Medical Bulletin 28/February/2023

Here are the top medical news for the day:

Sydney based- researchers identify novel technology to improve cancer detection and treatment

Cancer is a leading cause of illness and death in Australia, with more than 150,000 Australians diagnosed every year. Those with suspected cancer, particularly in organs such as the liver, colon or kidney, often require surgery for a definitive diagnosis.

Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney have developed a new device that can detect and analyse cancer cells from blood samples, enabling doctors to avoid invasive biopsy surgeries, and to monitor treatment progress.

Reference:

Rapid metabolomic screening of cancer cells via high-throughput static droplet microfluidics,Biosensors and Bioelectronics,doi 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114966

Common artificial sweetener linked to higher rates of heart attack and stroke

Artificial sweeteners, such as erythritol, are common replacements for table sugar in low-calorie, low-carbohydrate and “keto” products. Sugar-free products containing erythritol are often recommended for people who have obesity, diabetes or metabolic syndrome and are looking for options to help manage their sugar or calorie intake. People with these conditions also are at higher risk for adverse cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke.

New Cleveland Clinic research showed that erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener, is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Findings were published today in Nature Medicine.

Reference:

The artificial sweetener erythritol and cardiovascular event risk,Nature Medicine,10.1038/s41591-023-02223-9

Flexible lifestyle is key to protecting mental wellbeing in people with chronic pain: Study

A new Edith Cowan University (ECU) study has found that for people living with chronic pain it’s not necessarily how intense their pain is, but the extent to which it interferes with their daily life that can pose the biggest threat to their mental health.

Chronic pain impacts around 20 per cent of the population. Along with the medical and physical effects it can have far-reaching consequences for employment, lifestyle and mental health.

Reference:

‘The Role of Adaptive Goal Processes in Mental Wellbeing in Chronic Pain’ , International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. DOI

10.3390/ijerph20021278