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Our weight tells how we assess food

A new study reveals that our body mass index interacts with our appreciation of food characteristics

Date:: September 22, 2017
Source:: Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati
Summary:: A new study demonstrated that people of normal weight tend to associate natural foods such as apples with their sensory characteristics. On the other hand, processed foods such as pizzas are generally associated with their function or the context in which they are eaten. But that's not all. The research also highlighted the ways in which underweight people pay greater attention to natural foods and overweight people to processed foods.

A new study demonstrated that people of normal weight tend to associate natural foods such as apples with their sensory characteristics. On the other hand, processed foods such as pizzas are generally associated with their function or the context in which they are eaten.

"It can be considered an instance of 'embodiment' in which our brain interacts with our body." This is the comment made by Raffaella Rumiati, neuroscientist at the International School for Advanced Studies -- SISSA in Trieste, on the results of research carried out by her group which reveals that the way we process different foods changes in accordance with our body mass index. With two behavioural and electroencephalographic experiments, the study demonstrated that people of normal weight tend to associate natural foods such as apples with their sensory characteristics such as sweetness or softness.

On the other hand, processed foods such as pizzas are generally associated with their function or the context in which they are eaten such as parties or picnics.

"The results are in line with the theory according to which sensory characteristics and the functions of items are processed differently by the brain," comments Giulio Pergola, the work's primary author. "They represent an important step forward in our understanding of the mechanisms at the basis of the assessments we make of food." But that's not all.

Recently published in the Biological Psychology journal, the research also highlighted the ways in which underweight people pay greater attention to natural foods and overweight people to processed foods. Even when subjected to the same stimuli, these two groups show different electroencephalography signals. These results show once again the importance of cognitive neuroscience also in the understanding of extremely topical clinical fields such as dietary disorders.

Story Source:

Materials provided by Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference:

Giulio Pergola, Francesco Foroni, Paola Mengotti, Georgette Argiris, Raffaella Ida Rumiati. A neural signature of food semantics is associated with body-mass index. Biological Psychology, 2017; DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2017.09.001

Article Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/09/170922111714.htm

DOH's tips to protect yourself against the common rainy season diseases

Here's how you can prevent getting dengue, leptospirosis, cholera, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and influenza

All graphics by Raffy de Guzman/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – There are several common diseases to watch out for during the rainy season. The Department of Health (DOH) has issued advisories to help Filipinos prevent getting sick during this time.

The common diseases during the rainy season include dengue, leptospirosis, cholera, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and influenza.

“Typhoons and heavy rains may cause flooding which, in turn, can potentially increase the transmission of water-borne diseases, or diseases transmitted through water contaminated with human or animal waste,” said DOH in an advisory.

Generally, the public is advised maintain proper hygiene. The DOH said the public must drink clean water only.

“When in doubt, it is a must to wait for two minutes or longer when the water reaches a rolling boil, or chlorinate drinking water to make it safe,” said the DOH.

Food must be properly cooked, while waste should be disposed of properly. The DOH said Filipinos must wash their hands properly before and after eating as well as after using the toilet.

“When sick, consult a doctor or go to the nearest health facility at once if you, or any household member, have any sign or symptom of infection,” said the DOH.

The public is also discouraged from wading or swimming in flood waters.

Listed below are the 6 common diseases during the rainy season, their signs and symptoms, treatment, and how to avoid them:

Dengue

What is it?

An acute infectious disease caused by a bite of the aedes aegypti day-biting mosquito, which lays eggs in clear and stagnant water

Signs and symptoms:

Sudden onset of high fever which may last two to 7 days
Joint and muscle pain
Pain behind the eyes
Weakness
Skin rashes – maculopapular rash or red tiny spots on the skin called petechiae
Nose-bleeding when fever starts to subside
Abdominal pain
Vomiting of coffee-colored matter
Dark-colored stools

Treatment:

There is no known cure to dengue. The treatment depends on what symptoms the patient is manifesting. Once you notice signs of dengue, immediately go to your doctor. Dengue patients are advise to drink lots of fluid to manage the disease.
Healthy individuals aged 9 to 45 may take the dengue vaccine to avoid the disease.

How do I prevent it?

Cover water drums or pails at all times to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Replace water in flower vases once a week.
Clean all water containers once a week. Scrub the sides well to remove eggs of mosquitoes sticking to the sides.
Clean gutters of leaves and debris so that rain water will not collect as breeding places of mosquitoes.
Old tires used as roof support should be punctured or cut to avoid accumulation of water.
Collect and dispose all unusable tin cans, jars, bottles and other items that can collect and hold water.

Leptospirosis

What is it?

A disease caused by the entry of the leptospira bacteria through wounds when in contact with flood waters, vegetation, and most soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, especially rats. Has an incubation period of 7 to 10 days.

Signs and symptoms:

Fever
Non-specific symptoms of muscle pain, headache
Calf-muscle pain and reddish eyes for some cases
For severe cases, liver involvement, kidney failure or brain involvement indicated by yellowish body discoloration, dark-colored urine and light stools, low urine output, severe headache

Treatment:

Take antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
Consult your doctor early because early recognition and treatment of leptospirosis will prevent complications from the disease.

How do I prevent it?

Avoid swimming or wading in potentially contaminated water.
Use proper protection like boots and gloves when work requires exposure to contaminated water.
Drain potentially contaminated water when possible.
Control rats in the household by using rat traps or rat poison. Keep your house clean.

Cholera

What is it?

A disease caused by the vibrio cholerae bacteria, transmitted by eating food or consuming water contaminated with human waste

Signs and symptoms:

Sudden onset of frequent painless watery stools
Vomiting
Rapid dehydration like sunken eyeballs, wrinkled and dry skin

Treatment:

Replace lost body fluid by giving Oral Rehydration Solution (ORESOL) or a homemade solution composed of one teaspoon of salt, 4 teaspoons of sugar mixed with one liter of water.
If diarrhea persists, go to the hospital

How do I prevent it?

Drink only safe and clean water. If unsure, boil drinking water. Upon reaching boiling point, extend boiling for two or more minutes.
Do water chlorination.
Keep food away from insects and rats.
Wash and cook food properly.
Sanitary disposal of human waste
Use toilet properly and clean toilet every day.
Wash hands with soap after using the toilet and before eating.
Keep surroundings clean to prevent flies and other insects and rodents from breeding.

Hepatitis A

What is it?

A disease caused by eating food contaminated with human waste and the urine of persons who ares sick with hepatitis A

Signs and symptoms:

Fever
Flu-like symptoms like weakness, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, dizziness with or without vomiting
Abdominal discomfort
Jaundice may follow after a few days

Treatment

No specific medicine to cure the patient or shorten the course of illness. Infected patients must be isolated, advised to rest, take plenty of fluids,and avoid fatty foods.
Patients who fail to take fluids or are too weak to eat are sometimes admitted to the hospital for intravaneous administration of fluids and vitamins.

How do I prevent it?

Wash hands after using the toilet, before preparing food, and before eating
Dispose human waste properly.
Thoroughly cook oysters, clams, other shellfish for 4 minutes or steam them for one minute and 30 seconds.
Practice safe handling and storage of food and water.
The disease is self-limiting and may last for one to 2 weeks. Patient often recovers even without treatment.

Typhoid fever

What is it?

A disease caused by the salmonella typhi bacteria, transmitted by consuming food and water contaminated with human waste

Signs and symptoms:

Sustained high fever
Headache
Malaise or weakness
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea or constipation and abdominal discomfort

Treatment:

Take antibiotics duly prescribed by your dog.
Treatment varies depending on the symptoms of the patient.
Get the vaccine to avoid getting the disease.

How do I prevent it?

Boil water for drinking. Upon reaching boiling point, extend boiling for two or more minutes.
Do water chlorination
Cook food well and always use food cover to prevent flies and other insects from contaminating them.
Wash thoroughly all vegetables and fruits especially those that are eaten raw.
Avoid eating foods sold by street vendors.
Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating.
Keep surroundings clean to prevent breeding of flies.

Influenza

What is it?

A disease caused by the entry of the influenza A, B, or C virus into the respiratory tract, has an incubation period of one to 3 days.

Signs and symptoms:

Fever of at least 38 degrees Celsius
Headache
Runny nose, sore throat, cough, or other respiratory manifestations
Muscle or joint pains

Treatment:

Use of antiviral agents within the first two days may halt the course of influenza illness. Consult your physician regarding antiviral agents.
Paracetamol for fever. Do not give aspirin to children.
Antibiotics to be given only due to complications of influenza such as pneumonia or otitis media.
Adequate rest
Increase intake of oral fluids and eat nutritious foods

How do I prevent it?

Influenza vaccination preferably to be given anytime from February to June.
Provide separate room to a person sick with influenza.
Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing to prevent spread of the virus.
Avoid crowded places. Distance yourself from at least meter from people who are coughing or are sick with influenza.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water.

Source:– Rappler.com - https://www.rappler.com/nation/183043-doh-tips-common-rainy-season-diseases-prevention

Smartphone apps can reduce depression

Date: September 22, 2017

Source: NICM, Western Sydney University

Summary: New research has confirmed that smartphone apps are an effective treatment option for depression, paving the way for safe and accessible interventions for the millions of people around the world diagnosed with this condition.

New Australian-led research has confirmed that smartphone apps are an effective treatment option for depression, paving the way for safe and accessible interventions for the millions of people around the world diagnosed with this condition.

Depression is the most prevalent mental disorder and a leading cause of global disability, with mental health services worldwide struggling to meet the demand for treatment.

In an effort to tackle this rising challenge, researchers from Australia's National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM), Harvard Medical School, The University of Manchester, and the Black Dog Institute in Australia examined the efficacy of smartphone-based treatments for depression.

The researchers systematically reviewed 18 randomised controlled trials which examined a total of 22 different smartphone-delivered mental health interventions.

The studies involved more than 3400 male and female participants between the ages of 18-59 with a range of mental health symptoms and conditions including major depression, mild to moderate depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and insomnia.

The first of its kind research, published today in World Psychiatryfound that overall smartphone apps significantly reduced people's depressive symptoms, suggesting these new digital therapies can be useful for managing the condition.

Lead author of the paper, NICM postdoctoral research fellow Joseph Firth says this was an important finding which presented a new opportunity for providing accessible and affordable care for patients who might not otherwise have access to treatment.

"The majority of people in developed countries own smartphones, including younger people who are increasingly affected by depression," said Mr Firth.

"Combined with the rapid technological advances in this area, these devices may ultimately be capable of providing instantly accessible and highly effective treatments for depression, reducing the societal and economic burden of this condition worldwide."

Co-author, NICM deputy director, Professor Jerome Sarris highlighted the importance of the findings for opening up non-stigmatising and self-managing avenues of care.

"The data shows us that smartphones can help people monitor, understand and manage their own mental health. Using apps as part of an 'integrative medicine' approach for depression has been demonstrated to be particularly useful for improving mood and tackling symptoms in these patients," said Professor Sarris.

When it comes to the question of "Which app is best?" and "For who?," the results suggested these interventions so far may be most applicable to those with mild to moderate depression, as the benefits in major depression have not been widely studied as of yet.

The researchers found no difference in apps which apply principles of mindfulness compared to cognitive behavioural therapy or mood monitoring programs.

However, interventions that used entirely 'self-contained' apps -- meaning the app did not reply on other aspects such as clinician and computer feedback -- were found to be significantly more effective than 'non-self-contained' apps.

The authors suggested this might be due to the comprehensiveness of these particular stand-alone apps rather than the combination of therapies.

Despite the promising early results, there is currently no evidence to suggest that using apps alone can outperform standard psychological therapies, or reduce the need for antidepressant medications.

According to co-author and co-director of the digital psychiatry program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and a clinical fellow in the department of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Dr John Torous, the research is a timely and promising step forward in the use of smartphones in mental health.

"Patients and doctors are faced with a vast array of mental health apps these days, and knowing which ones are actually helpful is imperative," said Dr Torous.

"This research provides much needed information on the effectiveness of apps for depression, and offers important clues into the types of apps which can help patients manage their condition."

Jennifer Nicholas, a PhD Candidate at Black Dog Institute and co-author of the paper says with the knowledge that apps can be effective for managing depression, future research must now investigate which features produce these beneficial effects.

"Given the multitude of apps available -- many of them unregulated -- it's critical that we now unlock which specific app attributes reap the greatest benefits, to help ensure that all apps available to people with depression are effective."

###

The paper, "The efficacy of smartphone-based mental health interventions for depressive symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials" is available online at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wps.20472/full

Story Source:

Materials provided by NICM, Western Sydney University. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference:

Joseph Firth, John Torous, Jennifer Nicholas, Rebekah Carney, Abhishek Pratap, Simon Rosenbaum, Jerome Sarris. The efficacy of smartphone-based mental health interventions for depressive symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. World Psychiatry, 2017; 16 (3): 287 DOI: 10.1002/wps.20472

Article Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/09/170922090949.htm

6 Principles of Effective Mental Health Program

Six principles of an effective mental health program were presented by Dr. Anselmo Tronco, Chair, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine of the Philippine General Hospital in the Drug Addiction and Mental Health Session during the 11th Philippine National Health Research System Week celebration on 24 August 2017 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City.

1. Address stigma.
People with mental health illness confront two challenges – the syndrome of the sickness itself and the discrimination they experience from the people around them. According to WHO, stigma has negative effects to the patients as it deteriorates self-esteem, disrupts family relationships and limits patient’s ability to socialize and secure housing and jobs. People thinks mentally ill patients are violent and dangerous but in fact patients have higher tendency to hurt themselves than hurting other people. Dr. Tronco urged for mental health awareness and campaigns be included in mental health programs.

2. Create relationship with the stakeholders for mental health
Local chief executives have important role in integrating a mental health program in the community because they have the power to bring together services from the health and non-health sectors.

3. Experience a process of sharing, validation, and problem-solving

Build support groups where communities can share experience of difficulties, identify common reactions, validate good stories of coping, and facilitate plans for action. Aside from the family where patients can gather strength and resilience, community is a single most important resource for Mental Health Interventions.

4. Involve the family in the program
As partners in providing care to persons with mental disorder, families also need some form of support. Family go through immense pressure in taking care of a patient, that’s why, services such as family education and training, support, and counseling on mental health should be available and accessible to them. Like support groups for the patients, support group where family members can get opportunity to share fears and learn lessons on coping should be established.

5. Harness Community Resilience on Mental Health
Build on the successes of the mental health programs in the communities. Look at the social and cultural practices on how people in communities overcome stress and deal with the challenges of life. Harnessing community resilience also requires human resource that can effectively mobilize community services and infrastructure for mental health.

6. Grab opportunities from crisis and disasters
When disaster strikes, leaders usually listen and responds to communal pain. There are opportunities for mental health programs to highlight emotional and social needs since disasters creates a context of shared grief and recovery.

Could a green sponge hold cancer-fighting secrets?

A small green sponge discovered in dark, icy waters of the Pacific off Alaska could be the first effective weapon against pancreatic cancer, researchers said Wednesday.

Pancreatic cancer, with particularly aggressive tumors, is notoriously difficult to treat.

A small green sponge, photographed by an ROV camera, seen in the waters off the coast of Alaska.
(AFP / MANILA BULLETIN)

“One would never have imagined looking at this sponge that it could be miraculous,” Bob Stone, a researcher at the NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center, said in a briefing by phone.

Stone discovered the sponge, dull in color, called “Latrunculia austini” in 2005 while on a seabed exploration expedition in Alaska.

It lives on rocks in patches at depths of 230-720 feet (70-219m).

Lab testing has shown that several molecules in this sponge selectively destroy pancreatic cancer cells, said Mark Hamann, a University of South Carolina researcher working with Fred Valeriote of the Henry Ford Cancer Institute in Detroit.

“This is undoubtedly the most active molecule against pancreatic cancer that we see,” said Hamann. “Although there is still much work to be done, it marks the first key step in the discovery and process of developing a treatment,” he said.

Pancreatic cancer progresses slowly, a circumstance which leaves patients in a tough position as late diagnosis means little chance for successful treatment.

Patients’ chances of survival at five years for this tumor are only 14%, according to the American Cancer Society.

“I’ve looked at 5,000 sponge extracts over the last two decades,” Valeriote said. “In terms of this particular pattern of pancreatic and ovarian cancer selective activity, we’ve only seen one (other) sponge with such activity, and that was one collected many years ago in Indonesia.”

In the United States, 53,670 new cases of pancreatic cancer will be diagnosed in 2017 and more than 43,000 people will die.

Source: Manila Bulettin- Published July 27, 2017, 11:40 AM

http://lifestyle.mb.com.ph/2017/07/27/could-a-green-sponge-hold-cancer-fighting-secrets/