Medical latest news news Study shows how COVID-19 pandemic has reversed years of progress in women and children's health

Declines in essential health care utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic in low- and lower-middle-income countries devastatingly impact women and children's health, according to a new study publishing August 30th in the open-access journal PLOS Medicine by Tashrik Ahmed of the World Bank, US, and colleagues. In some of the world's poorest countries, the projected corresponding increases in child and maternal mortality can erase years of progress and cause thousands of preventable deaths. Pandemics can affect health service utilization through numerous pathways. These include limitations in infrastructure, health workforce and supply chains, as well as altered patient behavior that can be attributed to changes in public transportation, mobility restrictions and fear of contracting illness. Early studies of the COVID-19 pandemic predicted that these service disruptions presented a threat to delivery of non-COVID healthcare services. Related Stories Relapse of COVID-19 symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 viral load following nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment Immunosuppressive therapies for COVID-19 treatment New study suggests metformin is associated with less severe COVID-19 across prediabetic individuals In the new study, researchers used data on service utilization from 18 countries in Africa and the Middle East to estimate the percent change in health services delivered between March 2020 and June 2021, compared to pre-pandemic levels. Across the countries, they found an average decline in outpatient consultation of 13.1%, and average declines of 2.6% to 4.6% for maternal and child services. The largest service disruptions occurred at the pandemic's start and during months with strict mobility restrictions. Using a mathematical model, the group projected corresponding increases of 3.6% in child mortality and 1.5% in maternal mortality. This work demonstrates how the COVID-19 pandemic has reversed years of progress in the health of women and children, especially those in the most vulnerable communities. As countries tackle multiple crises that continue to restrict service delivery and utilization, these findings can help them promote effective policies to strengthen health systems and recover with greater resilience." Dr. Tashri

Breast MRI may help stratify the risk of second breast cancer

Breast tissue features apparent on MRI are linked with future second breast cancer risk in women with a personal history of breast cancer, according to a study published in Radiology, a journal of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. While advances in treatment and early detection mean that more women are surviving breast cancer, these women face an increased risk of second breast cancers. Breast cancer survivors with dense breasts face an even greater risk of a second cancer. Breast tissue is mostly fatty, with areas of fibrous connective tissue and glandular tissue known collectively as fibroglandular tissue. Women with dense breasts have a greater proportion of fibroglandular tissue and less fatty tissue. This can obscure lesions on mammography and is an independent risk factor for breast cancer. Breast MRI has become the preferred method for imaging women with personal history of breast cancer. Previous studies have shown that breast MRI has a higher cancer detection rate than mammography. Postoperative surveillance breast MRI is increasingly being performed according to the American College of Radiology's annual recommendation for women with dense breasts or those diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50." Su Hyun Lee, M.D., Ph.D., study lead author, Department of Radiology at Seoul National University Hospital in Seoul, Korea Dr. Lee and colleagues studied the link between second cancer risk and background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) at surveillance breast MRI. BPE refers to the brightening, or enhancement, of background tissue on MRI after administration of a contrast agent. The degree of BPE can vary between and within women. It is thought to be related to changes in the blood supply and permeability of breast tissue, which is affected by hormonal status. Breast cancer treatment in the form of radiation therapy, chemotherapy or endocrine therapy can also alter the BPE in the treated breast. Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today BPE on contrast-enhanced breast MRI is a known risk factor for breast cancer. Less is known about the links between BPE at surveillance breast MRI and the risk of second breast cancer. Of the 2,668 women in the study, 109 developed a second breast cancer at a median follow-up of 5.8 years. Mild, moderate, or marked BPE at surveillance breast MRI was independently associated with an increased risk of future second breast cancer compared to minimal BPE. "The results suggest that BPE at postoperative surveillance breast MRI may indicate the response to breast cancer treatment and may be a predictor of the modified risk of second breast cancer after treatment in women with a personal history of breast cancer," Dr. Lee said. The study findings point to a role for BPE measurements in refining screening pathways for women with prior breast cancer, Dr. Lee said. "Our study results may help to stratify the risk of second breast cancer in women with a personal history of breast cancer and to establish personalized imaging surveillance strategies in terms of imaging modality and monitoring interval selection," she said. "For example, women with minimal BPE at surveillance breast MRI may no longer need to undergo contrast-enhanced breast MRI every year if other risk factors are absent." Those other risk factors include younger age at diagnosis, the presence of genetic mutations linked to breast cancer and hormone receptor expression in the initial breast cancer. Areas for future study include the link between BPE changes at screening or preoperative breast MRI and at postoperative surveillance breast MRI and the development of second breast cancer. In the future, Dr. Lee expects that risk models will use mammography, ultrasound and MRI together. This approach, she said, will lead to more tailored surveillance strategies for women with a history of breast cancer.

5 Researchers discover new therapeutic target for triple-negative breast cancer

Breast cancer is categorized into three major subtypes: hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive, and triple-negative. Although there are targeted therapeutic approaches for the first two, there are limited options for triple negative-breast cancer patients. In a new study, researchers have discovered that the nuclear receptor TLX can potentially be used for therapeutic intervention. Researchers have been able to develop good therapies for both hormone receptor-positive and HER2-positive breast cancer, and the long-term survival of patients diagnosed with these types of cancer is pretty good. On the other hand, triple-negative breast cancer has lacked an obvious target to develop drugs against. We are trying to find new targets because the five-year survival rate is worse than the other types of breast cancer." Erik Nelson (ACPP), associate professor of molecular and integrative physiology The Nelson lab specializes in studying nuclear receptors-;a class of proteins that regulate a host of biological processes. They decided to sort through different nuclear receptors to identify one that could be used to target triple-negative breast cancer. "TLX has previously been characterized in brain and prostate cancer as being a driver of those. However, when we looked at clinical data, we saw that triple-negative breast cancer patients who higher expression of TLX have better survival rates," said Adam Nelczyk, a graduate student in the Nelson lab and lead author of the study. The researchers then carried out experiments in triple-negative breast cancer cell lines to determine whether increased TLX expression could lower the classic hallmarks of cancer: tumor growth, migration, invasion, and metastasis. To measure growth, the researchers layered the cells on plates, allowed them to grow, and then measured the DNA content. They measured migration with a similar set up, but they introduced a scratch between the cells and took time-lapse images to see how quickly cells were able to close the gap. In both these tests, cells that expressed TLX showed lower growth and migration. Related Stories Leukemia drug successfully disrupts HER2-positive brain metastasis in animal studies Gothenburg scientists discover possible new cancer treatment target Discovery paves the way for specific therapies for common form of childhood brain and spine tumor Cancer cells are also notorious for their ability to breach the barriers between tissues, known as invasion, leading to tumors in adjacent tissues as well as tissues that reside far away-;a process called metastasis. To measure this phenomenon in cell lines, the researchers used special gel-coated chambers that mimic the tissue barrier; the cancer cells secrete factors that help them eat their way through. They found that TLX+ cells invaded to a lesser extent. "The decrease in metastasis is particularly important because most mortality is due to the metastatic progression of the disease," Nelson said. The same hallmarks were also measured in mouse models, coupled with RNA sequencing, to measure the changes in TLX expression, and histology studies. The mice were grafted with tumors in their mammary glands. "The data supported our initial findings, showing that mice with increased TLX expression had reduced proliferation," Nelczyk said. Although the results are promising, the mouse models do not completely capture what happens in humans. "The mice we use don't have a full immune system because they have to be able to grow human cells, so they may not recapitulate disease perfectly," Nelson said. "However, together with the patient data, they indicate that TLX is a good drug target. Next, we will have to confirm our findings in humans." Unfortunately, triple-negative breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, and there are several subcategories. Therefore, the models that the researchers used may not be applicable for the other types of triple-negative cancer. They are hoping to focus on the other subcategories in their future studies. "We want to gain a deeper understanding of what TLX is doing, not just in cancer cells," Nelczyk said. "We have some indications that TLX can also modulate the activity of certain types of immune cells. Since we couldn't get the full picture in our models, that is the primary goal for our next set of studies." Source:

Medical latest news Artificial intelligence-based risk score improves personalized care for women with heart attacks

Heart attacks in women are more likely to be fatal than in men. The reasons are differences in age and in comorbidity burden which makes risk assessment in women a challenge. Researchers at the University of Zurich have now developed a novel artificial intelligence-based risk score that improves personalized care for female patients with heart attacks. Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and women who suffer a heart attack have a higher mortality rate than men. This has been a matter of concern to cardiologists for decades and has led to controversy in the medical field about the causes and effects of possible gaps in treatment. The problem starts with the symptoms: unlike men, who usually experience chest pain with radiation to the left arm, a heart attack in women often manifests as abdominal pain radiating to the back or as nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are unfortunately often misinterpreted by the patients and healthcare personnel - with disastrous consequences. Risk profile and clinical picture is different in women An international research team led by Thomas F. Lüscher, professor at the Center for Molecular Cardiology at the University of Zurich (UZH), has now investigated the role of biological sex in heart attacks in more detail. Indeed, there are notable differences in the disease phenotype observed in females and males. Our study shows that women and men differ significantly in their risk factor profile at hospital admission." Thomas F. Lüscher, Professor at the Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich When age differences at admission and existing risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes are disregarded, female heart-attack patients have higher mortality than male patients. "However, when these differences are taken into account statistically, women and men have similar mortality," the cardiologist adds. Current risk models favor under-treatment of female patients Related Stories Sacubitril/valsartan does not change cognitive function in patients with heart failure AI proves to be more accurate in diagnosing cardiac function than sonographers Using human tissue models to improve treatment and diagnosis of heart attacks In their study, published in the prestigious journal The Lancet, researchers from Switzerland and the United Kingdom analyzed data from 420,781 patients across Europe who had suffered the most common type of heart attack. "The study shows that established risk models which guide current patient management are less accurate in females and favor the undertreatment of female patients," says first author Florian A. Wenzl of the Center for Molecular Medicine at UZH. "Using a machine learning algorithm and the largest datasets in Europe we were able to develop a novel artificial- intelligence-based risk score which accounts for sex-related differences in the baseline risk profile and improves the prediction of mortality in both sexes," Wenzl says. AI-based risk profiling improves individualized care Many researchers and biotech companies agree that artificial intelligence and Big Data analytics are the next step on the road to personalized patient care. "Our study heralds the era of artificial intelligence in the treatment of heart attacks," says Wenzl. Modern computer algorithms can learn from large data sets to make accurate predictions about the prognosis of individual patients - the key to individualized treatments. Thomas F. Lüscher and his team see huge potential in the application of artificial intelligence for the management of heart disease both in male and female patients. "I hope the implementation of this novel score in treatment algorithms will refine current treatment strategies, reduce sex inequalities, and eventually improve the survival of patients with heart attacks - both male and female," says Lüscher. Source: University of Zurich Journal reference: Wenzl, F.A., et al. (2022) Sex-specific evaluation and redevelopment of the GRACE score in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes in populations from the UK and Switzerland: a multinational analysis with external cohort validation. The Lancet. doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01483-0. Be the first to rate this article

Medical latest news Increased incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in young Americans

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), which include preeclampsia, eclampsia, and hypertension, are leading causes of mortality and morbidity in pregnant individuals. As a result, HDP has become a significant health crisis among pregnant individuals in the United States. Recent data indicates that HDP is an important risk-enhancing factor of cardiovascular disease. HDP has been shown to increase the risk of heart failure by two- to four-fold in pregnant women. Study: Association of Birth Year of Pregnant Individuals With Trends in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in the United States, 1995-2019. Image Credit: Compoo Suriyo / Shutterstock.com Background In the past decade, the rate of HDP has almost doubled to 8% of pregnant women. The highest incidence of HDP has been reported among non-Hispanic American Indians, non-Hispanic Black individuals, and Alaska Native individuals. Although pregnant individuals’ age at their first birth is a risk factor for HDP, a recent study has shown that women of all ages are increasingly affected by this condition. This observation strongly indicates that factors aside from age contribute to the incidence of HDP. A recent JAMA Network Open study performed an age-period-cohort analysis to investigate the independent relationship between the age of pregnant women at delivery, the birth year of pregnant individuals (cohort), and year of delivery (period) with new onset of HDP among nulliparous individuals. About the study A total of 38,771,194 nulliparous individuals between the ages of 15 and 44 were identified between 1995 and 2019. Individuals without enough relevant data on HDP and pre-pregnancy hypertension were excluded from the cohort. Finally, 38,141,561 individuals were included, of which 20.2% were Hispanic, 6.5% non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander, 0.8% non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaskan Native, 57.8% non-Hispanic White, and 13.9% non-Hispanic Black. Study findings The cohort analysis revealed that the incidence of new-onset HDP was higher in pregnant women of an older age at delivery, in more recent periods, and in more recent birth years of pregnant individuals. Compared to nulliparous pregnant individuals born in the 1950s, those born in the 1990s and 2000s had a higher incidence of HDP, even after adjusting for age at delivery. A persistent occurrence of HDP, irrespective of age, birth cohort, and delivery period, was observed among self-identified non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native and non-Hispanic Black individuals. In addition, a significant increase in HDP incidence in these groups was reported from 2010 to 2019. The study findings add to previously published data by establishing an independent relationship between a birth cohort of pregnant women and the incidence of HDP among nulliparous individuals in the U.S. between 1995 and 2019. Although the current study did not identify factors responsible for the incidence of HDP in younger pregnant women, it highlighted some possible contributing factors. For example, pregnant women with a history of cardiovascular disease were at an increased risk of developing HDP. This factor also increased mortality and morbidity rates, as well as the risk of cardiovascular health issues for the offspring. The cohort analysis also revealed a tendency for greater onset of new HDP among older and non-Caucasian pregnant individuals at delivery. A previous Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Study reported that individuals with a cardiovascular health issue at a mean gestational age of 28 weeks are nine times more susceptible to developing preeclampsia as compared to those without cardiovascular disease. Among cardiovascular health-related issues, the incidence of obesity has significantly increased from 6.2% between 1976-1980 to 32.7% between 2017 and 2018. However, the population-attributable fraction for HDP associated with obesity has not changed considerably between 2011 and 2019. This suggests that obesity could partially contribute to the incidence of HDP. More research using pregnancy-specific cohorts with long-term follow-up is needed to understand the association between obesity and HDP better. Study limitations The potential misdiagnosis of new-onset HDP from the National Vitals Statistics System (NVSS) records were noted. However, due to the inclusion of individuals who experienced preeclampsia and gestational hypertension, issues associated with the change of HDP definition were sorted. As the study is ecological in nature, the potential risk factors for HDP were not identified. Conclusions Elevated rates of HDP in younger pregnant individuals from more recent generations have increased the urgency to develop effective strategies to prevent adverse clinical outcomes. Studies such as the current one have increased awareness among practitioners about the prevalence of HDP in younger generations to ensure that proper preventive measures are advised. Early assessment of cardiovascular health and the initiation of effective treatments prior to an individual’s first pregnancy could be an effective strategy for reducing the incidence of HDP. Multidisciplinary experts, including primary care physicians, obstetrician-gynecologists, and cardiologists, must work together to develop strategies for the optimal management of HDP risk factors before, during, and after pregnancy. Journal reference: Cameron, N. A., Petito, L. C., Shah, N. S., et al. (2022) Association of Birth Year of Pregnant Individuals With Trends in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in the United States, 1995-2019. JAMA Network Open 5(8). doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.28093 Be the first to rate this article Posted in: Medical Research News | Medical Condition News | Women's Health News Tags: Cardiovascular Disease, Eclampsia, Heart, Heart Failure, Hyperglycemia, Misdiagnosis, Mortality, Obesity, Pregnancy, Primary Care, Research Comments (0) Dr. Priyom Bose Written by Dr. Priyom Bose Priyom holds a Ph.D. in Plant Biology and Biotechnology from the University of Madras, India. She is an active researcher and an experienced science writer. Priyom has also co-authored several original research articles that have been published in reputed peer-reviewed journals. She is also an avid reader and an amateur photographer.

medical latest news Tattoos can induce bloodstream infections

A recent Medicina Clinica review paper describes the characteristics of systemic bacterial infections associated with tattoos. These adverse effects can be avoided by maintaining strict hygiene while performing a tattoo. Background The practice of tattooing has been documented in ancient literature since the Neolithic period. By the 18th century, tattoos were introduced to Western culture. According to recent estimates, over 20 million Americans and 100 million Europeans have tattoos. Tattooing is a painful process that involves the introduction of artificial pigment under the skin. If not performed hygienically, tattoos can induce various health complications, including immune and inflammatory reactions, infections, and chronic skin defects such as dermatoses. Between 2% and 27% of individuals experience some sort of discomfort after having a tattoo, with 0.5-6% developing skin infections. In the current systematic review, scientists screen and analyze tattoo adversity-related studies to identify the causative pathogens associated with severe or fatal systemic infections. Study design The scientists searched articles in the PubMed database that were published between 2009 and 2019. Any studies describing tattoo-related systemic infections in humans were included in the final analysis. The pathogens identified in these studies were compared with a literature search without year restriction. Tattoo-related systemic infection was defined as any pathogen invading the skin with or without spreading to other organs. Important observations The final analysis included a total of 17 studies. In contrast to the historical literature, none of the selected studies reported the development of systemic tuberculosis, syphilis, or viral infections after performing a tattoo. Related Stories Does Langya virus pose a spillover threat? UK survey reveals outlook of the public towards health information circulating during the 2022 monkeypox virus outbreak A leather-based in vitro model for determining the effect of cosmetics on skin microbes Several sporadic cases of Mycobacterium leprae, which is the bacteria that causes leprosy, were identified in India. Additionally, several cases of lymph node enlargement due to non-tuberculosis mycobacteria, which do not cause tuberculosis or leprosy, were identified. The most commonly identified non-tuberculosis mycobacteria included Mycobacterium chelonae, Mycobacterium abscessus, and Mycobacterium haemophilum. The majority of Mycobacterium haemophilum-induced systemic infections were identified in females after eyebrow tattooing, 50% of whom eventually required parotidectomy, which is the partial or complete removal of the parotid gland. Several studies reporting septic shock associated with cellulitis or necrotizing fasciitis were identified. Septic shock was primarily associated with pyogenic bacteria and occurred within two weeks after tattooing. Death occurred in one person with Vibrio vulnificus-related septic shock. Only one study reporting staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome was identified. This infection was observed after Samoan traditional tattoos or after tattooing in unhygienic conditions. Infective endocarditis was identified predominantly in young men. The condition was associated with fever, as well as lung or systemic embolisms, without local symptoms. In 50% of cases, valvular anomalies were present as a known risk factor. Massive embolization was detected in two cases, whereas leaflet perforation and perivalvular abscess were reported in two cases. Only one case with toxic shock syndrome was identified. Several studies reporting dermatophytosis were identified during the study period; however, none reported systemic infections. Study significance The current study reports that systemic infections might develop after having a tattoo. However, tattoo-related fatality is a rare event, with only one death reported in the past ten years. Historical evidence has extensively reported viral infections following tattooing. More specifically, several reports mention tattoo-related outbreaks of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B or C virus infections. Importantly, a shift in causative pathogens has been observed in recent times. In fact, non-tuberculosis mycobacteria have been identified as emerging bacteria causing systemic infections. A centralized reporting system should be developed to understand the epidemiology of the phenomena. Furthermore, proper hygienic conditions should be maintained while tattooing.

Genetic and molecular insights into dangerous tick bite-related meat allergy revealed

Scientists have revealed the genetic and molecular structure of key molecules linked to the sometimes life-threatening mammalian-meat allergy brought on by tick bites. The study, led by researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, details how antibodies interact with the sugar molecule galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal/α-gal), which is produced by all mammals, except humans and higher primates. It further confirms the role of α-gal as the key molecule for this unique allergy. When humans are exposed to α-gal, through bites of certain tick species -- such as the paralysis tick Ixodes holocyclus endemic to Eastern Australia -- the immune system can flag it as harmful and instigate an allergic response, sometimes with near-fatal consequences. Lead author Professor Daniel Christ, Head of Antibody Therapeutics and Director of the Centre for Targeted Therapy at Garvan, says the molecular analysis showed that a particular antibody type (3-7) has a natural pocket into which α-gal snugly fits. "We have more than 70 types of antibodies and this one is significantly overrepresented with α-gal recognition. We seem to be genetically predisposed to being sensitive to this sugar," Professor Christ says. The new study, published this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), paves the way for potential therapeutic candidates for treating the rare allergic response. Evolutionary benefit to immune reaction to α-gal Scientists analysed the blood of patients with mammalian-meat allergy to determine which antibodies were produced: the 3-7 type was found frequently in response to α-gal. The data points to an evolutionary benefit of having an antibody response that can mobilise against α-gal. "Humans lost the capacity to produce α-gal throughout evolution, but we don't know why," says Associate Professor Joanne Reed, co-senior author of this study, from the Westmead Institute. "The suspicion is that it has to do with protection against infectious disease." Professor Christ points to recent research on malaria, which shows the Plasmodium parasite has an α-gal coating on its surface. A rapid immune response to α-gal could destroy the parasite before it takes hold, protecting a person from malaria. NSW is a global hotspot for tick-induced mammalian-meat allergy Sydney's northern region is a global hot spot for mammalian-meat allergy, with more than 1800 cases reported and the highest prevalence in the world. The Sunshine Coast hinterland around Maleny in Queensland is also another hot spot. The paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is found in those areas. Professor Sheryl van Nunen, an allergy specialist at Sydney's Northern Beaches Hospital, and a co-author on the paper, was the first clinician to link tick bites with mammalian-meat allergy. "There isn't a week go by that I wouldn't see two people with this allergy," she says. Why some people develop anaphylaxis and others never respond is unknown. Professor van Nunen says it could be related to the number of tick bites, how much saliva is injected or genetic sensitivity. Exposure happens when α-gal, present in the saliva of certain tick species, is injected during a bite, says Professor van Nunen. About one-third of people who have developed a sensitivity to α-gal will exhibit symptoms of an allergy to mammalian meat, she says. And another bite can more than double the allergic response. Some people with severe allergy can be affected by the presence of meat products in food, like beef broth, soft cheeses such as feta or goat's cheese, or even gelatin. Story Source: Materials provided by Garvan Institute of Medical Research. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference: David B. Langley, Peter Schofield, Damien Nevoltris, Jennifer Jackson, Katherine J. L. Jackson, Tim J. Peters, Melanie Burk, Jacqueline M. Matthews, Antony Basten, Christopher C. Goodnow, Sheryl van Nunen, Joanne H. Reed, Daniel Christ. Genetic and structural basis of the human anti-α-galactosyl antibody response. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2022; 119 (28) DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2123212119 Cite This Page: MLA APA Chicago Garvan Institute of Medical Research. "Genetic and molecular insights into dangerous tick bite-related meat allergy revealed: Key molecules involved in mammalian-meat anaphylaxis have had their structure revealed, paving the way for future treatments." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 5 July 2022. .