Extrapyramidal system

Good news: midlife health is about more than a waist measurement. Here’s why

Retrieved on: 
Friday, April 19, 2024

During the appointment they measure your waist.

Key Points: 
  • During the appointment they measure your waist.
  • GPs and health professionals commonly measure waist circumference as a vital sign for health.
  • Men are at greatly increased risk of health issues if their waist circumference is greater than 102 centimetres.
  • More than two-thirds of Australian adults have waist measurements that put them at an increased risk of disease.

How much is too much?

  • A ratio of 0.6 or more places a person at the highest risk of disease.
  • This can kick off a discussion about their risk of chronic diseases and how they might address this.
  • For women, hormone levels begin changing in mid-life and this also stimulates increased fat levels particularly around the abdomen.
  • Finally, your family history and genetics can make you predisposed to gaining more abdominal fat.

Why the waist?

  • Visceral fat surrounds and infiltrates major organs such as the liver, pancreas and intestines, releasing a variety of chemicals (hormones, inflammatory signals, and fatty acids).
  • These affect inflammation, lipid metabolism, cholesterol levels and insulin resistance, contributing to the development of chronic illnesses.
  • In addition to the direct effects of hormone changes, declining levels of oestrogen change brain function, mood and motivation.
  • These psychological alterations can result in reduced physical activity and increased eating – often of comfort foods high in sugar and fat.
  • And importantly, the waist circumference (and ratio to height) is just one measure of human health.

Muscle matters

  • On current evidence, it is equally or more important for health and longevity to have higher muscle mass and better cardiorespiratory (aerobic) fitness than waist circumference within the healthy range.
  • So, if a person does have an excessive waist circumference, but they are also sedentary and have less muscle mass and aerobic fitness, then the recommendation would be to focus on an appropriate exercise program.
  • Conversely, a person with low visceral fat levels is not necessarily fit and healthy and may have quite poor aerobic fitness, muscle mass, and strength.

Getting moving is important advice

  • Exercise can counter a lot of the negative behavioural and physiological changes that are occurring during midlife including for people going through menopause.
  • And regular exercise reduces the tendency to use food and drink to help manage what can be a quite difficult time in life.
  • Measuring your waist circumference and monitoring your weight remains important.


Rob Newton receives funding from National Health and Medical Research Council, the Medical Research Future Fund, Cancer Council Western Australia, Spinal Cord Injuries Australia and the World Cancer Research Fund. Rob Newton is a board member of The Healthy Male.

Orphan designation: anti-CD3 mAb (SPV-T3a)-ricin A chain fusion protein,anti-CD7 mAb (WT1)-ricin A chain fusion protein Treatment of graft-versus-host disease, 26/08/2005 Positive

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 18, 2024

Orphan designation: anti-CD3 mAb (SPV-T3a)-ricin A chain fusion protein,anti-CD7 mAb (WT1)-ricin A chain fusion protein Treatment of graft-versus-host disease, 26/08/2005 Positive

Key Points: 


Orphan designation: anti-CD3 mAb (SPV-T3a)-ricin A chain fusion protein,anti-CD7 mAb (WT1)-ricin A chain fusion protein Treatment of graft-versus-host disease, 26/08/2005 Positive

Phathom Pharmaceuticals Launches Direct-to-Consumer Campaign, “VOQUEZNA Can Kick Some Acid”

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 26, 2024

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., March 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PHAT), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel treatments for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, today announces the launch of its new broadcast ad and full-scale, Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) campaign, “VOQUEZNA Can Kick Some Acid,” to raise awareness of its powerful first-in-class treatment and encourage people to speak to their doctor about this new treatment option. VOQUEZNA (vonoprazan) is indicated for the healing and maintenance of healing of all severities of Erosive Esophagitis (EE), also referred to as Erosive GERD, and for the relief of related heartburn. VOQUEZNA represents the first major innovation to the U.S. Erosive GERD market in over 30 years.1

Key Points: 
  • The campaign will also be featured on consumer-facing platforms across Facebook, Instagram, waiting room TVs in doctor offices, and digital banner ads.
  • “Phathom is excited to launch our first campaign directly to, and for, the people whose lives we strive to improve every day.
  • To view a video of the “VOQUEZNA Can Kick Some Acid” commercial, click here.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider about the possibility of fundic gland polyps if you have been on VOQUEZNA for a long time.

Attention Reckitt Benckiser Group investors: Portnoy Law Firm Announces Investigation into Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC Following $60 Million Baby Formula Verdict and Subsequent Stock Plummet

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 15, 2024

​LOS ANGELES, March 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (“Reckitt” or the “Company”) (OTCMKTS: RBGLY) investors that the law firm has initiated an investigation on behalf of investors that lost money on their Reckitt stock. Reckitt investors are encouraged to contact the firm to discuss their legal rights.

Key Points: 
  • ​LOS ANGELES, March 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (“Reckitt” or the “Company”) (OTCMKTS: RBGLY) investors that the law firm has initiated an investigation on behalf of investors that lost money on their Reckitt stock.
  • The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors’ options for pursuing claims to recover their losses.
  • Portnoy Law is initiating an investigation into Reckitt in light of recent events that have led to a significant decline in the company's stock value.
  • This follows an Illinois jury's decision to award $60 million in damages to the plaintiff in a lawsuit involving Reckitt's Enfamil baby formula.

Stubborn Digestion Issues? PLAMECA Can Help

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 27, 2024

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- There are many kinds of digestional disorders. Some are severe, while others are minor (yet uncomfortable) inconveniences. For those managing ongoing digestional discomfort, PLAMECA's Digestissimoh! offers clean, safe, and effective relief.

Key Points: 
  • Is a Great Way to Lighten Digestion Across the Board
    FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- There are many kinds of digestional disorders.
  • supplement is a perfect example of a safe, natural, and effective way to manage stubborn digestive issues over time," Fernández explains.
  • uses natural ingredients such as ginger, digestive enzymes, and marine coral to lighten digestion.
  • offers a safe, effective, natural way to lighten their digestion and keep things functioning on a day-to-day basis.

Endo Launches Ibuprofen-Famotidine Tablets, Generic Version of DUEXIS®

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 26, 2024

DUBLIN, March 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Endo International plc (OTC: ENDPQ) announced today that one of its operating companies, Par Pharmaceutical, Inc., launched ibuprofen-famotidine 800 mg/26.6 mg tablets, a generic version of Amgen's (formerly Horizon Therapeutics) DUEXIS®.

Key Points: 
  • DUBLIN, March 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Endo International plc (OTC: ENDPQ) announced today that one of its operating companies, Par Pharmaceutical, Inc., launched ibuprofen-famotidine 800 mg/26.6 mg tablets, a generic version of Amgen's (formerly Horizon Therapeutics) DUEXIS®.
  • Elderly patients and patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding are at a greater risk for serious GI events.
  • Ibuprofen and famotidine tablets should not be administered to patients with a history of hypersensitivity to other H2-receptor antagonists.
  • If ibuprofen and famotidine is used in patients with a recent MI, monitor patients for signs of cardiac ischemia.

Endo Launches Ibuprofen-Famotidine Tablets, Generic Version of DUEXIS®

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 26, 2024

DUBLIN, March 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Endo International plc (OTC: ENDPQ) announced today that one of its operating companies, Par Pharmaceutical, Inc., launched ibuprofen-famotidine 800 mg/26.6 mg tablets, a generic version of Amgen's (formerly Horizon Therapeutics) DUEXIS®.

Key Points: 
  • DUBLIN, March 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Endo International plc (OTC: ENDPQ) announced today that one of its operating companies, Par Pharmaceutical, Inc., launched ibuprofen-famotidine 800 mg/26.6 mg tablets, a generic version of Amgen's (formerly Horizon Therapeutics) DUEXIS®.
  • Elderly patients and patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding are at a greater risk for serious GI events.
  • Ibuprofen and famotidine tablets should not be administered to patients with a history of hypersensitivity to other H2-receptor antagonists.
  • If ibuprofen and famotidine is used in patients with a recent MI, monitor patients for signs of cardiac ischemia.

Gut bacteria and the immune system: How aging changes the microbiome and can lead to ‘inflammaging’

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Research has shown that changes to the composition and diversity of the microorganisms in the gut may explain these differences in immune system aging.

Key Points: 
  • Research has shown that changes to the composition and diversity of the microorganisms in the gut may explain these differences in immune system aging.
  • However, as the composition of our gut microbiome changes with age, a low level of inflammation can become constant throughout the body.
  • Let’s take a closer look at the gut microbiome and how it changes with age.

Gut microbiome imbalances in older adults

  • In fact, compared to other parts of the body, the gut microbiome has the largest number of bacteria.
  • In a healthy gut microbiome, there are four dominant families (or phyla) of microorganisms, including Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria.
  • Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes make up around 80 to 90 per cent of the gut microbiota in the digestive tract.
  • Over time, the shortage of beneficial bacteria such as Firmicutes in older adults starts to compromise the integrity of their intestinal barrier, causing it to become leaky.

How inflammaging works

  • Inflammaging creates an environment that is prone to inflammation, which is caused and maintained by several factors.
  • These can include microorganism imbalances in the intestines (microbial dysbiosis), psychological stress, physical inactivity, poor nutrition and chronic infections.

Maintaining a healthy balance of gut microbiota

  • More specifically, probiotics help improve the function of the intestinal barrier and regulate immune responses by modifying the composition of the gut microbiome.
  • It is clear that the immune system has an intricate relationship with the gut microbiome.
  • A healthy and well-balanced gut microbiome will strengthen the intestinal barrier, which helps to reduce inflammation throughout the body and support the immune system.
  • To achieve this, it is important to maintain a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle as we grow older.


Narveen Jandu does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Immix Biopharma Announces “Be Proactive in AL” AL Amyloidosis Awareness Initiative

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 5, 2024

LOS ANGELES, CA, March 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Immix Biopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMMX) (“ImmixBio”, “Company”, “We” or “Us” or “IMMX”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company trailblazing cell therapies in AL Amyloidosis and autoimmune disease, today announced its new AL Amyloidosis awareness campaign Be Proactive in AL™.

Key Points: 
  • LOS ANGELES, CA, March 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Immix Biopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMMX) (“ImmixBio”, “Company”, “We” or “Us” or “IMMX”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company trailblazing cell therapies in AL Amyloidosis and autoimmune disease, today announced its new AL Amyloidosis awareness campaign Be Proactive in AL™.
  • The campaign seeks to increase awareness about the critical need to recognize and diagnose AL Amyloidosis early, while also educating AL Amyloidosis patients about available treatment options.
  • AL amyloidosis is a life-threatening immunological disorder in which an abnormal protein called amyloid builds up in tissues and organs.
  • “Today, it is common for AL Amyloidosis patients to see 3 or 4 different physicians and wait months to years before being definitively diagnosed with AL amyloidosis,” said Dena Heath, Amyloidosis Research Consortium Board Secretary and Facilitator, Northern California Amyloidosis Support Group.

Intelligent Scopes Launches Helga AI-GEP™, an AI Platform for Gastroenterology with the Commencement of Validation of its AI Software Tool for Colon Cancer

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 4, 2024

NEW YORK and LONDON, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intelligent Scopes Corp, specializing in state-of-the-art image enhancement and precision AI software solutions for gastroenterology and urology, is pleased to announce the completion of its AI platform for gastroenterology, namely, Helga AI-GEP™.

Key Points: 
  • NEW YORK and LONDON, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intelligent Scopes Corp, specializing in state-of-the-art image enhancement and precision AI software solutions for gastroenterology and urology, is pleased to announce the completion of its AI platform for gastroenterology, namely, Helga AI-GEP™.
  • The platform will offer computer aided devices for detection, classification and characterization of lesions and tissue irregularities in the colon (colon cancer) and the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophageal and gastric cancer).
  • Validation is commencing with its AI software tool, namely, Helga iCAP™ for the detection of colonic conditions.
  • As such, Intelligent Scopes collaborates with key stakeholders including clinicians, academia, and equipment manufacturers to provide tools that can aid endoscopists in providing optimal care to patients.