Smileband Health issues

Emphysema, also known as chronic obstructive lung (pulmonary) disease, or COPD, refers to a group of diseases characterized by narrow, obstructed, or destroyed airways within the lungs. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, in 2003, nearly 11 million adults were afflicted with COPD. 

Emphysema is one type of COPD. In emphysema, air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs are damaged. The damage results in permanent "holes" in the lung tissue. These holes trap air in the lungs, and also cause the lung tissue to become less elastic and distended, like an overused rubber band. 

The pressure from the distended areas of the lung compresses the nearby healthy lung tissue. This makes it difficult to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide when exhaling. 

Symptoms of emphysema include cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty tolerating exercise. As the disease progresses, patients with emphysema may require supplemental oxygen and eventually rely on mechanical respiratory assistance. Severe emphysema can lead to respiratory failure and death. 

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Alcohol's Effects on the Body

Drinking too much – on a single occasion or over time – can take a serious toll on your health.  Here’s how alcohol can affect your body:

Brain:
Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways, and can affect the way the brain looks and works. These disruptions can change mood and behavior, and make it harder to think clearly and move with coordination.  

Heart:
Drinking a lot over a long time or too much on a single occasion can damage the heart, causing problems including:

• Cardiomyopathy – Stretching and drooping of heart muscle
• Arrhythmias – Irregular heart beat
• Stroke
• High blood pressure  

Research also shows that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol may protect healthy adults from developing coronary heart disease.

Liver:
Heavy drinking takes a toll on the liver, and can lead to a variety of problems and liver inflammations including:

• Steatosis, or fatty liver
• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Fibrosis
• Cirrhosis

Pancreas:
Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can eventually lead to pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels in the pancreas that prevents proper digestion. 

Cancer:
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of developing certain cancers, including cancers of the:

• Mouth
• Esophagus
• Throat
• Liver
• Breast

Immune System:
Drinking too much can weaken your immune system, making your body a much easier target for disease.  Chronic drinkers are more liable to contract diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis than people who do not drink too much.  Drinking a lot on a single occasion slows your body’s ability to ward off infections – even up to 24 hours after getting drunk.

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Alzheimer's disease is caused by immune cells in the brain triggered by inflammation, according to a breakthrough discovery. The new research could lead to the development of a drug that treats or even prevents the condition within five years, say scientists.

Experiments found destroying specific cells - known as microglia - reduced the formation of clumps of amyloid beta that form in Alzheimer's and destroy memory.

These are the rogue proteins believed to lie at the root of the devastating neurological illness.

Human trials of all therapies have failed in the past. Most have targeted the amyloid plaques that build up in the brains of patients.

The German team say the breakthrough is exciting as it sheds fresh light on a classic hallmark of Alzheimer's. It also offers hope of an effective medication aimed at the 'microglia' cells - instead of amyloid-beta itself.

Prof Michael Heneka and colleagues say the amyloid beta plaques are fuelled by inflammation.

In Alzheimer's patients these proteins collect together - leading to cell damage and confusion.

For years inflammation has been suspected of having a role but the exact nature of its involvement has been hard to pin down - until now.

The researchers found the microglia release specks of a protein called ASC in response to it. They stick to the amyloid beta protein - boosting its production.

Prof Heneka, of the University of Bonn, Germany, said this may even occur in the very early stages of Alzheimer's.

In tests an antibody that blocked ASC from binding to amyloid beta stopped it from forming into damaging clumps.

The study published in Nature found this worked in live mice as well as cells grown in the laboratory.

ASC reside in a vital inflammatory pathway called the NLRP3 inflammasome which damages brain cells.

Prof Heneka said: 'In patients with Alzheimer's disease, deposition of amyloid-beta is accompanied by activation of the innate immune system and involves formation of ASC specks in microglia.'

These bind rapidly to amyloid-beta and increase the formation of clumps. He said ASC specks have been visualised in the brains of patients who died from Alzheimer's.

He said: 'The patho-physiological link between inflammasome responses and amyloid-beta plaque spreading suggests pharmacological targeting of inflammasomes could represent a novel treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Mice genetically engineered to lack the NLRP3 gene that produces ASC showed much less amyloid-beta in the brain - and performed better on spatial memory tasks.

Antibodies to ASC - which prevent the specks from binding to other proteins - also suppressed the formation of amyloid-beta clumps.

Speaking from Germany, Prof Heneka said: 'The hope would be to interfere with disease progression and spreading of pathology by counteracting or interfering with the NLRP3 inflammasome or ASC specks.

'I would hope - given it is possible to develop a safe and brain penetrant NLRP3 inhibitor - this could be tested in the next five to 10 years from now.'

His lab had previously shown mice lacking the protein NLRP3 are less likely to develop clumps of amyloid-beta - suspected of lying at the heart of Alzheimer's.

Prof Heneka said: 'Spreading and disease progression is absent in the state of the art model of disease spreading.

'If animals carry a genetic knockout for ASC one would hope blocking ASC speck formation holds therapeutic potential.'

Professor Richard Ransohoff, a cell biologist at Harvard Medical School, Boston,

reviewed the study for the journal and said the identification of specific chemicals in plaque formation is 'extremely welcome.'

They 'could accelerate the development of better therapies' but if these are to be effective it will be important to discover which part to target.

He described suppressing formation of ASC specks as a specific 'downstream aspect' but this might not sufficiently inhibit all the problems implicated in Alzheimer's.

Prof Ransohoff said: 'Despite this difficulty, which bedevils all pathway directed therapeutics, it is heartening and invigorating to have a newly discovered mechanism to consider in the quest to treat Alzheimer's disease.'

Last year University of Southampton researchers found increased numbers of microglia in the post mortem brains of people with Alzheimer's.

A drug used to block their production in the brains of mice had fewer memory and behavioural problems.

The compound also prevented the loss of communication points between nerve cells in the brain - which usually happens in people with Alzheimer's. Experts said the results were 'exciting'.

About 850,000 people in Britain have dementia, with Alzheimer's by far the most common form, with the figure set to reach a million by 2025 because of the ageing population. There is no cure.

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What is bacterial gastroenteritis?

Bacterial gastroenteritis happens when bacteria causes an infection in your gut. This causes inflammation in your stomach  and intestines. You may also experience symptoms like vomiting, severe abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.

While viruses cause many gastrointestinal infections, bacterial infections are also common. Some people call this infection food poisoning. 

Bacterial gastroenteritis can result from poor hygiene. Infection can also occur after close contact with animals or consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria (or the toxic substances bacteria produce). Treating bacterial gastroenteritis

Treatment is meant to keep you hydrated and avoid complications. It’s important not to lose too much salt, such as sodium and potassium Your body needs these in certain amounts in order to function properly.

If you have a serious case of bacterial gastroenteritis, you may be admitted to the hospital and given fluids and salts intravenously. Antibiotics are usually reserved for the most severe cases.

Home remedies for mild cases

If you have a milder case, you may be able to treat your illness at home. Try the following:

• Drink fluids regularly throughout the day, especially after bouts of diarrhea.
• Eat little and often, and include some salty foods.
• Consume foods or drinks with potassium, such as fruit juice and bananas.
• Don’t take any medications without asking your doctor.
• Go to the hospital if you can’t keep any fluids down.

A few ingredients you may have at home can help keep your electrolyte balance and treat diarrhea. Ginger can help combat infection and make stomach or abdominal pain less severe. Apple cider vinegar and basil can also soothe your stomach as well as strengthen your stomach against future infections. 

Avoid eating dairy, fruit, or high-fiber foods to keep diarrhea from getting worse. 

Over-the-counter medicines that neutralize your stomach acid can help fight these infections. Medicines that treat symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pains can help ease the stress and pain of the infection. Don’t take over-the-counter treatments unless your doctor tells you to do so. 

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Overview

The oral cavity contains some of the most varied and vast flora in the entire human body and is the main entrance for two systems vital to human function and physiology, the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. Several diseases involve these two systems and manifest in the oral cavity. In addition, a specific pathologic condition, such as periodontitis (ie, inflammation of the periodontal attachment of the teeth and the alveolar bone), may be present in the oral cavity. These specific conditions in the oral cavity may create foci of infection that can affect many other vital systems, such as the cardiovascular and renal systems. Foci of infection in the oral cavity arising from chronic periodontitis or chronic periapical abscesses (ie, inflammation and abscess of the tissue attached to the apex of the root) may lead to subacute bacterial endocarditis (BE) and glomerulonephritis (GN).

In addition to bacterial organisms, oral microorganisms can include fungal, protozoal, and viral species. The bacteria include hundreds of types of organisms of which only "22 predominant ones have been identified." A variety of organisms in the microenvironment of the oral cavity adhere to the teeth, the gingival sulcus, the tongue, and the buccal mucosa. Each site has a unique way of allowing the organisms to establish their residency. The normal flora in healthy individuals maintains similar patterns. When a local or systemic disease process or concomitant use of medications alters this overall pattern, atypical organisms begin to predominate and some normal organisms with a benign nature, such as Candida albicans, become pathogenic. The microenvironment of the oral cavity changes with the age of the patient, the eruption or loss of teeth, and the appearance of disease states (eg, caries, periodontal disease). Systemic changes, such as pregnancy or drug intake, also alter the number and proportion of flora. These changes are due to alterations in the flow and composition of salivary fluid and in the levels and activity of defense components (eg, immunoglobulins, cytokines) in the saliva.

Increasing evidence indicates that oral microbiota participate in various systemic diseases. Periodontal disease permits organisms to enter deep systemic tissues, such as the carotid atheroma. An association between periodontal pathogens, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, and atherosclerosis has been suggested because of the pathogen's possible direct effect on atheroma formation. P gingivalis has also been found in carotid and coronary atheromas. It may also invade and proliferate within heart and coronary artery endothelial cells, and, along with Streptococcus sanguis, it may also induce platelet aggregation associated with thrombus formation. Oral microorganisms may also enter the deeper tissue after trauma or surgery, which contributes to the disease process, particularly when they cause BE.

Periodontitis is a common chronic bacterial infection of the supporting structures of the teeth. The host response to this infection is an important factor in determining the extent and severity of the disease. Systemic conditions may modify the extent of periodontitis principally through their effects on normal immune and inflammatory mechanisms.

Several systemic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, may increase the prevalence, incidence, or severity of gingivitis and periodontitis. Medications such as phenytoin, nifedipine, and cyclosporin are known to predispose to gingival overgrowth and to increase the severity of plaque formation. Immunosuppressive drug therapy and any disease (eg, HIV infection) resulting in suppression of the normal inflammatory and immune mechanisms can cause or enhance severe periodontal diseases. Smoking, which has an adverse effect on periodontal health, also affects this overall disease condition. Specific diseases, such as histiocytosis, may result in necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis.

The severity and prevalence of periodontitis are increased in persons with diabetes and are worse in persons with poorly controlled diabetes. Periodontitis may exacerbate diabetes by decreasing glycemic control. This effect indicates a degree of synergism and a link between the 2 diseases.

The relative risk of cardiovascular disease is doubled in persons with periodontal disease. Periodontal and cardiovascular disease share many common risk and socioeconomic factors, particularly smoking, which is a powerful risk factor for both diseases. The actual underlying etiology of both diseases is complex, as are the potential mechanisms whereby the diseases may be causally linked. The chronic inflammatory state and microbial burden in persons with periodontal disease may predispose to cardiovascular disease in ways proposed for other infections, such as with Chlamydia pneumoniae.

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Relationship expert Dr Nikki Goldstein says stress and lack of time, combined with opportunity can lead one person or both astray.

'If you have been facing issues throughout the year, these could tip your relationship over the edge as the holiday period approaches, 'When there are issues in a relationship, it would seem simple to just address them, but there are often also so many other things going on in life.'

Dr Goldstein says financial, work and family stress; and simply a lack of time can all negatively impact a romantic relationship.

The author says on top of that there's pressure to have the perfect home and find the time exercise – and sadly this can mean that our relationships are not a priority. 'Often a couple can be in denial about the issues that they are facing or how unhappy they are, only making matters worse.'

Dr Goldstein says there are several reasons why someone cheats, but often it's because there's "trouble at home".

'It's not necessary a lack of sex or having lots of arguments, but when a couple are struggling, things like intimacy, connection and desire go out the window,' she says. 'It can be a lonely place even though you might be surrounded by people and sharing a bed with your spouse.

'With celebrations, Christmas parties and that feeling of letting your hair down over a few drinks, what happens when you meet someone who shows you that attention, makes you feel desired or you feel that intimacy with. by Ashley Madison, a married dating website, new research revealed that there has been an 8.1 per cent increase in signups between December and January in the past five years. 

So how can we keep our relationship strong well into the new year? 

Dr Goldstein says to be mindful of how festivities may affect your partner and schedule in time alone to celebrate your relationship. 'Sneak in a date night or do something that reminds you of what you do have at home,' she advises.  

'But whilst you are focusing on presents and end of year parties, also focus on that special someone in your life and make sure that time, connection and intimacy with them is also on that long list of things to do,' she adds.

'You can never completely cheat proof a relationship nor should that be your goal. 

Smileband Health issues

A serving police officer who ‘revelled’ in his double life as the head of a drugs gang posed with a Breaking Bad Walter White t-shirt at his secret cannabis farms, a court heard.

PC Daniel Aimson, 36, was at the head of a conspiracy which flooded the streets of Manchester and North Wales with the class B drug.

He also stole the identity of an unsuspecting member of the public, taking the man’s driving licence after stopping the motorist and using it to lease one of the premises used as a cannabis farm.

To the wider public, the two drug factories, based at commercial premises in Railway Road, Leigh, were a newsagents and a lettings firm. But when police raided the buildings, they found sophisticated cannabis farms with 165 plants across the two sites, potentially worth more than £84,000, it was said.

Aimson was sacked by Greater Manchester Police in February after admitting his part in the conspiracy. He and his ‘right hand man’ Hussein Mozahem, 25, who Aimson had met at the gym, had plans to expand the business and had conducted cannabis grows there previously, a Manchester Crown Court sentencing hearing was told on Monday. After receiving intelligence, officers launched a surveillance operation, monitoring comings and goings on Railway Road in the weeks before their raid.

It was during their investigation that Aimson was seen wearing the t-shirt referencing the hit show.

Prosecutor Owen Edwards said: “He (Aimson) was seen at various stages on his own CCTV hard drive to wear a t-shirt depicting the lead character Walt in the hit TV series called Breaking Bad.

“The character plays a respectable chemistry teacher who adopts a professional approach to the production and distribution of the drug crystal meth, and becomes in the process a highly successful drug dealer.

“In his various text messages it is clear that Aimson revelled in his double life as officer and criminal. The court heard that Aimson, Mozahem and a man named George Parkinson were involved in a WhatsApp group in which Aimson said: “Proper shift that today. Top effort.”

Aimson was on sick leave from GMP during his offending. Mr Edwards said that between January 2015 and June last year, Aimson and seven other defendants were involved in the production of cannabis on a commercial scale.

Both of the Railway Road sites were initially leased out legitimately by Richard Grady, 31, on behalf of his company Morgan and Co, with one being used as the company’s base. The court heard that as the business began to struggle, Grady allowed Aimson, who is married to Grady’s sister, to take over the building.

Aimson told Grady that a ‘friend’ wanted the building.

In reality the ‘friend’ did not exist, and Aimson was using the identity of the man whose driving licence he had confiscated following a routine spot check in 2013, because it had expired. Aimson also tried to set up a bank account in the man’s name, but it was blocked due to discrepancies.

Mr Edwards said Grady later became aware of what was actually happening in the buildings but went along with it.

There were ‘sophisticated’ set ups in both cannabis farms, with 600 watt high energy lamps, an industrial odour neutraliser to mask smells, black out blinds as well as digital temperature and humidity monitoring, the court heard. According to prosecutors, Michael Hutton, 53, another brother-in-law to Aimson, provided the criminal links needed to sell the drugs.

Hutton was linked to Steven Hindley, 27, who is said to have purchased wholesale amounts of cannabis from Hutton on behalf of a more senior criminal in North Wales. George Parkinson, 30, worked to maintain the cannabis farms and Christopher King, 49, provided cannabis plants to grow.

Defending Aimson, Martin Callery said his client does not accept that he ‘revelled’ in his double life.

“He does not accept that he assumed some sort of fictional double life modelled on some television character,” Mr Callery said.

Mr Callery said that Aimson’s policing career had been ‘blighted’ by three serious road traffic accidents that occurred while on duty, which he was not to blame for.

In one of the incidents he only returned to work fully four years after the crash.

Aimson, who joined GMP in 2002 after graduating from university, is having a ‘very difficult time of it’ in prison as a former police officer, Mr Callery said. Aimson, of Ullswater Road, Astley, Wigan; Grady, of Park Road, Leigh; Hutton, of Pollard Street, Ancoats; King, of Bowling Green Court, Huddersfield; Mozahem, of Findlay Street, Leigh; Parkinson, of Ullswater Street, Leigh, and Vaiders, of Jaffrey Street, Leigh, have all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce cannabis.

Hindley, of Maesgwyn, Rhyl, North Wales, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

Aimson also admitted misconduct in a public office.

Hutton has also admitted possession of amphetamine with intent to supply and Vaiders has pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

All eight men will be sentenced on Tuesday morning.