HTTP/2 200 content-type: text/xml; charset=utf-8 vary: Sec-Fetch-Dest, Sec-Fetch-Mode, Sec-Fetch-Site feedburnerv2: last-modified: Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:44:28 GMT cache-control: no-cache, no-store, max-age=0, must-revalidate pragma: no-cache expires: Mon, 01 Jan 1990 00:00:00 GMT date: Tue, 03 Feb 2026 04:16:29 GMT permissions-policy: ch-ua-arch=*, ch-ua-bitness=*, ch-ua-full-version=*, ch-ua-full-version-list=*, ch-ua-model=*, ch-ua-wow64=*, ch-ua-form-factors=*, ch-ua-platform=*, ch-ua-platform-version=* accept-ch: Sec-CH-UA-Arch, Sec-CH-UA-Bitness, Sec-CH-UA-Full-Version, Sec-CH-UA-Full-Version-List, Sec-CH-UA-Model, Sec-CH-UA-WoW64, Sec-CH-UA-Form-Factors, Sec-CH-UA-Platform, Sec-CH-UA-Platform-Version content-security-policy: script-src 'report-sample' 'nonce-AffJBjw79lU9REmEpuL83g' 'unsafe-inline';object-src 'none';base-uri 'self';report-uri /_/RaichuFeedServer/cspreport;worker-src 'self' content-security-policy: script-src 'unsafe-inline' 'unsafe-eval' blob: data: 'self' https://apis.google.com https://ssl.gstatic.com https://www.google.com https://www.googletagmanager.com https://www.gstatic.com https://www.google-analytics.com;report-uri /_/RaichuFeedServer/cspreport/allowlist content-security-policy: require-trusted-types-for 'script';report-uri /_/RaichuFeedServer/cspreport cross-origin-opener-policy: same-origin reporting-endpoints: default="/_/RaichuFeedServer/web-reports?context=eJzj4tDikmII0pBiEOLhmPu29QybQMOryVeYlSyT8gvjE0tTMvN1C0qTcjKLM1KLinWBgrpFiZnJGaW6aampKcWpRWWpRfFGBkZmBkYGhnoG5vEFBgBbHhtM" content-encoding: gzip server: ESF x-xss-protection: 0 x-frame-options: SAMEORIGIN x-content-type-options: nosniff alt-svc: h3=":443"; ma=2592000,h3-29=":443"; ma=2592000 <center>Authored by Board-certified Allergists and Internists in the Great State of Florida, USA</center>noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Thu, 22 Jan 2026 23:37:46 -0500Blogger https://www.blogger.com3351125https://casesblog.blogspot.com/en-usnoAuthored by Board-certified Allergists and Internists in the Great State of Florida, USAAuthored by Board-certified Allergists and Internists in the Great State of Florida, USAnoreply@blogger.comhttps://casesblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-evolutionary-advantage-of-having.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Tue, 8 Jul 2025 20:46:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-413236764421889345Apparently, when our ancestors moved from the trees to the ground in the African savanna, they needed to shed their body hair so they can get cool and they needed to develop hair on their head to keep their brain cool.<div><br /></div><div>Hair also plays a critical importance in sharing to the other members of the species our age and physical condition.<div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.wsj.com/science/biology/human-hair-evolution-brain-sun-protection-9f109694?st=HQ5gjr&amp;reflink=article_copyURL_share">https://www.wsj.com/science/biology/human-hair-evolution-brain-sun-protection-9f109694?st=HQ5gjr&amp;reflink=article_copyURL_share</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/exercise-for-minute-every-20-minutes.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Mon, 7 Jul 2025 09:58:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-1057000446317867544Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity (VILPA)<div><br /></div><div>Here is my suggestion for you: Exercise for a minute every 20 minutes every day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Turn on your watch timer to ring every 20 minutes, When the timer goes off, do squats for 1 minute and keep repeating during the day. The first thing you’ll notice is that you may be surprised how much time you spent in inactivity.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>The second thing you will notice is how much better you will feel 😊</div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/higher-fiber-intake-is-associated-with.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Sun, 6 Jul 2025 09:53:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-1601993175598261332If fiber was a pill, you would take it for sure!<div><br /></div><div>Higher fiber intake has been associated with better health outcomes in multiple studies. Here is another reminder that fiber has been linked to lower risk of cancer and lower cancer mortality:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://x.com/humanos_me/status/1941128584547950617?s=46">https://x.com/humanos_me/status/1941128584547950617?s=46</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/premature-hair-graying-associated-with.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Sat, 5 Jul 2025 09:46:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-1903973906284388574<p>This is something we intuitively knew for years: If you hair start getting gray at an early age, it is likely that your aging faster.</p><p>This 2018 study confirms a link between premature hair graying and worsening cardiovascular and metabolic parameters:</p><p>- higher systolic blood pressure&nbsp;</p><p>- higher diastolic blood pressure</p><p>- Higher blood glucose</p><p>- Lower HDL</p><p><a href="https://t.co/QJDMXIC0fV">https://t.co/QJDMXIC0fV</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2025/02/the-surprising-link-between-rem-sleep.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Sat, 1 Feb 2025 14:01:00 -0500tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-8633844592967693960<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuexV5FE8uhYuZYAuGKsJLLwVTE9RuQGmVfJKUjNpNyisCOyH6eP18CgWA86wYbucD_hPgN_cnlhK_5XKMwkOTwjizUhutWbVCwQo6r02dWQVyg8R0G7MHIPsDpkSTGbmoLeukLxGGGw1gjeM8DADkWRIoZuZY13WaIx98gOTlJIwFxcbUx25Itg/s1017/REM%20Dementia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1017" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuexV5FE8uhYuZYAuGKsJLLwVTE9RuQGmVfJKUjNpNyisCOyH6eP18CgWA86wYbucD_hPgN_cnlhK_5XKMwkOTwjizUhutWbVCwQo6r02dWQVyg8R0G7MHIPsDpkSTGbmoLeukLxGGGw1gjeM8DADkWRIoZuZY13WaIx98gOTlJIwFxcbUx25Itg/w640-h422/REM%20Dementia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Sleep is one of the most vital pillars of our overall health, yet it’s often overlooked in our fast-paced world. While we know that deep sleep is crucial for physical recovery and REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep supports mental well-being, recent research has uncovered an intriguing connection between how quickly you enter REM sleep and your risk of developing dementia—specifically Alzheimer's disease.<p></p><p><b>The Role of Sleep in Brain Health</b></p><p>Before diving into the specifics of this groundbreaking study, let’s first understand why sleep matters so much for brain health. During sleep, particularly during deep sleep, the brain activates what’s known as the glymphatic system . Think of this as the brain’s nightly cleaning crew. This system flushes out toxins, including amyloid plaques—the very substances implicated in Alzheimer's disease. Without adequate deep sleep, these harmful proteins can accumulate, potentially leading to cognitive decline over time.</p><p>But here’s where things get even more fascinating: REM sleep, which is associated with dreaming and emotional regulation, also plays a critical role in maintaining mental sharpness. Recent studies suggest that not only the duration but also the timing of REM sleep could be key indicators of long-term brain health.</p><p>References:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2025/01/429346/delayed-rem-sleep-could-be-early-sign-alzheimers">https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2025/01/429346/delayed-rem-sleep-could-be-early-sign-alzheimers</a></p><p><a href="https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/alz.14495">https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/alz.14495</a></p><p><b>What Is REM Latency, and Why Does It Matter?</b></p><p>REM latency refers to the amount of time it takes for someone to enter their first period of REM sleep after falling asleep. In a new study exploring its relationship with dementia risk, researchers found some striking results:</p><p><b>Low Risk Group:</b> Individuals who entered their first REM phase within 98 minutes of falling asleep had the lowest risk of dementia.</p><p><b>High Risk Group:</b> Those whose first REM cycle began more than 198 minutes after going to bed were at significantly higher risk.</p><p>To put this into perspective, imagine two people going to bed at 9 p.m.:</p><p>Person A enters their first REM stage by 10:30 p.m., roughly 90 minutes later—a healthy range.</p><p>Person B doesn’t reach REM until nearly 2:30 a.m., exceeding 190 minutes. This delay places them in the high-risk category.</p><p>These findings are significant because they provide actionable insights using data easily accessible through modern sleep trackers. By monitoring your REM latency each night, you can gain valuable feedback about your brain health and take proactive steps if needed.</p><p><b>How Can You Use This Information?</b></p><p>If you own a wearable device like an Oura Ring, Fitbit, or any other advanced sleep tracker, chances are it already gives you an idea of your REM latency. Here’s how you can use this information to optimize your sleep hygiene and reduce your dementia risk:</p><p><b>Track Your Sleep Patterns Regularly</b></p><p>Consistently monitor when you fall asleep and when your first REM cycle begins. Most apps will display this data clearly, allowing you to calculate your REM latency.</p><p><b>Improve Sleep Hygiene</b></p><p>Establish a consistent bedtime routine. Avoid screens, caffeine, and heavy meals close to bedtime.</p><p>Create a relaxing pre-sleep environment—dim lights, calming music, or meditation can help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.</p><p><b>Address Underlying Issues</b></p><p>If your REM latency consistently falls outside the optimal range, consider consulting a healthcare provider. Conditions like sleep apnea, insomnia, or chronic stress may interfere with your ability to transition smoothly into REM sleep.</p><p><b>Consider Genetic Testing</b></p><p>For those concerned about their genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s, tests like the APOE gene test can offer additional clarity. Knowing your genetic risk allows you to focus on mitigating modifiable factors, such as poor sleep habits.</p><p><b>Why This Matters Now More Than Ever</b></p><p>The beauty of this discovery lies in its practicality. Unlike many aspects of our biology that feel beyond our control, sleep is something we can actively manage. With tools like sleep trackers becoming increasingly sophisticated, we now have the power to monitor and improve one of the most fundamental processes affecting our brain health.</p><p>Moreover, understanding the importance of REM latency adds another layer to the broader conversation around dementia prevention. While there’s no single “magic bullet” to prevent Alzheimer’s, combining strategies—such as optimizing sleep, staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress—can collectively lower your risk.</p><p><b>Final Thoughts</b></p><p>The link between REM sleep onset and dementia underscores just how interconnected our bodies and minds truly are. Prioritizing quality sleep isn’t just about feeling rested; it’s about safeguarding your future self against debilitating diseases like Alzheimer’s.</p><p>So tonight, before you drift off, think about the incredible work your brain is doing behind the scenes. And remember, every minute counts—not just in terms of how long you sleep, but when your brain starts its vital REM cycles. Sweet dreams!</p><p>Updated 02-01-2025</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2023/04/forkhead-box-o3-protein-foxo3-genes-and.htmlGeneticsnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Sat, 15 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-1464807644305041684<p>Approximately<b> 25–32%</b> of the overall variation in adult lifespan is accounted for by genetic differences that become particularly important for survival <b>after the age of 60</b>.</p><p>Forkhead box O3 protein (FOXO3) is a transcription factor involved in the regulation of genes involved in many cellular processes, including DNA repair, tumor suppression, immune function, and resistance to oxidative stress. Some variants of FOXO3 are associated with longevity in humans.</p><p>FOXO3 is on <b>chromosome 6</b>.&nbsp;</p><p>FOXO3A encodes a key <b>regulator of the insulin–IGF1</b> signaling pathway that is known to influence metabolism and lifespan.&nbsp;<br /><br />A study of long-lived men of Japanese ancestry [Willcox et al. (2008) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105:13987–13992] and 1,762 German centenarians/nonagenarians and younger controls provided evidence that polymorphisms in this gene were indeed associated with the ability to attain exceptional old age. Replication in a French centenarian sample generated a trend that supported the previous results.&nbsp;</p><p><b>rs9400239</b> (C,T and T,T) has been associated with increased lifespan. The T allele is the one associated with longevity.</p><p>Centenarians represent the top percentiles of their respective birth cohort-specific age distributions and have <b>outlived most of their peers by several decades</b>. Only 4% of male and 5.6% of female 90-year-olds and 15–17% of 95-year-olds in Germany are likely to become 100 years themselves. Centenarians represent a highly selected phenotype.&nbsp;The genetic contribution to survival is strongest at very advanced ages, centenarians may be particularly <b>enriched for beneficial variants in “longevity assurance genes”</b>.<br /><br /><b>rs2802288&nbsp;</b>(A;G and AA), has been associated with increased lifespan.&nbsp;The A allele is the one associated with longevity.</p><p><b>rs2764264</b> (C;T), has been associated with increased lifespan. The C allele is the one associated with longevity, particularly among men.&nbsp;</p><p><b>rs2802292</b> (G;T) has been associated with increased lifespan. The G allele is the one associated with longevity.&nbsp;<br /><br /><b>rs1935949 </b>(C;T)&nbsp;demonstrated a significant association with longevity but only among women.&nbsp;</p><p>References:</p><p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2650329/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2650329/</a></p><p><a href="https://www.snpedia.com/index.php/Longevity">https://www.snpedia.com/index.php/Longevity</a></p><p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2992870/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2992870/</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2023/04/apolipoprotein-e-apoe-genes-rs429358.htmlGeneticsnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Fri, 14 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-8988375646281286826<p>The apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene makes a protein which, when combined with fat, becomes a lipoprotein. <br /><br />The lipoprotein ApoE is a very low-density lipoprotein, responsible in part for removing cholesterol from the bloodstream. Variations in ApoE affect cholesterol metabolism, which in turn alter your chances of having heart disease and in particular a heart attack or a stroke. Variations in ApoE are also associated with altered odds of having Alzheimer's disease and other diseases.</p><p>There are <b>3 allelic variants of ApoE</b>, as defined by two SNPs, <b>rs429358</b> and<b> rs7412</b> known as:<br /><br /><b>- ApoE-ε2<br />- ApoE-ε3<br />- ApoE-ε4</b></p><p>The proteins produced by these genes are called ApoE2, ApoE3, and ApoE4. <br /><br />The most common variant overall is the "standard" ApoE-ε3, and therefore more people inherited one ApoE-ε3 from each parent than any other of the possible pairs of variants.&nbsp;<br /><br /><b>Apo-ε2/ε2 </b>-&nbsp;rs429358 and rs7412 (T;T) (T;T) - <b>has the lowest risk.&nbsp;</b></p><p><b>Apo-ε3/ε3&nbsp;</b>-&nbsp;rs429358 and rs7412&nbsp;(T;T) (C;C)<b> - is the the most common.</b></p><p><b></b></p><p><b>Apo-ε4/ε4&nbsp;&nbsp;</b>-&nbsp;rs429358 and rs7412<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>(C;C) (C;C) - has&nbsp;<b>11 times higher increased Alzheimer's risk.&nbsp;</b></p><div>References:</div><p><a href="https://www.snpedia.com/index.php/APOE">https://www.snpedia.com/index.php/APOE</a></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2023/01/where-does-your-state-rank-in-terms-of.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Fri, 13 Jan 2023 15:14:00 -0500tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-6469546283971622831<p>People in some southern states can expect to die 8 years younger than the average American, according to a data compilation that highlights the disparities in US life expectancy.<br /><br />While Americans lived for 79 years on average in 2020, those in Mississippi can expect to reach just 71.<br /><br />For comparison, people in Hawaii — which has the highest life expectancy — live to 80 on average.&nbsp;</p><p>The Daily Mail credits the summary to an online pharmacy, NiceRx, it's probably just a compilation of publicly available data.&nbsp; <br /></p><p>References:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-11627841/Where-does-state-rank-terms-life-expectancy.html">https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-11627841/Where-does-state-rank-terms-life-expectancy.html</a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2023/01/new-option-for-h-pylori-treatment.htmlInfectious Diseasesnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Thu, 12 Jan 2023 14:53:00 -0500tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-6331745064081710869<p>&nbsp;The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following new medication for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in adults.:<br /><br />-<b> Voquezna Triple Pak </b>(vonoprazan, amoxicillin, clarithromycin)<br />- <b>Voquezna Dual Pak</b> (vonoprazan, amoxicillin) <br /><br />Vonoprazan, which gives the name of the medication, is an oral small molecule potassium-competitive acid blocker. <br /><br />H. pylori eradication rates were <b>84.7% and 78.5</b>% with Voquezna Triple and Dual Pak, respectively.<br /><br />Voquezna Triple Pak is supplied as a carton containing 56-tablets and 56-capsules divided into 14 daily dose blister cards. Each daily blister card contains 2 vonoprazan tablets (20mg each), 4 amoxicillin capsules (500mg each), and 2 clarithromycin tablets (500mg each).<br /><br />Voquezna Dual Pak is supplied as a carton containing 28-tablets and 84-capsules divided into 14 daily dose blister cards. Each daily blister card contains 2 vonoprazan tablets (20mg each) and 6 amoxicillin capsules (500mg each).<br /><br />References:<br /><a href="https://www.empr.com/home/news/voquezna-triple-dual-pak-approved-for-h-pylori-infection-treatment/">https://www.empr.com/home/news/voquezna-triple-dual-pak-approved-for-h-pylori-infection-treatment/</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2022/11/physiological-effects-of-ancient.htmlHRVnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Fri, 18 Nov 2022 15:55:00 -0500tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-932952352537287733<p>Several studies have explore the effects of religious changes, such as OM, on physiological parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure and heat rate variability (HRV).&nbsp;</p><p>Overall, the effects were considered beneficial.</p><p>For example, a brief chanting of OM (5 min) might enhance parasympathetic nervous system activity, promote relaxation, and provide calmness.&nbsp; <br /></p><p>Rhythm formulas that involve breathing at 6 breaths per minute induced favorable psychological and possibly physiological effects. Breathing at 6 breaths per minute is very close to so called resonance frequency breathing for most people. <br /></p><p>References:</p><p>Physiological Effects of Cryptic Ancient Religious Chants.&nbsp; Abhijit. V. Bodne&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Varsha Patond. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International, Volume 33, Issue 60B, Page 1042-1048 DOI: 10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i60B34711 Published: 23 December 2021<br /><a href="https://journaljpri.com/index.php/JPRI/article/view/6842">https://journaljpri.com/index.php/JPRI/article/view/6842</a></p><p>Effect of rosary prayer and yoga mantras on autonomic cardiovascular rhythms: comparative study. BMJ. 2001 Dec 22; 323(7327): 1446–1449. doi: 10.1136/bmj.323.7327.1446&nbsp; PMCID: PMC61046 PMID: 11751348<br /><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC61046/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC61046/</a><br /></p><p>Immediate Effects of OM Chanting on Heart Rate Variability Measures Compared Between Experienced and Inexperienced Yoga Practitioners. Int J Yoga. 2022 Jan-Apr; 15(1): 52–58. Published online 2022 Mar 21. doi: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_141_21 PMCID: PMC9015091 PMID: 35444369<br /><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9015091/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9015091/</a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2022/10/understand-risk-better-by-using.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Thu, 27 Oct 2022 17:24:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-8948631310124839219A micromort (from micro- and mortality) is a unit of risk defined as a one-in-a-million chance of death. <p>Micromorts can be used to measure the riskiness of various day-to-day activities. </p><p>Activities that increase the death risk by roughly one micromort, and their associated cause of death: </p><p>Traveling 250 miles by car (collision) Travelling 1,000 miles (1,600 km) by jet (collision) Travelling 6,000 miles (9,656 km) by train (collision) </p><p>&nbsp;Increase in death risk for other activities on a per event basis: </p><p>Giving birth (vaginal) – 120 micromorts <br />Giving birth (caesarean) – 170 micromorts <br />AstraZeneca vaccination against COVID-19 – 2.9 micromorts <br />COVID-19 infection at age 10 – 20 micromorts <br />COVID-19 infection at age 25 – 100 micromorts <br />COVID-19 infection at age 55 – 4,000 micromorts <br />COVID-19 infection at age 65 – 14,000 micromorts <br />COVID-19 infection at age 75 – 46,000 micromorts <br />COVID-19 infection at age 85 – 150,000 micromorts </p> More info here: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micromort">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micromort</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2022/10/dopamine-elevation-after-cold-bath.htmlWim Hof Methodnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Thu, 27 Oct 2022 17:18:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-5553931120942560059Dopamine elevation after cold bath is due to stimulation of pain receptors in the skin, at 2 minutes in the video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmOF0crdyRU Norepi, Epi and dopamine were all increased with cold water exposure. Dopamine increased 250% over baseline and that increase was sustained after the exposure for up to 3 hours. The sweet spot is alert but calm. That was achieved via the cold exposure. Calm/alert state. Cold exposure can be equivalent to coffee without the jitters. Mnemonics: D Dopamine Drives Determination and motivation C Cold water exposure Calm/alert state At 42 minutes. Chocolate increases dopamine 150% for a few minutes. Sex increases dopamine 200%. Nicotine increases dopamine 250% for a few minutes. Same increase with cocaine. Amphetamine increases dopamine 10 times. Exercise, if you like it, increases dopamine 200%. If you don't like the exercise, dopamine does not go up. Postpartum depression can appear after every big win, not just labor. That lower mood can last a long time. It is due to lower baseline dopamine levels. At 55 minutes. Cold bath can counteract this because it may increase baseline dopamine level for at least a portion of the day. We all have dopamine set point. More on cold water exposure at 1 hr 30 minutes. Safety parameters: 30 to 40F degree water can put someone in the state of cold shock and they can die. Cold water exposure always causes release of epinephrine, even after you are cold-water adapted. Increase in epi and nor-epi is immediate. Dopamine levels increases slowly to the point of 250% over baseline. It takes 3 hours for dopamine to go back to baseline. How to deal with the cold in a peaceful manner: Relax in the cold, breathe slowly, widen your gaze - switch from portrait to landscape mode. At 1 hr 35 minutes. Velvet beans contain L-DOPA at 1 hr 58 minutes. Dopamine and prolactin work in push-pull fashion. Increase in dopamine is linked with lower prolactin. <div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2022/10/first-use-of-hastag-medtwitter-was-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Fri, 21 Oct 2022 14:49:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-3525932834595088901The first use of the hastag #MedTwitter was in 2009 by one of my accounts @DrVes, did not know about this until this year. <p>&nbsp;</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/blogborygmi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@blogborygmi</a> &quot;should the Twitter awards be a series of tweets&quot; -Twitter structure is not suitable for that, although <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MedTwitter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MedTwitter</a> can be used</p>&mdash; Ves Dimov, M.D. (@DrVes) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes/status/1098926799?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2009</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <p>&nbsp;</p> More: <p>&nbsp;</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Did you know that the first medical journal club on Twitter was started by an allergist/immunologist <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrVes</a>? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MedTwitter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MedTwitter</a>: If you’re interested in connecting with the allergy &amp; immunology community, try: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AIMedEd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AIMedEd</a>. We’d love to interact &amp; learn from other specialties <a href="https://t.co/XblWN4zjdm">https://t.co/XblWN4zjdm</a></p>&mdash; Corinne Happel, MD, FAAAAI (@DrCorinneHappel) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrCorinneHappel/status/1337132251532972032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2021/06/tome-jones-at-81-sings-about-aging-on.htmlGeriatricsLongevityMusicPsychologynoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Sun, 27 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-1483490923819452907<p>NPR and Bob Boilen | June 7, 2021: "We're publishing this Tom Jones Tiny Desk (home) concert on his 81st birthday. It's a poignant moment in the life of a singer whose career spans 56 years and more than 100 million records sold; the passing of his wife, Linda, in 2016 after 59 years of marriage was devastating and resulted in the longest break between recordings of his career. But now Tom Jones is back with a new album, Surrounded By Time, and ready to share his deepest feelings, channeling songs by others with a voice still rich and muscular.<br /><br />The songs on the album (and for this Tiny Desk) deal so eloquently with time and aging. Tom Jones sings Bob Dylan's "One More Cup Of Coffee" and going "down to the valley below." Then, he takes on Malvina Reynolds' folk tune "There's No Hole In My Head" and turns it into a fierce statement about being yourself.<br /><br />When Tom Jones was 33, and after one of his infamous shows in Las Vegas, jazz composer Bobby Cole presented him with the song "I'm Growing Old." With lyrics including "I'm growing dimmer in the eyes / I'm growing fainter in my talk / I'm growing deeper in my sighs / I'm growing slower in my walk." Tom Jones didn't feel old enough to do it justice, but he held on to it. His performance here brought me to tears and is well worth the wait."<br /></p> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Qfw6pon9tA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2021/06/middlescence-time-between-adolescence.htmlPsychologynoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Sat, 26 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-6167685629475942358<p>Middlescence is defined as the time between adolescence and senescence.&nbsp;</p><p>"It is a paradox of life that we do not begin to live until we begin to die. Death begins at thirty, that is, deterioration of the muscle cells sets in."<br /><br /><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/pdf/10.1098/rsnr.2020.0008">https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/pdf/10.1098/rsnr.2020.0008</a>&nbsp;</p><p>From the video below: Life begins at 40: the biological and cultural roots of the midlife crisis | The Royal Society. In this lecture, Professor Mark Jackson, winner of the 2018 Wilkins-Bernal-Medawar Medal, explores a rich range of historical sources to argue that the midlife crisis emerged as a result of demographic changes, new biological accounts of ageing, and deepening anxieties about economic decline, political instability, rising level of divorce, and the impact of family breakdown on social cohesion.</p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eSWwIQzKsbY" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>&nbsp;</p><p>Watch the Q&amp;A here: <a href="https://youtu.be/q9erYW2KsUg">https://youtu.be/q9erYW2KsUg</a> <br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0noMiddlescence is defined as the time between adolescence and senescence.&nbsp; "It is a paradox of life that we do not begin to live until we begin to die. Death begins at thirty, that is, deterioration of the muscle cells sets in." https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/pdf/10.1098/rsnr.2020.0008&nbsp; From the video below: Life begins at 40: the biological and cultural roots of the midlife crisis | The Royal Society. In this lecture, Professor Mark Jackson, winner of the 2018 Wilkins-Bernal-Medawar Medal, explores a rich range of historical sources to argue that the midlife crisis emerged as a result of demographic changes, new biological accounts of ageing, and deepening anxieties about economic decline, political instability, rising level of divorce, and the impact of family breakdown on social cohesion. &nbsp; Watch the Q&amp;A here: https://youtu.be/q9erYW2KsUg Posted at Clinical Cases and Images. Stay updated and subscribe, follow us on Twitter and connect on Facebook.noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Middlescence is defined as the time between adolescence and senescence.&nbsp; "It is a paradox of life that we do not begin to live until we begin to die. Death begins at thirty, that is, deterioration of the muscle cells sets in." https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/pdf/10.1098/rsnr.2020.0008&nbsp; From the video below: Life begins at 40: the biological and cultural roots of the midlife crisis | The Royal Society. In this lecture, Professor Mark Jackson, winner of the 2018 Wilkins-Bernal-Medawar Medal, explores a rich range of historical sources to argue that the midlife crisis emerged as a result of demographic changes, new biological accounts of ageing, and deepening anxieties about economic decline, political instability, rising level of divorce, and the impact of family breakdown on social cohesion. &nbsp; Watch the Q&amp;A here: https://youtu.be/q9erYW2KsUg Posted at Clinical Cases and Images. Stay updated and subscribe, follow us on Twitter and connect on Facebook.Psychologyhttps://casesblog.blogspot.com/2021/06/how-to-give-talkpresent-lecture-by.htmlEducationPsychologynoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Fri, 25 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-744154016045024273<p>&nbsp;Some goods points in the video below. <b>Quality = f (K P t)</b> -- explained at beginning: <br /></p><p> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Unzc731iCUY" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>&nbsp;</p><p>Patrick Winston's How to Speak talk has been an MIT tradition for over 40 years. Offered every January, the talk is intended to improve your speaking ability in critical situations by teaching you a few heuristic rules.<br /><br />00:16 - Introduction<br />03:11 - Rules of Engagement<br />04:15 - How to Start<br />05:38 - Four Sample Heuristics<br />10:17 - The Tools: Time and Place<br />13:24 - The Tools: Boards, Props, and Slides<br />36:30 - Informing: Promise, Inspiration, How To Think<br />41:30 - Persuading: Oral Exams, Job Talks, Getting Famous<br />53:06&nbsp; - How to Stop: Final Slide, Final Words<br />56:35 - Final Words: Joke, Thank You, Examples<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2021/06/no-doctor-visit-required-order-your-own.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Thu, 17 Jun 2021 17:01:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-2019769466597333780<p>Quest Labs is actively advertising on Google with "No Doctor Visit Required - Order Your Own Quest® Lab Test". <br /><br />Anyone can order their own lab test at Quest and LabCorp, including test for COVID antibodies, HIV, etc: <br /><br /><a href="https://questdirect.questdiagnostics.com/products">https://questdirect.questdiagnostics.com/products</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.labcorp.com/labs-appointments/labcorp-services/pixel-labcorp">https://www.labcorp.com/labs-appointments/labcorp-services/pixel-labcorp</a><br /><br />This is not new, it but it is still not widely utilized in clinical practice. The likely reason is that the cost of the tests must be paid out of pocket as most insurers do not cover it. <br /><br />From KevinMD: <br /><br />"There are now laws that permit patients to order their own lab tests such as cholesterol or glucose. Even registered nurses working in intensive care units are not permitted to order these tests without a physician’s authorization. Ordering diagnostic tests and medical treatments have always been under the purview of a physician or highly trained medical professionals."<br /><br />References: <br /><br /><a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/05/12/477644945/diy-blood-tests-theres-a-downside-to-ordering-your-own">https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/05/12/477644945/diy-blood-tests-theres-a-downside-to-ordering-your-own</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2017/02/patients-order-lab-tests.html">https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2017/02/patients-order-lab-tests.html</a><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2021/06/fake-patient-reviews-are-flooding.htmlSocial Medianoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Fri, 4 Jun 2021 14:31:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-4079408195543969798<p>There is "a robust industry of global review fraud" according to this Washington Post article:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/fake-patient-reviews-are-making-it-increasingly-hard-to-seek-medical-help-on-google-yelp-and-other-directory-sites/ar-AAKHtpN">https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/fake-patient-reviews-are-making-it-increasingly-hard-to-seek-medical-help-on-google-yelp-and-other-directory-sites/ar-AAKHtpN</a><br /><br />“Physicians with their own personal private practices tend to have more suspicious reviews versus physicians who might be an employee of a large medical center or a hospital.” <br /><br />Over 70% of patients use online reviews as the first step to finding a new doctor as of 2020.&nbsp; "The reason that physicians are paying for these fake reviews is that they know the importance of how it will drive patients to their office,” said Niam Yaraghi, an assistant professor of business technology at Miami Herbert School of Business at the University of Miami.<br /><br />If a patient writes a negative review, a doctor can’t give a full-throated defense because of HIPAA privacy regulations. “You’re not supposed to be sharing patient’s confidential health information,” Dr. Jackson said. “In a lot of cases, we don’t even want to acknowledge that you’re a patient.”<br /><br />Platforms face no penalties when they do miss fraud. Under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, Google, Yelp and Trustpilot and other platforms are insulated from legal liability for fraudulent content posted by third parties on their sites.<br /><br /><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2021/02/how-to-get-good-nights-sleep-dw.htmlSleepnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Thu, 25 Feb 2021 14:24:00 -0500tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-1047287820308160773<p>DW Documentary: "We spend around a third of our lives asleep. Sleep is absolutely essential - yet the average sleep per night is barely seven hours. That figure is lower than ever before. <br /><br />We now know the decisive role sleep plays: During this time, the brain clears itself, making room for new thoughts.<br /><br />Researchers have also been able to confirm that there are alternatives when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. Among those considered effective are polyphasic sleep (consisting of short naps), light therapy (using blue daylight to synchronize the body’s internal clock) and lightly electrified helmets that stimulate the brain's hormonal activity. Companies are experimenting with light and using innovative office designs, including nap pods or bunks, which allow employees to take short daytime naps. These are just some of the approaches covered in this look at the "gentle sleep revolution."<br /><br /><br /></p> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qqhSW8miqq8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2021/01/a-man-spent-year-eating-fish-at.htmlDietFoodnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Thu, 21 Jan 2021 14:56:00 -0500tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-8356867306051168080The Fish on My Plate (full documentary) | PBS FRONTLINE: "Best-selling author and lifelong fisherman Paul Greenberg spends a year eating fish at breakfast, lunch and dinner to help answer the question: “What fish should I eat that’s good for me and good for the planet?”<p></p> The Fish on My Plate chronicles Greenberg as he works on his book, The Omega Principle — and consumes over 700 fish meals in hopes of improving his health through a dramatic increase in his Omega-3 levels. As part of his quest to investigate the health of the ocean — and his own — Greenberg spends a year eating seafood for breakfast, lunch and dinner."<p></p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8wEMO9aZvw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8wEMO9aZvw</a>”<p></p> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J8wEMO9aZvw" width="560"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2021/01/21-reason-to-go-vegan-in-2021.htmlDietVegannoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Wed, 20 Jan 2021 15:33:00 -0500tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-1971006776829296935Dr. Neal Barnard shares his top 21 reasons to go vegan in 2021: <p></p> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-Qb53tBs0Ws" width="560"></iframe> <p></p><p> Among them is reason #2: "Have a heart. Americans eat one million animals every hour." References for this are below:&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://animalclock.org">https://animalclock.org</a>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://awellfedworld.org/factory-farms/">https://awellfedworld.org/factory-farms/</a> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2021/01/heart-attacks-could-be-predicted-years.htmlCardiologynoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Mon, 18 Jan 2021 14:07:00 -0500tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-6417332163290929963Researchers evaluated the prognostic importance of <b>abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) </b>viewed on noninvasive imaging modalities such as X-ray. <p></p> Electronic databases (MEDLINE and Embase) were searched until March 2018 and the analysis included 52 studies with a total of 36,000 patients. <p></p> However, only studies of patients with chronic kidney disease (57%) and older‐elderly (median age 68 years) had sufficient data to meta‐analyze. <p></p> People with any or more advanced AAC had higher risk of cardiovascular events (RR, 1.83), fatal cardiovascular events (RR, 1.85, and all‐cause mortality (RR, 1.98). <p></p> Higher‐risk populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic kidney disease with AAC have substantially greater risk of future cardiovascular events and poorer prognosis. <p></p>References: <p></p><p><a href=" https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.120.017205">https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.120.017205</a>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.studyfinds.org/heart-attacks-predicted-years-in-advance/">https://www.studyfinds.org/heart-attacks-predicted-years-in-advance/</a> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2021/01/sore-arm-and-chills-after-covid-vaccine.htmlVaccinesnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Fri, 15 Jan 2021 14:27:00 -0500tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-2221246635153482016<b>This is a common question</b>, "I have a sore arm and chills after the COVID vaccine? Will taking Tylenol or NSAIDs such as Motrin or Aleve lower vaccine efficacy?".<p></p> <b>The short answer is, no.</b> You can take antipyretic analgesics (Tylenol, and NSAIDs such as Motrin or Aleve), if needed, to control symptoms after a COVID immunization. <p></p> Ideally, do not take the medications before the vaccine. You can take them, if needed, after the vaccine. <p></p> The details are below. <p></p> Antipyretic analgesics (Tylenol, and NSAIDs such as Motrin, Aleve) are widely used to ameliorate vaccine adverse reactions.<p></p> Observational studies reporting on antipyretic use around the time of immunization concluded that their use did not affect antibody responses. <p></p> Only few randomized clinical trials demonstrated blunted antibody response of unknown clinical significance. This effect has only been noted following primary vaccination with novel antigens (first dose) and disappears following booster immunization (second dose). <p></p> As per the CDC, there were no significant differences in antibody levels to influenza vaccine in the children who received fever-reducing medicine vs. placebo. The results do not suggest any blunting of the immune response to vaccines when fever-reducing medicines are given to children shortly after vaccination. <p></p> References:<p></p><a href=" https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/ensuringsafety/monitoring/cisa/studies.html">https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/ensuringsafety/monitoring/cisa/studies.html</a><p></p><a href=" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5027726/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5027726/</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2020/12/artificial-intelligence-in-radiology.htmlartificial intelligence (AI)Radiologynoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Wed, 16 Dec 2020 16:16:00 -0500tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-6802715978049839746<p>This DW documentary examines to "the hot spots of artificial intelligence (AI) research in Europe, the USA and China, and looks at the revolutionary developments which are currently taking place. <br /><br />The rapid growth of AI offers many opportunities, but also many dangers. One big problem is AI’s capacity for widespread surveillance. The Chinese city of Rongcheng is already using an AI-supported 'social credit system' to monitor and assess its citizens. Does AI pose a danger to our personal freedoms or democracy? Which decisions can we leave to the algorithms - and which do we want to? And what are AI’s social implications?" A documentary by Tilman Wolff und Ranga Yogeshwar&nbsp;</p><p>The info on artificial intelligence in radiology and neurology starts at minute 4:</p><p></p><p>&nbsp;<br /><br /></p> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s0dMTAQM4cw?start=239" width="560"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0https://casesblog.blogspot.com/2020/10/elevated-white-blood-cell-count-wbc.htmlCardiologynoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)Thu, 15 Oct 2020 15:15:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11326364.post-5803818855889456325<p>A growing body of evidence suggests that low grade inflammation contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease and, specifically, coronary artery disease (CAD). WBC-derived macrophages and other phagocytes are believed to contribute to vascular injury and atherosclerotic progression. Multiple markers of inflammation have been tested as potential risk factors for the development of CAD such as IL-6, E-selectin and CRP.<br /><br />Elevated white blood cell count (WBC) that is well within the normal range was associated with an increased risk for developing CAD in multiple studies.&nbsp;</p><p>A large-scale study demonstrated that a single measurement of WBC in healthy young men may predict CAD incidence independently from other risk factors for CAD such as elevated lipids, and a positive family history. <b>WBC level above 6,900</b> cells/mm3 was associated with a 2-fold increase in the risk for CAD with a significant 17.4% increase in CAD incidence observed for every increment of 1,000 WBC/mm3: <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0047183">https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0047183</a></p><p>An elevated WBC count may enhance atherogenesis. Granulocytes and monocytes are believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Monocyte-derived macrophages produce oxidants that can induce endothelial cell injury and subsequent thrombus formation. Activated WBCs also reflect the inflammatory activity of atherosclerosis that perpetuates vascular injury and tissue ischemia.<br /><br />WBC count is associated with several cardiovascular disease risk factors: <br /><br />- <b>positive associations</b> with body weight, systolic blood pressure, cigarette smoking, fasting glucose level, and fasting insulin level<br /><br />- <b>negative associations</b> with high density lipoprotein cholesterol level, family income, alcohol consumption, and physical activity or physical fitness</p><p>High-normal WBC count is an independent and reliable risk factor for CAD. <br /><br />The joint effect of WBC count, a readily available measurement, with other known risk factors for CAD may help to better identify people at either high or low cardiovascular risk. <br /><br />References:</p><p><a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0047183">https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0047183</a></p><p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5533311/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5533311/</a></p><p><a href="https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/154/8/758/131409">https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/154/8/758/131409</a><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p> </p> Posted at <a href="https://casesblog.blogspot.com/">Clinical Cases and Images</a>. Stay updated and <a href="https://feeds.feedburner.com/CasesBlog">subscribe</a>, follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/DrVes">Twitter</a> and connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DrVes">Facebook</a>.</div>0