Online Trading Fraud: Kerala doctor duped of Rs 3.42 crore

Thiruvananthapuram: In yet another case of cyber fraud reported from the city, a 53-year-old doctor became a victim of an online trading and investment scam leading to a loss of Rs 3.42 crore following which the cyber police registered a case.   

According to the police, the sophisticated scheme is believed to have been masterminded by a gang of ten individuals who deceived the doctor into believing that he could attain immense wealth, just like the others he encountered within the fraudulent organization.

Also read- FedEx Courier Scam: Delhi Doctor Loses Rs 5 Lakh To Fraudsters

As per the TOI news report, the incident occurred when the doctor was contacted by an individual posing as a member of a leading firm’s share trading research team, promoting the potential of online trading. 

Subsequently, he was invited to join a WhatsApp group where fake profiles of purported billionaires in online trading were presented. The doctor, unaware of the deception, was lured by promises of attractive profits from small investments.

To win the trust of the doctor, the accused began giving him profits in small investments. This prompted the doctor to invest more and gain more profit. However, things took a turn when the accused asked the doctor to download an application purportedly for trading purposes.

But in reality, the app allowed the accused to access his personal information and banking credentials. With this access, they were able to transfer a substantial amount from his bank account. 

Upon realising that he had fallen into a trap, the doctor approached the cyber police and registered a case under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including sections 66(D) for cyber fraud, 419 for cheating by personation, and 420 for cheating. 

Speaking to the Daily, an officer of the cyber police department said, “We have been collecting all the available details from the victim and measures have been taken to block the accounts to which the snatched money was transferred.”

Also read- Pune Doctor Duped By Fraudsters In Drug Parcel Scam, Loses Rs 1 Crore

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Groundbreaking angiogenic gene therapy shows promise in refractory angina: EXACT Phase 2 trial

USA: Refractory angina, a debilitating condition characterized by persistent chest pain despite optimal medical therapy, poses significant challenges for patients and clinicians alike. However, a beacon of hope shines through the latest advancements in medical science. The results of the EXACT Phase 2 Trial, investigating the efficacy of angiogenic gene therapy in refractory angina patients, have been unveiled, heralding a potential breakthrough in treatment.

According to the trial, gene therapy for therapeutic angiogenesis showed promise for patients with angina who had already exhausted their options for medical therapy and coronary revascularization. The findings were published online in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions.

“XC001, an engineered adenovirus vector that transiently increases VEGF-A expression in the myocardium, administered via transepicardial delivery is safe and generally well tolerated,” the researchers reported. “Exploratory improvements in ischemic burden, total exercise duration, and subjective measures support a biological effect sustained to 12 months, warranting further investigation.”

XC001 is a novel adenoviral-5 vector designed to express multiple VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) isoforms and more safely and potently induce angiogenesis. Kenta Nakamura, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle. (K.N.), and colleagues conducted the EXACT trial to assess the safety and preliminary efficacy of XC001 in patients with no option refractory angina.

The single-arm, multicenter, open-label trial included 32 patients with no option refractory angina who received a single treatment of XC001 (1×1011 viral particles) via transepicardial delivery.

The researchers reported the following findings:

  • There were no severe adverse events attributed to the study drug. Twenty expected severe adverse events in 13 patients were related to the surgical procedure.
  • Total exercise duration increased from a mean of 359.9 seconds at baseline to 448 (3 months), 449.2 (6 months), and 477.6 (12 months; +88.3, +84.5, and +115.5).
  • Total myocardial perfusion deficit on positron emission tomography imaging decreased by 10.2%, 14.3%, and 10.2%.
  • Angina frequency decreased from a mean of 12.2 episodes to 5.2 (3 months), 5.1 (6 months), and 2.7 (12 months), with an average decrease of 7.7, 6.6, and 8.8 episodes at 3, 6, and 12 months.
  • Angina’s class improved in 81% of participants at six months.

While further research is warranted to validate these findings and optimize treatment protocols, the results of the EXACT Phase 2 Trial signify a paradigm shift in the approach to refractory angina management. With continued advancements in gene therapy technology, the prospect of personalized, targeted treatments for ischemic heart disease looms on the horizon, promising renewed hope for patients facing this challenging condition.

Reference:

Nakamura K, Henry TD, Traverse JH, Latter DA, Mokadam NA, Answini GA, Williams AR, Sun BC, Burke CR, Bakaeen FG, DiCarli MF, Chaitman BR, Peterson MW, Byrnes DG, Ohman EM, Pepine CJ, Crystal RG, Rosengart TK, Kowalewski E, Koch GG, Dittrich HC, Povsic TJ; EXACT Trial Investigators. Angiogenic Gene Therapy for Refractory Angina: Results of the EXACT Phase 2 Trial. Circ Cardiovasc Interv. 2024 May 2:e014054. doi: 10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.124.014054. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38696284.

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Empagliflozin Shows Promise for Alleviating Peripheral Diabetic Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Study

Egypt: In a significant development for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management, a recent study has uncovered promising evidence regarding the potential of empagliflozin in mitigating peripheral diabetic neuropathy among patients. The findings, published in Medicina Clínica, shed light on a new avenue for addressing the debilitating effects of neuropathy in individuals living with diabetes.

The researchers revealed that empagliflozin may be a promising therapeutic and neuroprotective agent for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

Peripheral diabetic neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, affects the nerves in the extremities, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain. It burdens patients’ quality of life considerably and is often challenging to manage effectively with existing treatments.

The study, conducted by Maha Khalifa, Clinical Pharmacy Department, Tanta Universal Teaching Hospital, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt, and colleagues aimed to assess the probable protective effect of empagliflozin in type 2 diabetics who are suffering from DPN.

For this purpose, the researchers recruited fifty eligible type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. They were classified into two groups: Group I (control group; n=25) received placebo tablets once daily. Group II (empagliflozin group; n=25) received empagliflozin 25 mg once daily for three months.

The efficacy of empagliflozin was evaluated using HbA1c levels, and electrophysiological studies, the diabetic neuropathy symptom (DNS) score, the brief pain inventory short-form item (BPI-SF) score, the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score, and the serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and calprotectin (Calpro), lipid profile, and random blood glucose level (RBG).

The study led to the following findings:

  • After three months, comparing the results of the empagliflozin arm to the control arm showed a significant improvement in the electrophysiological studies and a substantial decrease in the BPI-SF score and the mean serum levels of NSE and MDA.
  • No significant difference was determined in HbA1c, Calpro, lipid profile, and RBG levels.
  • The DNS and ASCVD risk scores were not significantly different.
  • The NSE and MDA levels significantly negatively correlated with the electrophysiological parameters.
  • The BPI-SF score showed a non-significant difference.

According to the authors, the study can be considered the first prospective clinical trial to investigate empagliflozin’s effect in T2DM patients with DPN who were not on SGLT2 inhibitor treatment. Preclinical studies have proven that SGLT2 inhibitors improve nerve conduction with neuropathic pain amelioration in DM rats, so this study agreed with this preclinical study.

In conclusion, the study was conducted to detect if empagliflozin has a neuroprotective effect in T2DM and those with DPN, in addition to its impact on glycemic control. The drug ameliorated systemic oxidative stress and neuropathy with minimal to no side effects. Therefore, empagliflozin has improved DPN and the patient’s QOL.

“After more studies support this concept, empagliflozin may be considered a first-line of treatment in DN cases,” the researchers wrote. 

Reference:

El-Haggar, S. M., Hafez, Y. M., El Sharkawy, A. M., & Khalifa, M. (2024). Effect of empagliflozin in peripheral diabetic neuropathy of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Medicina ClíNica. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medcli.2024.01.027

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Sacubitril/valsartan exhibits CV and kidney protective benefits across the spectrum of kidney risk in heart failure patients: JACC

USA: A recent study sheds light on the efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan, a novel therapy for heart failure, across varying degrees of renal impairment. Heart failure is a significant health concern globally, affecting millions of individuals and presenting a considerable burden on healthcare systems.

Patients with heart failure often experience renal dysfunction, complicating their treatment and prognosis. Sacubitril/valsartan, a combination angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), has emerged as a promising therapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), but its effects on patients with renal impairment have been less understood until now.

The study, published in the renowned medical journal Journal of the American College of Cardiology, classified one in four patients with HFrEF as at least high Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) kidney risk; these individuals faced concordantly the highest risks of cardiovascular (CV) events.

“Sacubitril/valsartan exhibited consistent kidney and CV protective benefits and safety across the spectrum of baseline kidney risk,” the researchers wrote. “These data further support sacubitril/valsartan initiation in HFrEF across a broad range of kidney risks.”

The KDIGO classification integrates both estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine-albumin-creatinine-ratio (UACR) to stratify risk more comprehensively in chronic kidney disease patients. Data assessing whether this classification system is associated with treatment response and prognosis in heart failure populations is limited.

PARADIGM-HF was a global randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating sacubitril/valsartan versus enalapril in HFrEF patients. Patients were categorized according to low, moderate, and high/very high KDIGO risk.

Treatment responses were evaluated as per the baseline KDIGO risk. The study’s primary outcome was a composite of HF hospitalization or CV death. A renal composite outcome was defined as end-stage kidney disease or a sustained decline in eGFR by ≥40%.

The study led to the following findings:

  • Among 1,910 (23%) participants with available data, 42%, 32%, and 26% were classified as low, moderate, and high/very high KDIGO risk, respectively.
  • Patients in the highest KDIGO risk categories experienced the highest rates of the primary composite outcome (7.6, 9.4, 14.9 per 100py).
  • Sacubitril/valsartan had a similar safety profile and similarly reduced the risk of both the primary outcome and the renal composite outcome across the spectrum of KDIGO risk.

In conclusion, the study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan across the spectrum of renal impairment in patients with heart failure. These findings provide valuable insights for clinicians and underscore the importance of personalized treatment strategies in optimizing outcomes for patients with heart failure and renal dysfunction.

Reference:

Chatur, S., Neuen, B. L., Claggett, B. L., Beldhuis, I. E., Mc Causland, F. R., Desai, A. S., Rouleau, J. L., Zile, M. R., Lefkowitz, M. P., Packer, M., McMurray, J. J., Solomon, S. D., & Vaduganathan, M. (2024). Effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan Across the Spectrum of Renal Impairment in Patients With Heart Failure. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2024.03.392

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Ventricular tachyarrhythmias might be most common cardiac arrhythmia after Acute MI: Study

A recent comprehensive analysis found the coexistence of cardiac arrhythmias in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the findings from the China Acute Myocardial Infarction (CAMI) registry unveiled significant implications for patient outcomes. The study published in the recent issue of BMC Cardiovascular Disorders included data from a total of 23,825 consecutive AMI patients across 108 hospitals and offered crucial insights into the prevalence and impact of arrhythmias in this population.

According to the findings, cardiac arrhythmias were detected in 8.35% of AMI patients where ventricular tachyarrhythmias emerged as the most common type, followed by bradyarrhythmias, atrial tachyarrhythmias and combinations of multiple arrhythmias. The patients with arrhythmias were more frequently associated with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, fibrinolysis and a history of heart failure which underlines the complex interplay between these conditions.

The study highlights the substantial burden of arrhythmias on in-hospital outcomes, with patients experiencing arrhythmias expressing significantly higher rates of adverse events such as all-cause mortality, cardiogenic shock, re-infarction, stroke or heart failure. The incidence of in-hospital outcomes was markedly higher in patients with any form of arrhythmia when compared to the individuals without. This emphasizes the detrimental impact of arrhythmias on the prognosis of these patients.

The independent association between arrhythmias and high risks of hospitalization outcomes and in-hospital mortality further illuminates the urgent need for targeted interventions and management strategies in AMI patients with concurrent arrhythmias. With odds ratios indicating substantially increased risks across all types of arrhythmias, from ventricular tachyarrhythmias to atrial tachyarrhythmias, the study underscores the imperative for heightened vigilance and tailored therapeutic approaches in this vulnerable patient population.

The comprehensive analysis highlighted the significant prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias in AMI patients and their strong impact on clinical outcomes. These findings underline the importance of early detection and management of arrhythmias in AMI and also emphasize the imperative for further research to unveil the optimal therapeutic strategies and improve patient outcomes in this high-risk population. Overall, the implications of this research prompts intensified efforts towards multidisciplinary approaches in reducing the adverse effects of arrhythmias in AMI patients and ultimately enhancing the quality of care and patient outcomes in this critical setting.

Reference:

Xu, X., Wang, Z., Yang, J., Fan, X., & Yang, Y. (2024). Burden of cardiac arrhythmias in patients with acute myocardial infarction and their impact on hospitalization outcomes: insights from China acute myocardial infarction (CAMI) registry. In BMC Cardiovascular Disorders (Vol. 24, Issue 1). Springer Science and Business Media LLC. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-024-03889-w

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Metformin effectively reduce viral load in COVID-19 patients, finds study

A recent study published in the Clinical Infectious Diseases journal uncovered the potential of metformin which is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes to manage COVID-19. This research was conducted as part of the COVID-OUT trial and unveiled strong evidence of antiviral activity of metformin against the RNA viruses, including the SARS-CoV-2.

This comprehensive highlights that metformin exerts its antiviral effects by targeting the host mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway which in turn suppresses the protein translation that is crucial for viral replication. The implications of this mechanism extend beyond diabetes management which could offer a new avenue for tackling infectious diseases.

This rigorous randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind COVID-OUT trial evaluated the efficacy of metformin along with other potential treatments for COVID-19, including fluvoxamine and ivermectin. The results were striking: metformin demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in reducing the odds of hospitalizations, deaths, and even the onset of long COVID.

The participants who received metformin underwent a sharp 58% reduction in the risk of hospitalizations or death within 28 days. Also, the medication decreased the likelihood of emergency department visits, hospitalizations or death by 42% within 14 days and reduced the incidence of long COVID by 42% over a span of 10 months.

The trial involved a total of 999 participants who self-collected anterior nasal swabs at specified intervals. The analysis of viral load using reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed a significant 3.6-fold reduction in SARS-CoV-2 viral load with metformin when compared to placebo. Also, metformin recipients were also less likely to express detectable viral loads on subsequent days that indicates sustained antiviral activity.

This study highlighted the consistency of metformin’s effect across the various subgroups and its progressive improvement over time. Notably, neither ivermectin nor fluvoxamine demonstrated discernible benefits over placebo which points to the unique potency of metformin in the context of COVID-19 treatment. Overall, metformin offers clinical benefits and opens new avenues for exploring its pleiotropic actions against COVID-19 pathophysiology by significantly reducing the viral load. 

Reference:

Bramante, C. T., Beckman, K. B., Mehta, T., Karger, A. B., Odde, D. J., Tignanelli, C. J., Buse, J. B., Johnson, D. M., Watson, R. H. B., Daniel, J. J., Liebovitz, D. M., Nicklas, J. M., Cohen, K., Puskarich, M. A., Belani, H. K., Siegel, L. K., Klatt, N. R., Anderson, B., … Hartman, K. M. (2024). Favorable Antiviral Effect of Metformin on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Viral Load in a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Coronavirus Disease 2019. In Clinical Infectious Diseases. Oxford University Press (OUP). https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciae159

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Pre-antibiotic use tied to higher risk of secondary stroke after acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke: Study

South Korea: In a significant breakthrough in stroke research, a longitudinal study utilizing the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database has uncovered the effects of pre-antibiotic use before the first stroke incidence on recurrence and mortality rates. The findings shed new light on the intricate relationship between antibiotic usage and stroke outcomes, offering valuable insights into stroke prevention and management strategies. 

“In a study involving over 200,000 adults aged 55 and older with acute hemorrhagic stroke (AHS) or acute ischemic stroke (AIS), pre-antibiotic use within a year before the stroke event was linked to increased risks of secondary stroke in both groups (aHR of 1.03 for AIS and 1.08 for AHS),” the researchers reported in the International Journal of General Medicine. However, pre-antibiotic use in the AIS group was tied to a reduced mortality risk (aHR 0.95).

Dougho Park, Medical Research Institute, Pohang Stroke and Spine Hospital, Pohang, Republic of Korea, and colleagues conducted the study to investigate the effects of pre-antibiotic use before a stroke event on secondary outcomes using a longitudinal population-level database.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study comprising adults aged 55 years or older diagnosed with acute hemorrhagic stroke and acute ischemic stroke between 2004 and 2007. Patients were followed up until the end of 2019, and the target outcomes included secondary AIS, AHS, and all-cause mortality.

Multivariable Cox regression analyses were applied, and the researchers adjusted covariates such as sex, age, socioeconomic status, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. Pre-antibiotic use was identified from 7 days to 1 year before the acute stroke event.

The study led to the following findings:

  • 159,181 patients with AIS (AIS group) and 49,077 patients with AHS (AHS group) were included.
  • Pre-antibiotic use significantly increased the risk of secondary AIS in the AIS group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.03) and secondary AHS in the AHS group (aHR, 1.08).
  • Furthermore, pre-antibiotic use in the AIS group was associated with a lower risk of mortality (aHR, 0.95).

This study elucidated the effect of pre-antibiotic use during a specific period before the first incidence of stroke on long-term secondary outcomes. As an observational, longitudinal study using a population-level database, the study confirmed that pre-antibiotic use was significantly associated with the risk of secondary stroke.

“Our population-based longitudinal study showed that pre-antibiotic use was associated with a higher risk of secondary stroke and a lower risk of mortality in the AIS and AHS groups,” the researchers wrote. “There is a need for further studies to understand the relationship between dysbiosis and stroke outcomes.”

Reference:

Park D, Kim HS, Kim JH. Effect of Pre-Antibiotic Use Before First Stroke Incidence on Recurrence and Mortality: A Longitudinal Study Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service Database. Int J Gen Med. 2024;17:1625-1633

https://doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S456925

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Dengue fever infections have negative impacts on infant health for three years-study

Dengue infections in pregnant women may have a negative impact on the first years of children’s lives, new research has found.

Dengue fever is the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease globally and poses a threat to half of the world’s population. There has been a dramatic rise in cases over recent years, with cases in the Americas reaching more than three million cases in 2023. Since January 2024, Brazil has reported more than 3.5 million cases, marking the largest dengue outbreak on record.

The paper, co-authored by Dr Livia Menezes from the University of Birmingham and Dr Martin Foureaux Koppensteiner from the University of Surrey, has been published in the American Economic Journal: Applied Economics.

The study looks at a large data set of dengue fever infections in expectant mothers from Minas Gerais, Brazil, and the resulting birth outcomes. It finds that babies born to women who were infected with dengue fever during their pregnancy had lower birth weights, increasing the risk of newborns being classed as having a very and extremely low birth weight by 67% and 133%, respectively.

Dr Livia Menezes, Assistant Professor in Economics at the University of Birmingham and co-author of the study said: “Even though dengue is a very common mosquito-borne disease, there has not been much attention given to the impact it has on birth outcomes and as a result, what can be done to improve them and protect pregnant women and their children.

“This paper sets out robust research which shows that being infected with dengue fever, even with a mild case, whilst pregnant can have a significant impact on the health of the child once born. These birth outcomes can even have longer-term impacts, for example, previous research has shown that low birth weight can negatively affect socio-economic outcomes and health in adulthood.”

The researchers also found that children whose mothers were infected with dengue fever whilst pregnant had a 27% increased risk of being hospitalised from birth to age three. The highest risk of hospitalisation for these children comes in their second year of life, where there is a 76% increase.

Dr Martin Foureaux Koppensteiner, Associate Professor in Economics at the University of Surrey said: “These negative birth outcomes are not only limited to the health of individual children and mothers, but they have a much wider impact for communities where dengue fever is common. Hospitalisations and ongoing health issues resulting from maternal infections all have a cost, and one that could be avoided, or at least minimised with increased awareness and improved policy.

“We strongly suggest that dengue fever should be considered alongside the TORCH infections to manage and avoid when pregnant, which currently include Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, HIV, syphilis, chicken pox, Zika, and influenza among others.”

The study also highlights the possible consequences of climate change expanding the reach of dengue fever. While the disease has historically been limited to tropical and subtropical regions, it now has an established presence in over 120 countries. Aedes mosquitoes, which carry and transmit dengue, have found breeding grounds in countries previously unaffected, including Croatia, France, Portugal, and the southern states of the USA.

Dr Menezes concludes: “As the planet heats, we can expect to see dengue fever become even more common in countries that have previously not had high infection rates. This is a problem that needs to be taken seriously, and quickly.

“Policy changes and things like vector control, updated risk communication with key groups and vaccine adoption can all reduce the risk of pregnant women being infected with dengue. Action needs to be taken by governments and health organisations to provide better protection for pregnant women and their children.”

Reference:

Koppensteiner, Martin Foureaux, and Lívia Menezes. 2024. “Maternal Dengue and Health Outcomes of Children.” American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, 16 (2): 530-53, DOI: 10.1257/app.20210656

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Antioxidant-Rich Diets Linked to Improved Quality of Life for Young Women Battling Acne Vulgaris, Study Finds

Poland: Acne vulgaris, a common skin condition affecting millions worldwide, often affects physical appearance and mental well-being. In a promising development, a recent study published in Nutrients Journal suggests that the antioxidant properties of certain diets could offer relief and enhance the quality of life for young women grappling with acne vulgaris.

The study showed that the quality of life (QoL) of young women with acne vulgaris (AV) was impaired. However, there was a reduction in the risk of AV impact on the QoL by approximately 30–32% and the risk of depression by 33% with greater adherence to an antioxidant diet. The dietary antioxidant quality index (DAQI) may be used as a new indicator of diet quality in acne vulgaris.

The DAQI included the following elements: antioxidant vitamins, carotenoids, minerals, phytosterols, polyphenols, lignans, and the total antioxidant capacity of the diet.

Acne vulgaris significantly reduces the QoL of young people, so it becomes critical to look for factors that can improve their QoL. Kinga Zujko-Kowalska, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland, and colleagues aimed to assess the relationship between dietary antioxidants measured using the new DAQI index and QoL measured using standardized tests.

The study comprised 165 young women with acne vulgaris, mainly students. A self-report survey was used for basic data collection on their anthropometric information, sociodemographic status, and lifestyle.

“Acne vulgaris pathogenesis is not fully known. However, the determination of oxidative stress biomarkers, especially lipid peroxidation in acne patients, confirms the important role of oxidative stress,” the researchers wrote.

They added, “Inflammation caused by oxidative stress of the pilosebaceous unit and oxidation of sebum initiates the development of acne. A well-composed diet is a source of various antioxidants (vitamins, minerals, polyphenols) that may support the treatment of acne and improve quality of life.”

The energy value of the diet and the content of minerals, vitamins, and carotenoids with the diet’s antioxidant activity were estimated using 3-day food diaries and the Diet 6.0 program. The diet’s antioxidant potential and the content of phytosterols, polyphenols, lignans, and selenium were calculated based on individual food product consumption and available databases.

While conventional acne treatments focus primarily on topical and systemic medications, integrating dietary modifications can offer patients additional avenues for symptom management. The study underscores the importance of considering lifestyle factors in holistic acne management approaches.

This study has some limitations. First, food intake was assessed based on 3-day food diaries, which did not consider usual eating habits. Second, the available databases on dietary antioxidant potential, polyphenols, selenium, lignans, and phytosterols did not include all foods and dishes, so similar products were used to calculate any missing data.

Reference:

Jankowska, B., & Zujko, M. E. (2023). The Antioxidant Power of a Diet May Improve the Quality of Life of Young Women with Acne Vulgaris. Nutrients, 16(9), 1270. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091270

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Eye ultrasounds may assist with detecting brain shunt failure in children: Study

Use of an eye ultrasound may quickly and safely identify children with brain drainage tube failure in the emergency department, according to a new study. The research will be presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2024 Meeting, held May 3-6 in Toronto.

A ventricular shunt is a surgically implanted thin, plastic tube that drains extra fluid and relieves pressure on the brain. Children receive ventricular shunts for hydrocephalus, a condition where brain fluid doesn’t drain or reabsorb properly from brain bleeds, tumors, or other causes. Nearly 30% of shunts break, are displaced, or become blocked within two years of placement, and another 5% fail each year after that, experts say.

When a patient visits the emergency department for potential shunt failure, their symptoms are often nonspecific, including headache, vomiting, and fatigue, according to researchers. Shunt failure is life threatening, and children with shunts typically undergo multiple computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans per year, exposing them to excessive radiation and sedation. A backup of fluid causes the optic nerve sheath to swell, which researchers can measure with eye ultrasound.

The study found that comparing the diameter of the optic nerve when a patient is symptomatic to the diameter when they are well can help determine if a shunt is blocked.

“The research team is interested in finding ways to lessen radiation exposure and expedite diagnosing shunt failure in the emergency department,” said Adrienne L. Davis, MD, MSc, FRCPC, pediatric emergency medicine research director at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and presenting author. “The study uses patients as their own controls by measuring the optic nerve when well and sick—a strategy that individualizes this test for every patient and recognizes that every patient with a shunt has a unique degree of shunt dependence and ability to tolerate high brain pressures.”

The researchers studied 76 pairs of eye ultrasounds of nearly 60 children presenting to the Toronto hospital’s emergency department with potential shunt failure. Researchers note that while findings are promising, results require further confirmation in a larger population of children with shunts across North America.

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