StemCell Therapy

The energy market as well as political have changed strongly in recent years. In many countries around the world, the cards on the energy mix are being reshuffled. Lars Jaeger writes in an essay for finews.first.

This article is published on finews.first, a forum for authors specialized in economic and financial topics.

The latest example is China, where President Xi Jinping announced a few days ago that his country aims to be CO2-neutral by 2060. Political decision-makers seem to have finally started on their mission to stop climate change. But is enough when politicians pay lip service?

What about our individual responsibilities for greenhouse gas emissions? What have we personally done to curb those? Many residents of industrialized countries still drive around in large cars as a matter of course, eat large quantities of meat, eat avocados from Thailand and wear T-shirts from Bangladesh. Even the corona crisis has done little to change us from wanting to take airplanes not only for our summer vacations but increasingly also for our spring and fall vacation.

Animal husbandry accounts for a particularly large proportion of the emissions

A significant amount of greenhouse gases emission is also caused by our food consumption. What we eat is cultivated, harvested, transported, stored, processed, before it finally ends up on the market and is then consumed by us, again after storage, cooling, and preparation.

Animal husbandry accounts for a particularly large proportion of the emissions. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) the keeping and processing of animals account for almost 15 percent of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Estimates for total food production go up to 30 percent.

To produce one kilogram of beef (approx. 2,500 kcal nutritional value) the greenhouse effective equivalent of approx. 13 kilograms of CO2 is emitted, one kilo of butter (approx. 7,000 kcal nutritional value) even comes to 24 kilograms of CO2, one kilo of lamb (approx. 3,000 kcal nutritional value) to no less than 39 kg CO2, cheese (approx. 3,000 kcal nutritional value) to an average of 8.5 kilograms of CO2 per kilo. For potatoes (approx. 860 kcal nutritional value) this value stands at just 0.4 kilograms of CO2, and the production of one kilo of fresh vegetables (approx. 400 kcal nutritional value) produces on average only 0.15 kilo CO2. Vegetables, therefore, have the best CO2 balance among the basic foodstuffs.

Transportation and packaging of the finished food products play a rather minor role in the environment

Here, methods of genetic engineering, even if they are controversial in Europe, could bring further improvements. For example, there is genetically modified rice, the production of which emits fewer greenhouse gases and which at the same time yields more. The prerequisite for this is that behind these methods stands not only the greed of companies for profit, but that they are also proven by nutritional scientists to be perfectly beneficial to our health and by environmental experts to be not harmful to the biosphere.

Transportation and packaging of the finished food products play a rather minor role in the environment (as long as they are not transported by air). Relying on regional products alone only improves the food footprint by about 4 percent (some products can even be produced overseas at lower CO2 emissions). It is more important to pay attention to seasonal foods: Apples that are stored for months in cold stores are far from being as good as fresh apples in terms of their climate balance. After six months, the energy required for cooling amounts to about 22 percent of the total energy input.

According to the WWF, the CO2 footprint of a Central Europeans diet is reduced by around 25 percent if he or she switches to a vegetarian diet. With a vegan diet, it is even 40 percent. No wonder that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its Special Report on Climate Change and Land Systems of August 2019 calls for a radical change in human meat consumption. In order to feed the growing world population, we need further improved methods of food production. We simply can no longer afford to keep animals for 10 billion people.

Will we there have to do without our steak or chops in the future?

In addition, it has been well-known for a long time that meat consumption, in particular that of processed meat, is not necessarily health-promoting. It significantly increases the risk of developing colon cancer (because of the proliferation of potentially aggressive bacteria in the microbiome, the bacterial intestinal flora, which causes inflammation and cells to mutate), as well as pancreatic and prostate cancer. Further consequences of heavy meat-eating are diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, chronic inflammation, arthrosis and rheumatism, doctors, therefore, advise reduced meat consumption.

Will we there have to do without our steak or chops in the future? No, because also in food production we will experience dramatic technological changes. They will enable us to eat healthier and more ecological food which will at the same time be tastier than what we eat today.

The production of artificial meat in the laboratory reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 95 percent

Food is really just a combination of protein, fat and carbohydrates plus vitamins and trace elements. These can also be put together technically with suitable processes, and this even more efficient and nutritionally more valuable than nature does. In addition, its creation in sterile cell cultures is much more suitable for industrial meat production, because it is easier to control pathogens and toxins. In addition, the time-consuming and appetizing removal of offal, hair and bones is no longer necessary. The fat content of the meat can also be controlled. And last but not least: The production of artificial meat in the laboratory reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 95 percent.

As early as 2013 scientists at Maastricht University produced an artificial meatball. They took muscle stem cells from cattle, mixed those with nutrients, salts, pH buffers and growth factors and left them to reproduce. The cells became cell strands, about 20,000 of which were needed for a 140-gram meatball. Almost like meat, not quite as juicy, but the consistency is perfect, test eaters commented. The effort for this prototype was immense, however, the meatball cost 250,000 euros.

Seven years later, in-vitro meat is almost ready for the market. Appropriate 3D bio-printers serially assemble the cultured cell strands into muscle tissue. In 2020, prices were around 8 to 10 euros per burger (about 140 grams). Today, a number of start-ups are striving to bring their products to market soon at competitive prices.

Farms are also significant virus spinners

Anyone who thinks that artificially produced in-vitro meat is not very appetizing or that a diet of artificially produced meat would take people too far away from nature should spend a few hours in a large slaughterhouse or watch a large agricultural producer.

In the summer of 2020 with the Tnnies crisis in Germany, we became involuntary witnesses of the terrible conditions of todays industrial meat production. The mass production of animals in todays large farms is hardly more appetizing.

Next to wild animals, farms are also significant virus spinners. And the monocultures of todays plant food production, including those for animal feed, are coming with such massive damage to nature (soil compaction, soil erosion, fertilizers and pesticides in the groundwater, bee deaths due to pesticides) that the call for an agricultural turnaround is becoming ever louder. Instead of being a step away from nature, artificial meat production is a powerful step for its protection, i.e. a step towards nature!

Diet becomes healthier without having to sacrifice taste

And as far as palatability is concerned, probably the most important criterion for what we eat, apart from health, the alternative meat producers work together with gourmet chefs and butchers, but also with food technicians, taste experts and manufacturers of flavors and fragrances to optimize juiciness, texture and mouthfeel. Their aim is to simulate the taste of the steak deceptively realistically and by adding appropriate flavors even improve it. First testers unanimously certify that the printed steaks taste like real meat, tasty, firm to the bite and fibrous like the original.

The food market is facing a revolution. Plant food stands up quite favorably in terms of climate balance, in contrast to meat from animal production. Meat and seafood grown from cells and printed by 3D printers will dramatically reduce industrial animal husbandry and even increase our gourmet pleasure. It is estimated that by 2040 35 percent of all meat will be produced in this way.

The popular German philosopher Richard David Precht already paints the picture of a society without livestock farming, but with meat that we print out ourselves instead of it coming from pasture. In this way, we ensure the nutrition of the growing world population and reduce the ecological footprint of our diet. At the same time, our diet becomes healthier without having to sacrifice taste.

Lars Jaeger is a Swiss-German author and investment manager. He writes on the history and philosophy of science and technology and has in the past been an author on hedge funds, quantitative investing, and risk management.

Previous contributions: Rudi Bogni, Peter Kurer, Rolf Banz, Dieter Ruloff, Werner Vogt, Walter Wittmann, Alfred Mettler, Robert Holzach, Craig Murray, David Zollinger, Arthur Bolliger, Beat Kappeler, Chris Rowe, Stefan Gerlach, Marc Lussy, Nuno Fernandes, Richard Egger, Maurice Pedergnana, Marco Bargel, Steve Hanke, Urs Schoettli, Ursula Finsterwald, Stefan Kreuzkamp, Oliver Bussmann, Michael Benz, Albert Steck, Martin Dahinden, Thomas Fedier, Alfred Mettler,Brigitte Strebel, Mirjam Staub-Bisang, Nicolas Roth, Thorsten Polleit, Kim Iskyan, Stephen Dover, Denise Kenyon-Rouvinez, Christian Dreyer, Kinan Khadam-Al-Jame, Robert Hemmi,Anton Affentranger,Yves Mirabaud, Katharina Bart, Frdric Papp, Hans-Martin Kraus, Gerard Guerdat, MarioBassi, Stephen Thariyan, Dan Steinbock, Rino Borini,Bert Flossbach, Michael Hasenstab, Guido Schilling, Werner E. Rutsch,Dorte Bech Vizard, Adriano B. Lucatelli, Katharina Bart, Maya Bhandari, Jean Tirole, Hans Jakob Roth,Marco Martinelli, Thomas Sutter,Tom King,Werner Peyer, Thomas Kupfer, Peter Kurer,Arturo Bris,Frederic Papp,James Syme, DennisLarsen, Bernd Kramer, Ralph Ebert, Armin Jans,Nicolas Roth, Hans Ulrich Jost, Patrick Hunger, Fabrizio Quirighetti,Claire Shaw, Peter Fanconi,Alex Wolf, Dan Steinbock, Patrick Scheurle, Sandro Occhilupo, Will Ballard, Michael Bornhaeusser, Nicholas Yeo, Claude-Alain Margelisch, Jean-Franois Hirschel, Jens Pongratz, Samuel Gerber, Philipp Weckherlin, Anne Richards, Antoni Trenchev, Benoit Barbereau, Pascal R. Bersier, Shaul Lifshitz, Klaus Breiner, Ana Botn, Martin Gilbert, Jesper Koll, Ingo Rauser, Carlo Capaul, Claude Baumann, Markus Winkler, Konrad Hummler, Thomas Steinemann, Christina Boeck, Guillaume Compeyron, Miro Zivkovic, Alexander F. Wagner, Eric Heymann, Christoph Sax, Felix Brem, Jochen Moebert, Jacques-Aurlien Marcireau, Ursula Finsterwald, Claudia Kraaz, Michel Longhini, Stefan Blum, Zsolt Kohalmi, Karin M. Klossek, Nicolas Ramelet, Sren Bjnness, Lamara von Albertini, Andreas Britt, Gilles Prince, Darren Willams, Salman Ahmed, Stephane Monier, and Peter van der Welle, Beat Wittmann, Ken Orchard, Christian Gast, Didier Saint-Georges, Jeffrey Bohn, Juergen Braunstein, Jeff Voegeli, Fiona Frick, Stefan Schneider, Matthias Hunn, Andreas Vetsch, Fabiana Fedeli, Marionna Wegenstein, Kim Fournais, Carole Millet, Ralph Ebert, Lars Jaeger, Swetha Ramachandran, Brigitte Kaps, Thomas Stucki, Teodoro Cocca, Neil Shearing, Claude Baumann, Guy de Blonay, Tom Naratil, Oliver Berger, Robert Sharps, Tobias Mueller, Florian Wicki, Jean Keller, Fabrizio Pagani, Niels Lan Doky, Michael Welti, Karin M. Klossek, Ralph Ebert, Johnny El Hachem, Judith Basad, Katharina Bart, Thorsten Polleit, Beat Wittmann,Bernardo Brunschwiler, Peter Schmid, Karam Hinduja, Stuart Dunbar, Zsolt Kohalmi, Lars Jaeger, Raphal Surber, Santosh Brivio, Grard Piasko, Mark Urquhart, Olivier Kessler, Bruno Capone, and Peter Hody.

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Lars Jaeger: The Future is Veggie, With 3D Printing - finews.asia

The COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-COV-2 virus which is a strain of virus that came from Wuhan in China late December of the year 2019 and has caused a devastating effect on almost everyone on earth forcing businesses to be closed, events to be canceled and economies to be completely shattered since its spread earlier this year 2020.

This is a very new disease and because of that, there is much to learn about the disease which scientists ae constantly working on in order to understand more about it so as to be able to fight it even much more efficiently. Meanwhile in their researches, scientists have been able to realize the roles played by pre-existing conditions in determining the severity of the disease on patients who contracts the coronavirus.

In order to assess the situations which can determine the fatality of the coronavirus infection, scientists have been able to further carry out much more researchers on pre-existing conditions which can cause serious complications.

The research was recently carried out by Penn State University which published in the journal PLOS One took a look at a variety of pre-existing conditions.

A team of researchers reviewed data on almost 500 COVID-19 cases and determined the following five cases are the deadliest pre-existing conditions when it comes to the coronavirus disease.

While an early diagnose of cancer might mean catching the malignant cells when theyre still fresh out, the American Cancer Society writes that doctors are still learning about the possible risks of COVID-19 infection for cancer patients.

The body further warned that all patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or stem cell (bone marrow) treatments should be extra careful and avoid infections at all cost because their immune system can be severely weakened by the treatment.

And for more specific information on cancer and coronavirus, be aware thatThis Type of Cancer Increases Your Risk of Severe COVID by 60 Percent.

While some diabetes can be lifelong, having the illness doesnt mean youre susceptible to catching the COVID-19 but the problem people with diabetes face is primarily a problem of worse outcomes stated the American Diabetes Association.

If your diabetes is being manage safely and regularly that puts you in a much better position but if the blood sugar level are constantly fluctuating or other diabetes-related complications can happen.

Since COVID-19 is a viral disease, this makes it also risky for diabetic patients as it can cause inflammation or internal swelling which is an already risky situation of above-target blood sugars.

Viruses also make patients more likely to experiencediabetic ketoacidosis(DKA). And if youre concerned about this condition,This Quick Trick Can Determine Your Diabetes Risk, Study Says.

Having a high blood pressure can be risky to your lifestyle causing stress and doctors have described this as the silent killer because it can often be present with no symptoms at all.

Meanwhile, early analysis of data from the outbreak of COVID-19 both in the US and China showed that having high blood pressure is the most commonly shared pre-existing condition among those hospitalized with 3- to 50 percent of patients havign it.

Hypertension is very deadly as it can weaken the patients immune system and because of this, patients hit by the COVID-19 are likely to exhibit more severe symptoms.

Patients with congestive heart failure which is a progressive, chronic weakening of the heart which causes the ventricles to lose their strength and their ability to pump sufficient blood throughout the body are 2.03 times more likely to die from COVID-19.

Studies carried out in China suggested that about 20% of the COVID-19 patients in Wuhan which is the epicenter of the original outbreak in December demonstrated a cardiac effect called myocardial injury.

However, analysis by the University of Oxford also stresses that its important thatheart failure patientsare not written off. For patients with known heart failure, continuation of current therapy is crucial, the experts warn.

Those who are constant smokers as well as older people or those living with obesity and diabetes are at a much more higher risk for chronic kidney disease and this disease also runs as an heredity which is more common in African-Americans, Native Americans and Asian-Americans.

COVID aside, chronic kidney disease is especially dangerous as it doesnt cause any symptoms untilmost of your kidney is destroyed.

As many cases of COVID-19 is being reported, patients with this disease are much more vulnerable and can lead to fatal severity if they contract the COVID-19.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have ahigher rate of all-type infectionsand cardiovascular disease than the general population, a June paper in theClinical Kidney Journalsums up. A markedly altered immune system and immunosuppressed state may predispose CKD patients to infectious complications. Likewise, they have a state of chronic systemic inflammation that may increase their morbidity and mortality. This research found that the risk for severe COVID-19 is three times higher in those with CKD than those without it.

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5 Deadly Pre-existing Conditions You Could Have Due To COVID-19 - Brumpost - Brumpost

Facts, not fear: KENS 5 is tracking the latest numbers from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in San Antonio and across Texas.

SAN ANTONIO We're tracking the latest numbers from the coronavirus pandemic in San Antonio and across Texas. Here are the latest numbers reported by Bexar and surrounding counties:

How Bexar County is trending

We've tracked how many coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Bexar County from the time officials began reporting cases in March 2020. The graphic below shows the number of cases since June and charts those daily case numbers along a 7-day moving average to provide a more accurate picture of the overall coronavirus case curve in our area and the direction we're trending amid the pandemic.

On Wednesday, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg announced 214 additional coronavirus cases in Bexar County, sending the local total over 59,000. In all, 59,153 residents have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Nirenberg also said there were no additional virus-related deaths in the county. In all, 1,168 county residents have died from coronavirus complications.

Hospitalizations in the county dropped ever so slightly on Wednesday. 203 residents were receiving treatment for coronavirus symptoms, which is three fewer than on Tuesday. And the number of patients using ventilators (39) and in ICU (84) are also slight drops from Tuesday's numbers.

Coronavirus in Texas

The number of Texans who have tested positive for the coronavirus since the pandemic began grew by 4,121 cases on Wednesday, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

3,776 of those are new diagnoses over the last 24 hours, while the other 345 cases stem from a number of backlogs in several counties and groups of previously unreported cases in some areas. More details can be found at the top of this page.

In total, 777,556 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Texas.

State health authorities, meanwhile, reported an additional 119 virus-related deaths on Wednesday. At least 16,230 Texans have passed away from COVID-19 complications.

The state also saw a sharp uptick in hospitalizations on Wednesday. There were 125 more Texans receiving treatment for coronavirus symptoms in the last 24 hours, for a total of 3,519 currently hospitalized; it's been nearly a month since the figure was that high.

The state estimates that 692,123 Texans have recovered, while 70,813 Texans remain ill with COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the Texas Education Agency updated its online coronavirus database to show that there have been 9,857 cumulative cases among staff and students across the state as of Sept. 27. More information can be found here.

Latest Coronavirus Headlines

Coronavirus symptoms

The symptoms of coronavirus can be similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80 percent of the cases there were mild.

But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk.

But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk.

Experts determined there was consistent evidence these conditions increase a person's risk, regardless of age:

The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.

Human coronaviruses are usually spread...

Help stop the spread of coronavirus

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Coronavirus Tracker: Bexar Co. cases surpass 59,000; Texas hospitalizations trending in the wrong direction - KENS5.com

Photograph: Rex/Shutterstock

Rebekah Powers was 11 when members of her faith group, the People of Praise, gathered around as she sat on a chair and laid their hands on her to pray. Powers sister had shown a gift for speaking in tongues, a defining trait of the followers of the small charismatic Christian community, and Rebekah was expected to do the same.

Related: McConnell hits out at Guardian and other media over Amy Coney Barrett scrutiny

But after what seemed like an eternity, she proved unable to produce a sound.

I couldnt get it, and I stayed there an hour and a half before they gave up and finally said, You just have blockage. You need to just work on your sin and be more open, she said.

The 41-year-old had a rebellious spirit and left People of Praise when she turned 18. It has taken decades of therapy and hard work to overcome the intense feelings of shame and fear of damnation that she said marked her childhood. The Christian faith group, based in South Bend, Indiana, dominated every aspect of her early life, she said.

Next week, Amy Coney Barrett, a conservative appellate court judge who is a prominent member of the 1,700-member strong People of Praise, will sit before the Senate judiciary committee to face questions about her judicial philosophy as part of her controversial confirmation to take a seat on the supreme court. A successful appointment, replacing the liberal Ruth Bader Ginsburg, will cement a conservative dominance on the powerful body.

Democrats have already stated that neither Barretts Catholic faith nor her membership in the People of Praise which has never publicly been discussed or disclosed, but has been examined in press reports will be raised in their questioning of the nominee.

Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader who is seeking to confirm Barrett before the end of October, has nevertheless said that media reports and some remarks by senators about a newly discovered public statement by Barrett in opposition to Roe v Wade, were disgusting attacks on faith. He said they risked a return to the tropes of the 1960s, when it was feared by some anti-Catholic bigots that John F Kennedy would act in the interest of the pope instead of the US.

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Our coastal elites are so disconnected from their own country that they treat religious Americans like strange animals in a menagerie, McConnell said in a statement.

But Powers, who is one of a handful of former People of Praise members who contacted the Guardian to describe their difficult experience in the group (using her married name), and some religious scholars who have studied charismatic Christian communities, say Barretts membership in this specific religious community does raise legitimate questions. They want to examine how views that are integral to the groups core beliefs from its treatment of women to the separation of church and state might influence her. They are also distinct from most mainstream Catholic faith.

In the bi-weekly and hours-long meetings that defined Powers childhood, intense prayer and discussions centered on obedience and driving out sin. Powers, who does not know Barrett, frequently witnessed people speaking in tongues and frenzied calls for evil spirits to be expelled, episodes that usually led to exorcisms.

The brainwashing and the groupthink, the female subjugation it was so devaluing

Rebekah Powers

In the strict hierarchy exercised by the group, Powers parents were often asked to take in other members into their home, even though her own family were using food stamps to get by. As a child and teenager, Powers father served as her spiritual head and worked multiple jobs, including being asked to tend to the lawns of the communitys properties, free of charge.

Women who are married, like Barrett, count their husbands as their heads.

We were Catholic, but the Catholicism was on the side. Our life, all of our friends, all of the randoms who were living in our household, were the [People of Praise] community. It was God, she said. The brainwashing and the groupthink, the female subjugation of being there to serve and listen to your spiritual head. It was so devaluing. To me, it instilled such problems.

Powers experiences are in line with a handbook called The Spirit and Purpose of the People of Praise, which was obtained by the Guardian and confirms that people who seek to be members of the group are prayed with for the release of charismatic gifts specifically, speaking in tongues and the gift of prophecy. It also states: Obedience to authority and submission to headship are active responses to the gifts of God.

Although Barrett has not discussed the issue, there is evidence that the former Notre Dame law professor served as a trustee for a school affiliated with the group; lived in the home of a prominent co-founder when she was in law school; and announced the birth of her children in People of Praises magazine, which has removed references to Barrett and her family since she joined the federal bench in 2017.

The Washington Post reported this week that Barrett served as a handmaid as late as 2010, a leadership position for women in the community, according to a directory.

Barretts father, Mike Coney, who has served in a leadership position in the People of Praise, described his own decision to join the group in a 2018 testimonial at his Catholic church, describing how he had initially unwillingly attended a charismatic seminar as a young man. When prayed with for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit, nothing happened. Then later that night I began to speak in tongues. More importantly, I was filled with an insatiable appetite for reading scripture and spiritual books, he wrote.

Thomas Csordas, an anthropology professor at the University of California San Diego who has studied the issues around communities like People of Praise, said it was wrong to focus attention on whether the group could be a considered a cult in the spirit of Jim Joness Peoples Temple. It was much more appropriate, he said, to examine what he called the intentional community of People of Praise and its nature of being conservative, authoritarian, hierarchical, and patriarchal.

I think theyre potentially more dangerous and much more sophisticated [than a cult], he said. It is not the kind of group where submission of women to men means that they have to stay barefoot and pregnant. Instead, they have to be lawyers and judges and submissive to men at the same time. They have to be able to have a career and seven kids at the same time.

Far from taking her cues from the People of Praise, Csordas said, Barretts biography showed she was not a mindless devotee of a cult, but rather part of the elite of the intentional charismatic covenant community, reflecting her previous status as a handmaiden and trustee of the school, and her fathers leadership role.

Related: Revealed: Amy Coney Barrett lived in home of secretive Christian groups co-founder

Contrary to a situation in which people might worry she might be told what to think or told by her husband. Being that far into the community means, no, she is going to be teaching other people. She already knows what to think because of the patriarchal structure she was raised in, which mirrors conservative Catholic views and the views of her judicial mentor, Antonin Scalia.

Massimo Faggioli, a professor of theology at Villanova University, said that even if senators declined to question Barrett about her faith, the issues deserved to be aired in other forums because groups like People of Praise, he said, does reject a secular view of separation between church and state.

I dont think we should put her Catholicism on trial, but the Catholic conservative legal movement is putting liberalism on trial. They want to change a certain understanding of the liberal order of individual rights, and that is coming from the religious worldview of Catholic groups, he said.

Maybe not in the Senate, but in the public square.

A spokesman for People of Praise has said it would be inappropriate to discuss Barrett. He has also said the organization is an ecumenical community that strives to allow men and women with a wide variety of political and religious views to live together in harmony.

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The Crypto Daily Movers and Shakers October 10th, 2020 - Sports Grind Entertainment

Although rheumatoid arthritis (RA) only affects 1% of adults in most countries, up to 17% of these patients have a major depressive disorder (MDD). However, not all patients are assessed for their mental well-being even though detecting and managing depression could optimize the care of patients with RA, according to a review published in Rheumatology and Therapy.

Not only is depression 2 times more common in patients with RA than in the general population, but studies have shown there is a bidirectional relationship: the chronic inflammation impairs effective coping behaviors to stress, which results in depression that in turns leads to worse long-term outcomes.

In RA, quality of life (QoL) is significantly decreased because of pain, fatigue, and disability, causing mood change in the form of anxiety and depression, the authors wrote. Observational studies have described a high prevalence of depression and anxiety in RA; [MDDs] are detected in 17% of RA patients, and local and systemic inflammation plays an important role in anxiety and depression.

The authors reviewed previously conducted studies on the impact of depression on disease activity in RA and vice versa.

Patient-reported outcomes like baseline bodily pain and fatigue not only affect QoL and high disease activity but also likely increase depression. There is a relationship between the disease activity score using 28 joints and QoL, and patients with a higher degree of pain had a higher reduction in QoL, the researchers wrote.

A survey by the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society found that 90% of patients with RA reported fatigue was the main factor causing low mood and depression, with 89% reporting they experienced chronic fatigue and 79% never being assessed to determine their level of fatigue.

RA patients report the effect of the disease on their mental well-being and frequently describe tearfulness, irritability, frustration, anxiety, and depression, the authors explained.

Depression is the most common mental health disorder associated with RA, and presents with low mood, low self-esteem, fatigue, lethargy, and more. In addition, MDD can present with more aggressive symptoms of depression and can potentially be fatal if left untreated since it also presents with suicidal ideation.

Studies have shown that depression reduces medication adherence and that patients with depression may have reduced physical exercise and social interaction because their coping responses to pain, fatigue, and disability are impaired.

RA patients diagnosed with depression have reduced rates of clinically significant RA remission, increased pain, worse function and quality of life, and increased mortality, the authors wrote. PROs hence become an essential factor for optimising the holistic care of RA.

The researchers noted that studies have found that biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and conventional synthetic DMARDs can improve depressive symptoms in patients with RA. However, when depression is present in patients with RA before they start on biologic DMARDs, it can reduce treatment response.

Further observational studies for early detection of anxiety and depression in RA patients using web-based questionnaires would be of help for both patients and clinicians, the authors concluded.

Reference

Lwin MN, Serhal L, Holroyd C, Edwards CJ. Rheumatoid arthritis: the impact of mental health on disease: a narrative review. Rheumatol Ther. 2020;7(3):457-471. doi:10.1007/s40744-020-00217-4

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The Bidirectional Relationship Between Depression and Rheumatoid Arthritis - AJMC.com Managed Markets Network

Objectives:Identify 24-hour activity-sleep profiles in adults with arthritis and explore factors associated with profile membership.

Methods:Cross-sectional cohort, using baseline data from two randomized trials studying activity counselling for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or knee osteoarthritis (OA). Participants wore activity monitors for 1-week and completed surveys for demographics, mood (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and sitting and walking habits (Self-Reported Habit Index). 1440 minutes / day stratified into minutes off-body, sleeping, resting, non-ambulatory, and intermittent or purposeful ambulation. Latent class analysis determined cluster numbers; baseline-category multinomial logit regression identified factors associated with cluster membership.

Results:172 people (RA: 51%, OA:30%, SLE: 19%). Clusters: High Sitters: 6.9 hours sleep, 1.6 hours rest, 13.2 hours non-ambulatory, 1.6 hours intermittent and 0.3 hours purposeful walking. Low Sleepers: 6.5 hours sleep, 1.2 hours rest, 12.2 hours non-ambulatory, 3.3 hours intermittent and 0.6 hours purposeful walking. High Sleepers: 8.4 hours sleep, 1.9 hours rest, 10.4 hours non-ambulatory, 2.5 hours intermittent and 0.3 hours purposeful walking. Balanced Activity: 7.4 hours sleep, 1.5 hours sleep, 9.4 hours non-ambulatory, 4.4 hours intermittent and 0.8 hours purposeful walking. Younger age [OR: 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91-0.99)], weaker occupational sitting habit [OR: 0.55 (95% CI: 0.41-0.76)] and stronger walking outside habit [OR: 1.43 (95% CI: (1.06-1.91)] were each associated with Balanced Activity relative to High Sitters.

Conclusions:Meaningful subgroups were identified based on 24-hour activity-sleep patterns. Suggesting tailoring interventions based on 24-hour activity-sleep profiles may be indicated, particularly in adults with stronger habitual sitting or weaker walking behaviors.

Keywords:24-hour activity and sleep profiles; accelerometry; adults; arthritis; habit strength; latent class analysis.

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24-hour Activity and Sleep Profiles for Adults Living with Arthritis: Habits Matter - DocWire News

Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and stiffness in and around the joints. In fact, there are over 100 types of arthritis that affect the hand and wrist joints, with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and gout being the main offenders, exercise physiotherapist Kusal Goonewardena tells Starts at 60.

[This can] result in decreased mobility, reduced strength and a lack of function especially grip strength and inability to use fingers effectively, he explains.

The good news is exercise can help certain hand exercises can help to reduce pain, stiffness and swelling, and improve joint flexibility. So what are some good exercises that can help ease the pain? Below, with the help of Kusal, weve listed five easy hand exercises that you can do from the comfort of your own home. Just be sure to check with your doctor or physiotherapist before starting a new routine.

Place your palms together in a prayer position. Then keep your palms pressing together as you move your hands above your head. Hold for 30 seconds before moving your hands down. Kusal says to repeat this step two more times.

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5 easy hand exercises for people with arthritis - Starts at 60

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the diagnostic performance of screening instruments for depression was good, while screening instruments for anxiety were more variable, according to study results published in Arthritis Care & Research.

Previous studies reported higher rates of depression and anxiety in patients with RA, compared with the general population. As there are limited data on the diagnostic performances of available tools for assessing depression and anxiety in RA, the goal of the current study was to investigate the validity, reliability and optimal cut point of multiple screening instruments for mental disorders for patients with RA.

The study cohort included adults with RA, recruited through the Arthritis Centre clinic in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and through community clinics between November 2014 and July 2016.

Each participant completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2 or PHQ-9), the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System depression short form 8a and anxiety short form 8a, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety score (HADS-A) and depression score (HADS-D), the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-and 7-item scales, and the Kessler-6 scale.

Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Axis I Disorders (SCID-1) research version was used as the criterion standard to confirm clinical depression and anxiety disorders in the study participants.

The study included 150 participants (127 women, mean age 59.8 years) who completed the SCID-1 shortly after enrollment. Using the criterion standard of the SCID-1 to confirm clinical diagnosis, the prevalence of current depression was 11.3%, prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder was 7.3%, and prevalence of any anxiety disorder was 19.3%.

For depression, Kessler-6 scale and the HADS-D (cut point 11) had the lowest sensitivity (35% for both) and the highest specificity (96% and 94%, respectively). Sensitivity was highest for the PHQ-2 (88%) and PHQ-9 (87%), with specificity of 84% and 77%, respectively.

For anxiety, sensitivity was highest for the HADS-A with a cut point 11 points (91%), and lowest for HADS-A with a cut point 8 points. While the specificity was lowest for the former (45%), it was the highest for the latter (91%).

All depression and anxiety instruments had acceptable internal consistency and reliability. For depression instruments, internal consistency ranged between 84% to 97% and the test-retest reliability interclass correlation coefficient ranged between 84% and 88%. For anxiety instruments, internal consistency ranged between 69% to 93% and the test-retest reliability interclass correlation coefficient ranged between 69% and 83%.

Based on the area under the curve, the diagnostic performances of all the depression and anxiety instruments were remarkably similar. While the diagnostic performance for depression was generally good, it was not excellent (area under the curve <0.90). The diagnostic instruments for anxiety were less accurate than those for depression; performance was better for identifying generalized anxiety disorder than for any anxiety disorder.

The study had several limitations, among them are the inclusion of patients from the same region indicating that the findings may not apply to other settings, limited access to biologic therapies and mental health support, potential participant bias, and potential limitations due to administration of multiple instruments at the same time.

[T]he optimal choice of screening instrument, and optimal cut point, may vary depending on the situation and purpose of administration. Regardless, incorporation of screening tools for depression and anxiety into clinical practice may improve outcomes for patients with RA, wrote the researchers.

Hitchon CA, Zhang L, Peschken CA, et al. Validity and reliability of screening measures for depression and anxiety disorders in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2020;72(8):1130-1139.

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Diagnostic Performances of Depression and Anxiety Screening Measures in Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatology Advisor

Novel selective oral Janus activated kinase (JAK) inhibitors, tofacitinib, baricitinib, and upadicitinib, improve disease control and quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but there are also several safety concerns, including potential increased risk for infection and venous thromboembolism, according to study results published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

As a family of intracellular tyrosine kinases, JAKs are involved in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. There are 4 members in the JAK family: JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2). Currently, there are 3 FDA-approved oral JAK inhibitors for the treatment of RA: tofacitinib, which inhibits JAK1/3 with less inhibition of JAK2 and TYK2; baricitinib, an inhibitor of JAK 1/2 with moderate activity against TYK2; and upadacitinib, which is a JAK1-selective inhibitor.

The goal of the current systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the safety and efficacy of these 3 drugs for the treatment of RA.

The researchers performed a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library through December 11, 2019, to identify randomized controlled trials that included adult patients with active RA, treated with tofacitinib, baricitinib, or upadicitinib. All included studies determined efficacy and safety outcomes.

Of 116 identified clinical trials, 20 studies (8982 unique patients) with a low risk of bias were included in the analysis: 12 tofacitinib trials, 5 baricitinib studies, and 3 designed to test upadacitinib.

All JAK inhibitors were found to be effective in reducing RA disease activity, and the overall pooled analysis showed that the response rate according to American College of Rheumatology 20% (ACR) criteria was 2-fold higher than placebo (relative risk [RR], 2.03; 95% CI, 1.87-2.20; P <.001), and all treatments were associated with significant decreases in Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) (mean differences, -0.31; 95 CI, -0.34 to -0.28; P <.001).

Tofacitinib at a dose of 10 mg, twice daily, was associated with the highest response rate according to ACR20 (RR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.97-3.14; P <.001) and the most statistically significant improvement in HAQ-DI score (mean difference, -0.38; 95% CI, -0.44 to -0.31; P <.001).

The overall incidence of adverse events was higher among patients treated with JAK inhibitors (RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.05-1.13; P <.001), but the frequency of serious adverse events in any of the treatment groups was not significantly different compared with placebo.

Tofacitinib given at a dose of 10 mg, twice daily, was associated with the highest risk for infection (RR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.72-4.41), followed by upadacitinib, 15 mg, daily (RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.14-1.60) and baricitinib, 4 mg, daily (RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.12-1.45). On the other hand, treatments with tofacitinib 5 mg, twice daily, baricitinib at a daily dose of 2 mg, or upadacitinib 30 mg daily, were not associated with an increased risk for infection.

Data on venous thromboembolism was only available from upadacitinib trials, indicating the JAK inhibitor was not associated with a significant increase in risk for venous thromboembolic disease.

The study had several limitations, including the small number of trials with baricitinib and upadacitinib, significant heterogeneity in study design, follow-up duration and treatment duration. Furthermore, in some trials patients in the placebo group switched to active treatment during the follow-up.

Longer-term follow-up and additional trials with head-to-head comparison of tofacitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib, as well as additional information from ongoing trials of these and other JAK inhibitors, including peficitinib and filgotinib, will be important to further determine both efficacy and the safety profile of these agents in the management of RA, wrote the researchers.

Wang F, Sun L, Wang S, et al. Efficacy and safety of tofacitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib for rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Mayo Clin Proc. 2020;95(7):1404-1419. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.01.039

Read more here:
Efficacy and Safety of JAK Inhibitors for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatology Advisor

It can leave the joints feeling sore and inflamed, and could even damage the surrounding cartilage or tendons.

On some occasions, the symptoms can extend to other parts of the body, including the lungs or heart.

Around 400,000 people in the UK have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

One of the key warning signs of the condition is developing a high fever.

READ MORE: Rheumatoid arthritis - vitamin to reduce risk

"Rheumatoid arthritis mainly attacks the joints, usually many joints at once," said the US Centers for Disease Control Prevention.

"With rheumatoid arthritis, there are times when symptoms get worse, known as flares, and times when symptoms get better, known as remission.

"Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include: Pain or aching in more than one joint, stiffness in more than one joint, weight loss, fever, fatigue, weakness.

"Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are not specific and can look like signs and symptoms of other inflammatory joint diseases."

Read the original post:
Five common signs of painful rheumatoid arthritis that you may be missing - Express

Active wheelchairs resemble most of the sports wheelchairs available in the market and are easy to maneuver. These wheelchairs are utilized on a daily basis and are usually more of a premium product than the usual, standard wheelchairs. It also comprises wheelchairs for people who want to remain active in life. Most of the sports wheelchairs are the active wheelchairs. Easily navigable, these wheelchairs come in two different forms, which are rigid or folding. These chairs can be easily adjusted to cater to the need of the users and their lifestyle, which is estimated to support growth of the global active wheelchair market over the period of forecast, from 2019 to 2029.

Rising in the number of disabled and geriatric population across the globe is likely to accentuate the demand for active wheelchairs in the near future. In addition, constant efforts to better the efficiency of these wheelchairs, favorable initiatives by the government, and rise in the incidences of chronic diseases is likely to trigger growth of the global active wheelchair market in the years to come.

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Type, indication, and region are the three key parameters based on which the global active wheelchair market has been divided. The objective of such segmentation is to offer a clearer, 360-degree view of the market.

Global Active Wheelchair Market: Notable Developments

The global active wheelchair market has witnessed significant developments in the recent years. One of such developments pertaining to the market is mentioned below:

Some of the key players in the global active wheelchair market comprise the below-mentioned:

Global Active Wheelchair Market: Key Trends

The following drivers, restraints, and opportunities characterize global active wheelchair market over the assessment period, from 2019 to 2029.

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In comparison with a traditional wheelchair, this active one is considered an upscale product. Active wheelchairs are considered a blessing for people who prefer to remain active, which is why it has gained tremendous popularity in the last few years.

According to the findings of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 54.4 million adults in the US were suffering from arthritis in the period that spanned from 2013 to 2015. In addition, it is also forecasted that nearly 36.4 million people with arthritis is estimated to have limited activities by 2040. With such increased prevalence of disabilities, the global active wheelchair market is likely to observe considerable growth over the period of assessment, from 2019 to 2019.

In addition, rise in the disposable income of the people together with increasing approvals of product is forecasted to work in favor of the global active wheelchair market in the years to come. There are many government policies encouraging adoption of these wheelchairs, which is likely to pave way for accelerated adoption of active wheelchairs in the years to come.

Global Active Wheelchair Market: Geographical Analysis

Expanding base of geriatric population together with rising expenditure on healthcare is likely to place Europe at the forefront of the global active wheelchair market. The dominance of Europe over the market is likely to continue throughout the period of forecast. Asia Pacific is estimated to come up as a rapidly growing region with rising disposable income and inclination toward spending on premium medical devices.

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The global active wheelchair market is segmented as:

Type

Indication

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Active Wheelchair Market | High Prevalence of Arthritis to Contribute toward Spiraling Demand for Active Wheelchairs - BioSpace

Oscar Klefbom has played with shoulder pain for a few years. And hes lived with it daily. His shoulder discomfort has even made sleeping uncomfortable at times during the hockey season.

Two different sources confirmed Klefboms shoulder ailment has been an issue for years.

Im told he is dealing with chronic arthritis in his shoulder, and surgery isnt an easy fix. There is no guarantee it will solve the problem, and the major concern for Klefbom is if he has surgery and nothing improves, it might make it worse. A medical person explained that one reason to have surgery would be to debride the joint and possibly take a part of the acromion (a bony process on the scapula) to give him better function in his shoulder.

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Today, Oilers GM Ken Holland addressed Klefboms status.

I dont think its that simple, said Holland responding to why didnt Klefbom have surgery once the Oilers were eliminated.

If he needs it, why doesnt he get surgery and why wait two months? Then youve lost two months. If it was that easy, he would make those decisions but its not that easy. He played with some pain. In February we shut him down for I think nine games. He went to see a shoulder specialist, and again its not cut and dry.

Its not as simple as you do have surgery or you dont have surgery. I think Klef needs to make a decision based upon the information that hes given from his body and the doctors hes seen a couple of shoulder specialists and see how he wants to proceed.

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In past years the season has ended and theres been a long offseason for it (his shoulder) to get better and he comes back and he plays. But as he goes forward each year the body is another year older and beat up a little more. He has to decide how he wants to proceed and again, from the clubs perspective, would you like to have an answer? Yeah. But, I always think Ive got to respect that this is an important player on the team, but hes also a person who has to make a decision that is going to be very important to him going forward in his life and I have to respect that.

Hollands response about it being an issue that isnt easily fixed by surgery matches with my sources confirming Klefbom is dealing with arthritis.

Klefbom has tried different treatments to fix it, and often the pain subsides, but then it reappears during the wear and tear of an NHL season.

Holland also mentioned it is likely Klefbom wont be ready to start the season, and could possibly be sidelined for the entire year.

Will surgery help? They dont know and that is why Klefbom is not rushing into a decision. It could have a huge impact on how much longer he is able to play.

See the article here:
Edmonton Oilers: Oscar Klefbom Dealing With Arthritis - Oilers Nation

Low-impact exercise like biking is a great way to keep your joints healthy.

Image Credit: adamkaz/E+/GettyImages

More than 54 million Americans have arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That's more than 1 in 5 people. While there are some known risk factors that can lead to this common condition, many such as a person's genes are outside of our control.

But not all of them. "Some [forms of arthritis] are preventable, others are modifiable," says Daniel Wallace, MD, rheumatologist and spokesperson for Voltaren.

There are also many tactics that can help improve your overall joint health. That's important, since healthy joints allow you to move with ease and aid in protecting your bones, per the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMSD).

Arthritis refers to any type of pain or swelling in the joints, and there are more than 100 varieties, per Stuart D. Kaplan, MD, chief of rheumatology at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, New York.

The most common type is osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. As protective cartilage wears away, bones touch at joints sometimes, youll hear OA referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis.

The other most commonly diagnosed variety is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory type. Its an auto-immune disease, which means the body is fighting itself. It can attack the joints, which become red-hot and swollen, Dr. Kaplan says.

Some risk factors apply to only one of these two common forms.

Here are a few science-backed tactics that'll help reduce your arthritis risk factors, along with promoting good joint health.

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Carrying around extra pounds puts extra pressure on your knees, Dr. Tariq says.

Image Credit: Rostislav_Sedlacek/iStock/GettyImages

"Obesity is a big risk factor for osteoarthritis, especially in the weight-bearing areas, like the knees and lower back," Saad Tariq, MD, a rheumatologist with Ortho Illinois, tells LIVESTRONG.com.

The pressure on your knees adds up to 1.5 times your body weight, per Harvard Health Publishing and that's on level ground; it's even higher on inclines (like steps) and can be up to five times your body weight when you squat to, say, tie your shoe.

That's why people with obesity are more likely to develop OA in these areas, per the CDC. And since excess fat leads to inflammation-causing proteins circulating in your body, obesity ups your risk of developing OA in your hands, too, per the Arthritis Foundation.

"Trying to modify the diet, and trying to exercise to lose weight can definitely prevent end-stage bone-on-bone arthritis [osteoarthritis] and chronic pain," Dr. Tariq says. (More on diet and exercise in a minute.)

2. Consider Following a Mediterranean Diet

There's no diet that can prevent arthritis (nor, for that matter, is there a diet that can cure this condition). That said, a healthy diet will help you manage your weight.

And there's one diet that might be particularly helpful to follow: "The Mediterranean diet has been shown consistently to be helpful for reducing inflammation," Dr. Tariq says. That's key, since both RA and OA involve inflammation in the joints.

Following the Mediterranean diet means eating lots of vegetables, fruits, fish, whole grains and healthy fats, while limiting red meat, according to the Mayo Clinic. It's linked to weight loss and a lower BMI, per a March 2019 review published in Nutrients.

The Mediterranean diet was helpful for managing symptoms in people with RA, but there wasn't enough evidence to support that the diet prevented RA in a December 2017 systematic review published in Rheumatology International.

But this diet may help to prevent RA in former and current smokers, according to a September 2020 study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology. And, while acknowledging some limitations in studies, an August 2018 review published in the journal Nutrients noted that OA prevalence is lower in people with high levels of adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

An apple a day may do more than keep the doctor away.

Image Credit: DjelicS/E+/GettyImages

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease the symptoms of this condition spring from inflammation in the joints.

Consuming a high-fiber diet can decrease inflammation and improve osteoarthritis, Dr. Tariq says. Consuming higher fiber levels was associated with a lower risk of developing symptomatic OA in the knee, per a May 2017 study in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes are all good sources of fiber, per the Mayo Clinic.

It may also be helpful to limit or avoid inflammatory foods that can make symptoms worse. These include refined carbohydrates (think: white bread and pastries), fried foods, sugary beverages like soda, red and processed meats and margarine, according to Harvard Health Publishing.

It's hard to even tally up the reasons to quit smoking because this habit is so negative to nearly every facet of your health.

Smoking is a risk factor for developing RA, per the CDC.

It's a preventable risk factor for osteoarthritis, too, Dr. Tariq says, because smoking can lead to bone deterioration.

Gum disease and RA are connected.

Image Credit: Natalia Bodrova/iStock/GettyImages

Practicing good dental hygiene brushing several times a day, and flossing too can help prevent gingivitis (gum disease), which may lead to RA, Dr. Tariq says.

Research certainly shows a link between gingivitis and RA. It's possible that inflammation associated with the teeth and mouth may "play a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis," per a May 2013 review in Current Opinion Rheumatology. And more recently, a December 2016 study in Science Translation Medicine found that the bacteria involved in gingivitis also triggers the inflammatory response found in people with RA.

More research is needed here, though, as the Cleveland Clinic notes, to fully understand if one condition triggers the other one. Still, since gum disease isn't a desirable outcome either, it's a good idea to take care of your pearly whites.

Along with helping you to maintain a healthy weight, exercise is also good for keeping muscles and joints healthy, Dr. Kaplan says.

"Any kind of exercise that doesn't strain muscles is good," he says, and cautions people to start gradually especially if it's been a while since you've been active and build up to a higher tolerance and endurance.

The stronger your muscles, the better they're able to protect your joints and potentially prevent osteoarthritis, per University of Iowa Health Care. Plus, physical activity helps prevent stiffness in your joints, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center.

"In general, I recommend range-of-motion exercises things that keep the joints moving, like walking, swimming, bicycling," Dr. Kaplan says.

7. Prevent Joint Injuries

Working to strengthen your knees can help reduce your risk of OA.

Image Credit: fizkes/iStock/GettyImages

OA is mainly thought of as a disease that accompanies age with a lot of use of the joint, cartilage wears down, leading to friction and the dreaded bone-on-bone contact.

But OA can also be the result of an injury caused by physical activity or accidents, per the Mayo Clinic.

Of course, you can't retreat to a bubble to avoid injuries and accidents. But there are reasonable and prudent tactics you can take to protect your joints:

Do Knee Exercises (Particularly if You Do Activities With a Risk of ACL Tears)

People who injure their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) up their risk of having knee OA later in life by three to six times, per the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance (OAAA). But by doing neuromuscular training exercises proposed by the OAAA which include balance training, plyometric jumping and core strengthening you can cut the risk of an ACL or other knee injury by 80 percent.

That's worth considering if you play a sport such as football or soccer where ACL injuries are common.

We've all heard it: Lift with your legs, not your back. But the advice is solid to protect your back, Dr. Tariq says.

To lift objects correctly, per the American Chiropractic Association, follow these best practices:

Listen to your body, Dr. Tariq recommends if something hurts, avoid doing it.

If your work involves lifting heavy objects, take particular care, Dr. Tariq says. Try to regularly do back exercises and strengthen those muscles, he says. Exercising the parts of the body that are frequently in use will prevent stiffness and pain.

Avoid the prolonged sitting (first in front of the computer, then later on the couch) that can take over a person's day, Dr. Tariq says. Why? Joint injuries are more common if you hold a position for a while, per the American Chiropractic Association.

"Every hour, try to get up and stretch and change your posture," Dr. Tariq recommends. Doing so will reduce pain and stiffness.

Take a look at your posture when you're sitting for long periods at your desk or during a long drive, he says. Having a neutral posture helps reduce aches and prevent pain.

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How to Prevent Arthritis and Stop Arthritis From Progressing - LIVESTRONG.COM

The white blood cell TH17 helps the immune system fight infection by promoting inflammation. But it can be too much of a good thing: Excessive inflammation from TH17 overload has been tied to autoimmune disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and arthritis.

Researchers led by Hening Lin, professor of chemistry and chemical biology in the College of Arts and Sciences and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, have found a new way to potentially treat IBD as well as other autoimmune disorders by targeting a mechanism that regulates the signaling pathway that enables TH17 to be produced and inflammation to occur.

Their paper, A STAT3 Palmitoylation Cycle Promotes TH17 Differentiation and Colitis, published Oct. 7 in Nature. The lead author is postdoctoral researcher Mingming Zhang.

The production of TH17 is a chain reaction of sorts, built around the STAT3 protein. When the body detects infection, it secretes cytokine molecules that bind to the plasma membrane of a precursor T cell and activate the enzyme JAK2. This enzyme, in turn, is responsible for activating STAT3 by adding a phosphate group to it, a process known as phosphorylation. Once turned on, STAT3 directs the expression of the interleukin 17 gene and causes TH17 cells to develop.

At least, thats the way the process has been traditionally understood. Lins group discovered a new mechanism that regulates this pathway.

For JAK2 to phosphorate STAT3, they have to be in the same location. Previously, people didnt know theres a mechanism that promotes STAT3 going to the plasma membrane, Lin said. What we found is that there is an enzyme called DHHC7 that does that job.

The DHHC7 enzyme is a kind of matchmaker. It helps STAT3 go to the plasma membrane, where JAK2 is located, by applying a fatty acid, or lipid, to the protein. The lipids greasiness directs STAT3 to the plasma membrane so phosphorylation can take place.

However, thats only half of the process. STAT3 still needs to detach from the plasma membrane and make its way to the nucleus. Thats when another enzyme, APT2, comes in and removes the lipid modification, freeing STAT3 so it can move to the nucleus and deploy the interleukin 17 gene that will cause TH17 cells to develop.

Lins group found that inhibiting this two-part lipid modification cycle in mice prevents the STAT3 protein from making its long journey to the nucleus, thereby suppressing inflammation and, ultimately, colitis, which is a form of IBD.

Theres no effective treatment for colitis, and the exact cause is not very clear. But we do know that TH17 cells play some role in it, Lin said. We found that this cycle of putting on a lipid modification and then removing it promotes TH17 cell differentiation. And when we inhibit or delete these two enzymes, DHHC7 or APT2, we can protect the mice from getting colitis.

Other researchers have targeted JAK2 with the same goal, but that enzyme can be difficult to target specifically, and inhibiting it can create toxicity. APT2 is easier to inhibit, and disrupting it does not seem to cause any severe damage, Lin said.

After analyzing human data, Lins team determined the STAT3 signaling pathway is important in humans, too. Their new method could lead to treatment of a host of autoimmune disorders, such as Crohns disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and Type 1 diabetes. It could also help prevent the rejection of organ transplants.

Co-authors include Maurine Linder, professor and chair of the Department of Molecular Medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine; research scientist Min Yang; research support specialist Xuan Lu; doctoral students Yilai Xu, Garrison Komaniecki and Tatsiana Kosciuk; Xiao Chen, Ph.D. 18; and researchers from Sichuan University, Nanjing University, and Nanjing Medical Univeristy.

The research was supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the National Institutes of Health.

Read more from the original source:
Researchers disrupt signaling pathway to treat colitis | Cornell Chronicle - Cornell Chronicle

Jaw cracking refers to a clicking or snapping sound in your jaw. Its also known as jaw popping.

Often, the sound occurs with jaw pain and discomfort. You might also have a hard time moving your jaw, depending on the underlying condition.

Jaw cracking usually isnt a cause for concern, though. It can even happen when you widely yawn or open your mouth.

The exception is if you recently sustained a facial injury, which can dislocate or break your jaw. In this case, youll need emergency help.

Read on to learn about the possible causes of jaw cracking and when you should see a doctor.

The potential causes of jaw cracking range in severity and type. They include:

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) attaches your jawbone to your skull. If theres something wrong with this joint, its called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

TMD can make your jaw crack or pop. Other symptoms include:

TMD often happens without a specific cause. Occasionally, clenching your teeth due to emotional stress can play a role.

Arthritis occurs when your joints become damaged and inflamed. If it affects your TMJ, it can cause TMD and jaw cracking.

All types of arthritis can lead to TMD. Most cases are due to osteoarthritis, but it can also be caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis also causes symptoms in other parts of your body, including:

Facial injuries can dislocate or break your jaw. A dislocation happens when your jawbone moves out of place, while a broken jaw happens when your jawbone breaks.

Common causes of facial injury include:

A dislocated or broken jaw can lead to TMD symptoms, including jaw pain and cracking.

Other symptoms of dislocation include:

If your jaw is broken, youll likely have:

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) causes pain in your muscles and fascia. Fascia is the sheet of connective tissue that covers every muscle.

MPS can affect any muscle, including those in your jaw, neck, and shoulder. Its the most common cause of TMJ discomfort.

You may have jaw cracking and popping, along with:

If your breathing briefly and repeatedly stops during sleep, its called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This happens when the airways in your throat are too narrow.

OSA increases your chances of developing TMD. The connection is unclear, but its thought that the resistance in your airways triggers a stress response. This may cause your jaw muscles to clench together.

Other symptoms include:

Malocclusion of the teeth occurs when your upper and lower jaws are misaligned. It causes your upper and lower teeth to line up incorrectly.

There are several types of malocclusions, including:

The primary symptom is teeth misalignment, but you can also experience TMD and jaw noises.

Other symptoms include:

Jaw cracking and pain might indicate an infection in your:

Depending on the infection, you may also have:

Jaw infections are often mistaken for TMD. If your doctors treatment for TMD fails to work, be sure to let them know.

If a tumor develops in the oral cavity, it can lead to oral cancer. This may cause symptoms like:

The tumor can also affect how your jawbone moves, causing jaw noises like cracking or popping.

If you have jaw cracking while eating, you might have:

Jaw cracking when you yawn might indicate:

Potential causes of jaw cracking plus ear pain include:

Jaw cracking usually isnt serious. It typically goes away in 2 or 3 weeks. However, you should see a doctor if you have:

If you were recently injured, go to the nearest emergency room. Youll need immediate medical attention.

To stop jaw cracking, youll need to treat the underlying cause.

The following home remedies can be used alone or with medical treatment:

If your jaw cracking is due to a more serious condition, you may need medical treatment. This might include:

Cracking your jaw isnt necessarily harmful. It can happen if you open your mouth wide, like during a big yawn. This is expected and normal.

However, take note if your jaw cracks when you talk or chew. It may indicate a more serious issue, especially if you also have pain.

Try eating softer foods to decrease your jaw activity. If your symptoms persist, see a doctor.

If you have jaw cracking, pay attention to your other symptoms. This can help you determine what might be causing the sound. Be sure to visit a doctor if you have persistent pain, difficulty eating or breathing, or if the jaw cracking gets worse.

Here is the original post:
Jaw Cracking Causes, Treatments, and When to See a Doctor - Healthline

Dexamethasone is a low-cost, anti-inflammatory drug that has been shown to reduce the risk of death in patients with COVID-19. Nati Harnik/AP hide caption

Dexamethasone is a low-cost, anti-inflammatory drug that has been shown to reduce the risk of death in patients with COVID-19.

Editor's note: Since we published this story, Trump's physician said that the president has completed his treatment for COVID-19.

President Trump told Fox Business Network on Thursday that he will be taking a steroid for COVID-19 for a "little bit longer." As his physicians told reporters last weekend, Trump started taking the drug on Saturday while he was still at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

The steroid, dexamethasone, is now part of the "standard of care" for COVID-19, said Dr. Celine Gounder, assistant professor of medicine and infectious diseases at New York University School of Medicine.

"It's an old drug, it's cheap," she said. "Of all the drugs we're using for COVID, it's the one that we have the most experience with."

Dexamethasone is an anti-inflammatory drug used for a range of ailments, including arthritis, kidney, blood and thyroid disorders and severe allergies. The drug is on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines and is also used to treat certain types of cancer.

Earlier this year, a large clinical trial in the U.K. found that giving dexamethasone to patients hospitalized with COVID-19 reduced their risk of dying. Patients were given 6 milligrams of the drug for 10 days.

The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine in July, found the drug cut mortality by a third among severely ill COVID-19 patients who were on ventilators, and by a fifth for patients receiving supplemental oxygen. It was found not to have any benefits for patients with mild illness, and there was some evidence of potential harm.

Later in the course of the disease, COVID-19 can cause the immune system to go into overdrive, damaging the lungs and other organs. That's what can happen to people who are severely ill. Dexamethasone helps these patients by tamping down the body's immune response.

The Infectious Diseases Society of America now recommends giving 6 milligrams of the drug for 10 days to critically ill COVID-19 patients on ventilators and those requiring oxygen support. But it recommends not using the drug on people with mild illness who do not require supplemental oxygen.

While this commonly used drug is generally safe, there are a range of known side effects. "By far, the most common is hyperglycemia, so that's where your blood sugars will shoot up," Gounder said.

Also quite common, especially among older patients are a range of psychiatric side effects, she added.

"Anything from feeling like you're on top of the world ... your arthritic aches and pains of age just melt away, you have lots of energy," she said. "There may be some grandiosity."

The drug can also cause agitation, insomnia and even, psychosis, Gounder said. "My own father was treated with high-dose steroids as part of his lymphoma regimen and developed acute psychosis requiring psychiatric hospitalization."

All these side effects point to the need to monitor people on these drugs carefully, she added.

If the president's doctors had prescribed him the recommended course of treatment, Trump would have finished the steroid therapy early next week. On Thursday evening, White House physician Dr. Sean Conley said Trump has completed his COVID-19 treatment.

Excerpt from:
Trump Was Treated With Steroids: How These Drugs Are Used For COVID-19 Patients - NPR

UPPER NYACK, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CreakyJoints Espaol, a digital patient community en Espaol for people with all forms of arthritis and part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation, today announced that the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation has funded the RA Hispanic Outreach Program, a $1 million, two-year grant to improve relationships between Hispanic people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and rheumatologists. The grant includes creation and dissemination of evidence-based education about RA, developed in patient-friendly formats and language. The project will include assembling an advisory council of Hispanic patients with RA and rheumatologists to collaboratively develop and evaluate educational materials to achieve culturally sensitive and patient friendly interventions that can become part of established care, if found effective.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted what we already knew to be true: Hispanics and other communities of color face structural and systemic inequities that contribute to poor access to health care. The Hispanic community faces further barriers related to a lack of understanding of the cultural traditions and attitudes that influence healthcare decision-making, said Daniel Hernandez, MD, Director of Medical Affairs and Hispanic Outreach. Through this program, well employ culturally sensitive approaches to achieve better health literacy about RA within the patient community and drive people to take a more proactive approach to managing a complex, chronic condition. We know that if we can improve communication between doctors and their patients, we can expect better health outcomes.

RA Hispanic Outreach Program Measures Engagement

Although the Hispanic population is the largest minority in the United States, composed of nearly 60 million Americans there are limited disease-specific resources for this community. According to Pew Hispanic Research, 71 percent of Hispanics obtain health information through their social networks, and 79 percent of them act on this information. Also, 41 percent reported making a medical decision regarding the treatment of an illness or medical condition due to some form of outreach.

The RA Hispanic Outreach Program to be created by CreakyJoints Espaol will develop and test patient-centered outcomes and create educational materials that are culturally appropriate and patient friendly. Materials will be developed, then disseminated digitally and in partnership with rheumatology pilot sites, Hispanic community organizations and key opinion leaders. Part of the goal is to use findings to train clinicians to deliver culturally competent care and patient education to develop stronger more-trusting relationships.

We are excited to support Global Healthy Living Foundation and their efforts to deliver accurate and culturally sensitive RA education through the RA Hispanic Outreach Program, said John Damonti, president, Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation. This program aligns perfectly with our commitment to health equity, which focuses on raising disease awareness and education, increasing health care access and improving outcomes for medically underserved populations. It will improve how Hispanic people living with RA communicate with their physicians and make decisions about their health care.

Using CreakyJoints Espaol digital channels, the organization will use online evaluation methods to develop and test patient-centered outcomes measures. The participatory nature of the study will allow the team to add patient outcome measures during the early phases of the study, thereby increasing the flexibility and comprehensiveness of the program. Online communication and participation via websites and social media with analytics will help ensure the measured outcomes are meaningful to a medically underserved community to improve health equity and outcomes.

Recognizing that social media is the most frequent source of medical information for people in the Hispanic community, the program will use novel and innovative methods to create mobile-first content designed for best use on mobile phones but also available on tablets, websites, television, podcasts, radio or print.

We created CreakyJoints Espaol to meet the needs of Hispanic communities looking for evidence-based advice about managing the different forms of arthritis. We are gratified to see engagement with our platforms grow as weve introduced programming related to Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Guidelines, our Spanish-language COVID-19 resources, and our research, such as the our COVID-19 patient research registry, ProyectoCovid19.org and ArthritisPower, a bone, joint and skin condition patient registry, said Louis Tharp, executive director and co-founder of CreakyJoints and the Global Healthy Living Foundation. We thank the BMS Foundation for their generous award and look forward to implementing and reporting on how our interventions are positively impacting how patients in the Hispanic community are managing their RA.

About Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation

The Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation promotes health equity and seeks to improve the health outcomes of populations disproportionately affected by serious diseases by strengthening healthcare worker capacity, integrating medical care and community-based supportive services, and mobilizing communities in the fight against disease. The Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation engages partners to develop, test, sustain and spread innovative clinic-community partnerships to help patients access care and support for cancer in the U.S., China, Africa, and Brazil and for cardiovascular diseases, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis in the United States. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, visit us at BMS.com/Foundation.

About CreakyJoints Espaol

CreakyJoints Espaol offers a repository of Spanish language arthritis educational information at http://creakyjoints.org.es and engages with the Spanish-speaking arthritis community via its social media channel: @creakyjoints_esp (Instagram). CreakyJoints Espaol is conducting longitudinal research about the evolving impact of COVID-19 on people living with arthritis in English and Spanish via the Autoimmune COVID-19 Project.

About CreakyJoints

CreakyJoints is a digital community for millions of arthritis patients and caregivers worldwide who seek education, support, advocacy, and patient-centered research. We represent patients through our popular social media channels, our websites http://www.CreakyJoints.org, https://creakyjoints.org.es/, http://www.creakyjoints.org.au, and the 50-State Network, which includes more than 1,500 trained volunteer patient, caregiver and healthcare activists.

As part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation, CreakyJoints also has a patient-reported outcomes registry called ArthritisPower (ArthritisPower.org) with more than 29,000 consented patients with joint, bone, GI and inflammatory skin conditions who track their disease while volunteering to participate in longitudinal and observational research. CreakyJoints also publishes the popular Raising the Voice of Patients series, which are downloadable patient-centered educational and navigational tools for managing chronic illness. It also hosts PainSpot (PainSpot.org), a digital risk assessment tool for musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. For more information and to become a member (for free), visit http://www.CreakyJoints.org.

Find us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creakyjoints andhttps://www.facebook.com/GlobalHealthyLivingFoundation/ Twitter: @GHLForg, @CreakyJoints, #CreakyChatsInstagram: @creaky_joints, @creakyjoints_aus, @creakyjoints_esp

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CreakyJoints Espaol Awarded $1Million Grant to Promote Health Equity and Improve Health Outcomes Among Hispanics Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis -...

A Laois mother of four is going to run a marathon virtually from her doorstep, for a charity that is helping her teenage daughter to cope with arthritis.

On Sunday October 25, the day of the cancelled Dublin City Marathon, Melissa Fenelon, 40, will set out from her home in Ballinakill and run to Ballyroan, then Abbeyleix, back to Ballinakill, on to Durrow and finally returning to Ballinakill, the full 42.2km.

She will still get a medal posted out from the marathon organisers on completing her epic 26.2 mile race, but it is not for glory that Melissa is running.

I want to raise awareness and raise money for Arthritis Ireland, that is my number one priority, she said.

Her eldest child Kaitlin was diagnosed last year with a condition called Psoriatic Arthritis, just before her 16th birthday.

An autoimmune disease, psA sometimes develops in people who have psoriasis in their family genes, which is surprisingly as high as one in 50 people.

The body is fighting against itself. She could be fine one day then theres a change in the weather, and her knees ache and get stiff and inflamed, with chronic fatigue.Its very unpredictable. Kaitlin injects herself every second Friday and takes medication. It can flare up anywhere, her fingers, ankles, knees," she said.

Kaitlin attends Heywood Community School and is now in 5th year. Covid-19 is an extra worry.

We cocooned ourselves this year for her and she didnt stir from home, so going back to school is a worry. But her school have been fantastic, and she has a great group of friends," said Melissa.

A lot of people associate arthritis with old people, they dont think that at 17 you might have a disease that makes you feel like a 70 year old at times. People are coming up to me telling me they cant believe it, she said.

Melissa has put sponsorship cards in Hamm's shop, Mcgraths, O'Shaughnessy's bar and Drury's bar in Ballinakill and opened a Facebook fundraiser which reached over 1,600 in less than a week.

Its been absolutely phenomenal, and thats only online, not including the cards. I hoped to get 500, I cant believe it. Everyones behind me, people are brilliant. And Kaitlin is delighted, proud as punch, she said.

Full interview in next Tuesday's Leinster Express.

See her fundraiser here.

Continue reading here:
Mother of teen with arthritis to run marathon in Laois for Arthritis Ireland - Leinster Express

The father-of-three and husband to former model Christine Martin has dealt with a crippling condition for the past three years. What is it?

At 47 years old, Paddy (real name Patrick) has been living with rheumatoid arthritis.

Sharing his diagnosis with the world on social media in 2018, Paddy posted a picture of him pointing towards the bandage on his shoulder.

In the snap, he wrote: "Morning! Nursing a poorly shoulder today. I had an ultrasound steroid injection in it yesterday. The reason, arthritis? I'm 44!"

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

This inflammatory form of arthritis can affect people of any age, testified the charity Arthritis Action.

It's caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking a person's joints, causing pain, stiffness and swelling.

If the condition is promptly treated, joint damage and disability can often be prevented.

The reason why this disease develops is not yet known, but it's been found to run in families.

READ MORE:Arthritis treatment: Apply this herbal cream to significantly reduce pain

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

The condition tends to affect the small joints of the fingers and toes, the wrist, elbows, shoulders and knees, the neck and jaw.

At times, the pain, stiffness and swelling of joints can seemingly move around from joint to joint.

The mornings tend to be the most painful, and symptoms tend to improve during the day.

How to get a diagnosis

Rheumatoid arthritis can be diagnosed via a combination of symptoms, blood tests and X-rays of the joints.

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Medications are available to dampen the immune response, including disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs).

Most people with this condition will be on lifelong medication; there are other treatment options too.

Physiotherapists are able to provide hands-on care and can advise you on exercises.

Podiatrists can help with insoles and foot care, while occupational therapists can offer advice on how to protect the joints.

Meanwhile, Paddy and his wife Christine have said they're "struggling" raising three autistic children.

Six-year-old twins Penelope and Leo and their three-year-old sister Felicity have the condition.

What's autism?

Autism Speaks noted the condition is "characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication".

The spectrum disorder becomes apparent in children from the age of two or three.

The charity emphasised that "professional evaluation is crucial", as many children with autism don't show all the signs.

Equally as important, many children who don't have autism may show a few of the signs.

What are the signs?

At any age, symptoms of autism can include restricted interests, difficulty understanding other people's feelings, and avoidance of eye contact.

Other signs could include resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings.

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Paddy McGuinness health: The TV presenter opens up on his crippling condition - Express

Transparency Market Research (TMR) has published a new report titled, Small bone and joint orthopedic devices Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 20192027. According to the report, the global small bone and joint orthopedic devices market was valued at US$ 5,575.7 Mn in 2018 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2019 to 2027.

Overview

Orthopedic devices are implants used to restore skeletal structure and joint movement after fracture, abnormal growth of bones, soft tissue damage, or other deformities. These devices can be surgically implanted or externally attached through minimally invasive procedures and can be classified into internal and external fixation devices.

These devices are used in fractures, trauma, and to correct bone deformities. Under certain circumstances, a joint or a part of it needs to be replaced for proper functioning. These orthopedic devices are known as joint implants. Joint implants are generally used to treat deformities in long and small bone and joints. Implants such as femoral head, humeral head, reverse shoulder prosthesis, prosthesis, and others assist in restoring proper joint movement.

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Extremities orthopedic devices are made of alloys of titanium, stainless steel, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and polymeric synthetic resorbable materials. Some companies have stopped the manufacture of metal-on-metal implants due to serious injuries and adverse reactions.

Small bone and joints may face difficulty during surgical procedures due to their anatomical complexity and disposition. Hence, various devices, such as Re-motion Total Wrist System by Small Bone Innovations (SBi), have been designed to overcome these intricate procedures. Several key players are working toward providing solutions to eradicate impairments of small bone and joint.

Unmet Needs in Emerging Countries of Asia Pacific and RoW to Provide Growth Opportunities for the Market

Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market for orthopedic devices; however, the region holds a smaller market share as compared to North America and Europe. The demographics and lifestyle changes and higher number of elderly people favor the market growth. There is a rise in per capita income and the knowhow of the medical technologies.

Asia Pacific is also a preferred option for medical tourism for patients in the U.S. where cost of medical services is high. Hence, OEMs can focus on sales, distribution, and target marketing programs in the lucrative market in Asia Pacific.

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On the other hand, the cost of operations in Asia Pacific and RoW is lower than that in organized markets such as North America and Europe due to minimal compliance requirements. Therefore, market players can focus on the lucrative market in RoW, which is unorganized and has low entry barriers.

Fracture Fixation and Replacement Systems Segment to Dominate Market

Based on product type, the global small bone and joint orthopedic devices market has been divided into fracture fixation and replacement systems, plates and screws, external fixation devices, and joint prosthesis.

Orthopedic devices for small bones and joints are used to prevent and/or cure musculoskeletal injuries and disorders of the bones and joints. These devices comprise various implants, internal fixators, and external fixators for application in shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, ankle, and foot reconstruction or surgeries.

Recently, technologically advanced orthopedic devices have overcome the previous life threatening situations of amputations. Rise in orthopedic procedures and high incidence rates of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis contribute to the growth of the global small bone and joint orthopedic devices market.

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Foot Application Segment to be Highly Lucrative Segment

In terms of application, the global small bone and joint orthopedic devices market has been classified into foot, hand, and shoulder.

Small bone and joint orthopedic devices for foot are majorly recommended for support and alignment, correction of foot deformities, and improving the overall function of foot and ankle.

Advances in plastics and materials science have significantly improved the design and manufacture of foot orthoses in the last couple of decades.

According to a study published in the journal Injury, foot and ankle fractures account for 9% of all the fractures and around 65% of these found in females were osteoporotic. The risk of ankle fracture increases with obesity and osteoporosis.

Other indications include avascular necrosis, traumatic deformity, and arthritis. Fractures of foot and ankle include fractures in metatarsals, calcaneus bones, cuboid bone, and distal head of tibia and fibula. Severe fracture fixation could require internal fixation devices such as wires, plates, and screws or external fixation devices.

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North America to Dominate Global Market

In terms of region, the global small bone and joint orthopedic devices market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominated the global small bone and joint orthopedic devices market in 2018, followed by Europe.

The dominance of these two regions was majorly attributed to growing geriatric and obese populations and introduction of technologically advanced products.

Asia Pacific is considered an emerging market for home rehabilitation products and services Rising disposable income, rapid urbanization, increase in health care infrastructure, and distribution and partnership strategies adopted by the players support market growth in the region.

Competitive Landscape

The global small bone and joint orthopedic devices market is consolidated in terms of number of players. Key players in the global market include Acumed LLC, Arthrex, Inc., Depuy Synthes, DJO Global, Smith & Nephew plc, Stryker Corporation, Tecomet, Inc., Wright Medical Group N.V., Z-Medical GmbH + Co. KG, and Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., among others.

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Small Bone and Joint Orthopedic Devices Market: Increasing Prevalence of Arthritis across Globe to Spur Demand - BioSpace