Foods that help you quit smoking

Habits are hard to break, but they may break, you can. Studies show that breaking a habit is to eat junk food, alcohol or smoking cigarettes, it takes 21 days. This is the time required for a new habit is formed and the old habit is gone. Twenty days can seem like an eternity to be focused on only break a bad habit, but trying to change more than one habit at a time can make you feel overwhelmed and result in failure.

So for now let us to focus on breaking the smoking habit. You may be wondering why I'm not giving advice on food, but you will notice that the food is key to breaking the smoking habit. If you tried to quit smoking at some Once you know how difficult this is. This is because nicotine is an addictive drug, but what many do not realize is how nicotine affects the body's sugars. Nicotine releases the sugars that we have in our bodies. So after a cigarette we feel energized, relaxed and like new. It is not the cigarette itself, but how our bodies cause this reaction both enjoy smoking. While those who smoke know that smoking causes a number of conditions, harms nearly every organ in the body and reducing the life of the smoker, the chemical reaction that occurs in the body by nicotine is one that many fail to win.

But ... Did you know that there are foods that can help you stop smoking?

1. Foods high and vitamin C such as broccoli, strawberries, narajnas and grapefruit because they help with temptations.

2. pineapple juice or grape juice help balance the sugars in the body of nicotine.

3. Milk, cheese, yogurt make cigarettes know bitter.

4. not drink coffee or alcohol, or eat red meat because these types of foods do know that smoking sweet.

5. Other types of foods that help combartir anxiety one has when you want to quit are:

• A. Celery 
• B. Cinnamon
• C. Water 
• D. Spinach 
• E. Raisins 
• F. Almond 
• G. Potatoes 
• H. Corn 
• I. Vanilla 
• J. Brown Rice

6. Foods that make you want to smoke more,

• A. Chicken 
• B. Eggs 
• C. Milk 
• D. Blueberries 
• E. Coffee 
• F. Lentils 
• G. Mani 
• H. Nuts 
• I. Red Wine

How are you affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

If you have noticed the appearance of acne and hair, or weight gain for no apparent reason, the following notes. The polycystic ovary syndrome can cause the above, but also causes infertility. This condition is often hidden behind hormonal imbalances , and therefore sometimes not easy to catch it early. While its cause is unknown, is known to have a lot to do with genetics, but that habits influence both its development and in its course and severity.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinopathy that is part of called "metabolic disorders". " Between 6 and 8 percent of women affected by PCOS , which will generate significant hormonal imbalances, which in some cases can lead to complex conditions. While there are severe cases, so affected women generally have intermediate frames that can be controlled and reversed, provided they are treated in time , "said Dr. Fernando Beltramone, specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, team member of the Society for Reproductive Medicine Reproductive Medicine Argentina (SAMER ).

Symptoms and detection "is curious that despite significant progress in the field of medical research, and even more so in one of the most common disorders among women, the causes of PCOS is still not completely known. But , we know that there is a genetic pattern of inheritance, which is combined with certain environmental factors that influence the development of the disease, "explained the expert. detection then usually done usually when the patients come to the clinic because external manifestations that present among which include the hirsutism (growth of male beard hair style), acne, difficulty losing weight and getting pregnant complications , mainly due to the lack of menstrual periods and, hence of ovulation. "The natural history of patients with this condition shows that over time those who did not receive adequate treatment or monitoring may develop disorders that compromise their health, as type II diabetes, obesity or cardiovascular disease after menopause (increased risk of atherosclerosis and heart attack), "noted Dr. Beltramone.

"It is therefore very important that women who think they have any symptoms or family history has quickly seek medical attention, not only because the SOP is a chronic condition with no cure but can be treated favorable, but also because without medical advice can lead to various complications, "added the specialist, who also said that" treatment should be interdisciplinary. " What we can do in terms of habits, it is known that a decrease of only five percent of body weight, generates a change in metabolism enough to resume a normal menstrual rhythm. On the other hand, it is important not to smoke as well as physical activity and eating healthy. Source: Health News Pro

Foods that fight allergies

A healthy, balanced diet can control allergies and other conditions . Recent research suggests that some foods can help fight allergies by controlling inflammation, dilated airways and provide relief . A study points to the components of the Mediterranean diet, including nuts, grapes, oranges, apples and tomatoes, to provide relief to allergies. Researchers found that children who follow this diet Greeks in particular are less likely to show symptoms of nasal allergies or asthma.

These foods may help you: Probiotics have been proven probiotics have anti-inflammatory properties and anti-allergic, especially when consumed during pregnancy and lactation. A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology showed that mothers who consumed milk supplemented with probiotic during and after pregnancy halved the odds that their children will develop eczema, a condition related to allergies. In addition, an Italian study found that children between 2 to 5 with allergic rhinitis who took probiotic fermented milk for 12 months experienced fewer episodes allergic children in the control group.

Spices Spices can clear the sinuses. The anise , fennel , radish and mustard spicy act as natural decongestants, to relieve allergies by stimulating the nasal cilia and disrupt congestion. Include these spices in recipes will help you improve your allergies.

Fruits rich in Vitamin C. The itching, hives and other discomforts of allergies is a response to histamine. Vitamin C will help because it indirectly inhibits inflammatory cells to release histamine. Studies have shown that high levels of vitamin C reduces histamine and helps dissolve more quickly, which provides relief of allergy symptoms. Foods high in vitamin C also help reduce inflammation. Foods such as oranges , strawberries , apples and watermelon counteract allergic inflammatory responses.

Bioflavonoids Some studies suggest bioflavonoids as providing relief from allergies act as mast cell stabilizers, which decreases the number of cells that react to allergens. Mast cells are responsible for releasing histamine. A specific bioflavonoid called quercetin, has proved particularly powerful when it comes to reducing inflammation. Good sources of quercetin found in apples, onions, tea and red wine, among others.

magnesium rich foods magnesium rich foods such as almonds , cashews , bran and brown seaweed relieve allergies because magnesium acts as a bronchodilator and antihistamine. Magnesium also has a calming effect on the muscles of the bronchial tubes and body. A study from Brigham Young University showed that magnesium-deficient animals had higher levels of histamine in the blood when exposed to allergens, animals with adequate levels of magnesium.

Foods rich in Vitamin E Gamma tocopherol in vitamin E appears to decrease inflammation associated with allergies. In a study by the University of Michigan, animals that received high doses of gamma tocopherol before breathing heavily polluted air experienced less inflammation in their nasal passages animals were given gamma tocopherol. The dose of this form of vitamin E in the study was extremely high, a person would have to consume gallons of soybean oil to get relief. But using this oil instead of other more acids can help.

Cold Water Fish Cold water fish like salmon, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory that can relieve allergies. Other foods rich in omega-3 to help with inflammation, including nuts and flax seed. Fruits and vegetables all benefit from a healthy dose of fruits and vegetables. Its natural anti-inflammatory effects may help relieve allergies. An Italian study supports this theory. The researchers examined the diets of more than four thousand children for 12 months and found that children who consumed many cooked vegetables , tomatoes and citrus fruit s, experienced less wheezing, shortness of breath and other symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Children who ate more bread and margarine, were more likely to wheeze.

Study links diet soda with heart disease

Previous studies have disproved that diet soft drinks cause diabetes , but today, these drinks fall back into the controversy after new research claims that there is a relationship between diet soda and heart disease . The epidemiological study that lasted 10 years was released online in The Journal of General Internal Medicine.

According to NYTimes.com , it included 2.564 adults over 40 years, residents of Manhattan. The researchers found that both diet drinks such as regular were related to various risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease. Even after to control more of these risks, including diabetes, researchers found that daily consumption of diet soda was independently associated with increased risk of stroke, heart attack and death.

The reason for this relationship was unclear, the authors of the study, so its results should be interpreted with caution. This was published NYTimes . " This is not to alarm those who make these drinks , " said study author, Hannah Gardener, an epidemiologist at the University of Miami. " What we found was a relationship, and this could be due to some other variables that were not considered . " However, she said, if people stop drinking diet soda, "will not be missing out on important vitamins or minerals" .

Give more "meat" to your immunity

These are the months when influenza is at its peak , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but this year you can fight the disease from the kitchen. A number of foods that contain nutrients can reduce your risk of contracting the virus and minimize the severity of symptoms if you get to sick . You can stay healthy this season to add these foods to your menu. Lean. Zinc is essential to keep your white blood cells healthy and strong so they can attack invading bacteria and viruses. A 3.5 ounce serving provides up to 70% of the daily dose is needed and the sources of this mineral most easily absorbed. orange vegetables. Beta carotene, found in deep orange vegetables like squash, carrots and zucchini , is converted to vitamin A, stimulates immunity in the body. berries. The "skins" berry purple, blue and bright red are loaded with compounds called anthocyanins, phytochemicals that work to defend the body against infection. Search the berries out of season in the freezer section. Dairy. Recent studies have shown that people with lower levels of consumption of vitamin D more colds or flu than those with higher levels. Consume fortified foods like milk and yogurt to strengthen your immune system.

One has to worry about fainting?

To whoever may happen to pass out here because it is good to know what are the warning signs - present in about 70% of cases - and the precautions to be taken. Fainting, or syncope, in most cases is not due to serious causes. "It is a transient loss of consciousness with spontaneous recovery and quick start - says Michele Brignole, director of the Department of Cardiology, Hospital of Tigullio (Blackboard) -. Loss of consciousness is usually brief (a few seconds to 2-3 minutes) and the mechanism that determines, in the face of different causes, is always a transient reduction in blood flow to the brain. It is not always easy to know if there really was transient loss of consciousness. For example, it may happen that an elderly person falls because of an apparent loss of consciousness, when maybe it's just stumbled and you do not remember the incident because in the confusion. So the first question is always whether there was a real loss of consciousness. The second step is to understand the cause and distinguish from other forms of syncope, transient loss of consciousness related, for example, seizures, poisoning, hypoglycemia. "

What are the possible causes of fainting?
"The most common are those syncopations neurally mediated reflex , which include the vasovagal , the situational and other less common forms. Syncope, especially common in young people, is the result of a neurological reflex that, in response to an emotional or painful stimuli, results in an abrupt vasodilation, decreased heart rate and the resulting lack of blood to the brain. Situational syncope may be related to several factors, such as severe cough, gastrointestinal stimulation (swallowing, defecation, abdominal colic), or to be followed by extreme fatigue. Another type of syncope is orthostatic hypotension , which occurs especially when it is long-standing or getting up suddenly. The pressure drops suddenly, the view is blurred, it falters. In some cases, this syncope, can be induced by certain drugs (antihypertensives) or dehydration. A third type of syncope, uncommon but potentially serious, is that from cardiac causes, due, for example, arrhythmias, or aortic stenosis. Finally, in 15-20% the cause remains unknown. "

What to do at the first signs of fainting?
"If you understand to be the next to faint, because the view is obscured, you start to sweat a lot, you feel sick and shaken, must lie down and raise your legs to facilitate the return of blood the heart. If you can not lie can help make simple maneuvers that raise the pressure. In most cases, after the episode, it is not necessary to make special investigations. Only about one in 10, especially when you suspect a heart problem would require further investigation and, sometimes, hospitalization. "

A gene may be the cause of frequent outbreaks of cold sores

For those with type 1 herpes or cold sores, a common virus that appears as small, painful lesions on the lip area, it seems that the evil attacks them more often than others. And now a new study conducted between the University of Utah and the University of Massachusetts, and published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases , says that this concept may have a genetic basis.

As reported by CNN , researchers say the gene C21orf91 behind Cold sores can be found frequently in the human body. However, there are two variants of it that are associated with more active and frequent them. And even if this does not mean that anyone with the changes more often suffer outbreaks, it could make it more prone to the same .

The scientists reached their conclusions after analyzing data from gene sequences of 618 research participants, half of whom had suffered outbreaks of cold sores in the past. Findings were able to show that of these, 21% outbreaks were due to genetic factors, while 79% could be caused by the virus strain or environmental elements.

Papillomavirus vaccine to poor countries will

The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI)-a public-private partnership to improve the health of the poorest countries, has agreed to finance and carry poor countries the vaccine against human papilloma virus (HPV) responsible for cervical cancer.

About 90% of the 275,000 annual deaths caused by this disease occurs in these poor nations, where there are no programs 'screening', common in rich countries. Experts warn that if no action is taken that figure could rise to 430,000 in 2030. But the vaccine could prevent up to 70% of cases.

According to the data handled by GAVI up to two million girls in nine developing countries could be protected against this tumor for 2015 thanks to the vaccination program, which has yet to negotiate the final price of immunization with the manufacturers.

Nina Schwalbe, director of policy and GAVI products, confirms that they are in talks with "two manufacturers of the two licensed vaccines against HPV, Merck & Co. and GlaxoSmithKline."

Girls and adolescents in Europe and the U.S. have access to the vaccine since it was by the health authorities approve a 2006, but "those most in need are the young people of the developing countries and they have no access," shown in GAVI . "For the girls in these regions, the vaccine is your only option," says Schwalbe. "The introduction of the HPV vaccine has been a major medical advance, but must reach those who really need it," he continues.

The first countries that will vaccination programs, which begin in 2013, will be Rwanda and Vietnam .

The company Merck announced earlier this year that would provide GAVI's vaccine-Gardasil-a discount of five dollars per dose, which Schwalbe has been defined as "a good deal of input." For their part, pharmaceutical GSK has not disclosed its offer.

A urine test to predict preeclampsia

Scientists at the Mayo Clinic (USA) presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Nephrology one test can predict which pregnant women will experience preeclampsia during pregnancy. The test detects the presence in the urine of a renal cell type, a factor indicative of this disorder.

The pre-eclampsia is a potentially fatal complication of advanced stages of pregnancy characterized by increased blood pressure and protein in the urine (proteinuria). This disorder occurs in about 5% of pregnant women.

The study, presented at the Kidney Week, held these days in Philadelphia (USA), researchers conducted the test, which detects the presence of podocytes in urine, 315 women had elapsed when half of pregnancy (before day 210). They also measured their blood pressure and the ratio protein / creatinine used to diagnose preeclampsia.

Of all participants, 15 developed this complication and eventually all of them had a positive urine test . While the 15 pregnant women who had hypertension and 44 just selected as controls and whose pregnancy was normal had negative tests.

Although it has been tested on a small number of women, the authors note that their high accuracy could help early detection of this condition. This could save thousands of lives each year.

False beliefs about sexuality

Our culture devalues ​​heavily the last stage of life, aging, and a phase change can be as successful as any other, especially when you can enjoy an acceptable state of health. But if this basic aspect is given, the degree of experience of these years not only depend on the individual, society exerts great influence, full of erroneous mystifications that discredit this stage, considering it rather as a stage finished, run down and with a perception of older people as "old" Nonprofit, invalid towards life, and in most cases cruel as hindrances.

The cultural negativity in relation to the sexual life in advanced years is reflective of an attitude and prejudice against the individual by virtue of being more , plates of uncompromising, senile with a moral step, out-building, just without social value that compensates for its shortcomings ... This applies to sexuality, is the ultimate manifestation of the asexuación, "If you get older, you're finished." So , the environment has on the elderly population the belief and acceptance of a stereotypical role, sometimes seeing older people as "misfits". This false belief plays an important role in self-esteem, self-confidence, self-efficacy, physical performance, social, sexual.

The desire to have sex and be physically able to carry out a sexual relationship depends intimately on our perception of ourselves . If the elders accept the idea that they are unattractive or incapable from a sexual point of view, interest, activity and performance during sexual activity would be affected the most negative way. In short, the sexuality of the elderly is deeply influenced cultural stereotypes by many who reject the normality of the feelings and sexual abilities at that stage of life cycle. Although poor health and lack of a partner can complicate sexual performance, there is no reason to justify itself that older people should forgo or interrupt the enjoyment of sex.

Vaccines and Pregnancy: As little as possible, but as necessary

In today's blog will address maternal vaccination against various infectious agents during pregnancy. No doubt this chapter deserves special consideration, based on three particular features of pregnancy in relation to infection and immunization:

 1. Pregnancy is a physiological state of immunosuppression can do to women (and therefore also the fetus) more vulnerable to the action of certain microorganisms.

 2. Infections during pregnancy are a major cause of illness, sequelae, and maternal and perinatal mortality . This has led to a large degree of consensus among the scientific and health when considering the prevention of infections through vaccination as an option is clearly preferable to treatment of established disease.

 3. However, the application of preventive measures is not safe . So often there is the duality between vaccinated or not, that is, between taking risk-taking attitudes controlled intervention but unavoidable to prevent the occurrence of an infection or not to assume these risks by relying on the unlikelihood that the mother suffers from a particular infection, but assuming a greater severity of the disease in case of. From this perspective there appears to be some agreement that pregnant women should get as little as possible , but as much as needed.

Moreover, not all vaccines are equal . Some are composed of living germs as those that produce natural infection, capable of infecting virtually vaccinated subject, while others contain only fragments of microorganisms or toxins against which it is intended to immunize. They are unable to produce or infection. The decision to vaccinate or not a pregnant woman will therefore depend not only maternal and fetal risk, but other factors such as the vaccine itself, experience of use in pregnant or epidemiological circumstances of the medium in which is the pregnant.

Secrets of antibiotic resistance

Since the advent of penicillin, researchers have recognized that, when nutrients are limited, many species of bacteria can slow their growth and resist being killed by antibiotics. Now, two new reports published in Science , reveal new insights into the specific ways in which bacterial species carry out this process.

In the first study, the team of Dao Nguyen, University McGill University in Montreal (Canada), explained that the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli have mechanisms that detect nutrient deficiencies. When nutrients are limited by antibiotics, it triggers a response that modifies the transcription of certain genes of the bacteria. And according to the researchers, this process allows the bacteria to survive and resist a wide range of antibiotics. Nguyen and colleagues also found that the mutant bacteria unable to identify the constraints of nutrients in the environment, were much more sensitive to antibiotics and less able to cause infection.

In other work, the team of Konstantin Shatalin, Genetics Research Institute in Moscow (Russia), discussed the role of hydrogen sulfide production in various species of bacteria. Experts have found that the loss of key bacterial enzymes involved in the production of gas is sufficient for many bacteria are susceptible to a wide range of treatments with antibiotics. They also noted, however, that if these mutant bacteria are supplied with an external source of hydrogen sulfide, its resistance to antibiotics could be restored.

Untreated infection, scenario

The lack of new discoveries in the development of antibacterial drugs, added to that antimicrobial resistance is increasing, is pushing the world towards the unthinkable scenario in which some infections may become untreatable.

Laura Piddock, University of Birmingham (United Kingdom) and the president of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, underlines the seriousness of the situation and the urgent need to take action necessary to reverse this situation. This document is published today in The Lancet Infectious Diseases , to mark the European Day Antibiotic Awareness .

We have become accustomed, says Piddock, dispose of antibiotics easily and there is a sense in society that, in fact, need for new antimicrobial agents that are effective against certain infections. A wide range of medical procedures depends on the use of antibiotics to prevent opportunistic infections. Even relatively simple procedures such as transrectal prostate biopsy, commonly used in the detection of this tumor may be complicated by the presence of antibiotic-resistant infections. "When patients are denied a new cancer treatment due to cost, society reacts angrily, but antibiotics do not perceive as essential to the health or medical practice, although these agents save many lives . "

Health threat

2 years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the antibiotic resistance as one of the three greatest threats to health. However, both politicians and society and the media have reacted late in assessing the urgency of the situation. The European Union (EU) has launched an Action Plan for 5 years on antimicrobial resistance . Organizations such as the Infectious Diseases Society of America, Action against Antibiotic Resistance (REACT) and the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy has also been actively involved with several campaigns, but much remains to be done.

The problem is particularly acute for the treatment of infections caused by gram-negative bacteria, such as those caused by Acinetobacter baumannii , Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli resistant. Despite this problem, the pharmaceutical industry's interest in the investigation of new antimicrobial drugs has decreased due to a number of factors: pharmaceutical company mergers, the little benefit of these drugs, because they are usually short-term treatment and resistance may develop rapidly, and costly regulatory barriers that must be overcome for a drug is approved.

Another serious problem is the drug trials in this field: we have to recruit people who are infected but not necessarily with the bacteria to the group targeted by the medication, so this may affect the results of efficacy. However, Piddock believe that this drawback can be overcome by using evidence to identify the pathogen that causes infection and accurate eliminating those who are not infected with the bacteria under study.

To overcome these barriers the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, along with other agencies have launched an action plan antimicrobial. Piddock as an example what they are doing that organizations like GAVI and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which vaccines have been distributed worldwide success.

Drink so much after a race? Wrong

LONDON - Almost half of joggers drinking too much during the race. The 36.5 percent of runners introduces the liquid according to a regular schedule, or to maintain a certain body weight, while 8, 9 percent more than it can actually drink. But it is not true, as many still believe, that when you run, the more you drink the better. A study led by researchers at Loyola University Health System, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine , showed that the athletes have still not very clear ideas on this subject and are unaware of the fact that the excess of liquid exposed to the risk of damage health potentially even fatal, for example in the case, rare but possible, to cause injury to the brain to an excessive reduction of sodium in the blood. Yet, according to researchers, more than enough to trust your sense of thirst.

THE STUDY "At the inquest online responded almost 200 athletes contacted personally by e-mail or through flyers distributed in three different races," Winger said Dugas, who led the research. "The 58 percent drink only when thirsty but still high percentage of those that do not follow this natural urge." And the reason for not drinking more is not aware of the risks linked to excessive dilution of the salts in the blood, but in 7 of 10 cases only the fear of gastrointestinal disorders caused by excess fluid. Until the late sixties, athletes were advised not to drink during exercise, since it was believed that the ingestion of liquids alter athletic performance. Later, as a result of scientific studies, passed the idea that all the fluids lost during what they should be reinstated, perhaps adhering to a schedule. "It is no coincidence that in our investigation this belief was more deeply rooted among the runners on in years," added Dugas.

We make too many unnecessary abortions?

MILAN - The medical care is never too much, especially when it comes to diagnosing spontaneous interruption of pregnancy. It is the argument of four studies published recently in the journal Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology , according to which one must not give up too soon, coming to conclusions, before the appearance of a miscarriage in the first weeks of gestation.

THE STUDY - Researchers from Imperial College and Queen's University of London, in collaboration with the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium, have analyzed the criteria currently recommended by U.S. guidelines, Canadian and Anglo-Saxons on the diagnosis of early abortion: This is basically using ultrasound to assess the good performance of the pregnancy based on the detection and measurement of the heartbeat of the embryo and the structure that contains it, the room ovulate. The conclusions to which researchers have come not so reassuring, however: according to them, the standards set by international guidelines to recognize a pregnancy, "stopped" would have been derived from studies of poor quality, done on a small sample of women. Moreover, despite the modern ultrasound techniques now available to specialists, the measurements on which the diagnosis of miscarriage would be subject to a certain degree of inaccuracy. The trump card for obstetricians and sonographers to avert the danger of error, however, would be to go beyond a single test, but to repeat the ultrasound at a distance of at least seven days, to be sure to distinguish an early abortion by a pregnant that instead of still likely to continue.

NO ALARMS - And in our country, the fear of misdiagnosis is legitimate? To reassure the Italian expectant mothers is Dario Paladini, President of the Italian Society of Ultrasound Obstetrics and Gynecology (SIEOG), which states: "The guidelines of our scientific societies have always recommended a second ultrasound a week apart," says the ' expert. "The SIEOG has always been very interested in defining the diagnostic criteria for saying that pregnancy is spontaneously broken: Repeat the inspection after seven days from the examination leading to suspicion that the miscarriage ensures that attitude of care and prudence that we believe necessary and removes any possibility of mistake. "

The super bacteria threaten Europe

BRUSSELS - There are concerns of both exotic viruses that look from time to time horizon and those of influenza pandemic that could give rise to far more serious than H1N1, but in Europe there are already 25,000 infections that are the dead ' years and against which even modern medicine, with all its technology and its pharmacological armamentarium, it turns out helpless are the diseases by microorganisms resistant to antibiotics, a threat which no longer involves only the sick in hospital.

DATA- The data presented yesterday in Brussels, on the occasion of the Day to raise awareness for the proper use of antibiotics, by Marc Sprenger, Director of the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC), are disturbing. The warning covers the range of organisms but also the increase in Italy of strains of antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. In itself, the bacterium is a common cause of respiratory infections and urinary tract, but it becomes very threatening when not responding to medicines. "In Italy is growing significantly the proportion of infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae that you can not heal even with the carbapenem group of drugs, medicines to be administered into a vein, in a hospital setting, which is a bit 'in the last resort these cases, "explained the expert. Until 2009, the problem seemed confined to Greece, where more than half of Klebsiella isolated in the laboratory had these characteristics, in Italy there were only sporadic reports little more than, less than 5% of the total. But in a few months these resistances have spread like wildfire, so much so that, in 2010, patients who do not even responded to this treatment so aggressive they were between 10 and 25%. The germ can be transmitted from one patient to another by medical staff, when this does not meet the necessary hygiene standards, but may be present, without giving any problems, even outside the hospital.

STORIES- This is the case of a Norwegian lady, whose story was told at the meeting organized by the European Commission to present their new action plan to combat the threat posed by these infections. Lill-Karin had a car accident during a trip to India, where he was operated on and probably contracted the dangerous micro-organisms through a contaminated catheter. When back in Norway was controlled, as all patients from abroad: a system that allows for the Scandinavian countries to monitor the situation. The screening allowed it to recognize right away the presence of antibiotic-resistant germs, which housed the woman without showing signs of infection, but that she could be transmitted to family members: the patient was immediately isolated and subjected to a treatment that can be toxic but in this case I managed to eradicate the germ. "We are accustomed to think of the antibiotic-resistant infections as susceptible to extreme cases only the elderly or compromised in terms of health, perhaps hospitalized in intensive care," says the expert of international renown. "Instead, even a young woman who undergoes a cesarean delivery may be exposed to these risks, if the medical staff is not sufficiently thorough."

CAUSES- But why in the Mediterranean countries, Greece and Italy in mind, these infections are so common? "The first explanation lies in the excessive and inappropriate antibiotic" says Sprenger. "The countries where the problem of resistance is more common are those in which these drugs are consumed more, probably because of cultural reasons: the mistaken belief that these drugs, however, serve better and to treat conditions such as colds and flu first that Instead, it is caused by viruses, are not susceptible to antibiotics. " Use them when not in use, inadequate dosages or for extended periods of time than prescribed by your doctor only serves to select, among all host bacteria in our bodies, those few items randomly mutated to be resistant, so that proliferate undisturbed without having to compete with others, destroyed by drugs. Part of the responsibility, however, must also go to doctors who prescribe them too lightly, pharmacists who sell them without prescription, to veterinarians and farmers who use them in an improper way to keep animals healthy and promote growth, a practice forbidden in Europe by 2006. A significant role, with regard to nosocomial infections, also may have poor sanitary conditions that are still found in some structures, the superficiality with which doctors and nurses observe the recommendations of hygiene or lack of personnel required to cut also on the time for washing hands repeatedly. But the resistance may also depend on the presence of genes able to destroy or inactivate the drug itself and that have the character to be transmitted directly from one bacterium to another. The presence of a few resistant elements is therefore sufficient to arm the other germs before harmless against antibiotics is the case of the gene called NDM-1 ("Metal beta-lactamase New Delhi", the city where for the first time it was isolated). And because germs do not need a passport to cross the frontiers, we must find another way to locate and neutralize them.

Millions suffer from hearing loss due to loud music

For many years it was believed that the hearing loss was mainly due to aging, however, that thought is now in gainsaid. This as a new report published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that more than 48 million Americans ( 1 in 5) over 12 have problems hearing in both ears in large part because of the way they hear the music.

As reported by CNN , although both genetics and an aging persna could have a role in the condition, the new findings show that exposure to certain environments can also be the cause of the condition.

An example is the use of headphones in excessive volumes, as the very high sound waves affect the signals to the brain . Hearing loss is gradual and people with increased susceptibility will be those most affected by it. To avoid the damage that loud music can cause ear, experts recommend that people be careful with the volume they hear devices such as MP3 . For this, they should never spend half (57.5 decibels) of sound that are able (115 decibels) to use as a little more (85 decibels) and there is a risk for deafness.

Here the artificial heart that you control via the Internet

A new generation artificial heart, controllable via the Internet, which allows you to monitor, in real time and distance, the patient's condition and operation of the pump that supports the heart sick. It 'was implanted for the first time in Italy at the Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano (I) by a team led by Ettore Vitali, head of the Cardiovascular Department. The patient, a gentleman of 65 years of Novara, ran a check in these days is well and returned home to his normal activities.

SEND DATA VIA THE INTERNET - The console that comes with this "artificial heart" (more correctly VAD, Ventricular Assist Device) allows the patient to connect to a computer to download the data and transmit them via the Internet. "This allows the monitoring physician at a distance - Vitali said -. It allows specialists to view real-time health status of the patient detecting pump parameters, monitoring the blood flow , the power used and the speed of the turbine. " The pump that is implanted at the apex of the left ventricle (subjected to greater load because it distributes the blood throughout the body, while the right supplies only the lungs) and re-entering the blood empties into the aorta, the main part of a system that includes a cable with the external batteries and a console that doubles as a charger for the batteries. Small , both to fit in your hand , light - weighs only 100 grams - and reliable, this VAD is a ventricular assist device for mechanicalsupport the ailing heartrestoring normal hemodynamic conditions and the proper blood supply to peripheral organs. Is more a hope for patients with heart failure . Not only a bridge to transplantation, but a solution that can ensure a good quality of life.

IMPLANTED IN 18 PATIENTS ONLY - To date, the artificial heart was implanted with telemetry in 18 patients worldwide who were enrolled in a clinical trial undertaken at the centers of cardiac surgeryBerlin and Brussels . Humanitas is the first Italian hospital to enter into this trial. Last February, just at Humanitas implanted the artificial heart was the smallest in the world. The patient in whose breast beats the next-generation VAD has had a complex medical history: the severe deterioration of heart failure would have required a heart transplant, however, prevented by the presence of a tumor. <The VAD implantation - Vitali says - the only solution was to allow the patient to recuperate after a long period of heart failure and a state of health that will permit a subsequent treatment of cancer. " It 'already being studied further evolution of this device. "Quick - says Dr. Vital - there will be a new console, equipped with a SIM transmit data continuously without need, as now, the base. It will always be in communication anywhere there is a cellular network. "

Gb, physicians: banning smoking in cars

LONDON - Smoking in the car should be illegal, not only for safety reasons, but especially for the high concentration of toxins to which passengers are exposed, with particular attention to the elderly and children. This is the opinion of the British Medical Association (BMA) has asked the government to introduce a ban. According to studies by the BMA, the levels of toxins in a car where smoke can be 23 times higher than a bar.

Children are particularly at risk because they absorb more harmful substances of adults and their immune system is not as developed. For the elderly, however, smoking can cause respiratory problems. Both categories, elderly and children, could find themselves in the situation could not refuse a ride in a car driven by a smoker, making them particularly vulnerable. "The United Kingdom has taken a huge step forward in the fight against smoking by banning smoking in all public places, but we can do even more," said Vivienne Nathanson, BMA head of one, adding: "We ask the British government to do the bold and courageous step of introducing a ban on smoking in private vehicles "( source: Reuters ).

The "Achilles heel" of prostate cancer

A recent study published in Cancer Discovery claims to have identified a weakness, an "Achilles heel" of some prostate tumors . According to the authors, this weakness may be the target of new treatments for neuroendocrine prostate cancer, the most lethal subtype of the disease.

Mark Rubin, Weill Cornell Medical College (USA), explains that while less than 2% of men with prostate cancer have this type of tumor, other more common variants, such as prostate cancer, could also become a neuroendocrine prostate tumor, whose prognosis would be grim.

"This is a very lethal prostate cancer . This study is the largest of its kind, and shows that we may be able to treat this disease so aggressive. "

Inhibitor

Rubin's team analyzed the sequence of RNA samples from seven types of neuroendocrine prostate cancer, 30 prostate adenocarcinomas and five benign prostate tissue samples. They found that genes and MYCN are overexpressed AURKA and expanded by 40% of neuroendocrine prostate cancers and 5% of prostate adenocarcinomas.

It has also seen that treatment with a new inhibitor PHA-739358 stopped the growth of neuroendocrine tumors . The role of PHA-739358 has been studied in prostate tumors before without success, although in most cases not been analyzed in neuroendocrine cancers.