New combination treatment could help fight advanced melanoma

A study by researchers at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center suggests that using an immunotherapy drug called NKTR-214, also known as bempegaldesleukin, in combination with an infusion of anti-tumor immune cells, or T cells, may produce a stronger immune response that could help fight advanced melanoma.

When tested in mice with melanoma tumors that were unlikely to stimulate an immune response, the approach increased the number of anti-tumor immune cells, and those immune cells lived longer and functioned better than the standard therapy, empowering the cells to destroy the tumor.

Background
Adoptive cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy that has had promising results for treating people with advanced cancers. The approach involves extracting and harvesting immune cells from a patient and engineering them in the laboratory to attack specific antigens on the surface of tumors. One challenge is that it requires giving patients interleukin 2, a protein signaling molecule in the immune system, to promote the development and expansion of the infused immune cells. But interleukin 2 can also activate cells to suppress the immune system, and because it is highly toxic, it can have serious adverse side effects.

Researchers have been seeking ways to produce large number of immune cells without exposing patients to those negative side effects -- including by combining adoptive cell therapy with other treatments.

Method

Researchers used mice to test NKTR-214 in combination with adoptive cell therapy. Using bioluminescence imaging, the researchers tracked the movement of T cells in the mice that received the combination therapy. The team observed an expansion of T cells in the spleen, the organ that helps accelerate the activation and expansion of T cells throughout the body. The T cells then migrated to the tumor, where they continued to have a long-lasting effect. The in vivo expansion and T cell accumulation in tumors was greatly improved when using NKTR-214 compared to using interleukin-2.

Impact
While immunotherapy has changed the face of cancer treatment for people with advanced cancers, it still only works in a small subset of patients. The results of the UCLA study suggest that using NKTR-214 in combination with adoptive cell therapy could be effective for more people with advanced solid tumors.

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What Happens If You Eat 4 Almonds A Day

Almonds are an excellent food to eat every day because they are full of protein, vitamins, and fiber. Eating them regularly is thought to reduce your risk of health problems like cancer, heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

And though they also have a fair amount of fat, it is mostly the healthy monounsaturated kind that actually protects your heart. Still, almonds contain quite a few calories, so it’s best to eat them in moderation.

It may sound incredible that just four daily almonds could do anything at all for your health, but it’s true! In one ounce of almonds you’ll get 3.5 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein, and 9 grams of monounsaturated fat. Almonds also deliver a good amount of vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium. 

Present in smaller yet significant amounts is copper, calcium, riboflavin, iron, zinc, and phosphorus.
So what can all that goodness do for your body? You’ll be surprised by these 7 important benefits that occur if you eat at least 4 almonds every day.

1. Healthier cholesterol levels
Almonds are great for reducing bad LDL cholesterol while increasing good HDL cholesterol. That’s important because high cholesterol puts you at risk for all sorts of health complications, including heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

When you substitute almonds for an unhealthy snack like chips or candy, you can reduce your bad cholesterol by up to 10%. The benefit is linked to the vitamin E content within the nutmeat, and the flavonoids contained in the papery skin of the almond. Together, they prevent the development of artery-clogging plaque.

2) Stronger, shinier hair
Almonds are uniquely positioned to give you virtually all the vitamins and minerals necessary to improve the condition of your hair. To stimulate growth, almonds have magnesium and zinc. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that reduce oxidative stress and make hair stronger. And finally, the vitamin B thickens strands and imparts a natural shine.

Incidentally, applying almond oil to your scalp can prevent dandruff and soften and nourish hair strands directly. Almond oil has been used as a beauty product for both hair and skin since the ancient Egyptians held almonds as one of the ultimate luxury products.

3) Reduce risk of heart diseases
There are many ingredients in almonds that make them a heart smart snack. The monounsaturated fats can help control high cholesterol, for one. But the fiber, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant sterols all benefit heart health as well.

Almonds are also a great source of l-arginine, which has been shown to make the artery walls more flexible and thus less likely to develop blood clots that can block blood flow and cause cardiac arrest. To get all of these heart health benefits, be sure to eat the shell as well.

4) Fewer wrinkles 
We all want to prevent premature aging, and almonds can help because of their manganese and vitamin E content. Manganese is a protein that helps to produce collagen.

Collagen is the connective tissue within skin that keeps it tight and smooth. Vitamin E is able to protect against skin damage by absorbing UV radiation from the sun, thereby reducing the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles. It also reduces skin inflammation and eliminates redness.

 5) Better digestion
Almond shells are a great source of prebiotics, which support the growth and multiplication of the good bacteria in our guts. Gut bacteria is responsible for metabolizing nutrients from food and medications. It also protects against intestinal infections and makes vitamin K, important for producing blood-clotting proteins.

Prebiotics feed this important gut bacteria, but beyond that, recent studies indicate that regular consumption of prebiotic foods can improve immune system function and lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

6) Aids weight loss
Though almonds contain a lot of fat and calories, they can actually help you shed pounds. Studies show that eating almonds can contribute to a feeling of satiety between meals, which makes it easier to resist unhealthy food cravings. People who eat almonds daily tend to consume fewer carbohydrates over the course of each day.

Participants in a study of almonds and diet reduced their weight and body mass index (BMI) by an average of 18%, compared to only 11% in the group that dieted without almonds. Waist circumference also decreased by 14% in the almond group, but only 9% in the non-almond dieters.

7) Improve brain activities
Studies show that getting plenty of vitamin E in your diet can help prevent aging-related cognitive decline, preserve memory, and boost your daily alertness. The magnesium in almonds strengthens the nerves in the brain.

And the protein helps to repair brain cells, thereby improving cognitive function. Keeping your brain healthy throughout life helps to ward of Alzheimer’s disease, and eating almonds can be a big part of that.

We have suggested 4 almonds as a baseline amount to consume daily, but you don’t necessarily have to stop at that if you really enjoy them.

The recommended daily limit is one ounce, or about 23 nuts. If you eat the full ounce, you’ll get about 163 calories and 14 grams of fat. That’s okay as long as you account for the calories in the rest of your daily meals. Remember that it is not just whole almonds but also products like almond flour and almond milk that count.

We have suggested 4 almonds as a baseline amount to consume daily, but you don’t necessarily have to stop at that if you really enjoy them.

The recommended daily limit is one ounce, or about 23 nuts. If you eat the full ounce, you’ll get about 163 calories and 14 grams of fat. That’s okay as long as you account for the calories in the rest of your daily meals. Remember that it is not just whole almonds but also products like almond flour and almond milk that count.

In the end, we think you’ll find that eating at least 4 almonds each day is an easy and delicious way to accomplish a lot of health goals.
Whether you want to lose weight, improve the quality of your skin and hair, or reduce your risk of several dangerous diseases, almonds are the answer. Toss them onto your salads, into stir fries, or straight into your mouth. However you get your almonds is a good way, every day!

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Wonderful Benefits of Amla Powder: A Powerful Superfood

Indian gooseberry, commonly known as amla, is undoubtedly a powerhouse of nutrients. It is an uncommon balance of sweet, sour, pungent and bitter flavours. Benefits of amla powder or Amalaki are aplenty and it can be consumed in any form be it juiced, powdered or eaten raw. You can pickle it, make a jam or have candied amla. Being a very rich source of Vitamin C, iron and calcium, amla is a health treasure. It also offers a number of beauty benefits for your hair and skin. “Amla is a very special fruit full of antioxidants that are effective in reducing the cell damage which reduces the free radicals that can cause disease in the body”, says a Nutritionist. One of the best ways to have amla is in the powdered form. Since amla powder is a bit bitter tasting, you can drink a mix of amla powder, ginger powder, honey and lime juice or you can even add amla powder to a glass of fresh juice for breakfast. You can also sprinkle some amla powder on fruits such as banana, apple or papaya and have as a mid-meal snack.
 

You may already know that amla powder is great for boosting your immunity but it also has other wonderful benefits for your hair, skin and overall health that you’re about to find out here.

1. According to a nutritionist, amla powder is the purest form of Vitamin C and it enriches you from within by making the blood vessels stronger and thicker. It also improves your immunity so that you can fight infections easily.

2. One of the best amla powder benefits is that it reduces the risk of heart disease by regulating the build-up of bad cholesterol, suggests Dr. .

3. Amla is rich in antioxidants that help in fighting free radicals in the body. This reduces cell damage and also the risk of cancer and inflammation.

4. Another one of amla powder benefits is that it gives you glowing skin and also keeps it hydrated. Consume it with water or add it to your face mask for natural glow. You can mix amla powder, honey and yogurt to make a quick face mask. Leave it on till it dries and then wash off. It will leave your skin smooth and clean.

5. One of the best benefits of amla is that it has a high fibre content which works wonderfully for the digestive system. It's an effective cure for constipation. The dried powder of the amla fruit is also a great home remedy for hyperacidity and stomach ulcers. 

 

6. Amla is known for its anti-inflammatory properties it reduces the acid level in the stomach and fights inflammation, suggests the Dr. 

7. One important benefit of amla is that it is considered as the first and foremost food for anti-ageing. Consuming amla in any form on a daily basis is the secret behind the slow aging process and beautiful skin.

8. Amla powder is good for diabetics. Amla contains chromium which makes the body more responsive to insulin and regulates the blood glucose levels.

9. Amla powder when taken with a teaspoon of honey acts as a great blood purifier. You can also mix it with jaggery and have it daily. Regular consumption of amla powder helps in increasing your haemoglobin naturally.

10. Want to use amla powder for hair? You should! Amla is great for your hair. It not only cures dandruff but also helps in preventing hair loss. Make a paste with shikakai, curd and amla powder. Apply this on your scalp and leave it on for half in hour. You could also add few drops of lime to this pack to treat a dry scalp. 

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Guided Sleep Meditations To Have Sound Sleep

Guided sleep meditation is a way to allow you to relax your body and to let go of worried thoughts before your drift off to sleep. Like other types of meditation, this kind involves shifting your focus from your mind to your bodily sensations. Practicing this type of meditation on a regular basis has been found to improve sleep quality. Keep reading to learn all about it.

According to the sleep experts, around 30% of adults have short-term problems with insomnia, while approximately 10% suffer from chronic insomnia. Furthermore, around 33% of adults claim that they get less than 7 hours of a sleep each night.


Better sleep quality can contribute to stress reduction as well as the development of a stronger immune system. However, getting restful sleep can be tricky if you are a victim of anxiety and stress. Many sleep issues start with your thought processes at night, and this is precisely where guided sleep meditation can be of use.

Basically, guided sleep meditation is simply meditating before going to sleep, typically while already in bed. While you can actually practice sleep meditation by yourself, guided practice usually consists of you listening to an audio recording that will improve your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep all night long.

The Benefits of Guided Sleep Meditation
Meditation helps you to be in the present moment and to move outside your head. When you lie down at night, previously suppressed thoughts suddenly start racing around in your mind. Without any external distractions, it can be difficult to control your thoughts which could end up leading to anxiety or depression.
Through guided sleep meditation, you end up ridding yourself of such thoughts, thereby activating your parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn allows you to reduce your heart rate and slow down your breathing rate. This can be so effective that you may find yourself drifting off to sleep in the middle of the meditation practice.

After practicing sleep meditation for a number of weeks, you should begin to notice daytime benefits of the practice too. This is because getting enough sleep at night is related to how you feel during the day.

How to Practice Guided Sleep Meditation
To practice guided sleep meditation, you will first need to get your hands on an audio recording, such as the ones provided by sleep experts.  Many others are also available on other sites.
Typical guided sleep meditations will redirect your focus away from your thoughts and towards your physical body. During such meditations, you will mentally scan the various regions of your body from top to bottom, becoming more aware of the different sensations such as tension, heaviness, tingling, temperature, and tightness. As you do this, you will be told to gently relax and release tension by breathing into that part of your body.

You will also be instructed to allow your troubled thoughts to move beyond you as if they are leaves floating down a river or clouds floating in the sky. As you do this, your body will begin to relax and soften and you will begin to breathe more deeply.

Guided sleep meditation may also incorporate other practices, such as breathing exercises, visualizing peaceful scenes, or even focusing on being grateful and showing loving kindness to yourself.

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Discovery may result in new medication to build stronger muscles in old age

As we grow older, our muscular function declines. A new study by researchers shows how an unexpectedly high number of mutations in the stem cells of muscles impair cell regeneration. This discovery may result in new medication to build stronger muscles even when in old age.

It has already been established that natural aging impairs the function of our skeletal muscles. We also know that the number and the activity of the muscles’ stem cells decline with age. However, the reasons for this has not been fully understood. In a new study, researchers have investigated the number of mutations that accumulate in the muscle’s stem cells (satellite cells).

“What is most surprising is the high number of mutations. We have seen how a healthy 70-year-old has accumulated more than 1,000 mutations in each stem cell in the muscle, and that these mutations are not random but there are certain regions that are better protected,” explains a Professor at the Department of Biosciences and Nutrition.

The mutations occur during natural cell division, and the regions that are protected are those that are important for the function or survival of the cells. Nonetheless, the researchers were able to identify that this protection declines with age.

We can demonstrate that this protection diminishes the older you become, indicating an impairment in the cell’s capacity to repair their DNA. And this is something we should be able to influence with new drugs,” explains a researcher.

The researchers have benefited from new methods to complete the study. The study was performed using single stem cells cultivated to provide sufficient DNA for whole genome sequencing.

“We achieved this in the skeletal muscle tissue, which is absolutely unique. We have also found that there is very little overlap of mutations, despite the cells being located close to each other, representing an extremely complex mutational burden,” explains the study’s first author.

The researchers will now continue their work to investigate whether physical exercise can affect the number of accumulated mutations. Is it true that physical exercise from a young age clears out cells with many mutations, or does it result in the generation of a higher number of such cells?

“We aim to discover whether it is possible to individually influence the burden of mutations. Our results may be beneficial for the development of exercise programmes, particularly those designed for an ageing population,” explains the researcher.

The researchers gained access to the muscle tissue used in the study via a close collaboration with clinical researchers, including physiologist.

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Key chocolate ingredient may help combat diabetes

Scientists have discovered certain compounds found in cocoa — the key ingredient of chocolates — can help the body release more insulin and respond to increased blood glucose better, an advance that may lead to new therapies to treat diabetes. When a person has diabetes, their body either does not produce enough insulin or does not process blood sugar properly. At the root of that is the failure of beta cells,whose job it is to produce insulin.

The new study, finds beta cells work better and remain stronger with an increased presence of epicatechin monomers, compounds found naturally in cocoa. However, rather than stocking up on the sugar-rich chocolate bars, researchers believe that they need to look for ways to take the compound out of cocoa, make more of it and then use it as a potential treatment for current diabetes patients.

“You probably have to eat a lot of cocoa, and you probably don’t want it to have a lot of sugar in it. It’s the compound in cocoa you’re after,” said an assistant professor. Researchers fed the cocoa compound to animals on a high-fat diet. They found that by adding it to the high-fat diet,the compound would decrease the level of obesity in the animals and would increase their ability to deal with increased blood glucose levels. The team then dove in and dissected what was happening on the cellular level — specifically, the beta cell level. They found that cocoa compounds named epicatechin monomers enhanced beta cells’ ability to secrete insulin.

“What happens is it’s protecting the cells, it’s increasing their ability to deal with oxidative stress,” Tessem said. “The epicatechin monomers are making the mitochondria in the beta cells stronger, which produces more ATP (a cell’s energy source), which then results in more insulin being released,” he said.
While there has been a lot of research on similar compounds over the past decade, no one has been able to pinpoint which ones are the most beneficial or how exactly they bring about any benefit—until now. 

This research shows the epicatechin monomers, the smallest of the compounds, are the most effective. “These results will help us get closer to using these compounds more effectively in foods or supplements to maintain normal blood glucose control and potentially even delay or prevent the onset of type-2 diabetes,” said  the assistant professor.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.



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