Cardiovascular / Cardiology ▼New report outlines 10 measures for the prevention of sudden cardiac deathPublished: Today emailSHARE A new report presents 10 quality and performance measures that are intended to help stakeholders--including health systems, legislative bodies, and nongovernmental organizations, as well as healthcare practitioners, patients, families and communities - in the effort to prevent sudden cardiac death. The joint report from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association is published online in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. Sudden cardiac death is an unexpected death due to the sudden cessation of cardiac activity, which is also known as sudden cardiac arrest. The two phrases are often used interchangeably; however, sudden cardiac death should only be used to describe fatal events. "This is the first comprehensive measure set in the area of sudden cardiac death prevention," said Sana Al-Khatib, MD, FACC, co-chair of the writing committee and professor of medicine at Duke University. "Our vision is that these measures will be developed, tested, and implemented in clinical practice and that implementation will improve patient care and outcomes." In the United States, approximately 356,500 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur each year. Many of the sudden deaths occurring in the United States may be prevented by implementing evidence-based and guideline-endorsed recommendations for primary or secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. However, sudden cardiac death can occur in people who do not appear to be at risk for this outcome and accurate risk stratification is not achievable in most people. "While some people - such as patients with heart failure - are known to be at risk of sudden cardiac death, others are not. We need initiatives to improve the quality of care for those with a known risk, but also for the victims of sudden cardiac arrest," Al-Khatib said. Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Even when a patient survives, the condition may have a devastating impact on the patient's quality and length of life. This clinical outcome also imposes a heavy economic burden through healthcare costs. Although guidelines exist for the prevention of sudden cardiac death, there has been an underutilization of public health initiatives, treatments and device therapies for at-risk patients. The writing committee attempted to identify performance measures that can assess the quality of care for the prevention of sudden cardiac death. Although sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death can affect people of all ages and demographics, the performance measures focus on adults. No limitations or restrictions for other demographics, such as sex, race/ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, were applied. The performance measure set is intended to assist clinicians and help them provide better care for their patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest and thereby to improve care and outcomes. Performance and Quality Measures for the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death Smoking cessation intervention in patients who suffered sudden cardiac arrest, have a life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia, or are at risk for sudden cardiac death Screening for family history of sudden cardiac death Screening for asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction among individuals who have a strong family history of cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death Referring for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) education those family members of patients who are hospitalized with known heart conditions that increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest Use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) for prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction who have an anticipated survival of more than one year Use of guideline-directed medical therapy for prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction Use of guideline-directed medical therapy for prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with heart attack and reduced ejection fraction Documenting the absence of reversible causes of ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest and/or sustained ventricular tachycardia before a secondary-prevention ICD is placed Counseling eligible patients about an ICD Counseling first-degree relatives of survivors of sudden cardiac arrest associated with an inheritable condition about the need for screening for the inheritable condition.

Lymphoma / Leukemia / Myeloma ▼Fasting could help treat most common childhood leukemia. by Honor WhitemanPublished: Tue 13 Dec 2016. Intermittent fasting may help combat the most common type of childhood leukemia - acute lymphoblastic leukemia - according to new research published in the journal Nature Medicine. Researchers found fasting cleared cancer cells in mouse models of ALL. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), also called acute lymphocytic leukemia, is a cancer that begins in immature versions of white blood cells in the bone marrow, called lymphocytes. There are two types of ALL: B cell ALL, which begins in the B lymphocytes (B cells), and T cell ALL, which begins in the T lymphocytes (T cells). ALL stops B cells and T cells from maturing. As a result, large numbers of immature, leukemic cells are released into the bloodstream, outweighing the number of healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. The reduction in healthy white blood cells makes a patient vulnerable to infection, while low levels of platelets and red blood cells can lead to unusual bleeding and anemia. Other signs and symptoms of ALL include fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, rib pain, and bone or joint pain. According to the American Cancer Society, ALL is the most common form of childhood leukemia, accounting for around 3 in 4 leukemia cases in children. Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for children with ALL, and more than 95 percent of children achieve remission after 1 month of induction chemotherapy - that is, they show no signs of leukemia in bone marrow samples after an intense chemotherapy drug regimen. However, this does not always mean the cancer has gone for good; the disease returns for around 15-20 percent of children who are treated for ALL. In the new study, senior author Dr. Chengcheng Zhang, associate professor of physiology at the University of Texas Southwestern (UT Southwestern) Medical Center, and colleagues suggest fasting could be a feasible treatment for childhood ALL. Intermittent fasting cleared cancer cells, increased survival of ALL mice The researchers note that previous studies have suggested fasting can boost the anti-cancer effects of chemotherapy. However, the underlying mechanisms for this association have been unclear. For their study, Dr. Zhang and colleagues set out to gain a better understanding of how fasting affects cancer cells in several mouse models of ALL. The mice were subject to either dietary restriction or normal feeding. To monitor cancer cell response to each dietary pattern, the researchers "marked" the rodents' cancer cells with green or yellow fluorescent proteins. The researchers identified one dietary restriction regimen that appeared to kill leukemia cells and halt development of both ALL subtypes. "Strikingly, we found that in models of ALL, a regimen consisting of six cycles of 1 day of fasting followed by 1 day of feeding completely inhibited cancer development," explains Dr. Zhang. After 7 weeks, the researchers found that the mice that followed the fasting regimen had almost no detectable leukemia cells in bone marrow and the spleen - the organ that filters blood - while around 68 percent of cells were found to be cancerous in non-fasting mice. "Although initially cancerous, the few fluorescent cells that remained in the fasted mice after 7 weeks appeared to behave like normal cells. Mice in the ALL model group that ate normally died within 59 days, while 75 percent of the fasted mice survived more than 120 days without signs of leukemia." Dr. Chengcheng Zhang What is more, the team found that the spleens and lymph nodes of mice that were subject to intermittent fasting were comparable in size to those of normal mice. The researchers also tested the effects of fasting on mouse models of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) - a form of leukemia that is more common in adults - but they found it had no effect. Fasting increases leptin receptor activity According to the researchers, fasting reduces levels of a hormone called leptin - known as the "satiety hormone" because it regulates appetite. Previous studies have shown that in patients with ALL, leptin receptor activity is decreased. With this in mind, Dr. Zhang and team decided to monitor leptin levels and leptin receptor activity in the mouse models. As expected, the researchers identified reduced leptin receptor activity in mice with ALL. However, they found that this activity increased in the mice subject to intermittent fasting. "We found that fasting decreased the levels of leptin circulating in the bloodstream as well as decreased the leptin levels in the bone marrow," explains Dr. Zhang. "These effects became more pronounced with repeated cycles of fasting," he adds. "After fasting, the rate at which the leptin levels recovered seemed to correspond to the rate at which the cancerous ALL cells were cleared from the blood." The researchers point out that mouse models of AML already had higher leptin receptor activity, and this activity was not affected by intermitted fasting. This, they say, might explain why fasting has no effect on this type of leukemia. Overall, the authors believe their research suggests a possible pathway by which fasting might prevent the development and progression of ALL. "This study using mouse models indicates that the effects of fasting on blood cancers are type-dependent and provides a platform for identifying new targets for leukemia treatments. We also identified a mechanism responsible for the differing response to the fasting treatment." Dr. Chengcheng Zhang In future research, the team plans to search for fasting-mimicking strategies that can halt ALL development. Because the study only tested fasting - not drugs - the researchers believe it is possible that progression to human clinical trials may be quicker. Read about a study that suggests AML has at least 11 subtypes.

Bones / Orthopedics ▼Orthopedic medical app empowers patients: diagnosis in minutes, same day surgeryPublished: Tue 13 Dec 2016 email 5 SHARE 1 The Reconstructive Orthopedic Center (ROC) in Houston is proud to introduce a new browser app which will revolutionize the way many access injury diagnosis and emergency surgery. Traditionally, an injured patient would be referred to a specialist by their general practitioner or pediatrician, a process which could take days or even weeks. Now, with ASAP (Ambulatory Surgical Assessment Program), patients can consult with a ROC orthopedic surgeon from the sports field, the playground, the job site, or anywhere else there's an internet connection. "Many patients with injuries requiring surgery experience faster recovery and pain relief when they receive same-day treatment," explains Dr. Marcos Masson, ROC Founder. "ASAP negates the need for extraneous appointments and prolonged waiting in pain for treatment. The sooner you treat a traumatic injury, the faster your recovery time will be, and the sooner you can resume normal life." Through ASAP, ROC orthopedic surgeons can be reached 24/7. Patients can bypass hours at the ER and germ ridden waiting rooms with the simple click of a button. But ASAP isn't only for patients. Medical practitioners also use the app to have their patient's injuries reviewed and treated faster. Based on the nature of the injury, symptoms, and any available radiographs or lab work, the ASAP consulting physician will recommend treatment, ranging from routine follow-up to immediate surgical intervention. Same day surgeries can be scheduled through the ROC Urgent Care Program. Based in Houston, ROC serves patients throughout Texas, surrounding states, and Mexico. "It's important to carefully but quickly evaluate traumatic injuries to optimize healing time for the patient," explains Dr. Masson. "In the case that emergency surgery is indicated, patients can experience faster healing, resulting in decreased time off from work or school. Same day surgery can also reduce the risk of infection and other complications, and it reduces the risk of the injury becoming exacerbated due to improper care or movement while waiting for referral after referral." Patients and practitioners can access ASAP on their browser at http://www.roc-asap.com/. Tap the appropriate stars to rate this article Public / Patient 5 based on 2 ratings Health Professionals Not yet rated Tweet 0 0 1 0 11emailemail ReferencesAdditional informationCitations

MADAKI ADAMU ZAKI:AN EMBODIMENT LEADER,LET's NOT FORGET HIM. By:HALLIR ADAM MUHAMMAD(makama). Madaki Adamu Zaki is the second madaki of Bauchi emirate, he was a man of integrity,intellectual,patriotic and vibrant citizen of Bauchi emirate.he was the man who sacrifice his self and all what he has for Islam and Bauchi emirate. He was a man not women,the man who answer his name as ZAKI in a battle filed,the man who sacrifice his health his comfort his wealth his life for the Bauchi emirate,the man who bauchi emirate laid on his shoulder,a man who made battle filled as a home,the man who prayed Almighty Allah to took his life in a battled filled not at home or at a bed like a women,the king among the fighters,the swarth of Bauchi emirate,one of the heart of bauchi emirate,the man who believe in Almighty Allah and his messengers not in devils or charm,the man who accept in public all what he accept in secret and decline in public all what he decline in secret. MADAKI ADAMU ZAKI is a son to Mallam ADAMA and a brother to first Ajiya of Bauchi which is AJIYA ADAMA. Madaki Adamu Zaki is a Fulani man and a religious man, he was born in Bauchi. Madaki Adamu Zaki served Bauchi emirate as MADAKI (II),he succeed the first Madaki which is Madaki Hassan Giwa. MADAKI HASSAN GIWA is the first Madaki of bauchi emirate,he died in a battle filled. His death body is with there enemies non of the YAKUBUN BAUCHI entourage has courage to go and carry his body from them,because they will kill who ever tried to do so. Silence was taken for a wild,later the emir of Bauchi said to his entourage; who ever brings the death body of Madaki Hassan Giwa back to me i will name him as his successor. MADAKI ADAMU ZAKI climb his horse and ran into there enemies and fortunately he brings back the death body of MADAKI HASSAN GIWA. At that instance MADAKI ADAMU ZAKI was crown as a successor of Madaki Hassan Giwa. Him too MADAKI ADAMU ZAKI died in a battle filled during WAR OF KALUMBU. May there gentle soul rest in Jannatul firdauss. Thats made MADAKI ADAMU ZAKI's family great in Bauchi emirate. Bauchi emirate would not forget our mentor and would not forget us we the the so called MAKAMAN BAUCHI FAMILY which are the MADAKI ADAMU ZAKI's family. I pray the Almighty Allah to continue guide us and protect us so as to encourage our elbow to render all what is in our custody to our be loved emirate The Bauchi emirate. And i pray the Almighty Allah to continue re-enforcement of peace in our there emirate,our there state, and so also Our country at large. Long live Bauchi Emirate. Long live Bauchi state. Long live Fed Rep of Nigeria.

High urate levels may indicate Parkinson's risk in menWritten by Yvette BrazierPublished: Thu 14 Jan 2016 email131SHARE1 A high level of urate in a man's blood may signal a lower likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease, according to a study published in the journal Neurology. [Parkinson] Urate's protective role in brain cells could affect the likelihood of Parkinson's disease in men. Parkinson's disease is a motor system disorder that usually appears in people aged over 60 years. It results from the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. The main symptoms are tremor or trembling, rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and body, slowness of movement and impaired balance and coordination. Symptoms start gradually but worsen over time, making it difficult to carry out everyday tasks. There is currently no cure, but treatments can be given that replace or mimic the role of dopamine in the brain, providing relief from the symptoms. Urate, or uric acid, is a powerful antioxidant and contributes to approximately 60% of the free radical scavenging activity in the blood. Urate forms when chemicals known as purines are broken down in the body. Previous studies have suggested that it could play a protective role within brain cells. Dr. Xiang Gao, PhD, of Pennsylvania State University, and colleagues looked at 90,214 participants in three large, ongoing studies. Low urate associated with higher prevalence of Parkinson's The team carried out blood tests to measure the urate level of participants. A total of 388 people who developed Parkinson's disease after the start of the studies were compared with 1,267 people who did not have the disease. The researchers also combined their results with the results from three previous studies on the topic for a meta-analysis. The men with the lowest levels of urate had less than 4.9 milligrams of urate per deciliter (mg/dL). Those with the highest levels had 6.3-9.0 mg/dL. Normal levels can range from 3.5-7.2 mg/dL. The men who had the highest levels of urate were nearly 40% less likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those with the lowest levels. Among the men with Parkinson's disease, 45 had the highest level of urate and 58 had the lowest. Among the healthy men, 111 were in the group with the highest level of urate and 107 were in the group with the lowest level. The researchers adjusted for other factors that could affect Parkinson's disease risk, such as age, smoking and caffeine use. Dr. Gao says: "These results suggest that urate could protect against Parkinson's or slow the progression of the disease in its very early stages before symptoms are seen. The findings support more research on whether raising the level of urate in people with early Parkinson's may slow the disease down." He notes that the study does not prove that high levels of urate protect against Parkinson's disease; it only shows an association consistent with a lower risk effect. The findings could have implications for future therapies, as urate levels can be raised easily and inexpensively, but it must also be done cautiously, as excessively high levels of urate can cause kidney stones and gout. More studies are also needed to understand the sex differences in the relationship between urate and Parkinson's disease, as there appeared to be no relationship between the level of urate in women and whether or not they developed Parkinson's disease. Medical News Today recently reported that becoming infected with hepatitis C virus may increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.