Hey there! We’re trying out a Sunday Edition this week. Here’s a quick run down of the highlights!

The Full Panel delivers the latest medicine & health news in a nutshell. 🥜

If you needed another reason to wash your hands...🧽

Gist: Candida auris (C. auris), a fungus posing an urgent antimicrobial resistance threat, spread rapidly in U.S. healthcare facilities between 2020-2021, according to data published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Nitty-Gritty: The number of cases resistant to echinocandins, the top recommended anti-fungal treatment, tripled in 2021. C. auris generally doesn't threaten healthy individuals but poses risks to those who are seriously ill or frequently visit healthcare facilities.

Since first reported in the U.S. in 2016, the fungus has seen a rapid rise in cases, particularly during 2020-2021. Several factors contribute to this increase, including poor infection prevention practices, enhanced detection efforts, and healthcare system strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Big Picture: The CDC emphasizes the need for continued surveillance, expanded lab capacity, quicker diagnostic tests, and adherence to proven infection prevention and control measures. In 2022, similar concerns were  reported by Health Canada here.
Original article: here.

Earlier detection for bladder cancer 🔬

Gist: A study by researchers from France, Iran, and the United States has found that testing for genetic mutations in urine can detect bladder cancer up to 12 years before symptoms appear.

Nitty-Gritty: Bladder cancer is one of the top ten most common cancers, with over 200,000 cases in the EU each year (see Canada’s stats here). Early detection significantly improves survival rates. The study used the UroAmp test, which identifies mutations in 60 genes, and focused on mutations within just ten genes. The test accurately predicted future bladder cancer in 66% of participants, and was accurately negative in 96% of those who would not develop the disease. If validated in larger cohorts, the test could enable routine screening for high-risk groups and reduce the need for invasive procedures.

Big Picture: As per the authors of this study, it is unlikely that this test may be used for mass screening, however, it can improve detection rates in those with symptoms, like blood in the urine, and reduce the need for cystoscopy and other invasive procedures used for bladder cancer diagnosis. We hope that technology like this can expand to other areas of medicine and health.
Original article: here.

Get Yo steps in! 🐾

Gist: A study examining the association between sitting time and excess weight in Latin America found that higher sitting times correlated with increased neck circumference and excess weight by body mass index. The research found that participants who reported sitting for ≥8 hours/day had higher odds of excess weight as evaluated by body mass index and neck circumference.

Nitty-Gritty: The study aims to verify the association between different cut-points of sitting time and excess weight, adjusting for physical activity. The study included a final sample of 7,995 participants aged between 20 and 65 years. The research found that sitting time is a factor for excess weight and other chronic conditions, regardless of the level of physical activity. The study suggests that reducing sedentary behaviour could be an essential strategy to combat the increasing prevalence of excess weight and related health issues.

Big Picture: Try to set reminders either on your phone or smart watch to stand up and move around for a bit. While you’re at it, don’t forget to get a glass of water or tea, research has shown the importance of staying hydrating. And, if you drink more fluids, then you’ll also move more as you will have to go to the bathroom 😉
Original article: here.

Life Finds a Way 🦕

Gist: Researchers studying stray dogs in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone found significant genetic differences between two populations living near the former nuclear power plant and Chornobyl City, indicating they rarely interbreed. This study aims to understand how chronic exposure to environmental hazards, such as radiation, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals, impacts these distinct populations, potentially offering insights into the genetic impact of environmental disasters on humans and other animals.

Nitty-Gritty: Researchers from Columbia Mailman School of Public Health and North Carolina State University are investigating the genetic impact of the 1986 Chornobyl nuclear disaster on two distinct populations of dogs that managed to survive in the toxic environment. Using DNA samples, the researchers identified 391 outlier regions in the dogs' genomes that differed between those living at two separate locations. Some of these markers are associated with genetic repair after exposures similar to those experienced by the Chornobyl dogs.

Big Picture: By understanding whether the genetic changes detected are a response to the exposures the dog populations have faced, researchers hope to learn how the dogs survived and what this could mean for any population exposed to similar conditions—-Although, we hope no one ever has to experience such an event again.
Original article: here.

Secrets from an old lock of hair .🎶

Gist: Researchers analyzed DNA from Ludwig van Beethoven's hair to investigate his health issues, such as progressive hearing loss and gastrointestinal problems. Although they found no definitive cause for these ailments, they discovered significant genetic risk factors for liver disease and evidence of a hepatitis B infection, which likely contributed to his death.

Nitty-Gritty: These findings, along with his known alcohol consumption, provide plausible explanations for Beethoven's severe liver disease, which eventually led to his death. Additionally, the analysis revealed that Beethoven's Y chromosome doesn't match that of five modern-day relatives, suggesting an extramarital event in his paternal line. 😶

Big Picture: No big picture. Just interesting, right?
Original article: here.

Beyond text with the Rich Roll podcast: Importance of Exercise, Nutrition, Sleep and the accumulation of fat around your organs.

In this particular snippet of this podcast’s episode, the guest, Dr Peter Attia, discusses the top things we can all focus on for greater longevity. Click above to hear more in this 2 minute segment!

Interested in previous newsletters or other articles we’ve written? Check them out here at: thefullpanel.com

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