Some Energy Drinks May Increase Blood Pressure and Change Heart Rhythms, Study Says

Photo: Getty Images

Consuming energy drinks may increase blood pressure and modify the heart rhythms of healthy humans, according to new research.

The finding, presented yesterday at a meeting of the American Heart Association in Phoenix, adds to growing concern over energy drinks that combine ingredients like caffeine, guarana and ginseng into a potent stimulant.

Researchers tested 27 healthy adults under age 40 in the small study. Participants who consumed two energy drinks saw a statistically significant increase in abnormal heart behavior and a rise in blood pressure when compared to a control group given a placebo. Both of these conditions lasted two hours.

The new research is far from the first study to caution that energy drinks may lead to adverse health effects. A 2015 study in the journal JAMA found that energy drinks raised blood pressure and caused a stress hormone in young people. Researchers behind the new study recommended that consumers, particularly young people, await further research before regularly drinking energy drinks.

This article originally appeared on Time.com.

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Supervised Exposure Therapy for Peanut Allergy Lasts, Study Finds

By Dennis Thompson
HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, March 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Once a tolerance to peanuts has developed in kids considered at high-risk for developing a peanut allergy, it seems to last, new research suggests.

The children in the study developed a tolerance after they were fed peanuts for years as part of a supervised clinical trial. Now, the researchers are reporting that those youngsters maintained their tolerance for at least a year, even if they didn’t keep eating peanuts.

“The therapy persisted, and after 12 months of avoidance there was no increase in the rates of peanut allergy. They maintained their ability to tolerate peanuts, even though they hadn’t been eating it,” said Dr. Sherry Farzan, an allergist with Northwell Health in Great Neck, N.Y. Farzan wasn’t involved in the research.

This suggests that the immune system “learns” that peanut is not a threat to the body, and kids won’t have to keep eating peanuts for the rest of their lives to maintain their tolerance, said Dr. Scott Sicherer. He’s a pediatric allergy specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Sicherer also wasn’t part of the current study.

Both Farzan and Sicherer warned that this allergy prevention strategy should only be pursued with a doctor’s supervision. Doctors know the proper amount of peanut that will challenge the immune system without provoking a reaction, and can step in to protect the child if a reaction does occur.

And, this prevention therapy is only for kids at risk of peanut allergy, not for kids who already have developed the allergy, Sicherer warned.

“If you have someone who already had a peanut allergy and gave them peanuts, then they’d get sick and maybe end up in an emergency room,” he said.

Findings from the study are scheduled to be presented Friday at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology meeting in Los Angeles. The study was also published online March 4 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The new study is an extension of the groundbreaking LEAP (Learning Early about Peanut Allergy) clinical trial. Last year, that trial found that feeding peanuts to at-risk babies for 60 months reduced their risk of developing a peanut allergy. The study determined an infant’s risk of peanut allergy using an allergy skin test.

The initial findings turned allergy science on its head. Previously, doctors had told parents to avoid exposing kids to potentially allergic foods until they were older and their immune systems were more mature, Sicherer said.

But the LEAP trial found that exposing at-risk kids to peanuts regularly beginning in infancy actually prevented peanut allergies by the time they reached age 5, Sicherer said. Eating peanuts lowered the rate of peanut allergy by 80 percent in the now-preschoolers, according to the study authors.

“For this high-risk group, waiting longer and longer to eat peanut isn’t good,” Sicherer said. “It’s better to get it into your diet as soon as possible.”

But one outstanding question remained from the initial study, Sicherer said — would these kids have to eat peanuts regularly for the rest of their lives to maintain their tolerance?

To answer this question, the researchers followed more than 500 of the original 640 children for a one-year period of peanut avoidance. Half of this group included previous peanut consumers. The other half had always avoided peanuts.

After 12 months of peanut avoidance, only 5 percent of the original peanut consumers were found to be allergic, compared to 19 percent of the original peanut avoiders, the findings showed.

“This study offers reassurance that eating peanut-containing foods as part of a normal diet — with occasional periods of time without peanut — will be a safe practice for most children following successful tolerance therapy,” said Dr. Gerald Nepom. He is director of the Immune Tolerance Network (ITN), the consortium behind the LEAP trial.

“The immune system appears to remember and sustain its tolerant state, even without continuous regular exposure to peanuts,” he added in an ITN news release.

Farzan said there appears to be a “critical period” between 4 and 11 months where “we can push the immune system around a little.”

Farzan and Sicherer both said that by the time kids reach age 5, the immune system appears to have accepted that peanuts aren’t a danger to the body.

“After following this pattern, it may not be that important anymore, at least after age 5, to worry if someone isn’t keeping up,” Sicherer said. “It may not be necessary to keep up with such consistent ingestion.”

More information

For more on peanut allergy, visit the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

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5 Alternatives to White Pasta You’ll Want to Try

By now, no doubt you’ve been advised hundreds of times to avoid white pasta. But does that mean you have to give up noodles altogether? No way! These days the pasta aisle is loaded with alternatives. Read on for the lowdown on five different types, and delicious recipes to try with each one.

Brown Rice Pasta

Pros: It’s gluten-free and a great source of B vitamins.

Beware: Brown rice pasta tends to stick together while cooking, so stir frequently. (Color varies among brands.)

Photo: Travis Rathbone

Spring Pea Pasta Salad
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Serves: 6

2 tsp. salt

2 cups fresh green peas, or 1 10-oz. box frozen, thawed

1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed (about 5 oz.)

2 cups sugar snap peas (about 6.5 oz.)

3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

3 Tbsp. white wine vinegar

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 shallot, finely chopped (about ¼ cup)

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh tarragon or dill

½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

12 oz. tube-shaped brown rice pasta, such as caserecce or penne

½ cup crumbled soft goat cheese or feta

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Have ready 2 bowls of ice water. When water boils, add 1 tsp. salt, peas and edamame and bring back to a boil. Cook until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or sieve, transfer vegetables to a bowl of ice water. Add sugar snap peas to pot of water and bring back to a boil. Cook until just tender, about 30 seconds. Transfer to other bowl of ice water, reserving boiling water. Once vegetables are cold, drain well. Cut sugar snap peas into fourths crosswise.
2. In a serving bowl, whisk together lemon juice, vinegar and mustard. Add oil in a slow stream, whisking until thickened and well combined. Stir in shallot and tarragon. Season with 1 tsp. salt and ½ tsp. pepper.
3. Cook pasta in reserved pot of boiling water until al dente, about 12 minutes or according to package directions. Drain pasta well and immediately transfer to bowl with vinaigrette. Add vegetables and cheese. Gently toss together until pasta is well coated. Season with additional pepper, if desired. Serve at room temperature.

PER SERVING: 411 Calories, 14g Fat (3g Sat.), 11mg Chol., 6g Fiber, 12g Pro., 57g Carb., 669mg Sod., 6mg Iron, 114mg Calcium

RELATED: 16 Whole Grains You Need to Try

Kamut Pasta

Pros: This ancient variety of wheat technically called khorasan wheat (Kamut is a brand name) boasts omega-3s, along with magnesium and zinc.

Best for: It’s similar in texture to regular pasta, with a buttery, slightly nutty flavor. Use it in any pasta dish—baked, sautéed or cold in salad.

Photo: Travis Rathbone

Pasta with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Serves: 6

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

12 oz. hot or sweet Italian turkey or chicken sausage, casings removed

1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)

1 Tbsp. minced fresh rosemary

1½ tsp. salt

1 1¼-lb. bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed, leaves and stems chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

12 oz. Kamut spiral pasta or orecchiette

½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

½ cup finely grated Grana Padano or Parmesan

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. In a large nonstick skillet, warm oil over medium-high heat. Cook sausage, stirring and breaking up lumps, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Add onion, rosemary and ½ tsp. salt. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring, until tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in broccoli rabe, garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté until broccoli rabe is tender, 5 to 8 minutes, adding broccoli rabe by handfuls if skillet is too full. Remove skillet from heat.
2. Add 1 tsp. salt and pasta to boiling water. Stir and cook until pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes or according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup cooking water; drain pasta.
3. Add broth, ¼ cup cheese, pasta and cooking water to skillet. Cook over medium heat until liquid has reduced and coats pasta, about 3 minutes. Divide pasta among bowls, sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup cheese and additional red pepper flakes, if desired, and serve.

PER SERVING: 410 Calories, 13g Fat (3g Sat.), 48mg Chol., 7g Fiber, 27g Pro., 48g Carb., 764mg Sod., 4mg Iron, 159mg Calcium

RELATED: Chicken Parmesan with Zucchini Noodles

Whole-Wheat Pasta

Pros: It has a sturdy texture and an earthy, nutty flavor. Plus, it has double the fiber of ordinary pasta, with fewer calories.

Best for: Use it in any pasta dish—hot or cold in salad.

Photo: Travis Rathbone

Creamy Three-Mushroom Pasta
Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Serves: 6

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

2 leeks, white and pale green parts only, halved lengthwise and sliced

2 medium shallots, finely chopped

1½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

8 oz. shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded, caps sliced

8 oz. cremini mushrooms, stems trimmed, sliced

8 oz. oyster mushrooms, stems trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces

2/3 cup dry white wine

10 oz. whole-wheat pappardelle

½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

¼ cup mascarpone

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. In a large nonstick skillet, warm oil over medium-high heat. Add leeks and shallots and sprinkle with ½ tsp. each salt and pepper; sauté until tender, 5 minutes. Add mushrooms; sauté until cooked down, 7 minutes. Pour in wine; simmer until reduced by half, 2 minutes. Remove skillet from heat.
2. Add 1 tsp. salt and pasta to boiling water. Stir and cook until pasta is al dente, 9 minutes or according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup cooking water; drain pasta.
3. Add pasta, cooking water, broth, mascarpone and parsley to skillet. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring, until liquid has reduced and pasta is well coated, 3 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.

PER SERVING: 376 Calories, 15g Fat (6g Sat.), 23mg Chol., 9g Fiber, 13g Pro., 51g Carb., 333mg Sod., 4mg Iron, 84mg Calcium

RELATED: 20 Best Foods for Fiber

Spelt Pasta

Pro: It has a tender texture and a mildly nutty flavor. This ancient grain is rich in protein, fiber, iron, B vitamins, magnesium and zinc.

Best for: Sautéed dishes (it can fall apart when baked)

Photo: Travis Rathbone

Spaghetti All’Amatriciana
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Serves: 6

3 oz. pancetta, chopped

1 small onion, finely chopped

¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

¼ cup dry white wine

1 28-oz. can whole peeled tomatoes

1 Tbsp. tomato paste

1 tsp. salt

12 oz. spelt spaghetti

½ cup finely grated pecorino

1. In a large nonstick skillet, sauté pancetta over medium heat until golden, 3 minutes. Add onion and red pepper flakes; sauté until onion has softened, 3 minutes. Add garlic; sauté for 1 minute. Pour in wine; simmer until almost evaporated, 30 seconds. Add tomatoes with juice and tomato paste, squeezing tomatoes to break them up. Simmer, stirring frequently, until reduced and thickened, 10 minutes. Remove skillet from heat.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add salt and pasta. Stir and cook until al dente, 7 minutes or according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup cooking water; drain pasta.
3. Add cooking water, pasta and ¼ cup pecorino to skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, until pasta is coated and sauce has reduced to desired consistency, 2 to 3 minutes. Top with remaining ¼ cup pecorino and additional red pepper flakes, if desired.

PER SERVING: 321 Calories, 9g Fat (3g Sat.), 20mg Chol., 7g Fiber, 14g Pro., 49g Carb., 613mg Sod., 3mg Iron, 125mg Calcium

RELATED: 

Quinoa Pasta

Pros: It has a delicate, silky texture and very mild flavor. Also, quinoa contains more protein than any other grain; it’s a complete protein, meaning it delivers all the essential amino acids.

Best for: Any pasta dish, hot or cold in salad.

Photo: Travis Rathbone

Roasted Garlic, Artichoke, and Asparagus Pasta

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Serves: 4

1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch lengths

1 15-oz. can quartered artichoke hearts, drained and patted dry

1 large red onion, coarsely chopped

3 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 head garlic, unpeeled, halved horizontally

8 oz. quinoa rotelle

1½ Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

¼ cup grated Parmesan

1. Preheat oven to 450ºF. In a bowl, toss asparagus, artichokes, onion, 2 Tbsp. oil, thyme and ½ tsp. each salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet. Place each garlic half, cut-side up, on a piece of foil. Drizzle each with ½ tsp. oil. Wrap tightly; place next to vegetables on sheet. Roast, stirring vegetables occasionally, until vegetables are golden and garlic is soft, 20 minutes. Unwrap garlic, squeeze out cloves and mash.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tsp. salt and pasta. Stir and cook until pasta is al dente, 9 minutes or according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup water; drain pasta.
3. In a large nonstick skillet, warm 1 Tbsp. oil over medium heat. Add vegetables, garlic, vinegar, cooking water, pasta and ½ tsp. each salt and pepper. Simmer, stirring, until pasta is well coated. Top with Parmesan.

PER SERVING: 450 Calories, 15g Fat (3g Sat.), 4mg Chol., 15g Fiber, 15g Pro., 69g Carb., 875mg Sod., 6mg Iron, 207mg Calcium

RELATED: 15 Healthy Gluten-Free Recipes

Recipes developed by Lori Powell

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Optimistic Outlook May Boost Hispanics’ Heart Health

FRIDAY, March 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For U.S. Hispanics, an upbeat attitude may go a long way toward keeping a healthy heart, a new study finds.

A research team led by Rosalba Hernandez, of Northwestern University in Chicago, tracked outcomes for almost 5,000 adult Hispanics ranging in age from 18 to 75.

All study participants were checked for levels of how optimistic they were, and for measures of heart health, such as diet, body fat, exercise, cholesterol and blood pressure.

Few had ideal heart health — only a little more than 9 percent of the study group, the investigators found.

However, compared to those who were least optimistic, people who were moderately optimistic were 61 percent more likely to have ideal heart health and 37 percent more likely to have medium heart health, the findings showed.

The study finding can’t prove that optimism causes better cardiovascular well-being, but it does suggest a possible link between the two, the researchers said.

One other expert said prior research has pointed to similar effects.

“Studies have shown the crucial impact of optimism on cardiovascular health,” said Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, a preventive cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

“This study demonstrates the importance of perception and perspective on how we are able to care for ourselves,” she said. “Those who are able to look at the world with a positive attitude are more driven and able to take better care of themselves,” Steinbaum added.

Sticking to a heart-healthy lifestyle — for example, eating right, exercising and not smoking — is “challenging,” Steinbaum said. So it makes sense that having an upbeat attitude would help.

“Health care providers need to help patients make healthy choices, not only through education, but through empowering them to see their lives from an optimistic place,” she suggested.

The study was to be presented Friday at an American Heart Association meeting in Phoenix, Ariz. Experts note that findings presented at medical meetings are typically considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

More information

The U.S. National Institutes of Health explains how to reduce heart risks.

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Misconceptions About Acne Still Common

FRIDAY, March 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — There are still plenty of negative and mistaken beliefs about people with acne, a new study finds.

Researchers showed photos of acne and several common skin conditions to study participants and asked them their views about each condition. More than 62 percent said they were upset by the photos of acne. And more than 80 percent said they felt pity toward people with acne, the research revealed.

Of even greater concern, more than two-thirds said they would be ashamed if they had acne and would find someone with acne unattractive. Forty-one percent said they would be uncomfortable being seen in public with someone with acne, and more than 44 percent said they would be uncomfortable touching a person with acne, the findings showed.

Many of the study participants had common misconceptions about acne. Fifty-five percent mistakenly believed acne was caused by poor hygiene. Half thought acne was infectious, and 37.5 percent thought the skin condition could be linked to dietary choices.

“I was surprised by these results. Since so many people have experienced acne, I thought they would have more empathy for patients with this condition,” study author Dr. Alexa Boer Kimball said in an American Academy of Dermatology news release. Kimball is the director of the clinical unit for research trials and outcomes in skin, and a professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

“Clearly there are a lot of misconceptions out there. People are making incorrect assumptions about acne, and it’s affecting their opinion of patients with this condition,” Kimball said.

“Acne is a medical condition, so you shouldn’t hesitate to seek medical attention for it,” she said. There are number of effective treatments available from your dermatologist, she added.

The findings were presented at the American Academy of Dermatology’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C. Findings presented at meetings are generally viewed as preliminary until they’ve been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States and affects up to 50 million Americans every year.

“Acne is a very visible condition, and it affects many patients during adolescence, when they’re especially vulnerable. When acne persists into adulthood, so can its effects on self-esteem, which may create difficulty for patients in work and social situations,” Kimball said.

Misconceptions about the condition can also affect how people with acne manage it, Kimball explained.

“If you think acne is related to hygiene, you may start scrubbing your face aggressively in an effort to cleanse your skin, and this may make the condition worse. Or, if you think acne is related to what you eat, you may decide to cut certain foods out of your diet, but there is little scientific evidence to support many of those strategies,” Kimball said.

More information

The American Academy of Family Physicians has more on acne.

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After Hip Replacement, Therapy at Home May Be Enough

By Don Rauf
HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, March 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Surgeons often recommend outpatient physical therapy to help hip replacement patients get moving again, but researchers report that a home exercise program may work just as well.

Experts say that physical therapy plays a vital role in recovery after hip replacement. And this new study of 77 patients found they obtained similar results no matter which therapy option they pursued after receiving their new hip.

“Our research found that the physical therapy does not necessarily need to be supervised by a physical therapist [for hip replacement patients],” said study author Dr. Matthew Austin, director of joint-replacement services at Rothman Orthopaedic Specialty Hospital in Bensalem, Pa. “The expense and time required of outpatient physical therapy, both for the patient and the patient’s caretakers, may not be the most efficient use of resources.”

More than 300,000 total hip replacements are performed each year in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hip replacement, or arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with new, artificial parts. The surgery is intended to restore function to the joint.

For their study, Austin and his colleagues randomly assigned half of the 77 hip replacement patients to two months of formal outpatient physical therapy, with two to three sessions a week. The others did only prescribed exercises on their own for two months.

Patient progress was measured at one month and six months after the operation. Investigators evaluated them according to ability to walk, use stairs, sit comfortably, flex and other factors that gauge motion.

No significant differences were found between the two groups.

The study authors concluded that treatment for hip replacement might move away from routinely prescribing formal physical therapy.

Another orthopedist agreed that a home exercise program appears helpful after hip replacement.

“Certainly, this study has demonstrated that patients do just as well with the less expensive patient-directed exercise program as they do with the formal [outpatient physical therapy],” said Dr. Wayne Johnson, an orthopedic surgeon in Lawton, Okla. He is also an associate professor at the University of Oklahoma Southwest Family Medicine Department.

“Patients may also find it more convenient to perform their exercise program at home to minimize the additional time and transportation cost, in addition to the health-care cost savings,” Johnson added.

Traditionally, hip replacement patients have undergone 8 to 12 weeks of postoperative rehabilitation, said Johnson.

Austin said that physical therapy sessions can range in cost from $10 to $60 each for non-Medicare patients, and patients may require a total of 20 to 30 treatments.

Patient-directed home exercise programs may include gait training, walking, strengthening of quadriceps [muscles in front of the thigh], one-legged standing, side-lying routines for muscles in the hip region, and stair-climbing. Exercises are intended to improve strength, flexibility, endurance and movement.

Each patient’s care should be tailored to his or her needs, the study authors said. For example, postoperative physical therapy might benefit patients who are extremely frail or those who don’t progress well after the surgery, Austin pointed out.

Most patients who undergo total hip replacement are between the ages of 50 and 80, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

People who have this operation typically have painful joint damage that interferes with their daily activities, making it difficult to walk or even put on socks, the U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases says. The damage is often caused by arthritis or a fracture.

The study findings were to be presented Friday at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, in Orlando, Fla. In general, data and conclusions presented at meetings are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.

More information

For more on hip replacement, head to the U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

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Scientists Report Insights Into Zika Virus and Birth Defect

By Dennis Thompson
HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, March 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The Zika virus may cause the birth defect microcephaly by targeting certain brain stem cells and stunting their growth, researchers report.

Zika virus has been linked to microcephaly — which results in abnormally small heads and brains — since the current epidemic of the mosquito-borne pathogen began in Brazil last spring.

But, health experts have been at a loss to say whether or how the virus might cause the birth defect.

Now, laboratory studies have shown that Zika can infect a type of neural stem cell that gives rise to the cerebral cortex of the brain, researchers report in the March 4 issue of the journal Cell Stem Cell.

According to the researchers, the Zika virus flourished in lab dishes containing these stem cells, causing either cell death or disruption of cell growth.

“Although our study hasn’t provided a direct link between Zika virus and microcephaly, we identify the direct cell targets of the virus and we show the virus can affect cell growth,” said study co-author Zhexing Wen, a postdoctoral fellow at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.

Since the Zika epidemic began, there have been more than 5,600 suspected or confirmed cases of microcephaly in Brazil, the World Health Organization has reported.

The new findings “provide a potential mechanism [for] how a Zika virus infection can lead to poor brain growth and, therefore, microcephaly,” said Dr. Sallie Permar, director of Duke University’s Laboratory of Neonatal Viral Pathogen Immunity, in Durham, N.C.

The researchers said the stem cells targeted by Zika are called cortical neural precursors, and they spawn the brain cells that make up the cerebral cortex, the outer layer of the brain’s gray matter that’s largely responsible for higher brain functions.

The researchers tested Zika’s effect on these cells using a Zika virus stock grown in mosquito cells, to replicate the means by which the virus infects human beings.

The virus was able to spread rapidly through these stem cells, the researchers learned. In as few as three days following exposure to the virus, 90 percent of the cortical neural precursor cells in a lab dish had become infected.

Worse, Zika appears to hijack these cells, using them to churn out new copies of the virus and spread more rapidly, the researchers reported.

Many of the infected cells died, and others showed disruption that could limit their ability to divide and flourish.

Wen said their findings are a “first step” that provide an “entrance point” to seeking further answers on ways to combat the Zika virus and, hopefully, microcephaly.

“The more we understand about the central effects of Zika virus on the fetus, that will help us in understanding how we can better combat the potential fetal effects of the virus,” Permar said.

This is the sort of research that helped doctors understand and combat other infections that cause birth defects, she said.

For example, studies of cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy — which can lead to movement problems and well as deafness and blindness — have led to many advances that either prevent or limit the effect of the virus on developing fetuses and babies, she said.

“Over time we learned that antiviral treatment at birth can help prevent some of the long-term developmental effects of congenital cytomegalovirus,” Permar said.

The researchers behind the new study said they’re now using the cells to find out more about the effects of Zika infection on the developing cortex.

“Now that we know cortical neural progenitor cells are the vulnerable cells, they can likely also be used to quickly screen potential new therapies for effectiveness,” said Hongjun Song, a professor of neurology and neuroscience at Johns Hopkins’ Institute for Cell Engineering.

The research was carried out by scientists at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Florida State University and Emory University.

More information

For more on Zika virus, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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An 8-Move Circuit for People Who Hate Cardio

When it comes to staying fit and healthy, cardio is essential. Most of us have been conditioned (see what I did there?) to think our only cardio options at the gym are the treadmill, elliptical, or bike—all of which, let’s face it, can be b-o-r-i-n-g. But I’ve got some news: you can get a great cardiovascular workout without actually doing cardio! Say what?

Ok, let me back up for a minute. A cardiovascular workout simply means that your body is using aerobic energy, which happens when you breathe fast and deeply for an extended period of time, maximizing the amount of oxygen in your blood. One of the ways to achieve this effect is with a training circuit.

The series below involves eight weight-training moves, but without the weights. Set a timer for 25 minutes. Perform 15 reps of each exercise, and repeat the circuit until your time is up. Whether you do this quick and energizing workout at the gym or at home, I guarantee one thing: You will not get bored.

RELATED: Here’s an Elliptical Workout That’s Actually Fun

Standing Mountain Climbers

Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms bent with your hands (in a fist) up to your shoulders. Punch your right arm straight up above your head while lifting your right knee as high as you can. Then repeat on the left. Alternate as fast as you can until you’ve completed 15 reps per side.

Photo: Jen Cohen

Scissor Abs

Lie on your back with your legs straight out in front of you. Hover your legs just a few inches above the ground and place your hands behind your head. Lift your chest and your right leg up towards the sky simultaneously. Lower your head and leg back down. Then repeat with your left leg. Alternate until you’ve completed 15 reps with each leg.

Photo: Jen Cohen

RELATED: A 6-Move Circuit Workout You Can Do Without Leaving Your Chair

Squat to Knee Drive

Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width. Squat down until your knees are at ninety degrees. As you stand up, bring your left knee up and twist your torso to the right, trying to touch your right elbow to the left knee. Release your leg and arm and repeat on the other side. Alternate until you’ve completed 15 reps on each side.

Photo: Jen Cohen

Plank Jacks

Get into a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet together. From here, while keeping your body in a straight line, jump and spread your legs about 2-3 feet apart. Jump your feet back together and repeat for a total of 15 reps.

Photo: Jen Cohen

Lateral Shuffle to Toe Touch

Stand in a squat position with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width. Shuffle to the right, then touch your right foot with your left hand while bringing your right arm towards the sky. Come back up to your starting stance. Then shuffle to the left and touch your left food with your right hand while bringing your left arm towards the sky . Complete 15 reps in each direction.

Photo: Jen Cohen

RELATED: A Full Body Cardio Move That Blasts Fat

Ab Toe Touch

Lie on your back with your legs straight up in the air and your arms straight behind you. Using your core, lift your chest up as you try to touch your toes. Hold for 1 second and then slowly release your upper torso back to the ground. Repeat for a total of 15 reps.

Photo: Jen Cohen

Mountain Climbers

Start in a plank position with your hands and feet shoulder-width apart. Swiftly bring your left knee towards your chest, then quickly return it to the starting position. Do the same thing with your right knee. Alternate back and forth as fast as you can until you’ve completed 15 reps on each side.

Photo: Jen Cohen

Push Ups

Start in a plank position with your hands and feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly lower your body towards the ground, keeping your core engaged and body in a straight line. Once you’ve gone as low as you can, push through your arms and chest, squeeze your legs and glutes, and bring yourself back to starting position. Tip: The wider your feet are, the easier the push up will be, so find a position that is challenging but doable for you. If needed, you can also drop to your knees. Just make sure your body stays in a straight line as you perform the movement.

Photo: Jen Cohen

Looking for more articles like this? Check out A Fat-Burning Treadmill Workout That’s Actually Fun

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Black Women’s Hair Styling Choices Can Cause Hair Loss

FRIDAY, March 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Hair styling practices may be causing black women to experience hair loss, which is a major problem that often goes undiagnosed, a new survey finds.

While genetics may play a key role in hair loss among black women, styling practices such as braiding, weaves and chemical relaxing may also increase their risk of hair loss, said dermatologist Dr. Yolanda Lenzy, a clinical associate professor at the University of Connecticut in Farmington.

She joined with the Black Women’s Health Study at Boston University’s Slone Epidemiology Center to survey nearly 5,600 black women about their experiences with hair loss.

Almost 48 percent said they had suffered hair loss on the crown or top of the scalp.

“When hair loss is caused by styling practices, the problem is usually chronic use. Women who use these styling practices tend to use them repeatedly, and long-term repeated use can result in hair loss,” said Lenzy.

Even though hair loss is common among black women, more than 81 percent of respondents said they had never consulted a doctor about it.

The leading cause of hair loss in black women is a condition called central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA). This condition causes inflammation and destruction of hair follicles that results in scarring and permanent hair loss, researchers said.

About 41 percent of survey respondents had levels of hair loss consistent with CCCA. But, fewer than 9 percent said they had been diagnosed with the condition.

Along with self-monitoring, women can ask their hair stylists to alert them to signs of hair loss, Lenzy suggested.

There are a number of treatment options for hair loss in women, she added, including avoiding tight hair styles that put pressure on hair follicles and limiting use of chemical relaxers.

The findings were to be presented Monday at the American Academy of Dermatology’s annual meeting, in Washington, D.C. Findings presented at meetings are generally viewed as preliminary until they’ve been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

More information

The American Hair Loss Association has more about women’s hair loss.

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Safe Treatments Available for Expectant Moms’ Skin Conditions

FRIDAY, March 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — There are a number of safe and effective ways to treat chronic skin conditions in pregnant women, a dermatologist says.

“If there is a way to manage your skin condition without medication during pregnancy, that is the preferred option,” said Dr. Jenny Eileen Murase, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco.

“If you have a condition that does require medication, however, a board-certified dermatologist can help you identify a treatment that’s safe for both you and your baby,” she added in an American Academy of Dermatology news release. The release was timed to coincide with the academy’s annual meeting, which starts Friday in Washington, D.C.

Eczema is the most common rash dermatologists see in pregnancy, Murase said. “Expectant mothers often see their existing eczema get worse or have a flare for the first time in many years,” she said.

Topical corticosteroids can be used to treat eczema in pregnant women with eczema. Mild or moderate steroids are preferred to the stronger types. Stronger creams should only be used for a short time if initial treatment is unsuccessful, she noted.

Diluting topical corticosteroids with a moisturizer helps heal skin and reduces the amount of medication needed, Murase said.

Psoriasis is another condition that can flare during pregnancy, she explained.

Systemic medications — oral or injectable drugs — shouldn’t be used during pregnancy, unless there is a clear medical need. Preferred options include topical treatments such as moisturizers, emollients and low-to-moderate-dose corticosteroids. Breast-feeding mothers should avoid applying strong topical corticosteroids to the nipple area so that they don’t pass the drug to their baby, according to Murase.

If pregnant women require additional treatment for psoriasis, narrowband ultraviolet B or ultraviolet B phototherapy can be used. However, Psoralen with ultraviolet A (known as PUVA) should be avoided, because psoralen may enter breast milk and cause light sensitivity in babies, Murase said.

Several treatments can be used for acne in pregnant women. A good option is topical benzoyl peroxide. It’s safe and widely available. It can also be used with the topical antibiotic clindamyacin, she said.

Moderate and severe acne can be treated with antibiotics and topical therapy. Cephalosporin antibiotics are the best option, she said. Erythromycin and azithromycin (Zithromax) may also be acceptable. But pregnant women shouldn’t use tetracycline antibiotics, Murase said.

More information

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has more about skin conditions during pregnancy.

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