Day: August 27, 2024

Categories : Substance UseTags : Leave a comment

Reminiscing Could be the Key to Drinking Less Alcohol

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Researchers exploring the role memory plays in alcohol consumption believe it could help people reduce their intake. They published their findings in Food Quality and Preference.

Previous work has found people don’t eat as much food when they are reminded of an earlier meal just before tucking in. The latest study, led by the University of Portsmouth, wanted to further investigate the relationship between memory and consumption, but with alcohol instead.

The team carried out a study involving 50 women aged 18 to 46-years-old who were randomly split into two groups: The first group were asked to recall a recent alcohol experience in detail, and the second had to recall a car journey, as a control. Participants were then asked to consume a vodka-based drink, at a rate that felt comfortable to them.

Participants watched a mood-neutral program while drinking to provide a more naturalistic environment and distract them from any suspicion that their rate of consumption was being recorded.

The findings revealed individuals asked to recall a previous drinking episode took longer to consume the alcoholic beverage, which suggests a lower motivation for alcohol. 

Dr Lorenzo Stafford, a multisensory researcher at the University of Portsmouth, said: “Following on from previous work, we think an important part of the observed effect was that individuals in the alcohol memory cue condition had to estimate the number of alcohol calories they consumed.

“Our theory is that females may have had less desire for alcohol because they wish to avoid excess calories, which could also be linked to work showing that females are more likely to change their consumption habits because they are more receptive to the risks alcohol poses to health and weight.” 

Alcohol is one of the most widely consumed drugs with an estimated 2.3 billion global consumers, and is linked to around 5% of all global deaths.

Despite this, it is estimated that more than a quarter (28%) of drinkers consume more than the recommended 14 units a week in England alone.

The study also found that those individuals who drink regularly – categorising them at a high risk – consumed the alcohol faster than those in the low risk group. The authors say this demonstrates that the speed of consumption is a valid measure of alcohol motivation.

In two related studies, Dr Stafford and his colleagues found that strong health warning labels on alcohol products also reduced desire for alcohol and slowed down their drinking rate. While these approaches were more effective than memory cues, they could both offer a potentially useful way to help avoid excess alcohol consumption.

The paper, , recommends further research to help understand the alcohol memory effect in males, especially as males typically consume more alcohol than females and are therefore at a heightened risk. 

Source: University of Portsmouth

Categories : OphthalmologyTags : Leave a comment

Air Mercy Service Partners with Metropolitan Health for Eye Care Outreach

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Metropolitan Health, a subsidiary of Momentum Health Solutions, partners with The SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS) to offer eye-care outreach to communities in need

Johannesburg, South Africa – 26 August 2024 – In South Africa, where a staggering 80% of the population relies on public healthcare1, the issue of eye health often goes unnoticed. With the majority of eye care professionals operating in the private sector, accessible eye care remains a privilege for the remaining 20% of South Africa’s population. A startling revelation from a survey by Statistics South Africa2 shows that only about 9.2% of the population use spectacles as a corrective device. Even more concerning is the fact that visual impairment ranks as the most prevalent disability, affecting 10.3% of the population3.

To address these challenges, Metropolitan Health has proudly partnered with The SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS) to enhance the vision and quality of life for underserved communities across South Africa. This collaboration will see Momentum’s health business donating funds to provide screening, refractions, and spectacles to recipients during the months of August and September 2024.

Vision care is a critical aspect of overall health and well-being. Poor vision can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, affecting their ability to work, learn, and engage in daily activities. By providing spectacles to those in need, this partnership aims to improve the vision of many and, in so doing, create opportunities for education and employment.

The AMS is a non-profit aero-medical organisation that provides essential medical services to remote and underserved communities in South Africa. By utilising aviation and other resources, AMS ensures that critical health services are accessible to those in need. Their mission is to bridge the gap in healthcare access by delivering aero-medical services, rescue and health outreach programmes to communities that are often overlooked.

“Partnerships are essential in driving impactful change across South Africa’s communities. This initiative will not only enhance the vision of those in need but also empower them to lead more productive and fulfilling lives. Our approach and commitment to Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects is to deliver long-term, sustainable impact. By addressing critical health needs, we continue to support initiatives that foster community wellbeing and development,” says Dr Ali Hamdulay, CEO of Metropolitan Health.

Committed to making a real difference in the lives of people by creating access to affordable, quality healthcare services and offerings amidst a challenging and ever-changing operating environment, Momentum Health Solutions and its subsidiary Metropolitan Health believe in the power of impactful CSI initiatives that create lasting change. By partnering with organisations such as AMS, it aims to extend its reach and make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

“The AMS is dedicated to driving meaningful change in remote rural areas through our close collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. Our partnership with Metropolitan Health is crucial for ensuring our outreach programme has a lasting and sustainable impact on these underserved communities. Addressing eye care needs in rural communities is vital to improving overall health and quality of life. The outreach programme is dedicated to bridging the gap in access to essential healthcare services ensuring that even the most remote areas receive the support they need. By focusing on these underserved populations, we address critical health needs and strengthen our commitment to providing equitable healthcare across our country. We are grateful to Metropolitan Health for this valuable partnership that makes a meaningful contribution towards social impact in South Africa,” says Farhaad Haffejee, AMS CEO.

“This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to improving health outcomes and fostering sustainable development. We look forward to working closely with AMS and other partners to continue addressing critical health needs and creating lasting change. Together, we can build a healthier, more equitable future for all South Africans,” concludes Dr Hamdulay.

Categories : Obstetrics & GynaecologyTags : Leave a comment

Hot Flash Drug Shows Significant, Rapid Benefits

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Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels

The investigational drug elinzanetant significantly reduces the frequency and severity of hot flashes associated with menopause while improving women’s sleep and quality of life, new UVA Health research published in JAMA shows.

The nonhormonal drug, which contains no oestrogen, was tested in two phase 3 trials, Oasis 1 and 2, at dozens of locations in the United States, Europe and Israel, including UVA Health. Postmenopausal women ages 40–65 with moderate to severe hot flashes were randomised to receive either 120mg of elinzanetant daily for 26 weeks or a placebo for 12 weeks followed by 14 weeks on elinzanetant.

The women who received elinzanetant reported rapid improvements in their symptoms and quality of life. The trials revealed statistically significant reductions in hot flash frequency and severity within the first week in both trials. At the same time, sleep quality and overall quality of life improved in both trials by week 12.

“The effectiveness for relief of hot flashes in highly symptomatic women along with improvements in sleep and mood across multiple trials and favourable safety profile of elinzanetant suggests it has potential as a non-oestrogen treatment for women with bothersome menopausal symptoms,” said researcher JoAnn V. Pinkerton, MD, UVA Health’s director of midlife health. “Elinzanetant is a dual neurokinin receptor antagonist in testing, meaning it works on two receptors in the brain to improve hot flashes, night sweats, sleep and overall mood.” 

Hot Flash Treatment

Hot flashes are caused by decreased oestrogen levels during menopause and, for some women, for years after. While there are existing treatment options, such as hormone therapy, some women cannot tolerate them or do not wish to take them because of potential side effects or contraindications. Because of that, the researchers say, menopausal women need a new, effective and safe non-oestrogen alternative.

“There is a huge unmet need for new treatments for burdensome hot flashes and sweats, which have been shown to affect workplace productivity and relationships, both at work and home,” said Pinkerton, professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and executive director emeritus of The Menopause Society “Sleep disturbances are one of the most bothersome symptoms reported by menopausal women and can impact mood, fatigue, emotional lability, work productivity and their quality of life.”

Pinkerton and her colleagues tested elinzanetant in the double-blinded Oasis studies to see if it could safely and effectively offer a new alternative for women struggling with hot flashes.

In addition to evaluating the drug’s effect on hot flashes, sleep disruptions and quality of life, the researchers also looked for potential side effects. Headache and fatigue were the most common, and these were mild. Importantly, there were no severe side effects, which is reassuring for the drug’s safety.

“I am excited about the potential of elinzanetant to serve as a nonhormonal treatment option for women with highly bothersome menopausal symptoms who can’t or won’t take hormone therapy,” Pinkerton said. “I hope that it may become a safe and effective non-oestrogen option for menopausal women suffering from the triad of moderate to severe VMS, sleep disruption and decreased menopause-related quality of life.”

Source: University of Virginia Health System

Categories : Cardiovascular Disease NeurologyTags : Leave a comment

Short, Light Exercises for Children Improve Cerebral Blood Flow

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Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Enhancing prefrontal cortex (PFC) cognitive functions requires identifying suitable exercises that increase cerebral blood flow. A recent study using functional near-infrared spectroscopy found that short-duration, low-intensity physical exercises, except static stretching with monotonous movements, increased oxygenated haemoglobin (oxy-Hb) levels, thereby activating the PFC and enhancing blood flow in children. This study marks a significant step toward improving both the physical and mental health of children.

Cognitive functions, also known as intellectual functions, encompass thinking, understanding, memory, language, computation, and judgment, and are performed in the cerebrum. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), located in the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex, handles these functions. Studies have shown that exercise improves cognitive function through mechanisms such as enhanced cerebral blood flow, structural changes in the brain, and promotion of neurogenesis. However, 81% of children globally do not engage in enough physical activity, leading to high levels of sedentary behavior and insufficient exercise. This lack of physical activity raises concerns about its negative impact on children’s healthy brain development and cognitive function.

A recent study from Waseda University published in Scientific Reports, by doctoral student Takashi Naito from the Graduate School of Sport Sciences, along with Professors Kaori Ishii and Koichiro Oka from the Faculty of Sport Sciences, offers insights into potential solutions. The study investigated the effects of short-duration and light-intensity exercise on increasing cerebral blood flow in children. “Our goal is to develop a light-intensity exercise program that is accessible to everyone, aiming to enhance brain function and reduce children’s sedentary behaviour. We hope to promote and implement this program in schools through collaborative efforts,” says Naito.

To enhance cognitive performance, it is essential to develop exercise programs that increase cerebral blood flow. While previous studies have established the benefits of moderate-to-vigorous exercise on cognitive functions, changes in cerebral blood flow during light-intensity exercise, particularly in children, is yet to be investigated. To address this gap, the team conducted an experimental study to examine the effects of short-term, light-intensity exercises on prefrontal cortex (PFC) hemodynamics. They focused on exercises that can be easily performed on the spot without special equipment, such as stretching. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), an imaging technique that measures changes in cerebral blood flow through oxy-Hb concentrations, was used for this purpose.

The study enrolled 41 healthy children ranging from fifth-grade elementary to third-year junior high school students. The children were taught seven different types of low-intensity exercises along with associated safety measures. These exercises included Upward Stretch, Shoulder Stretch, Elbow Circles, Trunk Twist, Washing Hands, Thumb and Pinky, and Single-leg Balance. The exercises were performed while seated except Single-leg Balance, with movement patterns lasting for 10 and 20 seconds. Researchers recorded and compared oxy-Hb levels at rest and during exercise.

The study’s results were highly promising, showing a significant increase in oxy-Hb levels in multiple regions of the PFC during all forms of exercise compared to the resting state. However, no significant change in oxy-Hb levels was observed during static stretching with movement in one direction. “By combining the types of exercise that easily increase blood flow in the PFC identified in this study, it is possible to develop an exercise program that everyone can easily engage in to improve children’s executive functions. It may also be used in the future to prevent cognitive decline in adults and the elderly,” explains Naito optimistically.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking study represents a significant step forward in combating sedentary lifestyles and activating brain functions in children, thereby supporting their physical and mental growth. Although this study demonstrated that even short-duration, low-intensity exercise can increase cerebral blood flow in the prefrontal cortex, future research is needed to confirm whether such exercises actually lead to improved cognitive function.

Source: Waseda University

Categories : Neurology Pain ManagementTags : Leave a comment

Scientists Trace the Neural Pathway of the Placebo Effect

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Photo by Danilo Alvesd on Unsplash

The placebo effect is very real. This we’ve known for decades, as seen in real-life observations and the best double-blinded randomised clinical trials researchers have devised for many diseases and conditions, especially pain. And yet, how and why the placebo effect occurs has remained a mystery. Now, neuroscientists have discovered a key piece of the placebo effect puzzle, reporting it in Nature.

Researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine – with colleagues from Stanford, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the Allen Institute for Brain Science – discovered a pain control pathway that links the cingulate cortex in the front of the brain, through the pons region of the brainstem, to cerebellum in the back of the brain.

The researchers, led by Greg Scherrer, PharmD, PhD, associate professor in the UNC Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, the UNC Neuroscience Center, and the UNC Department of Pharmacology, then showed that certain neurons and synapses along this pathway are highly activated when mice expect pain relief and experience pain relief, even when there is no medication involved.

“That neurons in our cerebral cortex communicate with the pons and cerebellum to adjust pain thresholds based on our expectations is both completely unexpected, given our previous understanding of the pain circuitry, and incredibly exciting,” said Scherrer. “Our results do open the possibility of activating this pathway through other therapeutic means, such as drugs or neurostimulation methods to treat pain.”

Scherrer and colleagues said research provides a new framework for investigating the brain pathways underlying other mind-body interactions and placebo effects beyond the ones involved in pain.

The Placebo Paradox

In conjunction with millennia of evolution, our brains can search for ways to alleviate the sensation of pain, in some cases quantifiably as with released chemicals, and less quantifiably through positive thinking and even prayer which have some documented benefit. And then there is the placebo effect.

In clinical research, the placebo effect is often seen in the “sham” treatment group that receives a fake pill or intervention that is supposed to be inert; no benefit is expected. Except that the brain is so powerful and individuals so desire to feel better that some experience a marked improvement in their symptoms. Some placebo effects are so strong that individuals are convinced they received a real treatment meant to help them.

In fact, it’s thought that some individuals in the “actual” treatment group also derive benefit from the placebo effect, complicating experimental design and driving larger sample sizes. One way to help scientists account for this is to first understand what precisely is happening in the brain of someone experiencing the placebo effect.

Enter the Scherrer lab

The scientific community’s understanding of the biological underpinnings of pain relief through placebo analgesia came from human brain imaging studies, which showed activity in certain brain regions. Those imaging studies did not have enough precision to show what was actually happening in those brain regions. So Scherrer’s team designed a set of meticulous, complementary, and time-consuming experiments to learn in more detail, with single nerve cell precision, what was happening in those regions.

First, the researchers created an assay that generates in mice the expectation of pain relief and then very real placebo effect of pain relief. Then the researchers used a series of experimental methods to study the intricacies of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which had been previously associated with the pain placebo effect. While mice were experiencing the effect, the scientists used genetic tagging of neurons in the ACC, imaging of calcium in neurons of freely behaving mice, single-cell RNA sequencing techniques, electrophysiological recordings, and optogenetics – the use of light and fluorescent-tagged genes to manipulate cells.

These experiments helped them see and study the intricate neurobiology of the placebo effect down to the brain circuits, neurons, and synapses throughout the brain.

The scientists found that when mice expected pain relief, the rostral anterior cingulate cortex neurons projected their signals to the pontine nucleus, which had no previously established function in pain or pain relief. And they found that expectation of pain relief boosted signals along this pathway.

“There is an extraordinary abundance of opioid receptors here, supporting a role in pain modulation,” Scherrer said. “When we inhibited activity in this pathway, we realised we were disrupting placebo analgesia and decreasing pain thresholds. And then, in the absence of placebo conditioning, when we activated this pathway, we caused pain relief.

Lastly, the scientists found that Purkinje cells – a distinct class of large branch-like cells of the cerebellum – showed activity patterns similar to those of the ACC neurons during pain relief expectation. Scherrer and first author Chong Chen, MD, PhD, a postdoctoral research associate in the Scherrer lab, said that this is cellular-level evidence for the cerebellum’s role in cognitive pain modulation.

“We all know we need better ways to treat chronic pain, particularly treatments without harmful side effects and addictive properties,” Scherrer said. “We think our findings open the door to targeting this novel neural pain pathway to treat people in a different but potentially more effective way.”

Source: University of North Carolina Health Care