What You Need to Know About Alcohol & Irregular Heartbeat Risk

Even moderate alcohol consumption, described as intake of two drinks daily or 14 per week, could increase the risk of irregular heart rhythm condition, warn researchers.
The team found that regular moderate alcohol consumption (an average of 14 glasses per week) results in more electrical evidence of scarring and impairment in electrical signalling compared with non-drinkers and light drinkers.

Alcohol consumption is therefore an important modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation — an abnormal heart rhythm characterised by rapid and irregular beating of atria — upper chamber of the heart, the researchers said.
"Regular moderate alcohol consumption, but not mild consumption, is an important modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation associated with lower atrial voltage and conduction slowing," said lead investigator.

 "These electrical and structural changes may explain the propensity to atrial fibrillation in regular drinkers. It is an important reminder for clinicians who are caring for such patients to ask about alcohol consumption and provide appropriate counseling in those who over-indulge," he added.
In the study, the team determined the impact of different degrees of alcohol consumption on atrial re-modelling using high-density electro-anatomic mapping.
They performed detailed invasive testing on the atria of 75 patients with atrial fibrillation, 25 in each of three categories: life-long non-drinkers, mild drinkers and moderate drinkers. 

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Pain-free alternative for diabetics

No more finger pricking to check glucose!

Scientists have developed disposable paper-based sensors that can measure glucose concentrations in saliva, paving the way for a pain-free alternative to diabetics for monitoring their blood sugar levels daily -- as per a study.

A team from the Sensors Lab used inkjet technology to produce sensors sensitive to small sugar concentrations in biofluids.

Why diabetics need this

Inexpensive and easy-to-use diagnostic tools for fast health screening are imperative, especially in the developing world, where portability and affordability are a necessity.

Today, the majority of daily glucose monitoring tools rely on piercing the skin to draw blood.

The pain and discomfort associated with finger pricking have created a global need to develop non-invasive, portable glucose assays.

How did they create these paper sensors?

Strips of pH-sensitive paper are commonly used to test whether a liquid is acidic or alkaline.

Researchers applied similar principles to create paper sensors that quickly indicate disease bio-markers.

 

Key to this approach is replacing traditional electronic circuitry in the sensors with low-cost plastics that can be manufactured quickly and in large quantities.

 

Utilising a commercial ink made from conducting polymers, the team printed microscale electrode patterns onto glossy paper sheets.

 

They printed a sensing layer containing an enzyme, glucose oxidase, on top of the tiny electrodes.

The biochemical reaction between available glucose and the enzyme creates electrical signals easily correlated to blood sugar levels.

Challenges of developing this pain-free alternative

"Paper is porous, which makes it challenging to print conducting and biological inks that are dissolved in water," said a researcher of the study.

"Printing the enzyme is tricky, as well -- it's sensitive to variations of temperature, the voltage applied at the cartridge, and the pH of the ink,"he added.

While fluids, such as sweat or saliva, contain enough sugar for monitoring purposes, they also contain molecules, such as ascorbic acid, that interfere electrically with conducting polymers.
Coating the sensor with a nafion polymer membrane that repels the negative charges present in most interfering species enabled measurement of only the relevant glucose levels in saliva samples from volunteers.

a) Photograph of glucose biosensors inkjet-printed on paper b) Photograph of fully printed biosensor c) 3D schematic of working electrode with all separately printed layers d) Cross sectional SEM image of the working electrode [Image: Nature]

The novel sensor has a bright future

This fully printed, all-polymer biosensor with its ease of fabrication, accuracy, sensitivity and compatibility with easy-to-obtain biofluids such as saliva aids in the development of next generation low-cost, non-invasive, eco-friendly, and disposable diagnostic tools.
Experiments showed the top coating gave the sensor an unprecedented shelf life -- the enzyme could be kept alive and active for a month if stored in a sealed bag.
These results are encouraging the team to expand the capabilities of this approach by incorporating different enzymes into the sensing layer.

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Artificial synaptic device simulating the function of human brain

A research team has succeeded in developing an artificial synaptic device that mimics the function of the nerve cells (neurons) and synapses that are response for memory in human brains.

Synapses are where axons and dendrites meet so that neurons in the human brain can send and receive nerve signals; there are known to be hundreds of trillions of synapses in the human brain.

This chemical synapse information transfer system, which transfers information from the brain, can handle high-level parallel arithmetic with very little energy, so research on artificial synaptic devices, which mimic the biological function of a synapse, is under way worldwide.

The research team developed a high-reliability artificial synaptic device with multiple values by structuring tantalum oxide -- a trans-metallic material -- into two layers of Ta2O5-x and TaO2-x and by controlling its surface.

The artificial synaptic device developed by the research team is an electrical synaptic device that simulates the function of synapses in the brain as the resistance of the tantalum oxide layer gradually increases or decreases depending on the strength of the electric signals. It has succeeded in overcoming durability limitations of current devices by allowing current control only on one layer of Ta2O5-x.

In addition, the research team successfully implemented an experiment that realized synapse plasticity, which is the process of creating, storing, and deleting memories, such as long-term strengthening of memory and long-term suppression of memory deleting by adjusting the strength of the synapse connection between neurons.

The non-volatile multiple-value data storage method applied by the research team has the technological advantage of having a small area of an artificial synaptic device system, reducing circuit connection complexity, and reducing power consumption by more than one-thousandth compared to data storage methods based on digital signals using 0 and 1 such as volatile CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor).

The high-reliability artificial synaptic device developed by the research team can be used in ultra-low-power devices or circuits for processing massive amounts of big data due to its capability of low-power parallel arithmetic. It is expected to be applied to next-generation intelligent semiconductor device technologies such as development of artificial intelligence (AI) including machine learning and deep learning and brain-mimicking semiconductors.

Dr. said, "This research secured the reliability of existing artificial synaptic devices and improved the areas pointed out as disadvantages. We expect to contribute to the development of AI based on the neuromorphic system that mimics the human brain by creating a circuit that imitates the function of neurons."

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A Complete Guide to Tachycardia

Tachycardia is a fast-resting heart rate of usually at least 100 beats per minute. This can be a dangerous condition, depending on its underlying cause and how hard the heart has to work.

 

Normally, the adult resting heart, beats between 60-100 beats per minute. However, when an individual has tachycardia, the upper and/or lower chambers of the heart beat a lot faster. Our heart rates are controlled by electrical signals that are sent across the heart’s tissues. When the heart starts producing rapid electrical signals, tachycardia occurs.
 
When the heart is beating too fast, it cannot pump efficiently, and blood flow to the rest of the body, including the heart, reduces. Since the heart is beating quicker, the myocardium (muscles of the heart) need more oxygen – if they become oxygen-starved, they will start to die off, leading to a heart attack.

Some patients with this condition show no symptoms or complications. However, tachycardia significantly increases the possibility of a stroke, sudden cardiac arrest, and death.

 

Symptoms of Tachycardia

• Accelerated heart rate (fast pulse)
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Hypotension
• Panting
• Sudden weakness
• Lightheadedness
• Palpitations – an uncomfortable racing feeling in the chest

Treatments for Tachycardia
Treatment options for this condition vary, depending on what has caused the condition, and the patient’s age and general health. The aim of the treatment is to tackle the cause of the tachycardia. When clinically applicable, the doctor may attempt to slow the rate, prevent subsequent episodes of tachycardia, and reduce risk complications. However, when no underlying cause is found, the doctors will have to try out different therapies.

Ways to Slow Down a Fast Heartbeat
Vagal Maneuvers
The vagal nerve helps to regulate our heartbeat. Maneuvers that affect this nerve include coughing, heaving, and placing an ice pack on your face.

Medication
Antiarrhythmic drugs that help to restore and control a normal heartbeat can be taken orally or by injection. Sometimes a patient might have to take more than one kind of antiarrhythmic drug.

Cardioversion
Paddles or patches are used to deliver electric shocks to the heart. This affects the electrical impulses in the heart and helps to restore a normal rhythm. This is done in a hospital.

Prevention of Episodes of Tachycardia

Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation
Catheters enter the heart via blood vessels. Then, electrodes at the ends of the catheters are heated to ablate (damage) the sections of the heart that are responsible for the abnormal heart rate.
Medications
When taken regularly, antiarrhythmic medications can help prevent tachycardia. However, patients may be required to take other medications as well, such as channel blockers, or example diltiazem (Cardizem) and verapamil (Calan), or beta-blockers, for example, propranolol (Inderal), and esmolol (Brevibloc).

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
This device, which constantly monitors the patient’s heartbeat, is surgically implanted into the chest. The ICD detects any heart abnormalities and delivers shocks to keep the heart rate normal.
Surgery
Sometimes, surgery is needed to remove a section of tissue. This procedure is only carried out when other therapies have been ineffective, or if the patient has another heart disorder.
Warfarin
This makes it harder for the blood to clot and it’s given to patients with a high or moderate risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Although this drug increases the risk of bleeding, it is prescribed to those whose risk of a stroke or heart attack far outweighs the risk of bleeding.

Causes of Tachycardia

• A reaction to certain medications
• Congenital (present at birth) electrical pathway abnormalities in the heart
• Consuming too much alcohol
• Consumption of cocaine and other recreational drugs
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Heart disease which has resulted in poor blood supply and damage to heart tissue, including heart valve disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart muscle disease, infections, or tumors.
• Hypertension
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)
• Smoking
• Certain lung diseases

Types of Tachycardia
Atrial Fibrillation
Sometimes, electrical activity can arise from the left atrium instead of the sinus node. This causes the chambers to contract at a high and irregular rate; this is atrial fibrillation. An episode of atrial fibrillation can last from a few hours to several days, and sometimes it may not go away until treated.

Atrial Flutter
The atria beat rapidly, but regularly. This condition is caused by a circuit problem within the right atrium. The contractions of the atria are weak because of the rapid heartbeat. An atrial flutter episode can last a few hours or a few days. It may also not go away until treatment is received. This is often caused by some form of heart disease.

Supraventricular Tachycardias (SVTs)
This refers to any tachycardic (accelerated) heart rhythm that originates above the ventricular tissue. The abnormal circuitry in the heart is usually congenital (present a birth) and creates a loop of overlapping electrical signals. An SVT episode can last from anywhere between a few seconds to a few hours.

 

Ventricular Tachycardia
Abnormal electrical signals in the ventricles result in a rapid heart rate. The speed of the heartbeat does not allow the ventricles to contract and fill properly, leading to poor blood supply to the body. This type of tachycardia is life-threatening and is usually treated as a medical emergency.

Ventricular Fibrillation
This occurs when the ventricles quiver in an ineffective way, resulting in poor blood supply to the body. If a normal heartbeat is not restored rapidly, blood circulation will cease, and the patient will die. Those with an underlying heart condition, or those who have been hit by lightning, may experience ventricular fibrillation.

Risk Factors for Tachycardia

• Age – people aged 60 and above have a much higher chance of experiencing tachycardia
• Anxiety
• Consuming large quantities of alcohol regularly
• Consuming large quantities of caffeine
• Genetics – people who have close relatives with tachycardia or other heart rhythm disorders have a higher chance of developing the condition
• Heart disease
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Mental stress
• Smoking
• Using recreational drugs

Diagnosis of Tachycardia
A doctor can usually diagnose tachycardia by asking the patient some questions about their symptoms, carrying out a physical exam, and ordering some tests to be done. These may include:
Electrocardiogram
Electrodes are attached to the patient’s body to measure the electrical pulses that are given off by the heart. This test is also able to show any previous heart disease that may have contributed to the tachycardia.
Echocardiogram
This is a type of ultrasound investigation. By bouncing sounds of the structures in the body and registering the echoes, a moving image of the heart can be produced. This can help show structural or congenital abnormalities that might be playing a role in tachycardia.
Holter Monitor
The patient wears a portable device that records their heartbeat. It’s worn under the clothing and records information about the electrical activity of the heart while the person goes about their daily activities.

Blood Tests
This will help determine whether thyroid problems or other substances may be contributing to the patient’s tachycardia.

 

Tilt-Table Test
If the patient is experiencing fainting spells, lightheadedness, or dizziness, and neither the ECG or the Holter revealed any arrhythmias, a tilt-table test will be performed. This monitors the patient’s blood pressure, heart rhythm, and heart rate while they are moved from a lying to an upright position.
Chest X-Ray
This helps the doctor to check the state of the individual’s heart and lungs. Other conditions that could be causing the tachycardia might also be detected.
Possible Complications of Tachycardia
• Blood clots – these significantly increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke
• Heart failure – if the condition isn’t controlled, the heart is likely to get weaker. Heart failure is when the heart does not pump blood around the body efficiently or properly. The patients left, right, or even both sides can be affected.
• Fainting spells
• Sudden death – generally only linked to ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.                                                                 
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Child Abuse May Alter Neurons in Brain

Adults who were victims of child abuse tend to have thinner layers of myelin coating in the brain, according to a new study.

Myelin is the protective fatty coating that covers the long thread-like parts of nerve cells called axons and helps them conduct electrical signals more efficiently. Myelin builds up progressively (in a process known as myelination) primarily during childhood, and then continues to mature until early adulthood.

Earlier research has shown significant white matter abnormalities in the brains of people who had experienced child abuse. (White matter is mostly made up of billions of myelinated nerve fibers stacked together.)

However, because these observations were made in the brains of living people through MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), it was impossible to gain a clear picture of the affected white matter cells and molecules.

To better study the microscopic changes which occur in the brains of adults who have experienced child abuse, the researchers compared post-mortem brain samples from three different groups of adults: people who had committed suicide who suffered from depression and had a history of severe childhood abuse (27 individuals); people with depression who had committed suicide but who had no history of being abused as children (25 individuals); and brain tissue from a third group of people who had neither psychiatric illnesses nor a history of child abuse (26 people).

The findings reveal that the thickness of the myelin coating in a significant proportion of the nerve fibers was reduced only in the brains of those who had suffered abuse as children. The researchers also found underlying molecular changes that selectively affect the cells responsible for myelin generation and maintenance. In addition, increases were found in the diameters of some of the largest axons among only this group.

The researchers speculate that together, these changes may alter functional coupling between the cingulate cortex and subcortical structures such as the amygdala and nucleus accumbens (areas of the brain linked respectively to emotional regulation and to reward and satisfaction). These changes may also contribute to altered emotional processing in adult victims of child abuse.

The researchers conclude that early life abuse may result in long-term disruption of a range of neural functions in the anterior cingulate cortex. They are planning to conduct more research that will help determine exactly how these effects impact the regulation of emotions and attachment.

Severe childhood abuse is tied to an increased risk of psychiatric disorders such as depression, as well as high levels of impulsivity, aggressiveness, anxiety, more frequent substance abuse, and suicide.

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