Tag Archives: Research

Ancestry, Culture, Education, Religion

Is Unearthing the Mystical Past: Sorcery and Magic on the Pilgrimage Road to Mecca Possible?

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Introduction:
Nestled in the mountains of the Eilat region in Southern Israel lies a historical treasure trove that has puzzled locals and archaeologists for decades. Over 30 years ago, curious artifacts were discovered along a route frequently traversed by pilgrims journeying to the sacred city of Mecca. Now, new research sheds light on the enigmatic purpose of these items, suggesting they were tools of the trade for practitioners of popular magic ceremonies.

The Investigation:
Experts, including Dr. Itamar Taxel of the Israel Antiquities Authority, Dr. Uzi Avner of the Dead Sea-Arava Science Center, and Dr. Nitzan Amitai-Preiss of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, conducted this intriguing research. Their analysis of these artifacts, dating back around 400 years, unveils a fascinating chapter in the region’s history.

According to the researchers, these artifacts served various mystical purposes, including warding off the malevolent influence of the evil eye and facilitating healing rituals. In a statement, the authors noted that these discoveries indicate that during the Early Ottoman Period, people sought the services of famous sorcerers alongside their adherence to the formal beliefs of the official religion.

Artifacts of Magic:
Among the unearthed relics are dozens of clay globular rattles, resembling table tennis balls, containing small stones that would create sounds when shaken. These rattles were likely integral to the magical ceremonies and rituals practiced by the individuals of that era.

Additionally, excavations uncovered votive incense altars, quartz pebbles, and figurines, one of which portrays a naked woman or goddess with raised hands—a characteristic representation of deities or priests.

The Unique Clay:
One of the remarkable findings of this research is the origin of the clay used for these ceramics. It is believed to have come from Egypt, marking the first instance of such clay being recovered from a temporary site rather than a permanent settlement.

Conclusion:
The mysterious artifacts discovered along the Pilgrimage Road to Mecca provide a unique glimpse into the world of popular magic and mysticism that coexisted with formal religious practices in the Early Ottoman Period. These findings enrich our understanding of the diverse beliefs and rituals that shaped the region’s cultural heritage. The road and its associated archaeological sites are poised to become part of a captivating tourist area, inviting visitors to explore the rich history of this magical landscape.

Cite Works:

Ritualistic Artifacts Belonging To Sorcerers Uncovered On Hajj Pilgrimage Route. https://www.iflscience.com/ritualistic-artifacts-belonging-to-sorcerers-uncovered-on-hajj-pilgrimage-route-70636?fbclid=IwAR2gnIzCIhdIqtzwr0bA02OGaDntDhtU7Hb6mB5Gg4pkbidh3FMJetHokDI

Rand, Harry. The 12 Days of Christmas: The Outlaw Carol That Wouldn’t Die. McFarland, 2023.

Clarke, Desmond. Man, God, Religion, and State. Austin Macauley Publishers, 2023.

Behavioral Science, Culture, depression, disease, Health, mental health, Public health, Science

Seven Lifestyle Factors that Can Help Fight Depression: A Breakthrough Study

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Introduction:
Depression is a global epidemic that affects millions of people worldwide. While genetics has long been considered a significant factor in determining one’s susceptibility to depression, a groundbreaking study published in Nature Mental Health suggests that our lifestyle choices can profoundly impact reducing the risk of mental illness. An international team of researchers, including specialists from Fudan University in China and the University of Cambridge, conducted the study, which sheds light on seven crucial lifestyle factors that may be even more effective than genetics in preventing depression.

Photo by Alex Green on Pexels.com

The Power of a Healthy Lifestyle
To understand depression better, researchers turned to a vast biomedical database, the UK Biobank, which contains anonymized data on genetics, brain structure, and lifestyle factors. This study analyzed data from 290,000 individuals, with 13,000 experiencing depression during the past nine years.

Seven Lifestyle Factors for a Reduced Risk of Depression:

  1. Moderate Alcohol Consumption: The study recommends moderate alcohol consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle. While excessive alcohol intake can contribute to depression, moderate consumption was associated with a lower risk.
  2. Healthy Diet: A well-balanced diet is crucial to mental health. Nutrient-rich foods can positively affect brain function and reduce the risk of depression.
  3. Regular Physical Activity: Exercise has long been recognized for its mood-boosting benefits. Incorporating regular physical activity into one’s routine can significantly reduce the risk of depression.
  4. Healthy Sleep: Perhaps the most significant finding was the impact of a good night’s sleep. Regularly getting between seven and nine hours of sleep reduced the risk of single depressive episodes and treatment-resistant depression by 22 percent.
  5. Frequent Social Connection: Building and maintaining strong social connections significantly protected against recurring depression, reducing the risk by 18 percent.
  6. No Smoking: Smoking has numerous detrimental physical and mental health effects. Quitting smoking is an essential step in reducing the risk of depression.
  7. Avoiding Sedentary Behavior: Prolonged periods of inactivity can negatively impact mental health. Staying active and avoiding excessive sedentary behavior is crucial to maintaining good mental health.

Lifestyle Trumps Genetics:
The study revealed that lifestyle factors may be more significant in determining depression risk than genetics. While genetics certainly play a part, adopting a healthy lifestyle can substantially reduce the risk of depression. Those who adhered to most of the recommended lifestyle factors were 41 percent less likely to develop depression. In comparison, those in the “favorable” lifestyle group saw a remarkable 57 percent reduction in risk.

The Role of Genetics:
Although genetics does influence depression risk, its impact is relatively minor compared to lifestyle choices. Individuals with a lower genetic risk score were only 25 percent less likely to develop depression than those with a high-risk score. This emphasizes the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle as a proactive measure.

The specific lifestyle factors that were studied in the research on depression risk reduction are:

  1. Moderate Alcohol Consumption: The study suggested that moderate alcohol consumption can be part of a healthy lifestyle. It is important to note that excessive alcohol intake can harm mental health, so moderation is key.
  2. Healthy Diet: A well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients was associated with a lower risk of depression. This typically involves consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
  3. Regular Physical Activity: Exercise has long been known to impact mental health positively. Regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, or participating in sports, can help reduce the risk of depression.
  4. Healthy Sleep: Getting between seven and nine hours of sleep per night is crucial to reducing the risk of depression. Consistent, restful sleep is essential for maintaining good mental health.
  5. Frequent Social Connection: Building and maintaining strong social connections and relationships was identified as a significant protective factor against recurring depression. Regular social interaction can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging.
  6. No Smoking: Smoking is known to have detrimental physical and mental health effects. Quitting smoking is a vital step in reducing the risk of depression.
  7. Avoiding Sedentary Behavior: Prolonged periods of inactivity and excessive screen time were linked to a higher risk of depression. Staying physically active and reducing sedentary behavior can contribute to better mental health.

While these are the specific lifestyle factors that were studied and found to have a significant impact on depression risk, other lifestyle factors could also play a role in mental health. These could include:

  1. Stress Management: Chronic stress is a known risk factor for depression. Learning effective stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation exercises, can be valuable in reducing the risk of depression.
  2. Limiting Exposure to Environmental Toxins Some environmental toxins, such as heavy metals or pollutants, have been linked to mental health issues. Minimizing exposure to these toxins through clean living practices can be beneficial.
  3. Balancing Work-Life: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for mental well-being. Overworking and excessive job-related stress can contribute to depression.
  4. Access to Mental Health Support: Seeking professional help through therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be critical for individuals already experiencing depression. Early intervention is vital to effective treatment.
  5. Mindfulness and Positive Psychology: Mindfulness meditation and positive psychology techniques can enhance mental resilience and promote overall psychological well-being.
  6. Limiting Exposure to Negative Media: Constant exposure to negative news and social media can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. Managing media consumption and focusing on positive content can be helpful.

It is crucial to remember that lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors all play a role in the complex condition of depression. While adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial, individuals should also seek support and guidance from mental health professionals when needed. Reducing the risk of depression may require a holistic approach that includes lifestyle changes and access to appropriate mental health care.

Conclusion: The Shocking Truth Revealed!

Prepare to have your world turned upside down because groundbreaking research has exposed the seven lifestyle factors that could be driving you straight into the dark depths of depression. Brace yourself, as this eye-opening study suggests that your choices regarding alcohol consumption, diet, physical activity, sleep, social connections, smoking, and sedentary behavior may be setting the stage for mental health disaster. Forget about genetics for a moment, because it’s the everyday decisions you make that could be the real culprit behind your blues. With Professor Barbara Sahakian from the University of Cambridge declaring, “Some of these lifestyle factors are things we have a degree of control over,” it’s time to take a deep dive into your choices and make the necessary adjustments to save yourself from the clutches of depression. Are you ready to reclaim control of your life and banish depression for good?

Cited Works:

Li, Jinxu, Lu Tang, and Yunsha Pu. “My Story of Depression: A Content Analysis of Autobiographic Videos on Douyin.” Health Communication (2023): 1–9.

Correia, Ana Salomé, Armando Cardoso, and Nuno Vale. “Oxidative stress in depression: the link with the stress response, neuroinflammation, serotonin, neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity.” Antioxidants 12, no. 2 (2023): 470.

Zhao, Ying, Yiran Tao, Xiwen Bao, Qiang Ding, Changyan Han, Tingkun Luo, Weijia Zhang, Jinhua Sun, and Jiali Shi. “A study on differences about the influencing factors of depressive symptoms between medical staff and residents during the 2022 city-wide temporary static management period to fighting against COVID-19 pandemic in Shanghai.” Frontiers in public health 10 (2023): 1083144.

Diet, disease, Health, Public health

Can the Ketogenic Diet Be a Breakthrough in Halting Neuroendocrine Tumor Progression?

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Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) have been on the rise in recent years, and among them, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) pose a significant health concern. However, a recent Cell Death and Disease study offers hope in the fight against these tumors. This groundbreaking research explores the effects of a ketogenic dietary intervention on the onset and progression of PanNETs, shedding light on a potential therapeutic approach.

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Growing Concern
PanNETs, a subtype of NETs, are rare but have become increasingly prevalent. These tumors originate from pancreatic islet cells and can be functional or non-functional. While functional PanNETs produce hormones that lead to hormone syndromes, non-functional PanNETs, which comprise most cases, do not exhibit these characteristics.

The progression of PanNETs often involves the development of liver metastases, making them challenging to treat. Traditional treatments have shown limited success in shrinking these tumors, emphasizing the need for innovative interventions.

Understanding the Role of Insulin
The study draws attention to the role of insulin in PanNET development. Both human and mouse models have revealed a connection between elevated insulin levels and increased tumor growth. Conversely, reducing insulin levels has been associated with decreased tumor development.

Enter the Ketogenic Diet
The ketogenic diet, known for its low carbohydrate and high-fat composition, has gained recognition for its potential health benefits. In the context of cancer, previous research has suggested that a ketogenic diet can lower insulin levels without adverse effects.

In this study, researchers fed a ketogenic diet to mice with non-functional PanNETs using a Pancreatic β-cell-specific Men1 deficient mouse model. The results were promising.

Ketogenic Diet: A Game Changer
The findings demonstrated that a ketogenic diet could significantly suppress the onset and progression of non-functional PanNETs in the mouse model. What is more, this dietary intervention also had a positive impact on pituitary NET development in the mice.

The Implications for Human PanNET Patients
These results open up exciting possibilities for PanNET patients. High blood glucose levels have been associated with poorer outcomes in PanNET patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy. Metformin, a blood sugar-reducing drug, has shown promise in improving chemotherapy effects for PanNET patients.

Therefore, reducing blood glucose levels through a ketogenic diet could enhance the prognosis for human PanNET patients. This treatment approach also holds promise for other cancers that rely on the insulin-regulated PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway.

In conclusion, this study offers hope in the battle against PanNETs and potentially other NETs. The ketogenic diet’s ability to suppress tumor progression in a mouse model suggests a novel therapeutic intervention that could benefit patients in the future. Further research is needed, but this study paves the way for innovative approaches to combating neuroendocrine tumors.

Using the ketogenic diet as a therapeutic intervention for PanNETs may have potential side effects. However, it is essential to note that this research is still in its early stages, and further human studies are needed to understand the risks thoroughly. Some potential side effects of the ketogenic diet may include:

  1. Keto Flu: When transitioning to a ketogenic diet, some people experience “keto flu” symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
  2. Nutritional Deficiencies: A restrictive diet may lead to nutritional deficiencies, especially if not carefully planned. Monitoring vitamin and mineral intake is crucial.
  3. Gastrointestinal Issues: Constipation and diarrhea can occur due to changes in dietary fiber and fat consumption.
  4. Liver and Kidney Function: There are concerns about how the diet may affect liver and kidney function, as they play a role in metabolizing ketone bodies.
  5. Increased Cholesterol Levels: Some individuals may experience increased cholesterol levels when on a high-fat diet, which could pose cardiovascular risks.
  6. Bone Health: The ketogenic diet may impact bone health due to its potential for calcium loss.

Regarding the use of Metformin, it is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated medication. However, like any medication, it can have side effects. Common side effects of Metformin may include gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal discomfort. In some cases, it may also lead to vitamin B12 deficiency or, rarely, a serious condition called lactic acidosis. The risk of side effects should be weighed against the potential benefits of Metformin as part of PanNET treatment.

The following steps in research to determine the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet in human PanNET patients involve conducting clinical trials. These trials would involve carefully controlled studies on human participants to assess the diet’s impact on tumor growth, blood glucose levels, and overall health. Researchers would monitor for potential side effects and evaluate the diet’s efficacy in improving patient outcomes.

Additionally, research may explore the combination of a ketogenic diet with other treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy or targeted therapies, to determine if synergistic effects could enhance the treatment of PanNETs. Ultimately, conducting well-designed clinical trials will be essential to providing more concrete evidence of the diet’s effectiveness and safety in humans.

Cited Works:

Barrea, Luigi, Sara Cacciapuoti, Matteo Megna, Ludovica Verde, Claudio Marasca, Rosa Vono, Elisabetta Camajani, et al. “The effect of the ketogenic diet on Acne: Could it be a therapeutic tool?.” Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition (2023): 1–20.

Cohen, Yotam, Rafael Valdés-Mas, and Eran Elinav. “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Deciphering Diet–Disease Relationships: Case Studies.” Annual Review of Nutrition 43 (2023).

Rana, Avinash, and Monika Arora. “Ketogenic diet: Assessing YouTube video information using quality, reliability, and text analytics methods.” Nutrition and Health (2023): 02601060231193789.

Science

New Findings: The Fusion of Knowledge Representation Models and Collective Intelligence in Medical Diagnostics

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For centuries, the field of medicine has relied on the expertise of individual doctors and diagnosticians to make informed decisions regarding patient health. However, as medical knowledge expands exponentially and diseases evolve and intermingle, the accuracy of diagnosis based on a singular perspective is being challenged. Enter the fusion of knowledge representation models and collective intelligence (CI) in medical diagnostics.

Combining Forces: Knowledge Representation & CI
A groundbreaking study recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has delved into the exciting intersection of knowledge representation models and CI. The paper proposed a combined approach for complex decision-making tasks and used general medical diagnostics for practical understanding.

The conventional usage of CI in decision-making, whether in investment or geopolitical spheres, typically revolves around more straightforward tasks. The idea of employing it for something as intricate and open-ended as medical diagnostics is both revolutionary and demanding.

Why This matters
In the US alone, misdiagnoses have been cited as primary contributors to patient mortality. Besides the dire consequence of loss of life, misdiagnosis places undue stress on our healthcare resources, contributes to morbidity, and critically erodes public trust in medical institutions.

While automated, algorithm-based solutions have been considered, they come with drawbacks. For one, healthcare professionals, who often have decades of training and experience, hesitate to put blind faith in algorithmically derived solutions. And then there is the issue of computational challenges. The vast nature of the diagnostic space can be overwhelming for algorithms that do not have domain-specific tuning, making human intervention a necessity.

However, a guided search process is crucial for humans to sift through this expansive diagnostic realm effectively. This is where knowledge representation models come into play. They structure potential solutions hierarchically, allowing for a more streamlined decision-making process.

With its inherent strength derived from the combined intelligence of multiple diagnosticians, CI emerges as a robust tool in this setup. Through independent decisions, group consultations, or other mechanisms, CI can minimize diagnostic errors drastically.

Treading New Ground
This nascent intersection of knowledge representation models and CI in medical diagnostics opens up a new realm of possibilities. Though limited studies currently explore this union, the initial results are promising. As the medical community delves deeper, we could be on the brink of a diagnostic renaissance, where decisions are sharper, more accurate, and broadly informed.


The world of medical diagnostics is on the cusp of transformation. While we are yet to fully harness the combined might of knowledge representation models and CI, the early indications point towards a future where accurate medical diagnosis is not just an aspiration but a norm.

Source:

Study explores the use of collective intelligence to improve medical diagnosis.https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230817/Study-explores-the-use-of-collective-intelligence-to-improve-medical-diagnosis.aspx?fbclid=IwAR02SuXdfUCA4LxsJNZzc4jcufeBPSpNWn5J-H1c1v0uXjmTpfqA0ZwzNvA

disease, Health, Long Covid Symptoms, Long Covid Treatment

What is the truth about Long Covid?

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In 2020, the first wave of deaths from COVID-19 was over, but reports warned of a second wave of deaths from severe symptoms that persisted or worsened. This condition was known as long COVID, and it was projected that a significant proportion of those infected with SARS-CoV-2 would succumb to this life-threatening condition. There were articles in newspapers and magazines that told about all the different kinds of pain people suffered when their doctors couldn’t help. Paul Garner, a British epidemiologist, wrote an early and essential account in which he talked about feeling very tired, having a “muggy head,” having trouble breathing, having sore muscles, and having a “weird feeling in the skin.” Long-term COVID is an uncommon condition not only because of its kaleidoscope of symptoms but also because physicians did not initially recognize it.

So, COVID patients who couldn’t get better during the first few months of the pandemic could describe it. The early “long haulers” complaints were exacerbated by activists, whose advocacy convinced the government to allocate more than $1 billion for research. Three years later, the study has caught up with anecdotal reports and early evidence, and a clearer picture of protracted COVID has emerged. It is neither as widespread nor as severe as was initially anticipated, and the U.S. government has moved to lift the emergency declaration.

Researchers in Australia conducted phone interviews with every person in New South Wales diagnosed with COVID-19 between January and May 2020. The researchers discovered that recovery followed a parabola, with 80% of patients fully recovering after 30 days and 91% after 60 days. However, the population of symptomatic patients continued to diminish, with only 4% of the original patient population still experiencing symptoms four months after diagnosis. In addition, other research indicated that COVID could affect many people. To circumvent these issues, scientists have begun conducting retrospective cohort studies. These studies involve combing through anonymized electronic medical records to identify patients who tested positive for COVID and returned with subsequent symptoms.

The disparity in post-COVID symptoms between the two groups demonstrates the medical havoc caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A study of 150,000 patients in an Israeli health network revealed that those infected were more likely to experience prolonged specific symptoms. These symptoms included loss of taste and smell, concentration and memory issues, difficulty breathing, weakness, hair loss, palpitations, and chest pain. However, by the end of the first year, the differences between the infected and the controls had dissipated mainly. Those that remained affected were a relatively small number of patients. The researchers had anticipated discovering many chronic COVID aftereffects, but they only found a small number—researchers at Oxford University in the U.K.

The Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx and the New York University Langone Medical Center found no evidence of a higher risk of any initial neurological or psychiatric diagnosis following COVID-19 than any other respiratory infection. However, 6.4% of COVID patients had a “cognitive deficit,” compared to 5.5% of patients with other respiratory infections. There is no evidence that the pandemic has triggered widespread disability, and disability claims have not increased during the pandemic. The New York State Insurance Fund has released a report analyzing long COVID claims made between January 1, 2020, and March 31, 2022. The report reveals that while there were several hundred successful claims after the initial wave, the number dropped to fewer than 10 per month. This number spiked to double digits only after the Alpha and Omicron waves. The most recent data from March 2022 indicates that only about five long-term COVID claims were approved per month out of approximately 3,000 disability claims in the state. This suggests that a substantial number of patients experience significant and potentially onerous symptoms for several months following a SARS-CoV-2 infection but only a minimal percentage experience symptoms for extended durations.

Cohort studies on chronic-term COVID have revealed that it is challenging to establish a causal relationship between a particular infection. Many patients suffer from a condition that differs marginally from short-term COVID. According to data from the Census Bureau and the National Center for Health Statistics, 11% of American adults who have had COVID are presently experiencing residual symptoms. Still, it is impossible to determine whether the SARS-CoV-2 virus causes these symptoms. There is no doubt that many people with long-term COVID struggle with their symptoms, and the medical community frequently fails to treat them properly. In February, Katherine Wu of The Atlantic wrote about a Brazilian chronic COVID patient whose ordeal resembled those of the first long-haulers. The media has continued to raise the alarm about long-term COVID, even though it is not yet known how many people have it, why, and what their chances of recovery are, let alone what the long-term consequences will be for society.

Even patients with the most debilitating form of long-term COVID can experience improvement within weeks and months, not years. Having COVID for a long time is challenging to define because patients can manifest dozens of symptoms in various combinations, none of which are specific to the disease. Post-Covid is a heterogeneous group of people who complain of prolonged COVID, with some suffering from the lingering effects of many diseases, others experiencing the onset of newly emerging symptoms or the continuation of old ones, and others affected by mood disorders and psychiatric symptoms. However, most patients do get better. According to Census Bureau survey data, the percentage of COVID-19 patients who claim they have experienced COVID decreased by 42% between June 2022 and January 2023. In addition, Dr. Knight’s clinic has seen a decrease in the number of COVID-treated patients. For those whose tiredness, insomnia, and chronic pain have been more severe and debilitating, the heightened concern about long-term COVID in recent years could turn out to be a blessing, as it may hasten the day when those with long-term COVID will be able to put their medical conditions behind them for good.

Resource:

The Truth About Long COVID Is Finally Emerging. It’s Not What We Thought.. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/the-truth-about-long-covid-is-finally-emerging-it-s-not-what-we-thought/ar-AA18P5r5