Author Archives: support

Cinnamic acid demonstrates potential for paving a new path in the development of hair growth treatments

Hair plays a pivotal role in shaping societal perceptions and our identity. As such, hair loss, also known as alopecia, can lead to profound emotional turmoil, including heightened anxiety and a significant decrease in life quality for those affected. Drug therapy is often the first line of treatment sought by individuals experiencing alopecia. While there are medications available that can alleviate some symptoms of alopecia, they are not without side effects, and their effectiveness varies considerably across individuals.

This highlights the urgent need for more effective treatments. In this context, groundbreaking research conducted at Yokohama National University in Japan on the role of oxytocin in hair growth has emerged as a beacon of hope. Oxytocin, a naturally occurring hormone, has shown a potential to promote hair growth in human hair follicles. However, the direct application of oxytocin is impractical due to its molecular size, which hinders skin absorption and its rapid breakdown in the body.

In a pivot towards finding a viable solution, researchers have explored the efficacy of cinnamic acid. This small molecule is not just capable of enhancing the expression of oxytocin receptors, but it also holds the potential to transform the lives of those affected by hair loss. By facilitating the entry of oxytocin into the system and promoting the expression of genes associated with hair growth in human dermal papilla cells, cinnamic acid could be the breakthrough we’ve been waiting for. These cells, found within the hair follicles, play a crucial role in hair growth. The study’s findings, which underscore the potential of cinnamic acid in activating oxytocin receptor expression, have sparked interest in the development of hair growth products that leverage this mechanism. Junji Fukuda, a professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University, and the study’s corresponding author highlighted the significance of these findings in potentially advancing hair care solutions.

Published on February 27 in the journal Scientific Reports, the study initially explored how oxytocin could upregulate gene expression related to hair growth in dermal papilla cells. Despite oxytocin’s unsuitability for topical application, the observable effects on hair growth gene expression were too significant to disregard. This led to a focus on cinnamic acid, which could enhance oxytocin’s hair growth effects by acting within the signalling pathway.

Experiments on dermal papilla cell cultures with varying concentrations of cinnamic acid revealed a dose-dependent increase in oxytocin receptor expression and hair growth-related gene expression at concentrations below 500 μg/mL. Tatsuto Kageyama, the study’s first author and an assistant professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University, underscored these findings.

The researchers also developed hair folliculoids as a novel and scientifically rigorous approach to test new hair growth treatments. These folliculoids, created from cells derived from multiple hair follicles, allow for the generation of reliable data by exposing a known variety of cells to the treatment. Although these folliculoids do not produce mature hair, they do develop hair shaft-like structures, which showed a 1.25-fold increase in length when exposed to cinnamic acid. This finding closely mirrors the hair growth effects observed with oxytocin in previous studies, further validating the potential of cinnamic acid in promoting hair growth.

Future research, a collaborative effort, will focus on in vivo studies with mice to assess the transdermal application’s efficacy, dosage requirements, and potential side effects of cinnamic acid. The discovery of cinnamic acid as a critical agent for promoting hair growth opens new avenues for enhancing hair growth treatments. Furthermore, understanding the oxytocin signalling mechanism’s role in promoting hair growth offers valuable insights into hair care science and accelerates the search for new therapeutic targets in drug discovery. Kageyama’s remarks underscore the transformative potential of this research in the field of hair care and treatment development, as well as the shared excitement and commitment among the research team.

More information: Tatsuto Kageyama et al, Cinnamic acid promotes elongation of hair peg-like sprouting in hair follicle organoids via oxytocin receptor activation, Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55377-y

Journal information: Scientific Reports Provided by Yokohama National University

Dementia patients from rural and minority backgrounds encounter unequal access to neurology specialists

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Diagnosing dementia is a complex and prolonged journey for many, with individuals from specific racial or ethnic backgrounds and those residing in non-urban areas encountering extra hurdles, reveals a research initiative spearheaded by scholars at Washington State University.

This investigation, which scrutinized the data of almost 95,000 inhabitants of Washington state, discovered that those situated in remote locales, alongside Native American and Hispanic populations, are required to travel greater distances to consult neurology experts. The disparity in access, as pointed out by the researchers, likely leads to diagnosis delays. Such postponements can escalate the costs associated with care, diminish the potential for maintaining cognitive abilities, and adversely affect the quality of life for those living with dementia.

Solmaz Amiri, the principal investigator of the study and a member of the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine and the Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health (IREACH), emphasized the growing necessity for medical professionals adept at addressing the needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions, particularly as diagnoses increase. Highlighting the additional challenges faced by rural and minority groups in accessing care, Amiri underscored the importance of comprehending these barriers to facilitate improved dementia care outcomes.

The research, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, analyzed death records from 2011–2021 in Washington state, identifying individuals with Alzheimer’s or similar dementias. The study revealed significant differences in the proximity to neurologists, with urban dwellers living an average of 9 miles away, compared to much longer distances for those in suburban, small-town, and rural areas. Additionally, it was found that Native American and Hispanic individuals had to travel considerably farther to see a neurologist compared to other racial groups.

Amiri noted the increasing need for dementia patients to access neurologists as the condition progresses, highlighting how even seemingly short distances can pose significant obstacles. The findings of this research could guide the strategic placement of medical resources, including neurology practices and educational programs for medical students, to mitigate disparities in dementia care.

Proposed solutions to address these gaps include leveraging telemedicine and mobile health services for rural populations and enhancing the training of rural primary care doctors in dementia care. That comes against a backdrop where most primary care physicians, despite often providing dementia care, report inadequate training in this domain.

The study also acknowledged that barriers to care access were not examined due to data limitations, such as insurance coverage issues and appointment wait times. It highlighted cultural factors that may deter certain racial groups from seeking care, particularly among Black individuals, who, despite living closer to neurologists, face significant disparities in dementia diagnosis and outcomes, potentially due to historical mistrust in the healthcare system.

Looking forward, the researchers aim to deepen their understanding of how various factors, including access to physicians and community characteristics, impact dementia outcomes. They plan to conduct further studies focusing on these aspects.

More information: Solmaz Amiri et al, Racial, ethnic, and rural disparities in distance to physicians among decedents with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in Washington State, Alzheimer s & Dementia. DOI: 10.1002/alz.13756

Journal information: Alzheimer s & Dementia Provided by Washington State University

Community mental health nurses stationed in GP surgeries assist in enhancing patient well-being

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A recent study by Staffordshire University has shed light on the impact of community mental health nurses stationed at GP surgeries in enhancing patient outcomes. This investigation delved into the anonymized records of over 1,500 individuals accessing a primary care mental health service in North Staffordshire, United Kingdom. This research initiative aligns with an NHS strategy aimed at transitioning community mental health teams from the conventional model of secondary care service to becoming integral components of multidisciplinary primary care teams. These teams are centred around doctor’s practices catering to smaller communities.

One pivotal element contributing to this seamless integration is the adoption of a unified IT system. This system is crucial in ensuring that patients experience a coordinated treatment journey. It is supported by comprehensive training sessions dedicated to all mental health professionals. These sessions cover the usage of various clinical IT systems and provide insights into the diverse roles within the team. Over three years, the study observed patients receiving specialized psychological interventions from mental health nurses for various mental health conditions.

The findings of the study are pretty revealing:

– Patients reported significant improvements in their mood and anxiety levels before and after receiving treatment, highlighting a noteworthy enhancement in both symptom severity and overall functioning.

– A striking 92% of participants remained under the care of the primary care mental health service throughout their treatment, alleviating the demand for secondary care mental health services.

– Among those employed, 67% could return to their jobs from statutory sick pay, and 5% of the unemployed participants found employment by the end of their treatment journey.

– Notably, 4% of the patients were able to discontinue their psychotropic medications, considering those who commenced medicines during the study period as well.

Dr Mark Kenwright, the lead researcher, pointed out the innovative approach of integrating community mental health nurses with physical healthcare practitioners within primary care settings. This integration establishes a unified access and assessment point for all mental health issues. Despite the lack of substantial evidence or guidelines on the execution of such integration or the effectiveness of mental health nurses in these environments, this study marks a significant step in documenting the positive impacts of this model.

Dr. Kenwright expressed his surprise at the considerable improvements observed in patients, attributing the success to the model’s capability to overcome the barriers often presented by different service providers and accountability lines within multidisciplinary primary care teams.

The study also highlights the challenges posed by the UK’s shift towards ‘practice-based commissioning’, a framework that allows primary care physicians to commission services for their practices from various providers. This has led to a competitive scenario among three mental health worker roles within primary care: mental health nurses employed directly by GP practices, psychological therapists commissioned through the ‘Improving access to psychological therapies’ program, and mental health nurses provided by NHS mental health trusts.

Dr. Kenwright emphasized the importance of patients being able to communicate their distress to a single professional, who can then guide them towards the most appropriate, evidence-based treatment. He noted the difficulty in achieving this streamlined process within the current NHS system but stressed that the research demonstrates the potential for successful integration. This, in turn, can empower community mental health nurses to provide critical treatments that significantly propel patients towards recovery and markedly enhance their well-being.

More information: Mark Kenwright et al, Effectiveness of community mental health nurses in an integrated primary care service: An observational cohort study, International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2024.100182

Journal information: International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances Provided by Staffordshire University

Sex-specific blood biomarkers associated with memory alterations in middle-aged adults: The Framingham Heart Study

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Dementia is a collection of symptoms characterized by a deterioration in cognitive functions such as memory, language, reasoning, and the ability to perform daily activities. This condition can be caused by various factors, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular complications, injuries to the brain due to trauma, and other health-related issues. Although advancing age is considered the primary risk factor, evidence suggests that women are at a higher risk of developing dementia. While cognitive changes with ageing are observed in both sexes, significant differences in the biological processes contributing to cognitive decline are seen between men and women.

Recent research conducted by the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and School of Public Health has uncovered specific blood biomarkers – notably lower levels of adiponectin (a hormone secreted by adipose tissue) and elevated fasting blood glucose levels – that are associated with more rapid memory decline in middle-aged individuals. Two biomarkers, elevated HbA1c and plasma insulin levels, have been found to correlate with quicker memory deterioration over time in women, but this association was not observed in men.

The disparity in dementia risk between genders, besides being attributed to differences in life expectancy, may also be linked to a variety of factors, including socio-economic risk elements, inflammation, reproductive indicators, and levels of the amyloid β protein42 (Aβ42). Hence, identifying blood biomarkers with varying connections to cognitive changes among men and women is essential for a deeper understanding of dementia’s root causes and for devising effective preventive measures, as pointed out by Huitong Ding, PhD, a Postdoctoral Associate at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.

Leveraging data from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS), the team examined numerous blood markers and their relation to memory and cognitive shifts in 793 middle-aged participants, employing various statistical techniques for their analysis. In a forward-looking cohort study, this study marks the inaugural sex-specific examination of blood biomarkers and their association with memory alterations during midlife.

The research findings underscore a pressing need in the field of dementia prevention. It is crucial to shift our focus to cardio-metabolic risks and to authenticate biomarkers specific to midlife. These biomarkers could expedite the creation of primary prevention strategies, a point emphasized by Chunyu Liu, PhD, a professor of biostatistics at the Boston University School of Public Health and co-corresponding author. The study aims to pioneer the development of precise preventive strategies targeting cardio-metabolic risks associated with memory changes in middle age. By doing so, they aim to avert cognitive decline, thereby enhancing individuals’ health and quality of life throughout their lifespan.

More information: Huitong Ding et al, Sex-specific blood biomarkers linked to memory changes in middle-aged adults: The Framingham Heart Study, Alzheimer s & Dementia. DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12569

Journal information: Alzheimer s & Dementia Provided by Boston University School of Medicine

Do scientists react more swiftly than Google Trends in addressing COVID-19 topics? An innovative method for analysing textual big data

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In a groundbreaking development, a recent publication in Health Data Science, a partner journal of Science, introduces a sophisticated analytical framework. This framework, designed to navigate the extensive textual realm associated with COVID-19, incorporates keywords derived from Google Trends and abstracts from the WHO COVID-19 database. It offers a unique and detailed comprehension of the dynamic discourse surrounding the pandemic.

Throughout the crisis, research has been pivotal in shaping effective policy. However, tools like Google Trends frequently need to pay more attention to the intricate details that scholarly research captures. By comparing Google Trends data with academic articles, the study sheds light on the scope and intensity of scientific discourse on COVID-19 topics about public interest.

Benson Shu Yan Lam, an Associate Professor at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, emphasizes the study’s aim to examine the promptness and interconnectedness of these information sources, determining whether Google Trends can effectively indicate emerging public concerns or if scholarly discussions offer more immediate and thorough insights.

Amanda Man Ying Chu, an Assistant Professor at The Education University of Hong Kong, made a notable discovery: the academic community has precedence in tackling COVID-19 issues. Academic abstracts initiated discussions on these topics before they became prominent in Google Trends searches, providing deeper insights invaluable for policy development.

The research introduces the Coherent Topic Clustering (CTC) technique, a novel text-mining method that efficiently categorizes significant phrases from extensive research abstracts. This technique surpasses BERTopic, a modern deep-learning model, in identifying relevant themes.

Looking ahead, Mike Ka Pui So, a Professor at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, envisions a promising future for this analytical framework. He anticipates extending its application beyond health science to include financial news analysis. This potential expansion underscores the framework’s ability to integrate qualitative and quantitative insights, marking a significant advancement in the field of financial analysis.

Reflecting on the study’s broader implications, Professor So discusses the potential for combining various data types and integrating textual analysis with traditional numerical data sets to enhance financial analytics. This approach illustrates the research’s interdisciplinary possibilities, offering new pathways for comprehensive analysis across different fields.

The study’s findings reveal that research abstracts addressed the majority of COVID-19 topics before Google Trends highlighted them and offered a more comprehensive examination of these issues. That could significantly aid policymakers in recognizing the central issues related to COVID-19 and enable them to respond more promptly. Furthermore, the clustering technique more accurately captures the principal themes of the abstracts compared to a recent sophisticated deep learning-based approach to topic modelling. The academic community engages with COVID-19 topics more rapidly than Google Trends.

More information: Benson Shu Yan Lam et al, Do Scholars Respond Faster Than Google Trends in Discussing COVID-19 Issues? An Approach to Textual Big Data, Health Data Science. DOI: 10.34133/hds.0116

Journal information: Health Data Science

An insufficient number of caregivers for an excessive number of patients is a detrimental mix for the elderly in rural regions

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The surge in the elderly population across the Western world, propelled by the ageing of the baby boomer generation, is a phenomenon that Norway, too, is experiencing. The country anticipates a significant rise in its elderly demographic, coinciding with a probable decline in healthcare professionals available to cater to their needs. Over the past two decades, Norway has seen an increase of 40,000 individuals in its population over the age of 80, while the cohort aged 67-79 has expanded by 37.9% in just the last decade. Over the coming 20 years, projections estimate an additional 250,000 Norwegians will surpass 80.

This looming ageing crisis has been on the horizon for years, yet Norway seems to need to catch up with adequate preparations. Recent studies have highlighted that older individuals residing in rural areas face higher mortality rates when they are released to municipalities that are already stretched thin. Those over 70 years old living in areas with populations under 10,000 are at particular risk.

The study encompassed over 350,000 elderly individuals and was led by Gudrun Maria Waaler Bjørnelv, an associate professor of Health Economics at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Bjørnelv, alongside her colleagues from NTNU, St. Olavs Hospital, the Trondheim Municipal Authority, and SINTEF, investigated the emergency department admissions of Norwegians aged 70 and above from 2012 to 2016, amounting to around 350,000 people. These seniors accounted for nearly 900,000 emergency admissions during the study period, with the research team tracking their outcomes for 30 days post-admission.

The findings revealed that nursing and care services facing high pressure led to increased mortality among older adults under their care, particularly in smaller municipalities. A ‘small municipality’ was characterized by a population of less than 10,000, which, as per Statistics Norway, encompassed 70% of Norwegian municipalities in 2016, home to 17% of the population.

Contrary to previous assumptions that smaller municipalities could manage better due to fewer hospital discharges, the study found these areas more susceptible when the demand for nursing and care services exceeded their capacity. Bjørnelv highlighted the vulnerability of small municipalities to fluctuations in healthcare demand, emphasizing the urgent need to scrutinize municipal services.

The study’s methodology involved assessing the pressure on municipalities based on their capacity to accommodate patients discharged from hospitals. Municipalities unable to accept their discharged residents promptly or provide for their care are under pressure, indicated by the buildup of patients awaiting transfer from hospital care.

This research calls for an in-depth examination of municipal services to better understand the impact of such pressures. Questions arise about the feasibility of discharging patients directly to their homes, the potential benefits of extending hospital stays for the elderly from overburdened municipalities, and the best patient outcomes under these circumstances. Bjørnelv advocates for immediate action to delve deeper into the consequences of municipal pressures and find viable solutions for the well-being of the elderly population.

More information: Gudrun Bjørnelv et al, Mortality and subsequent healthcare use among older patients discharged to a municipality with excess demand for elderly care, Nordic Journal of Health Economics. DOI: 10.5617/njhe.10145

Journal information: Nordic Journal of Health Economics Provided by Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Studies show a connection between menstrual cycles, emotions, and sleep patterns in women

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New research indicates that women report significant sleep disturbances and increased feelings of irritability in the days leading up to their menstruation. This study brings to light the intricate connections between menstrual cycles, emotions, and sleep patterns in women.

Dr Jo Bower, a distinguished co-author of this study from the University of East Anglia’s School of Psychology, has played a pivotal role in shedding light on the complex relationship between menstrual cycles, emotions, and sleep. Her insights underscore the profound impact of hormonal changes on women’s health and well-being, emphasizing the necessity of tailoring healthcare to address women’s sleep health and emotional needs.

The study involved a cohort of 51 healthy women aged 18 to 35, all of whom had regular menstrual cycles and were not using hormonal birth control. The research team employed ecological momentary assessment (EMA), a method that allowed participants to provide daily reports on their sleep quality and emotional states. In addition, the participants wore sleep/wake tracking watches to monitor their sleep patterns over two menstrual cycles, providing a comprehensive view of their sleep health.

Findings from the study revealed significant links between the phases of the menstrual cycle, emotional well-being, and sleep quality. Notably, women experienced more sleep disruptions during the days leading up to and during menstruation (the peri-menstrual phase), characterized by increased time awake at night and decreased sleep efficiency. Additionally, during this phase, women reported heightened anger. They reduced positive emotions such as calmness, happiness, and enthusiasm, suggesting a potential influence of menstrual cycles on susceptibility to insomnia and mental health issues.

Dr. Bower further stresses the importance of acknowledging hormonal fluctuations when treating sleep disorders and emotional distress in women. The study’s implications extend beyond academic settings, offering potential strategies for improving women’s sleep quality and emotional resilience.

However, the researchers acknowledge certain limitations to their study. Data collection occurred between May 2020 and January 2021, making it challenging to fully assess the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the findings. While pandemic-related stress did not appear to alter the results significantly, its overall effect on participants’ emotional states and sleep patterns remains uncertain.

Overall, this study underscores the significance of considering menstrual cycles in addressing sleep disturbances and emotional well-being in women, contributing valuable knowledge towards enhancing global health outcomes.

More information: Jessica M. Meers et al, Interaction of sleep and emotion across the menstrual cycle, Journal of Sleep Research. DOI: 10.1111/jsr.14185

Journal information: Journal of Sleep Research Provided by University of East Anglia

Biological age disparity and increased mortality rates associated with social isolation

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Recent research conducted by the Mayo Clinic has uncovered that individuals experiencing social isolation exhibit signs of accelerated biological ageing and face a higher likelihood of mortality from various causes. Published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Advances, the study underscores the vital role of social connections in maintaining physical health and extending life expectancy. It advocates for including social integration as a crucial element among the social determinants of health.

The study embarked on an exploration of the impact of social engagement on the biological ageing process by analyzing the relationship between the Social Network Index and the age disparities predicted by AI-enabled electrocardiograms (AI-ECGs) among over 280,000 adults who sought outpatient care from June 2019 to March 2022. To qualify, participants must complete a health determinants questionnaire and possess AI-ECG records that were not part of the study, dated within a year.

Utilizing an AI-ECG model formulated at the Mayo Clinic, researchers estimated the biological ages of participants and compared these to their chronological ages. The AI-ECG’s age prediction indicates the heart’s biological condition: a higher age gap signals faster ageing, and a lower one suggests a deceleration in the ageing process.

The assessment of social isolation was conducted through the Social Network Index, which incorporates six questions covering various aspects of social interaction, such as involvement in social groups, frequency of social activities, communication habits, religious service attendance, in-person gatherings, and relationship or cohabitation status. Responses to these questions were scored to reflect degrees of social isolation.

Findings revealed that higher Social Network Index scores indicated that individuals with robust social networks demonstrated narrower AI-ECG age gaps across all demographics. Moreover, the status of one’s social network was found to have a significant effect on mortality risk. Throughout a two-year follow-up, about 5% of participants passed away, with those presenting low social index scores (of 1 or less) experiencing the highest mortality risk.

Although most participants were non-Hispanic white, the research identified health disparities among different racial groups. Non-white participants generally showed more significant average age gaps compared to their white counterparts, particularly among those with weaker social networks.

Dr Amir Lerman, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist and the study’s senior author, highlighted the study’s illumination of the crucial nexus between social isolation, health, and ageing. He emphasized that social isolation, when combined with certain demographic and medical factors, poses a significant risk factor for expedited ageing. However, Dr Lerman also pointed out the potential for behavioural changes, such as increased social interaction and healthier lifestyle choices, to significantly enhance overall health.

More information: Nazanin Rajai et al, Association Between Social Isolation With Age-Gap Determined by Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Electrocardiography, Journal of the American College of Cardiology. DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.100890

Journal information: Journal of the American College of Cardiology Provided by Mayo Clinic

Implementing obligatory regulations for indoor environments would lead to significant improvements in the health and efficiency of individuals globally

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There is a pressing need for government bodies and organizations to urgently establish, enact, and uphold standards for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). While outdoor air has traditionally been the focus of regulatory efforts, the fact that people in developed nations now spend over 90% of their time indoors has shifted the spotlight to indoor air quality. This shift is not without reason, as indoor air quality has a significant and long-lasting impact on our health. The severity of the situation is underscored by the direct transmission route of tiny airborne particles from the lungs into the bloodstream, which can trigger a host of diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored the role of indoor air in pathogen spread, making the need for IAQ standards even more urgent.

The authors suggest that initiating regulatory measures should target pollutants that are not only straightforward to measure but also signify more significant health risks. PM2.5, the fine airborne particles, are mentioned as fitting these criteria. Due to its health implications, monitoring carbon monoxide (CO) levels is also deemed essential, particularly in developing economies. Furthermore, elevated indoor CO2 levels can indicate overcrowding and insufficient ventilation, raising the potential for pathogen spread. Enhanced ventilation filtration and cleaning technologies are recommended to counteract this. Mechanical ventilation is necessary in cities with poor outdoor air quality. Meanwhile, the authors emphasize the importance of choosing the right ventilation system, like displacement ventilation for schools and personal ventilation for offices, stating that merely opening a window is insufficient.

Implementing IAQ standards faces multiple challenges, including the complexity of indoor air quality monitoring due to varying room uses and unpredictable pollutant levels. Human respiration is a primary source of indoor pollutants, adding to the complexity. Additionally, introducing new regulations is often met with resistance from industries that would incur additional costs or need to adjust strategically. The authors point to the nightlife industry’s current ventilation standards, which fall significantly short of the World Health Organisation’s recommendations for infection prevention. The economic, cultural, and political ramifications of IAQ standards in certain regions are acknowledged, indicating that compromises may sometimes be necessary.

Despite the challenges, this publication asserts that the benefits of establishing IAQ standards far outweigh the drawbacks. The evidence is clear-air pollution has dire consequences for both the economy and public health. The active involvement of the authors in research and advocacy to combat these effects, along with their numerous contributions to initiatives and committees, is a testament to the potential of IAQ standards. This Science publication is a significant milestone in the collective efforts of Bluyssen, Boerstra, and their 37 colleagues, advancing technology, conducting air quality research, and promoting IAQ standards. It marks a pivotal step in public health and safety advocacy, instilling hope for a healthier and safer future.

More information: Lidia Morawska et al, Mandating indoor air quality for public buildings, Science. DOI: 10.1126/science.adl0677

Journal information: Science Provided by Delft University of Technology

A study suggests that loneliness may be more detrimental than smoking, alcoholism, and obesity, indicating that primary care clinicians could provide solutions

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Loneliness is identified as a significant biopsychosocial stressor that carries a risk of mortality comparable to the consequences of smoking over 15 cigarettes daily. This condition is found to be more detrimental than alcoholism, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. However, there remains a scarcity of interventions to bridge the gap between individuals’ desired and actual levels of social interaction.

In groundbreaking research conducted by the Regenstrief Institute and the Indiana University School of Medicine, scientists Monica Williams-Farrelly, PhD, Malaz Boustani, M.D., MPH, and Nicole Fowler, PhD, MHSA, have uncovered evidence highlighting the crucial role primary care clinicians can play in fostering and sustaining personal connections for patients grappling with loneliness.

The research unveiled that 53 per cent of older adults within the primary care framework report feelings of loneliness. This condition significantly diminishes their quality of life, both physically and mentally. Dr Williams-Farrelly, the study’s lead author, a research scientist at Regenstrief, and an assistant research professor at IU School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of primary care physicians in screening for loneliness among their patients. She advocates for a proactive approach in questioning patients about their social interactions in the same meticulous manner inquiries are made about smoking habits or blood sugar levels, followed by offering practical solutions to combat loneliness.

Dr. Williams-Farrelly also urges primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals to provide their patients with resources to address this critical issue. This call to action gains further significance in light of the U.S. Surgeon General’s May 2023 initiative to combat the loneliness epidemic, marking the topic’s growing relevance.

Dr. Fowler, the study’s principal researcher and a senior author, stresses the importance of this research in identifying and advocating for effective interventions for older adults experiencing loneliness in primary care settings. She suggests that primary care clinicians should initiate discussions about loneliness with their patients and provide them with resources to cultivate meaningful social connections. Dr. Fowler, a Regenstrief research scientist and an associate professor and director of research at IU School of Medicine, highlights the Circle of Friends concept as a potent intervention. This model, which is a three-month, group-based psychosocial rehabilitation program, aims to enhance interaction and friendships among participants, demonstrating efficacy in reducing loneliness and improving various health outcomes, including subjective health, cognition, mortality, and healthcare costs.

The study’s findings, gathered during the COVID-19 pandemic, point to a pre-pandemic upward trend in loneliness among older adults, which has only worsened. Dr Williams-Farrelly remarks on the complexity of loneliness, noting its emergence as a significant issue even before the pandemic. The enforced social isolation due to national lockdowns exacerbated the situation, underscoring the need for effective screening and resource provision by primary care professionals to help older adults navigate the challenges of maintaining and developing social relationships amidst life changes such as retirement, divorce, or loss of family and friends.

More information: Monica M. Williams-Farrelly, Nicole R. Fowler et al, Loneliness in older primary care patients and its relationship to physical and mental health-related quality of life, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18762

Journal information: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society Provided by Regenstrief Institute

The initiation of puberty at an earlier age might be a mechanism through which risk factors experienced during childhood influence cardiometabolic health in adulthood

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A study released on March 27, 2024, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Maria Bleil and her team from the University of Washington, USA, suggests that the earlier onset of puberty relative to peers of the same age may serve as a conduit through which risk factors encountered in childhood impact health related to the heart and metabolism in later life.

Childhood adverse conditions are often associated with deteriorating health outcomes during adulthood. Although many theoretical frameworks exist to explain how adverse childhood experiences might lead to changes that, while possibly beneficial in coping with immediate stress, pose long-term health risks, the role of puberty as a critical transitional phase bridging childhood and adulthood is often overlooked. This phase is particularly vulnerable to the child’s surrounding environment. Factors such as ethnicity (notably, Black and Latina girls tend to enter puberty earlier than White girls), the mother’s age at her first menstruation, rapid weight gain in infancy, obesity in childhood, socioeconomic challenges, strained parent-child relationships, and other stressful life events are commonly linked with an earlier start of puberty.

In their research, Bleil and her colleagues analyzed the timing of puberty and its health implications within a group of women who were part of the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. This longitudinal study tracked children and their families from birth through adolescence (1991-2009) and then again in adulthood from ages 26 to 31 (2018-2022), aiming to capture comprehensive social, behavioural, and health status data. Their analysis, which included data from 655 women, demonstrated that a delay in puberty (marked by later breast development, growth of pubic hair, and the first menstrual cycle) was associated with a reduced risk of cardiometabolic issues in adulthood. These puberty milestones also mediated the influence of various factors on adult cardiometabolic risk, including the mother’s age at first period, ethnicity, BMI percentile, and socioeconomic status during childhood.

While the study outlines predictive links between early-life risk factors, the timing of puberty, and cardiometabolic risks in adulthood, it stops short of establishing causality. Nonetheless, the findings provide robust longitudinal evidence supporting the critical role of puberty onset in the nexus between early-life exposures and cardiometabolic health later in life. The research suggests that interventions aimed at the timing of puberty could enhance health outcomes for girls at risk. The authors are hopeful that future research will not only corroborate these findings but also delve deeper into understanding the dynamics of the relationships they have highlighted.

In their own words, the study authors emphasize the significance of pubertal timing in females as a critical mechanism through which early-life risk factors, such as body mass index before puberty and socioeconomic standing, affect cardiometabolic health in later years. They argue that consideration and, where appropriate, intervention in pubertal development and timing could be crucial strategies to bolster cardiometabolic health.

More information: Maria E. Bleil et al, Pubertal timing: A life course pathway linking early life risk to adulthood cardiometabolic health, PLoS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299433

Journal information: PLoS ONE Provided by PLOS

Outlook for improved management of neuropathic pain

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Intense pain that radiates to the face or teeth can cause severe distress for sufferers. This condition, known as trigeminal neuralgia, is recognized as one of the most severe forms of chronic nerve pain. Patients experience episodes of pain triggered by simple actions such as shaving, applying makeup, bathing, speaking, brushing teeth, or even a breeze. The root cause is often linked to irritation of the trigeminal nerve, which is crucial for transmitting sensory information from the face, certain areas of the scalp, and the mouth.

Nevertheless, a new hope has emerged for those affected by this condition. A substance that has recently undergone testing shows promise in reducing the pain to bearable levels. This is based on the optimistic outcomes of a phase II international study, which saw participation from the Center of Dental Medicine at the University of Zurich.

One of the significant advancements is the reduction of adverse side effects. Pain signals are transmitted to the brain by activating sodium channels within the nerve cell membranes. The sodium channel known as “1.7” is particularly active in nerves that carry pain signals, with increased activity correlating to more intense pain. Traditionally, blocking this channel, for instance, through a local anaesthetic, can prevent the transmission of pain signals. In cases of trigeminal neuralgia, it is believed that nerve damage occurs near the base of the skull, a region difficult to target with injections, making oral medication necessary.

The substance BIIB074 in the study targets the sodium channel 1.7 state-dependently. That means it blocks the channel more effectively the more active the channel is. This approach contrasts with treatments that block the channel regardless of activity, often leading to significant side effects. According to Dominik Ettlin, a dental specialist at UZH, “BIIB074 has shown not only to be effective but also to have a significantly better tolerance in patients, without the common side effects like fatigue and concentration issues associated with conventional drugs.” He added that further testing on a larger scale in the following study phase would be crucial to confirm if this new treatment offers a more effective solution for managing pain.

More information: Joanna M Zakrzewska et al, Safety and efficacy of a Nav1.7 selective sodium channel blocker in patients with trigeminal neuralgia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised withdrawal phase 2a trial, The Lancet Neurology. DOI: 10.1016/S147-4422

Journal information: The Lancet Neurology Provided by University of Zurich