Vitamin D anD schizophrenia
Vitamin D-deficient individuals are twice as likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia as people who have sufficient levels of same, according to a new study published in Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. Skin naturally produces this vitamin after exposure to sunlight. Since schizophrenia is more prevalent in high latitudes and cold climates, researchers have theorised vitamin D may be connected to the disorder. “We found that people with schizophrenia have lower vitamin D levels than healthy people,” said, Ahmad Esmaillzadeh of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.
How body reacts to Caffeine
A new Mayo Clinic study, published online by the journal Menopause, found an association between caffeine intake and bothersome hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women. Researchers conducted a survey using the Menopause Health Questionnaire, a comprehensive assessment of menopause-related health information that includes personal habits and ratings of menopausal symptom presence and severity. The study showed an association between caffeine intake and problems with mood, memory and concentration in perimenopausal women, possibly because caffeine is known to enhance arousal, mood and attention.
Correct Surgery for Thyroid Cancer
The routine use of a molecular testing panel developed at UPMC greatly increases the chances of performing the correct initial surgery by 30 per cent for patients with thyroid nodules and cancer, report researchers from the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI), partner with UPMC Cancer Center. “Before this test, about one in five potential thyroid cancer cases couldn't be diagnosed without an operation to remove a portion of the thyroid,” said lead author linwah Yip, MD, assistant professor of surgery in Pitt's School of Medicine and UPMC surgical oncologist. Cancer in the thyroid, which is located in the “Adam's apple” area of the neck, is now the fifth most common cancer diagnosed in women.
brain protein regulates metabolism
A protein that controls when genes are switched on or off plays a key role in specific areas of the brain to regulate metabolism, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have found. The research potentially could lead to new therapies to treat obesity and diabetes, since a transcription factor involved appears to influence the body's sensitivity to insulin and leptin signaling. “This study identifies critical molecular mechanisms that link the brain and peripheral endocrine tissues and that ultimately contribute to the regulation of body weight and glucose metabolism,” said Dr Kevin Williams, assistant professor of Internal Medicine .
Exercise to quit smoking
People diagnosed with depression need to step out for a cigarette twice as often as smokers who are not dealing with a mood disorder. The ones having hardest time shaking off the habit might even have more mental health issues. These insights were published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research. Quitting was found to be easier in the midst of the most basic workouts. “Our hope is that this study will continue to sensitise on the promising role of exercise in the treatment of both depression and smoking cessation,” adds first author Paquito Bernard of the University of Montpellier in France.