Researchers Create Electronic Bandage That Helps Wounds Heal Four Times Faster

A bandage that generates a gentle electrical current could help wounds heal four times faster, research suggests.The electronic device, which has yet to be named, was wrapped around the chests of rats which had a cut on their backs. Every time the rodents took a breath, an electrical pulse was generated, which was found to speed up their healing process.

This caused skin-healing cells, known as fibroblasts, to flock to the injured area, which encouraged the production of collagen and new skin cells. The study was carried out by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States (U.S.), and led by recent graduate Yin Long. Diabetic foot, leg ulcers and surgical wounds are among the skin injuries that often do not heal.

They affect more than 6.5million people every year in the US, the authors wrote in the journal ACS Nano. It is unclear how common they are in the United Kingdom (UK). Electrical stimulation to promote wound healing was first recognised in the 1960s to reduce swelling, boost blood flow and stimulate the growth of new tissue.

But it typically requires ‘clumsy electrical systems’ that can only be used in hospitals, the authors wrote. After creating the self-powered e-band, the researchers tested it on groups of rats with a 1cm cut on their backs. Other rodents wore the same band but the electrical current was ‘turned off’ – these acted as the controls.

After two days, the rats who wore the ‘turned on’ device had almost completely healed, while the control animals still had their wounds intact.
The researchers then repeated the experiment on wounds that took up the width of the animals’ backs. They found the e-band led to ‘complete closure’ of the wound within three days, while 46 per cent of the controls’ injuries were still ‘open’.

It took between 10 and 12 days for the control wounds to heal to the same extent, according to the researchers. The band also appeared to be safe, with the rodents suffering no side effects. The low level of electricity that was generated also meant the animals showed no signs of being in pain or uncomfortable.The researchers hope a similar device could one day be used to improve the appearance of chickenpox scars, acne and rosacea. They argue existing methods of promoting healing, such as bandages, dressing and oxygen therapy, are limited in their effectiveness

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High Animal Protein Diets Could Cause Early Death

While some people are concerned about not getting enough protein, a new study shows that we may have too much. The study, published in Cell Metabolism on March 4, shows that middle-aged people who eat a diet high in animal proteins from milk, meat and cheese are four times more likely to die of cancer than someone who eats a low-protein diet — a mortality risk factor comparable to smoking.

Researchers looked at 6,318 adults over the age of 50, over a span of 18 years. On average, about 16 percent of their total daily calories came from protein. Two-thirds of that amount was from animal protein. The percent of calorie intake from protein was used to categorize subjects into a high protein group (20% or more of calories from proteins), a moderate protein group (10%-19% of calories from proteins), and a low protein group (less than 10% of calories from proteins).

The study showed that those consuming high protein diets were 74 percent more likely to die of any cause within the 18-year study period than their low-protein counterparts. They were also several times more likely to die of diabetes. This risk was higher in those who got their protein from animal sources such as meat, eggs and cheese.

“There’s a misconception that because we all eat, understanding nutrition is simple. But the question is not whether a certain diet allows you to do well for three days, but can it help you survive to be 100?” study co-author Valter Longo, Edna M. Jones professor of biogerontology at the USC Davis School of Gerontology and director of the USC Longevity Institute in Los Angeles, said in a press release. “Almost everyone is going to have a cancer cell or pre-cancer cell in them at some point. The question is: Does it progress?” Longo said. “Turns out one of the major factors in determining if it does is protein intake.”

In the study, Longo and his colleagues found that foods derived from plants, such as beans and nuts, did not have the same effect on mortality as did high-protein foods from animals. The results indicate that respondents ages 50-65 consuming moderate to high levels of animal protein display a major increase in the risks for overall and cancer mortality; however, the risks may be somewhat decreased if protein does not come from an animal source. When the study controlled for the effect of plant-based protein, there was no change in the association between protein intake and mortality, indicating that high levels of animal proteins promote mortality.

“The research shows that a low-protein diet in middle age is useful for preventing cancer and overall mortality,” wrote co-author Eileen Crimmins, the AARP Chair in Gerontology at the University of Southern California, in a release about the paper.

Older subjects in the study, however, saw a different outcome from eating a high-protein diet. The researchers found that older subjects (65 years and older) benefited from a moderate to high amount of protein. In this age group in the study, higher levels of protein protected against cancer, disease and premature death.

The RDA for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram or 2.2 pounds of body weight. That means if you weigh 140 pounds, the suggested protein intake is 50.9 grams daily. According to myplate.gov a non-active female aged 31-50 requires 1800 calories daily, or 203.6 calories (9%) from protein, which qualifies as low protein.

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Tuberculosis: Stop Eating Fuku, Experts Warn Nigerians

Nigerians have been cautioned against consumption of infected animal parts especially the lungs of cow to prevent tuberculosis

Project officer, Central Abattoir Ibadan, Dr Akanbi Ibikunle gave this advice at the opening of human clinic of the central abattoir, Amosun village during commemoration of World Tuberculosis Day.

Dr Ibikunle said the disease could be contracted from animal to man through consumption of cow lung with crunchy substances called Fuku Elegusi in Yoruba language.

Dr Ibikunle noted that the infected lungs which the society regard as a delicacy would automatically infect the consumer.

“Animal parts especially the lungs that have substances like stones should not be consumed at all ” he insisted.

Dr Ibikunle also advised the public to always allow professionals to screen animals slaughtered outside abattoirs to prevent spread of TB.

In an address, chairman Central Abattoir Engineer Abiodun Ahmodu hinted that the clinic was provided to improve general health safety of citizens of the state.

Also speaking, Oyo commissioner for Agriculture, Barrister Oyewole Oyewunmi disclosed that Oyo state government was committed to ensuring that hygienic meat is being consumed by the people.

Oyewunmi added that the clinic was put in place to examine butchers to prevent transmission of diseases from animal to human beings

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Study: Dogs Can Sniff Out Cancer In Blood

Scientists in the United States (US) said dogs could accurately sniff out cancer in blood, a development that can pave the way for a new non-invasive approach of screening cancer.

This was highlighted in a new study that was presented at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology annual meeting, which held in Orlando from April 6 to 9. The study showed that dogs could use their highly evolved sense of smell to pick out blood samples from people with cancer with almost 97 percent accuracy.

Dogs have smell receptors 10,000 times more accurate than those of humans, making them highly sensitive to odours we can’t perceive, according to the study. Lead researcher at BioScentDx in Florida, Heather Junqueira said: “A highly sensitive test for detecting cancer could potentially save thousands of lives and change the way the disease is treated.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Junqueira and her colleagues used a form of clicker training to teach four beagles to distinguish between normal blood serum and samples from patients with malignant lung cancer. Although one beagle was unmotivated to perform, the other three dogs correctly identified lung cancer samples 96.7 per cent of the time and normal samples 97.5 per cent of the time, according to the study.

The beagle is a breed of small hound (dog) that is similar in appearance to the much larger foxhound. The beagle is a scent hound, developed primarily for hunting hare.

The researchers plan to use canine scent detection to develop a non-invasive way of screening for cancer. T hey also hope to determine the biologic compounds the dogs detect and then design cancerscreening tests based on those compounds.

Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), there were 17 million new cases of cancer worldwide in 2018.

The four most common cancers occurring worldwide are lung, female breast, bowel and prostate cancers. These four account for more than four in ten of all cancers diagnosed worldwide. Worldwide, there will be 27.5 million new cases of cancer each year by 2040, the WHO has projected.

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Women Who Wear Pants To Sleep May Become Infertile - Expert

A clinical microbiologist, Dr. Tony Mbume, on Sunday advised females not to sleep with their panties on, so as to keep the vagina area dry throughout the night.

He also urged women to stop wearing tight jeans, synthetic panties and leggings, to prevent vaginal infections.

According him, most Nigerian females wear synthetic pants, leggings and tight jeans in the name of fashion, without considering the health implications.

Mbume, who works with CIAGIN Medical Laboratory, Oke-Afa, Isolo, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that synthetic underwear cause the vagina to ‘overheat’, which could disrupt its ecosystem.

He said that underwear made of latex, nylon or polyester and synthetic materials could trap moisture and warmth, making the vagina vulnerable to infections.

“Synthetic panties can cause the vagina area to overheat and this can sometimes cause burning sores, itching or irritate the sensitive skin, as well as causing blisters.

“The friction caused by walking in tight pants and jeans can irritate the skin, resulting in the formation of blisters,’’ he said.

Mbume said vaginal burning and itching are usually accompanied by discharge and bad odour.

He further said that such infections could be dangerous if left untreated, as it might lead to infertility due to damage of the reproductive organs.

The microbiologist, however, recommended cotton underwear, to ventilate the vagina and eliminate infections, adding that wearing cotton underwear helps to keep the vagina free of excessive moisture and allows the area to breathe.

“Use cotton menstrual pads too. Cotton absorbs excess moisture and removes buildup heat from the area. It is the only material that can become stronger when wet and is easily sterilised after use.

“Avoid sleeping with pants at night, to keep the vagina area dry throughout the night,’’ he said.

Mbume said that the vagina should be protected from any form of diseases.

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5 Dental Treatments To Enhance Your Smile

Article By Penelope Andersan

Our smiles mean a lot to us. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, roughly 50% of adults think that a smile is the most most memorable feature after meeting someone for the first time. In the age of social media, there are plenty of tools out there to brighten and adjust our smiles in photos, but they can’t fix dental issues IRL. The good news is that cosmetic dentistry is more advanced (and popular) than ever and can give you a picture perfect smile in everyday life.

They are are different, cosmetic and medical dentistry are connected. “Everything that I do to restore function to the teeth and their surrounding structures is done in a cosmetic and aesthetic fashion,” Los Angeles cosmetic dentist Anjali Rajpal, DDS says. “With the materials we have today, decayed or worn teeth can be reconstructed with natural looking materials that also are highly functional.”

Here are five procedures that can help achieve a megawatt smile.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

When it comes to our smiles, most of us fixate on the color of our teeth. Teeth whitening, also known as teeth bleaching, is a quick way to enhance their appearance by removing stains and discoloration and brightening teeth.

While there are at-home kits, they are not as effective as working with a dentist. The over-the-counter, one-size-fits-all kits have a lower concentration of bleach and do not deliver strong enough results for some people. Teeth can turn yellow for many different reasons and each require their own call to action. A dentist will be able to find the right approach to get those whites pearly.

The overall process of teeth bleaching is quick and painless. First, a dental hygienist will clean your teeth and gums to remove any particles and bacteria that could interfere with the bleaching process. Next, the dentist will cover the gums to protect them and, after applying the whitening solution, will use a UV light to activate the bleach solution. This process may be repeated a few times until the desired whiteness is achieved. There are a number of different teeth whitening brands that offer in-office treatments, like Philips ZOOM, Brite Smile, or LumaLite, which with their own subtle differences.

Many patients only require one session of bleaching, but the number of sessions depends on the initial color of your teeth. Most teeth whitening lasts for about six months to two years, depending on diet and lifestyle, and typically run from $500 to $1,000.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding repairs decayed or chipped teeth, closes gaps, or changes the shape of teeth. The treatment works by applying a durable plastic resin to the tooth. A special light is then applied to harden and bond the resin, which is the same color as the teeth, leaving an improved smile that looks natural. The entire process depends on how many teeth you are bonding, but on average, it takes 30 to 60 minutes per tooth.

Dental bonding makes for a quicker and less expensive alternative compared to other cosmetic dental procedures like veneers or crowns. It is also a good option for those who do not want to compromise the structure of their original teeth. However, dental bondings are less stain- and chip-resistant. With that in mind, they can be better for temporary fixes rather than long term solutions. To get the most out of dental bonding, avoid habits like fingernail biting or pen chewing and never chew ice or other hard foods.

Depending on location and person, dental bonding typically runs from $100 to $400. Dental insurance can sometimes fully or partially cover dental bonding, especially if it is accident related.

Enamel Shaping

Like dental bonding, enamel shaping (also known as enameloplasty) is a relatively quick and easy fix for small chips, uneven enamel, and irregular tooth shape. Unlike dental bonding, enamel shaping is permanent since the process, which is also known as stripping or slenderizing, involves removing small amounts of enamel.

Before commiting to enamel shaping, you should set up a consultation with your dentist to assess the thickness of your teeth’s enamel. If the enamel is too thin, you may not be a suitable candidate for the procedure and may want to consider dental bonding or veneers instead. The overall procedure is quick and involves your dentist using a sanding disc or paper to smooth out and recontour the teeth. Because some of the enamel is being stripped, the dentin is more exposed and can make your teeth more sensitive to heat and cold.

Enamel shaping is one of the most inexpensive ways to improve your smile and typically runs from $50 to $250.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers, also referred to porcelain veneers or dental laminates, are an ideal option for those looking to fix chipped, misaligned, or irregularly shaped teeth and adjust spacing. The veneers are very thin custom made shells, made from resin or porcelain, that cover the whole tooth. Veneers are bonded to the front of the teeth and are dyed to match the color of your teeth. While it ultimately comes down to personal preference, porcelain is more stain resistant than resin and can reflect light off of the teeth more naturally.

Veneers are not to be confused with crowns, which are usually medically necessary, rather than cosmetic, are thicker than veneers, and require more enamel to be removed. While crowns can be used for cosmetic reasons, they are mostly prescribed for more serious issues like decay or breakage.

The overall process for dental veneers is more time consuming than dental bonding. Usually three trips to the dentist are required: an initial consultation, a visit to make the molds for the veneers, and a final visit to apply them. During the second visit, the dentist will trim off some enamel and take a mold to send to a dental laboratory to make the custom veneers. It can take up to a month to get the veneers from the laboratory, so often temporary veneers are applied in the meantime. To fix the veneers to the teeth, a special light is used to bond the cement, similar to dental bonding. Afterward, the dentist will remove any excess cement and make any final touch-up’s. Depending on specific case, a follow-up appointment may be needed.

Veneers achieve a long-lasting natural smile, but do have some drawbacks. Most importantly, getting veneers is a permanent solution. Because the enamel is removed and teeth are shaved down, the process is irreversible and some can experience heightened sensitivity to hot and cold afters they get them. Additionally, veneers are not indestructible. While they last longer than dental bonding, around seven to 15 years, they can eventually experience discoloration and chipping. They are also a larger investment and usually run around $1,000 to $2,000 per tooth.

Gum Reshaping

When it comes to enhancing your smile, most people forget that it goes beyond just teeth. Reshaping the gums can also make a world of difference. The procedure, also known as gum contouring, gingival contouring, or tissue sculpting, can even out the gum line and fix a gummy smile. There are a number of reasons why someone can have uneven gums; it could be due to genetics, health issues, or even certain medications. Gum reshaping can sometimes be medically necessary, like to cure gum recession, but it can also be done for cosmetic reasons.

Before the surgery, the doctor will draw out your new gum line directly onto your mouth and work with you to map out the desired results. Next, local anesthesia will be applied. The dentist or periodontist (gum specialist) can use different tools and processes to perform the surgery depending on your needs. Some doctors use technology like radiosurgery or lasers and others use more mechanical methods like scalpels. Depending on the structure of your teeth, sometimes it is recommended to recontour the underlying bone as well. This ensures that the results last and the gums do not grow back. The entire process typically takes one appointment.

Since gum recontouring is a surgery, it has a little more downtime than the other cosmetic procedures above. The recovery process involves taking over-the-counter ibuprofen pain relievers - but not aspirin, which can cause bleeding - and consuming only soft foods. Recovery time can depend on the method used, but pain should subside after a few days and the gums should heal within a couple of weeks. Depending on the severity of the procedure, gum reshaping can run from about $600 to $2,000.

Each treatment listed above offers its own unique benefits and for many patients, it is possible to mix and match to achieve the most desirable results. For instance, some patients combine dental bonding with enamel shaping while others get veneers along with gum contouring. Regardless of the procedure, Dr. Rajpal suggests patients always try to conserve as much as the natural tooth structure as possible.

Work with a dentist that specializes in cosmetic dentistry to come up with a game plan to achieve the perfect smile you have been dreaming of. “It is important to be treated by someone who has an aesthetic eye and who is highly trained in the latest techniques and use of materials,” Dr. Rajpal advises.

This article was sent in from AEDITION

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