish, brown rice, bananas and fortified foods. JAMA Network OpenTrusted Source.
Milk May Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Patients With Lactose Intolerance: Patients with lactose intolerance are usually advised to avoid milk. However, many still consume dairy products despite experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms. Surprisingly, this "unreasonable" strategy may have the benefit of reducing the risk for type 2 diabetes, as shown in a recent American study.
Plant-Based Diet Improves Sexual Health in Men Treated for Prostate Cancer, Study Finds:New researchTrusted Source suggests that people who followed diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains while limiting dairy and meat consumption might experience less of prostate cancer’s common side effects, including erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
Using Salt Substitutes May Reduce Risk of Developing High Blood Pressure by 40%: Replacing regular table salt with a potassium-enriched salt substitute reduced the development of high blood pressure in older adults without leading to episodes of low blood pressure, a new study found. Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Protein-rich breakfast boosts satiety and concentration: A new Danish study has explored the link between diet and cognitive function, and the results reveal that a protein-rich breakfast can increase satiety and improve concentration. Journal of Dairy Science
Sleep
Not Getting Enough Sleep Can Increase Women's Risk of Heart Disease by 75%: The studyTrusted Source, recently published in the journal CirculationTrusted Source, found that regularly sleeping fewer than seven hours a night and waking up too early or throughout the night can increase a person’s future risk of stroke, heart attack, and myocardial infarction. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, and poor sleep is a major health issue for women, especially in midlife.
Vitamins/Supplements
Multivitamins and Cognition: New Data From COSMOS: The meta-analysis of three separate cognition studies provides "strong and consistent evidence that taking a daily multivitamin, containing more than 20 essential micronutrients, can help prevent memory loss and slow down cognitive aging," We are not now recommending multivitamin use, but the evidence is compelling that supports the promise of multivitamins to help prevent cognitive decline," Vyas said. The new data, from the cognitive substudies of COSMOS, were published online. Am J Clin Nutr. Published online January 18, 2024.
Preventing Autoimmune Diseases: New Findings on Vitamin D, Omega-3 Supplements: Two years after the end of a randomized trial that showed a benefit of daily vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA) supplementation for reducing risk for autoimmune diseases, the salubrious effects of daily vitamin D appear to have waned after the supplement was discontinued, while the protection from n-3 lived on for at least 2 additional years. Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Other
6 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease: New research has found that more than half of US adults don’t know heart disease is the leading cause of death. Heart disease may be the leading cause of death in the United States, but fortunately, there are lots of simple things you can do to reduce your risk, like exercising regularly, eating well, quitting smoking, and managing stress.
Healthy Lifestyle May Offset Cognitive Decline Even in People With Dementia: The studyTrusted Source, published in JAMA Neurology February 5, found that healthy lifestyle choices — being physically active, eating well, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption — may slow cognitive decline, even in people with neuropathologies like dementia.
Menopause and migraines: New findings point to power of prevention: For middle-aged women plagued by migraines, or hot flashes and night sweats, another worry may linger in the backs of their minds: whether these experiences have set them up for a heart attack, a stroke or another cardiovascular crisis. After all, past research suggesting such a link during and after menopause has gotten a lot of attention. But a pair of new studies in the journal Menopause suggest that most of them don’t need to worry as much, especially if they don’t have both migraines and long-term hot flashes and night sweats. Instead, they should focus on tackling the other factors that can raise their cardiovascular risk by getting more sleep, exercise and healthy foods, quitting tobacco, and minding their blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight. For women who have experienced both migraines and hot flashes or night sweats over many years, one of the new studies does suggest an extra level of cardiovascular risk.
TREATMENT
Bariatric Surgery and How it can Impact Cancer Risk: Bariatric surgery appears to decrease the risk of certain forms of cancer, but may increase the risk of others, according to a new scientific review. In a review published in JAMA SurgeryTrusted Source, researchers found differing results for how the procedure affects different forms of cancer. “The data where there has been good consistency is the reduction of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer risk with bariatric surgery. However, there have been concerning signals from preclinical and epidemiological studies that bariatric surgery may be associated with a higher risk of developing colorectal cancers.”
Top 5 Medications That Can Increase Blood Glucose Levels: Among the most common complications of many medications is the potential to disrupt glycemic control. Top five include glucocorticoids; antipsychotic therapy; Thiazide diuretics; statin therapy; and Beta Blockers.
Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Stroke: Benefit Out to 1 Year: Use of vagal nerve stimulation in combination with intense physical rehabilitation in patients with chronic stroke led to improved hand and arm function, with benefits maintained out to 1 year, latest results from a randomized controlled trial showed. Stroke Conference 2024
More Data Show Erectile Dysfunction Meds May Affect Alzheimer's Risk: Men prescribed drugs to treat newly diagnosed erectile dysfunction (ED) are 18% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease (AD) during a 5-year follow-up period, new research shows. The study is the second in recent years to suggest an association between the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) such as sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) and AD risk. The findings contradict those in a third study, reported by Medscape Medical News, that showed no link between the two.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug Abatacept Shown to Prevent Disease in Clinical Trial: A new studyTrusted Source published in The Lancet indicates that the rheumatoid arthritis drug abatacept (brand name Orencia) could also be useful in preventing the disease. It also appeared to improve pain, inflammation, function, and quality of life.
GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic and Mounjaro Linked to Lower Risk of Depression: A new study found patients with diabetes, who were prescribed GLP-1 drugs, including tirzepatide, semaglutide, dulaglutide, and exenatide had a lower likelihood of being diagnosed with depression after starting the medication compared to those who did not take the medication. Epic Research.
OTHER
RSV Can Trigger Inflammation and Nerve Damage: A recent study has revealed why respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may cause neurological symptoms in certain individuals. The virus, which is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections, can infect nerve cells and trigger inflammation that may contribute to neurological symptoms. The report is the first study to show that RSV can enter nerve cells. Journal of Infectious Disease.
Isolation, Loneliness are Major Mortality Risk Factors for People With Obesity: A new studyTrusted Source, released this week has found that death rates are increased for people with obesity who are also socially isolated and lonely.
Only 6% of People Can Achieve Type 2 Diabetes Remission Via Weight Loss: A paper published January 23 in the journal PLOS Medicine found that out of a cohort of more than 37,000 people with diabetes, only 6% (2,279 people), achieved remission during an average follow-up period of 8 years. Type 2 diabetes remission is defined by the American Diabetes Association as having a blood sugar reading “lower than 6.5% measured at least three months after” stopping drugs that lower blood sugar.
Even Moderate Exposure to Radon Tied to Increased Stroke Risk: An analysis of radon exposures in more than 150,000 postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative revealed a 14% higher stroke risk in those exposed to the highest concentrations compared with those exposed to the lowest concentrations. Even moderate concentrations of radon were associated with a 6% higher stroke risk. published online on January 31, 2024, in Neurology.
Key Abortion Paper Retracted: A journal and publisher have retracted three papers about abortion, including one that has been used in court cases to support the suspension of FDA approval for mifepristone, aka an "abortion pill." Sage, the publisher of Health Services Research and Managerial Epidemiology, announced the retractions and posted a retraction notice covering the three articles. The notice also said Sage "confirmed that all but one of the article's authors had an affiliation with one or more of Charlotte Lozier Institute, Elliot Institute, and American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, all pro-life advocacy organizations, despite having declared they had no conflicts of interest when they submitted the article for publication or in the article itself."
Another Study Finds Abortion Pills Prescribed Via Telehealth are Safe: A substantial body of research supports the safety and effectiveness of self-managed medication abortion, whether the procedure is performed in person or remotely via telehealthTrusted Source. Now, researchers from the University of California San Francisco have found more evidence supporting telehealth abortion as a safe and effective way to terminate pregnancy. The national study, published in Nature MedicineTrusted Source , has been cited in a brief submitted to the Supreme Court in advance of the hearing. The research is backed by more than 300 reproductive health researchers, according to a news release.
Traumatic Brain Injury and CVD: What's the Link? The long-term impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on neurologic and psychiatric function is well-established, but a growing body of research is pointing to unexpected medical sequalae, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). A recent review looked at the investigation to date into this surprising connection, not only summarizing study findings but also suggesting potential mechanisms that might account for the association.
CTE Common Among Young Athletes in Largest Brain Donor Study: The largest study to date of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in young athletes shows that 41% had the neurodegenerative disease, caused by repetitive head impacts (RHIs). Analysis of brain tissue from athletes who were exposed to RHIs and died before the age of 30 revealed neuropathological evidence of shrinkage of the brain and microscopic changes that indicate a breach of the blood–brain barrier. The case series also identified the first known American female athlete with CTE. Nearly all of those with CTE had a mild form of the disease and 71% played only at the amateur level in youth, high school, or college sports. "A lot of people think CTE is a result of high-level, professional play such as football, ice hockey, and boxing, but it can affect amateur athletes and can affect people at a young age," lead author Ann McKee, MD, professor of neurology and pathology and director of the Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center at Boston University, told Medscape Medical News. The findings were published online in JAMA Neurology
Why Am I Still Coughing Weeks After Getting Over a Cold? Have you ever had a cold but then been plagued by a continuing cough for weeks after you’ve recovered from all of your other symptoms? This phenomenon is quite common, according to the authors of an article published on February 12, 2024, in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. They cite statistics showing that around 11%–25% of all adults will experience a post-infectious cough after having a respiratory infection. Symptoms can last between three to eight weeks. They occur due to the inflammation and mucus production caused by the infection. Post-infectious coughs will go away on their own. However, over-the-counter medications can ease your symptoms.
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