Monthly Archives: December 2016

Being overweight might protect against osteoporosis and fractures but poses risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and Type 2 diabetes. Moreover, the strategies indicated to obtain weight loss result in loss of bone mass. Menopausal women undergoing weight management are at utmost risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Signe Soerensen Torekov, et al in their recent study (published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism) demonstrated that liraglutide (GLP-1 analogue) with its appetite-inhibiting effects brought effective weight loss.

Additionally, it prevented bone loss instead increased bone formation marker levels in blood along with controlling blood sugar levels compared to diet-induced weight loss in women. Liraglutide is indicated in treatment of Type 2 diabetes, as well as now approved for treatment of obesity. The authors claim that liraglutide is a wonder drug as it can induce weight loss, enhance new bone formation, prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of CVD and Type 2 diabetes.

Skin disorders (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, chronic venous leg ulcers) including open wounds are painful and cause patients years of suffering. Cinogy in collaboration with the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology at the University Medical Center Gottingen, the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST developed a novel electric device “PlasmaDerm”, the size of pocket flashlight, which applies no thermal or cold plasma directly on the skin at room temperature. The electric field created on rendering a current of 100-230 V, converts the area between the device electrode and skin into cold plasma.

Application of plasma on skin surface ceases bacterial count while electric current boosts the skin’s microcirculation by allowing more oxygen to be delivered both of which are important in reviving wound. Researchers convey that PlasmaDerm is more effective than other therapies (UV, ozone and electrotherapy), requires less time and is proven to be safe and painless in human beings.

Delivery through cesarean section has become popular worldwide. C-section is essentially indicated to protect the mother or infant in circumstances e.g. prolonged labor, fetal distress or a breech baby. Although the WHO recommends no more than 15% C-sections, the rate is almost double worldwide with elective C-sections on the hike.

However, literature survey proclaims that babies born through C-section are prone to chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes and obesity in later life. Dr. Jan Blustein, et al (published in The BMJ) reported that in the US, about 2.13/1000 C-section babies developed Type 1 diabetes compared to those delivered vaginally (1.79/1000). About 9.5% and 19.4% C-section infants developed asthma and obesity respectively compared to 7.9% and 15.8% infants born vaginally.

Based on these evidences, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends physicians to avoid needless C-sections by encouraging longer labor and preferring nonsurgical options to enhance vaginal delivery.