Phobic Disorders

TUESDAY, Jan. 23, 2024 -- Loneliness can be a killer, but it can be particularly deadly for obese people, who are markedly more likely to experience social isolation. Luckily, a new study shows that addressing it may lower the risk of health complications and an early death for these folks. “To date, dietary and lifestyle factors are the major focus in preventing obesity-related illness,” study author Dr. Lu Qi , interim chair of the department of epidemiology at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans, told CNN . “Our study highlights the importance of taking social and mental health into account in improving health for people with obesity." Dr. Philipp Scherer , a professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, wasn't surprised by the findings. But the results do point to improving “social isolation as a potential remedy for the reduction of mortality,” he told CNN . In the study, researchers looked at data from nearly 400,000 people from the UK BioBank, a large database that has tracked the health of Britons for years. Those included in the research did not have heart disease when the scientists began collecting data for this latest study. They then followed up with the volunteers between March 2006 and November 2021. During that period, all causes of death for people who were obese was 36% lower in those who felt less lonely and socially isolated, compared to a 9% decrease in risk of early death among those who weren't obese or lonely. “It is the time to integrate social and psychological factors into other dietary and lifestyle factors in the development of intervention strategies for preventing obesity-related [health] complications,” Qi said. The findings were published Jan. 22 in the journal JAMA Network Open . While not discussed as often as diet or exercise, loneliness is now being recognized as a major risk factor for poor health outcomes. People who felt socially isolated were 32% more likely to die early than those who did not, a recent study revealed. “We need as humans to feel known by other people in order to feel seen -- to feel kind of like we exist in the world,” said Rachael Benjamin , a licensed clinical social worker based in New York City. But fat phobia can make it harder for obese people to feel understood and accepted, she added. Breaking down that bias is hard, but obese people can try to develop more quality relationships, Benjamin said. “Two people can feel like they’re both being heard and seen and taken in and can kind of play a little bit,” Benjamin said. “And also feel respected by both people and be honest about how they’re feeling.” To get there, she recommends asking if you are isolating yourself to protect yourself or out of habit. If you are, make the effort to try to connect with people more regularly. “Maybe it’s uncomfortable, but maybe I’m willing to be braver, willing to kind of take a chance,” Benjamin said. “It just takes time and work and effort." Sources JAMA Network Open, Jan. 22, 2024 CNN Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions. Posted January 2024 More news resources FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts Daily MedNews News for Health Professionals New Drug Approvals New Drug Applications Drug Shortages Clinical Trial Results Generic Drug Approvals Subscribe to our newsletter Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.

Researchers have discovered a new way ribonucleic acid (RNA) impacts fear-related learning and memory. Researchers demonstrated that a noncoding RNA known as Gas5 coordinates the trafficking and clustering of RNA molecules inside the long processes of neurons, and orchestrating neuronal excitability in real time that contributes to learning and memory. This study builds on earlier findings this year which identified a separate population of learning-related RNAs that accumulate near the synapse -- the junction between neurons that allow them to communicate. In that paper, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, they uncovered several new synapse-specific RNA that harbour a specific chemical tag called N6-methyladenosine (m6A). Researchers from The University of Queensland have discovered a new way ribonucleic acid (RNA) impacts fear-related learning and memory. Professor Timothy Bredy from UQ's Queensland Brain Institute said this is an exciting example of RNA's role in fine-tuning the cellular functions in the brain. In a paper published in Nature Communications, researchers demonstrated that a noncoding RNA known as Gas5 coordinates the trafficking and clustering of RNA molecules inside the long processes of neurons, and orchestrating neuronal excitability in real time that contributes to learning and memory. "Understanding the complex world of RNA is a rapidly emerging area of neuroscience research, where we are constantly learning more about how different classes of RNA control the communication between and within brain cells," Professor Bredy said. "In this study, we found learning-related RNAs at the synapse and one, in particular, called Gas5 seems to be uniquely required for fear extinction memory. "There's a lot more happening with these kinds of RNA molecules than we first thought and that fact they influence cellular function on a millisecond timeframe, which mirrors the real time changes in synaptic function that happen in the brain during learning, is extraordinary. Non-coding RNA may be the missing link to understanding how the brain processes critically important inputs that lead to the formation of memory" This study builds on earlier findings this year from the Bredy Lab which identified a separate population of learning-related RNAs that accumulate near the synapse -- the junction between neurons that allow them to communicate. In that paper, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, they uncovered several new synapse-specific RNA that harbour a specific chemical tag called N6-methyladenosine (m6A). Lead author Dr Sachithrani Madugalle said the findings highlighted the importance of m6A-modified RNAs in regulating synaptic plasticity. "Readers are proteins that bind to the chemical tag and direct it to locations and functions," Dr Madugalle said. "The readers allowed us to determine the functional role of m6A-modified RNA molecules in the formation of new memories. "By examining one such RNA, Malat1, we discovered the key proteins that interact with this RNA and support processes related to an important type of memory called fear extinction. "Fear extinction impairment is associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). "When Malat1 is chemically decorated with m6A, this allows it to interact with different proteins in the synaptic compartment, which can then alter the mechanisms involved in the formation of fear extinction memory. "This new information may inform the development of future RNA therapies to address PTSD. "By understanding where, when, and how an RNA molecule is activated and having a precise marker will help us identify the target for therapies." In addition, in both studies the team employed an innovative new tool that allowed them to manipulate the functional state of an RNA molecule, together with Professor Bryan Dickinson and Dr. Simone Rauch at the University of Chicago. "We are now looking for ways to harness RNA to control the aspects of synaptic function underlying memory formation and to potentially develop an RNA therapeutic for the treatment of PTSD and phobia," Professor Bredy said.

New Peripheral Line Draw Solution Delivers First and Only Compatibility with Integrated Catheters, Bringing Elevated Standard of Care to More U.S. Hospitals FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., Nov. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology company, today launched new needle-free blood draw technology compatible with integrated catheters, helping to further enable the company's vision of a "One-Stick Hospital Stay." Continue Reading BD advances “One-Stick Hospital Stay” vision with launch of next-generation needle-free blood draw technology With 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the new PIVO™ Pro Needle-free Blood Collection Device features design improvements to achieve the first and only compatibility with integrated and long peripheral IV catheters, including the new Nexiva™ Closed IV Catheter System with NearPort™ IV Access. This expands on current PIVO™ compatibility with traditional short peripheral IV catheters available since 2017. The new solution combines the clinical benefits shown for the integrated closed Nexiva™ Catheter System, including longer dwell times* and reduced catheter complications, with the ability to draw high-quality blood samples directly from a patient's peripheral IV line with PIVO™ Pro, reducing the need for additional needlesticks.1,2 With needle phobia experienced by more than 60 percent of the adult population, this solution helps improve the patient experience by alleviating fear and anxiety associated with repetitive needlesticks.3 "The latest innovation to our PIVO™ portfolio helps expand needle-free blood collection to even more patients and clinicians as we continue to redefine the standard of care through our 'One-Stick Hospital Stay' vision," said Eric Borin, worldwide president of Medication Delivery Solutions at BD. "This new solution helps to reduce unnecessary and repeat needlesticks in the hospital while elevating clinical outcomes, improving workflow and creating a better experience for clinicians and patients." Peripheral IV insertion and blood collection are two of the most common in-patient procedures in hospitals touching almost every patient daily.4,5 These invasive procedures are associated with a variety of complications such as poor first-stick insertion success, frequent catheter failures and poor sample quality that can extend hospital stays, increase cost and create a dissatisfying experience.6,7 PIVO™ Pro combined with Nexiva™ with NearPort™ IV Access is designed to access optimal blood draw conditions and help improve clinician efficiency and patient experience.2,8 The innovative line draw solution has been shown to help optimize IV performance, reduce sample errors that can result in redraws and delays in patient care while reducing complications that lead to unnecessary procedures and IV replacements.**,1,2,7 By removing the needle from blood draws and reducing IV replacements, it may reduce the risk of needlestick injury and blood exposure for clinicians while preserving a patient's vessel health.7,9,10 As the global leader in vascular access solutions, BD is committed to advancing the standard of care for IV therapy and blood draws for patients and health care providers. The latest innovation in the BD Peripheral Line Draw Solution further drives the BD "One-Stick Hospital Stay" vision across each of its three pillars ― including (1) helping to reduce unnecessary needlesticks by choosing the right vascular access device and placing it successfully the first time; (2) using one IV line as a single access point for required therapies and blood draws; and (3) optimal maintenance of the IV line to help reduce the risk of complications so it does not have to be replaced and lasts throughout a patient's hospital stay. *Compared to open catheter system **Clinical studies were done on previous generations of the PIVO™ Blood Collection Device and Nexiva™ Catheter System. PIVO™ Pro and Nexiva™ with NearPort IV Access are the next generations of their respective product families. About PIVO™: Since its introduction in 2017, the PIVO™ technology has been advancing the standard of care by minimizing the number of needlesticks for patients by using an existing peripheral IV catheter line to collect a high-quality, reliable blood sample through a singular access point. To date, more than 3.5 million PIVO™ procedures have been completed in the U.S. – each of these representing one or more needlesticks eliminated for patients. For more information about the BD Peripheral Line Draw Solution, including PIVO™ Pro and Nexiva™ with NearPort™ IV Access, visit . About BD BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. The company supports the heroes on the frontlines of health care by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for health care providers. BD and its 77,000 employees have a passion and commitment to help enhance the safety and efficiency of clinicians' care delivery process, enable laboratory scientists to accurately detect disease and advance researchers' capabilities to develop the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics. BD has a presence in virtually every country and partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. By working in close collaboration with customers, BD can help enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand access to health care. For more information on BD, please visit bd.com or connect with us on LinkedIn at and Twitter @BDandCo. References: 1 González López J, Arribi Vilela A, Fernández Del Palacio E, et al. Indwell times, complications and costs of open vs closed safety peripheral intravenous catheters: a randomized study. J Hosp Infect. 2014;86(2):117-126. 2 Pendleton B, LaFaye R. Multicenter study of needle-free blood collection system for reducing specimen error and intravenous catheter replacement. J Healthc Qual. 2022;44(2):e24-e30. doi:10.1097/JHQ.0000000000000331. 3 Alsbrooks K, Hoerauf K. Prevalence, causes, impacts, and management of needle phobia: An international survey of a general adult population. Concerto C, ed. PLOS ONE. 2022;17(11):e0276814. . 4 Dhingra N, Diepart M, Dziekan, et al. WHO guidelines on drawing blood: best practices in phlebotomy. Geneva, Australia. 2010. 5 iData Research Inc. Global Market Report Suite for Vascular Access Devices and Accessories. 2020. 6 Helm RE, Klausner JD, Klemperer JD, Flint LM, Huang E. Accepted but unacceptable: peripheral IV catheter failure. J Infus Nurs. 2015; 38(3):189-203. 7 Twibell KR, Hofstetter P, Siela D, Brown D, Jones HM. A comparative study of blood sampling from venipuncture and short peripheral catheters in pediatric inpatients. J Infus Nurs. 2019;42(5):239. doi:10.1097/NAN.0000000000000338. 8 Mulloy DF, Lee SM, Gregas M, Hoffman KE, Ashley SW. Effect of peripheral IV based blood collection on catheter dwell time, blood collection, and patient response. Appl Nurs Res. 2018;40:76-79. doi:10.1016/j.apnr.2017.12.006. 9 Mannocci A, De Carli G, Di Bari V, et al. How much do needlestick injuries cost? A systematic review of the economic evaluations of needlestick and sharps injuries among healthcare personnel. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2016;37(6):636-646. doi:10.1017/ice.2016.48. 10 Mengistu, DA, Tolera ST, Demmu YM. Worldwide prevalence of occupational exposure to needle stick injury among healthcare workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Canadian Journal of Infectious Disease and Medical Microbiology. 2021. SOURCE BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)