Wi-Fi Connected Laptop Use and Quality of Sperm leading to Decreased Fertility

Electromagnetic waves from Wi-Fi connection and heat generated from laptop when kept on the lap during use may affect the sperm quality. Testes develop from abdomen and descend down to the scrotum towards the end stage of pregnancy and permanently housed there.
The temperature inside abdomen of human is at least 1.5^o Celsius higher than the temperature inside scrotum. Scrotum effectively acts as an air-conditioner for the testes; during summer the muscles inside scrotum relax, so scrotal skin relax in an attempt to reduce heat inside and in winter muscles contract to make the scrotum more compact to preserve heat. This is the nature’s arrangement for better function of testes.

Image via Wikipedia

Heat adversely affects the function of testes and that is why, there can be low sperm count in varicocele, a condition where the blood vessels around testes and spermatic cord become engorged. So also remaining more time in hot bath tub may adversely affect the sperm quality. Using tight undergarments for longer time may also have similar effect.
The normal semen has;

1.      Quantity- 2-5 ml/ ejaculate,

2.      Number- 60-150 millions/ml,

3.      Morphology- No structural defect at least in 80-90%,

4.      Motility- More than 95%  motile,  

5.      Fructose content- 150mg%

6.      Liquefaction Time- 5 minutes.

Recently, a published news in the Reuters cites a research where it has been found that heat and electromagnetic wave from Wi-Fi connected laptop kept on lap while working can damage the sperm. They tested the sperm kept below the laptop which was in use.
They found out that a quarter of the sperm lost their motility in comparison to the semen samples stored at the same temperature away from the computer, where loss of motility was only 14 percent. Nine percent of the sperm showed DNA damage, three-fold more than the comparison samples. 
An article published in the Sciencedirect where the researchers tried to evaluate the direct impact of laptop use on human spermatozoa. They summarize that keeping a laptop connected wirelessly to the Internet on the lap near the testes may result in decreased male fertility.
The researchers hooked thermometers to the scrotums of 29 young men who were balancing a laptop on their knees. They found that even with a lap pad under the computer, the men's scrotums overheated quickly.
"Within 10 or 15 minutes their scrotal temperature reached above what we consider safe, but they don't feel it".
An earlier research has shown that warming the scrotum more than one degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) is enough to damage sperm.

Some time back, it was also in news that one man landed in burning his penis and scrotum after prolonged use keeping it on the lap.

It was reported in the Independent some years beck that radiation from mobile phones interferes with bees' navigation systems, preventing the famously home-loving species from finding their way back to their hives.
Now a limited study at Landau University has found that bees refuse to return to their hives when mobile phones are placed nearby.
Dr George Carlo, who headed a massive study by the US government and mobile phone industry of hazards from mobiles in the Nineties, said: "I am convinced the possibility is real."

The implications of the spread are alarming. Most of the world's crops depend on pollination by bees. Albert Einstein once said that if the bees disappeared, "man would have only four years of life left".
Though the real threat of electromagnetic wave on sperm quality and infertility may need further evaluation, it is always better to remain in the safe side.

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Research on Triple Negative Breast Cancer till Now

Annually, around 1.5 million women are globally diagnosed to have breast cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.

It is the second most leading cause of cancer death among American women, claiming more than 40,000 lives in 2009 alone.

Triple negative breast cancers comprise 10-20of all breast cancer cases. Women with TNBC tend to present with:

• Higher grade,
• Larger tumors,
• Younger age at diagnosis,
• Higher incidence of metastases and
• Shorter time to recurrence compared to other breast cancer types.

Certain types of proteins can be identified in certain breast cancer cells, those mediate cancerous cell growth; namely Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR) or Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2).
Breast cancers can be termed as ER ve, PR ve or HER 2 ve according to the receptor protein status; and if, none of the three is present those are classified as triple negative breast cancers (TNBC).
Neo-adjuvant treatment of TNBC with hormonal manipulation is not possible as those lack the receptor proteins.
Until recently, it has been seen that some viruses home in certain tumor cores, best suited for their replication. Those viruses effectively target the tumor tissue and not the normal tissue. So those can be used as vector to deliver drugs precisely in the tumor and achieve tumor cell death.
Many more work in this front is being taken up by the researchers. Some of those are;
1. Researchers from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City are of the opinion that triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) might respond to treatment with an oncolytic agent. Their findings were reported in the American College of Surgeons 97th Annual Clinical Congress.
They found that the genetically modified herpes virus, NV1066 may act as an effective oncolytic agent against triple-negative breast cancer.
TNBC uses mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway for its proliferation and survival; and activated (phosphorylated) MAPK signaling has been seen to mediate efficient replication of NV1066 through the deletion of the delta gamma(1)34.5 gene.
TNBC cells have high levels of phosphorylated MAPK, a protein that promotes tumor growth and contributes to resistance to current therapies. The herpes virus specifically targets the cells that over express this protein.
The researchers infected 5 different TNBC cell lines with the NV1066 herpes simplex virus. After treatment with the virus, the most sensitive cell lines demonstrated a 90cell kill rate within 1 week; the less sensitive lines demonstrated a 70cell kill rate.
In addition, sensitive cell lines expressed higher baseline levels of phosphorylated MAPK than resistant cell lines, and viral infection caused the down regulation of phosphorylated MAPK by 48 hours.
Oncolytic viruses are being studied in head and neck cancers, but this study is the first to show promise in TNBC. If additional animal studies are also positive, human clinical trials are expected.
But, the questioned remains, whether the use of an oncolytic virus can produce an immune response in the host needs to be addressed.
2. Though some medications used in receptor positive cancers have effect on triple negative cancer, still those are not fully responsive.
Scientists have found out that insulin like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R)  over expression is associated with less outside spread of breast cancer, i.e. the more is this protein the better is the outcome for triple negative breast cancer.Less IGF-1R is associated with more spread to lymph nodes.
High expression levels were also linked to longer survival rates among patients younger than 55 years.
The next step forward is perhaps to learn if triple-negative breast cancer patients benefit from targeting IGF-1R.
3. There are drugs like tamoxifen, letrozole and trastuzumab thse can block the receptors in receptor positive breast cancers, but has no action on the receptor negative cases.
There are at least four types of epidermal growth factor receptors, namely: EGFR, HER2, HER3 and HER4.
Researchers from Dublin (Ireland) have found out that TNBC expresses epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in abundance.
They targeted an enzymes called ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloprotease), those required for activation of EGFR binding proteins during the signaling process.
Gefitinib, a drug that inhibits EGFR was effective as a single drug therapy, but when put to the test along with ADAM17 inhibitor, it did not work well.
Later on the researchers tried another unnamed drug which blocks ADAM10 and ADAM17; and found good response in about 91of cases.
They also found that the treatment of TNBC cells line with this compound reduced their ability to migrate, a process that is vital for the progression of cancer.
Having found that an ADAM inhibitor can reduce the proliferation of TNBC cell lines, they hope that ADAMs may be a useful therapeutic target.
4. Progesterone is an interesting hormone which prevents endometrial cancer whereas may stimulate breast cancer growth. It has another aspect that after administration it stimulates the breast cells for growth for 24 hours; and then inhibits growth or makes the cells stand still for 3 to 4 days, technically cells remain in the borderline G and S phase.
Dr Rajan Badwe, who is now the director of Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai started the protocol of four to fourteen days pre-surgical treatment of breast cancer patients with progesterone injection be it a surgical biopsy, lump removal or both.
He is practising this protocol for about a decade now. It cuts down the chances of recurrences by 10and brings down death rate by 8as reported in the Tomes of India.
A genomic study over the next year, between the Indian government and the National Cancer Institute of the United States will look at the genomic changes that will establish just how this mechanism works its magic.
Perhaps, the days are not far away when triple negative breast cancers will respond nicely to multimodality approach of treatment; and the outcome can be as good as that is seen in breast cancers positive for ER, PR and HER2.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/updates-on-triple-negative-breast-cancer-research-and-practice-5411551.html
About the Author
Dr. Prahallad Panda, Surgeon, Paradip Port Trust, Paradip, Odisha, India. Author of free medical blog ' From A Clinician\'s Bioscope can be accessed from here' and '> To view 'Clinician On Net', go here.

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Pain below the Knee Joint over a Prominence (Osgood-Schlatters Disease) on Tibia

Frequently, adolescent males present with pain below the knee joint over a prominence on the main bone of leg, the tibia. Some parents become apprehensive about it. 

 

The prominence over the tibia is called tibial tuberosity, where the main ligament, the patellar ligament that of the major thigh muscle of thigh called quadriceps femoris is attached. The part is usually prominent a little than the adjacent area, but sometimes it becomes more prominent, painful while walking and painful to applied pressure.

This a form of traction epiphysitis named as Osgood-Schlatters disease. Some rest to the part and simple analgesics usually resolve it.

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Causes of Diabetic Foot Complications and Its Management

Diabetics very commonly experience foot problems in a variety of forms. Most of the expected complications can be averted by careful foot care. If complications do occur, proper care can ensure satisfactory outcome, if detected earlier. Self foot care is a good habit, so also essential.

Image via Wikipedia, Charcot Deformity and Plantar Ulcer

DIABETES AND FOOT COMPLICATIONS
Diabetics especially if, in a uncontrolled state are prone for various types of foot complications;

• Athlete's foot (a fungal infection),
• Callosities,
• Bunions,
• Foot deformities like flat foot (Collapsed Arch),
• Ulcers,
• Gangrenes or
• Bone infection (Osteomylitis)

Various causes are put forth for the complications;

1. Poor circulation: prolonged high blood sugar can damage blood vessels, called macroangiopathy and microangiopathy that decreases blood flow to any organ including the foot. This poor circulation can impair nutrients reaching the skin and consequently weaken the skin; which contribute to the formation of ulcers and impaired wound healing. High levels of sugar in the bloodstream encourages bacterial and fungal infections to set in and complicate ulcers.
2. Diabetic patients have poor immunity and their white blood cells (WBC) do not reach at the site of infection at right time and in right number; what is termed as impaired chemotaxis of WBCs.
3. Nerve damage (neuropathy): Elevated blood glucose levels over time can damage the nerves of the foot, sensory ones first, decreasing a person's ability to feel pain and pressure. Without these sensations, accidental injuries to skin, soft tissue, bones and joints go unnoticed.
4. Myopathy (Muscle Injury) along with neuropathy, over time can damage bones and joints dramatically to alter the shape of the foot, such as making foot flat (Collapsed arch) that creates fresh and unusual pressure points in foot; which are prone for injury and ulceration.

Foot examination;
People with type 1 diabetes for at least five years should have their feet examined at least once a year. People with type 2 diabetes should have their feet examined once per year.
During a foot exam, a healthcare provider should check for poor circulation, nerve damage through nerve conduction tests, skin changes, and bony deformities. An examination should include tests to reveal different motor reflexes mediated through nerve and muscle coordination and tests to analyze the ability to sense pressure, vibration, pin pricks, and changes in temperature.
Poor circulation —Some simple clues can point to circulatory problems. Poor pulses, cold feet, thin or blue skin, and lack of hair signal that the feet are not getting enough blood.
Nerve damage — Nerve damage may lead to unusual sensations in the feet and legs, including pain, burning, numbness, tingling, and fatigue. Patients should describe these symptoms if they occur, including the timing, if the feet, ankles, or calves are affected, and what measures relieve the symptoms.
Nerve damage may cause no symptoms as the foot and leg slowly lose sensation and become numb. This can be very dangerous because the person may be unaware that they have improperly fit shoes, a rock or other irritant in a shoe, or other problems that could cause damage.
Skin changes — Excessive skin dryness, scaling, and cracking may indicate that circulation to the skin is compromised. Other skin changes may include healed or new ulcers, calluses, and broken skin between the toes.
Deformities — The structure and appearance of the feet and foot joints can indicate diabetic complications. Nerve damage can lead to joint and other foot deformities. The toes may have a peculiar "claw toe" appearance, and the foot arch and other bones may appear collapsed. This destruction of the bones and joints is called Charcot arthropathy
Prevention of foot problems:

• Controlling blood sugar level:
• Quiting smoking — Smoking can worsen heart and vascular problems; and reduce circulation to the feet.
• Foot care is important,

1. Prevent injuries to foot--avoid walking barefoot, using a heating pad or hot water bottle on the feet; and stepping into the bathtub without testing the temperature.
2. Use care when trimming the nails — toe nails need to be trimmed in a straight line outside the nail bed, not in a semicircular manner; which may encourage in-growing of the toe nails, a condition where corners of nail bury into the tissue below and may cause sepsis. File the nails to remove any sharp edges. Not to cut the cuticles nor open blisters; rather better to take help of a healthcare provider or podiatrist for seemingly minor problems.
3. Washing and checking feet daily before going to bed —feet to be cleaned with lukewarm water and mild soap; dried with soft cloth and a kept soft by a moisturizing cream or lotion.
4. Entire surface of both the feet is to be checked for skin breaks, blisters, swelling, or redness. Special care is to be taken to see the area between and underneath the toes where damages might be hidden; a mirror or a family member can be of great help in this regard.
5. Choosing socks and shoes carefully — Cotton socks that fit loosely are better and should be changed every day. Select shoes that are snug but not tight, and break new shoes in slowly to prevent any blisters. Prefer for customized shoes if the feet are misshaped; which reduce the chances of developing foot ulcers in the future. Shoe inserts may also help cushion the step and decrease pressure on the soles of the feet.

TREATMENT OF FOOT PROBLEMS WITH DIABETES
The treatment of foot problems depends upon the presence and severity of foot ulcers.

• Treatment of superficial ulcers (involving only the top layers of skin) usually needs cleaning; removal of dead skin and tissue (debridement) by a healthcare provider.
• If the foot is infected, antibiotics will be required. The patient (or someone in his or her household) should clean the ulcer and apply a clean dressing twice daily. The patient should rest the foot having ulcer as much as possible. The foot should be kept elevated when sitting or lying down to reduce the swelling. The ulcer should be checked by a healthcare provider at least once a week to assess the progress.
• Ulcers that extend into the deeper layers of the foot, involving muscle and bone, usually require hospitalization. More extensive laboratory testing and x-rays may be required to plan the treatment, Surgery may be necessary to remove infected bone or to place a cast on the foot to take pressure off the ulcer.
• If part of the toes or foot become severely damaged, causing areas of dead tissue (gangrene), partial or complete amputation may be required. Amputation is reserved for patients who do not heal despite aggressive treatment, or whose health is threatened by the gangrene. Untreated gangrene can be life-threatening.
• Some patients with severe foot ulcers and peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation) may require a procedure to restore blood flow to the foot.

NEW TREATMENTS
New treatment options include;

• Synthetic wound dressings,
• Grafting of skin grown in a laboratory,
• substances that stimulate healing and support the growth of infection-fighting cells,
• electrical stimulation, and
• exposure to elevated oxygen levels.

For people with diabetes, foot complications are an ever-present risk. However, it is possible to design a plan for keeping the feet as healthy as possible. While routine medical exams are important, everyday foot care plays the biggest role in preventing foot complications before they start.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/disabilities-articles/foot-problems-in-diabetic-and-its-care-5389836.html

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Bacteroides fragilis may be Associated with Colon Cancer

Working with lab cultures and mice, Johns Hopkins scientists have found that a strain of the common gut pathogen Bacteroides fragilis causes colon inflammation and increases activity of a gene called spermine oxidase (SMO) in the intestine. The effect is to expose the gut to hydrogen peroxide – the caustic, germ-fighting substance found in many medicine cabinets -- and cause DNA damage, contributing to the formation of colon tumors, say the scientists.

Image via Wikipedia; Colonoscopic view of Cancer ColonIt is a normal resident of gut flora, which houses trillions of species of microbes and is a gram-negative rod. It is linked to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD causes polyps and predisposes person to colon cancer. It also causes diarrhoeal diseases and abscess formation in other organs.
Normally, it remains in the lumen of the gut, but when comes in contact with the cell lining causes diseases.
Apart from this pathogen, other microbes like Listeria monocytogenes and helicobacter jejuni are also being studied for possible association with colon cancer.








Published in MedicalXpress;
Common bacteria cause some colon tumors by altering peroxide-producing gene

Related articles

• Tape Worm Drug may Inhibit Colon Cancer Spread (clinicianonnet.blogspot.com) 
• How Intestinal Microbes may Cause Inflammatory Bowel Disease

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More Activity than Just Routine Exercise Required to Beat Cancer

Now-a-days, more people are likely to spend most their time sitting in a day. They either go for some exercise or take excuse for duration of work in their office. Many also find out time for regular exercise for sometime in  a day and spend rest of time idle before a computer or TV.
It is seen that mere routine exercise of 45 minutes or 1 hour per day may not be just sufficient to curb chance of catching cancer or other diseases related to sedentary lifestyle.

Remaining active for greater chunk of a day is the key to prevent many diseases like cancers of the breast, endometrium, ovaries, prostate and testes; hypertension and diabetes.
Many previous research has shown the relationship between physical inactivity and cancer. A 2002 study found that physical activity appears to lower levels of biologically available sex hormones, which could lead to decreased risk of hormone-related cancers, including cancers of the breast, endometrium, ovaries, prostate and testes.
The National Cancer Institute suggested that physical activity may lower levels of insulin, which in turn improves the body's immune response and prevents tumor development.
 Image via Wikipedia
Excessive insulin in the body may up-regulate insulin like growth factor (IGF) that facilitates tumor formation and suppress many pathways responsible for tumor suppression. Excessive sex hormones may initiate cancers like that of breast and ovary.
Even small works like switching/tuning TV manually without use of remote control, standing, walking up the stairs without using lift/elevators, reaching out to the colleagues in office and responding to phone calls in standing/walking can help.
Let us try to be active most of the time and not just be satisfied with the routine daily exercise to prevent many diseases.

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