Portable 'electronic nose' can accurately screen Barrett's oesophagus

A new Portable 'electronic nose' can accurately screen Barrett's oesophagus.

A portable 'electronic nose' can accurately pick up the precursor condition to food pipe (oesophageal) cancer, known as Barrett's oesophagus, indicates a proof of principle study, published online in the journal Gut. Researchers found that the accuracy of the electronic nose was high, especially among patients taking a high-dose proton pump inhibitor, an acid reduction medicine.

This inexpensive and non-invasive technique may be a promising test for diagnosing oesophageal cancer in primary care, say the researchers. 

The number of new cases of this cancer has risen sixfold over the past few decades, with most cases being diagnosed when the disease is already advanced and difficult to treat. 

Barrett's oesophagus, a condition in which healthy cells lining the food pipe are replaced by abnormal cells, is a known precursor to the disease. 

It can be diagnosed using a long flexible tube with a camera on the end (endoscope). But the procedure is expensive and unpleasant for patients, making it unsuitable for population screening. 

So scientists have been exploring other less invasive and cheaper options, including analysis of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs for short. 

VOCs are gaseous compounds produced by metabolic processes in the body, including inflammation and abnormal cellular activity, which can be detected in a person's breath. 

The researchers wanted to see how effective and accurate a portable 'electronic nose' device would be for picking up Barrett's oesophagus. 

Some 402 adults scheduled for endoscopy breathed into a highly sensitive electronic nose, designed to detect subtle differences in VOC patterns, for 5 minutes. 

Of this group, 129 patients had Barrett's oesophagus; 141 had acid reflux disease, including 50 who had an inflamed oesophagus as a result; and 132 had a normal oesophagus or hiatus hernia that accounted for their symptoms. 

Analysis of the VOC profiles detected by the electronic nose showed that these differed significantly among patients with Barrett's oesophagus, acid reflux, and those with a normal oesophagus/hernia.

The sensitivity of the device was 91%--in other words, its ability to pick up Barrett's oesophagus--and its specificity was 74%--in other words, its ability to detect those without the condition. 

When the analysis was further restricted to patients who had been taking drugs (proton pump inhibitors) to curb stomach acid production for at least a month or those with a hiatus hernia, both of which are likely to muddy the diagnostic waters, its accuracy was still good. 

"The findings of our study provide evidence that patients with [Barrett's oesophagus] have VOC breath prints different from those without," they write. 

While it's still not clear exactly how breath VOCs indicate cancerous cell changes, the sensitivity and specificity of VOC breath testing for Barrett's oesophagus is comparable to that of breast cancer and bowel cancer screening, they explain. 

Chemical analytical techniques for VOC analysis have also been used, and are very effective, but they are also expensive. What's more, they are time-consuming and require highly skilled staff to operate them and analyse the results, point out the researchers. 

Further research will be required to validate these findings in a much larger study, they emphasise. But they conclude: "Given the high tolerability, high acceptability and low costs, breath testing may be a promising approach to be used for non-invasive screening for [Barrett's oesophagus] in a primary care setting."

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9 Tips for Smelling Good All Day Long

Everyone feels self-conscious about the way they smell from time to time. Coming out of the gym, or just after a long day of running around for errands. And, somehow, it seems that some people smell amazing no matter what they do and what time of the day it is. Infuriating.

The definition of smelling good is individual, of course. One person’s good might mean the scent of flowery perfume, while another is the cleanly smell of laundry, or just smelling neutral at the end of the day rather than having body odor. Whatever your approach may be, if smell is something you find yourself worrying over, it is possible to smell good all day, and here’s how.

1. The Right Diet
Diet is key to the way you smell, as the body emits what goes into it. Certain foods contain foul-smelling compounds called VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can cause an unpleasant odor when extracted through the sweat glands. Foods that contain high levels of VOCs include cruciferous veggies like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and red meat.
Being aware of your consumption of spices, onion and garlic is important, too. They might be good for the body, but their smell can come out through your pores up to 48 hours after you eat them (depending on how much you ate). And of course, alcohol has an effect on body odor. The byproduct of alcohol is sugar, which is processed through the pores and can cause a sickly sweet smell.
To smell good, fresh food is key. Lots of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

2. Find the Right Scent For You
This may be a bit of work, but it’s definitely worth the time. The scent that works wonders for your friend may not have the same effect for you, as individual body chemistry is playing a part. You’ll be surprised to know how many brands and stores offer samples of their popular scents, which is a perfectly affordable way to experiment.
Another good tip is seeing how a scent evolves in the course of 4 hours. Experts on the topic explain that your first impression of a fragrance is called ‘top note’, and it lasts for about 20 minutes. To get a more accurate feel of the scent, try to notice how it changes when it fades over time.

3. And Then Make It Last 
Some types of scent dissipate quicker than others. If longevity is important to you, you might want to try fragrances from the woody family, for example. These range from nutty-creamy types of smells to spicy ones, and even sandalwood. Citrus smells, on the other hand, are proven not to last as long.

Another key factor to having your fragrance last is where you spray it. Fragrances work from the bottom up, so the best areas to spray would be your knee area, chest, and behind the ears. Spraying the wrists works, too, but do not rub the wrists together! Rubbing perfume in breaks down the top note, the first 20-minute effect, and only leaves you with the more faint stage of the scent – and less wear time.

4. Build a Layer of Fragrances
Don’t forget your favorite scent doesn’t only come in perfume form. There are shower gels, oils, and creams, too. If you layer the fragrance by using a few products at once, it is way more likely to stick around. If you would like to avoid synthetic or chemical additives and go for a more natural product, you can opt for the oil option rather than the cream. 

5.  Stay Hydrated and Moisturized
Moisture is extremely important for a pleasant body smell. And there is an even easier way to do it than applying oils and creams – just drink lots of water, of course! When the skin is dry, it tends to absorb and dissipate perfume significantly more quickly. Staying hydrated also helps with the smell of your breath. Dehydration reduces the production of saliva, which is a problem because spit actually has antibacterial and antifungal properties. They keep your breath from getting smelly. 

6. Take Care of Your Clothes​
It may seem obvious, but the way you care for your clothes and laundry has a big effect on the odors you emit. Regular washing goes a long way. If you’re feeling adventurous, there is a whole world of detergents. Non-toxic, allergen-free, those that smell like boutique fragrances, you name it. Not that any of this is obligatory, of course. Sticking to your usual product will do the job perfectly.  

7. Make Sure Your Home Smells Good
Believe it or not, your environment makes a difference in the way you smell during the day. So don’t stop with your body and clothes. Air out the rooms frequently so they don’t get stuffy and start smelling stale. Change your sheets regularly, use scented candles in your home and aromatizing products in the bathroom. This will contribute greatly to your sense of calmness at home, on top of the smell benefits. 

8. Store Fragrances Properly
When perfume is exposed to heat and humidity, the scent molecules break down, and so does the effectiveness. Keep your perfume in cool, dry areas of your home – the bathroom is a big no-no. Always keep the bottle sealed when not in use. Some experts even advise keeping the original box. They might look flimsy and impractical, but perfume boxes were designed to hold the aromas within.  

9. Reapply During the Day
Even if you do everything correctly – keep a balanced diet, store, and apply perfume the right way, etc., we are all human and all have busy days. We all sweat and absorb whatever is in the air around us. It’s okay to freshen up your perfume once a day, especially if you have an extra-long one. Keep a travel-sized perfume or a rollerball one in your bag for these moments.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
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Surprising Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

Kids and Chemicals in Your Home

Air pollution may be worse inside your home than out. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), for example, are gases released by many household products. They may cause problems like headaches, nausea, and irritated eyes and throat. Indoor air pollution may be especially harmful to kids, who breathe faster than adults, inhaling more air. It particularly can affect babies, who are near the ground where heavy contaminants hang in the air.

Carpets Can Emit Chemicals

Many people complain of headaches, rashes, and eye and throat irritation when carpet is installed. New carpeting, padding, and adhesive give off potentially harmful gases. Choose low-VOC carpet and ask that it be unrolled and aired out several days beforehand. Stay out of your house during installation and keep it well-ventilated for days afterward. For kids with allergies and asthma, consider other flooring options.

Paint and Indoor Air Pollution

Paints and paint strippers can emit harmful gases. To minimize health risks, choose low-VOC paint and keep the windows open while painting and for several days while paint dries. Try not to store paint cans because gases can leak, even from sealed containers. If you must store paint, keep it in a well-ventilated area, away from the main living areas of your home.

Health Issues With Teflon Fumes

Cooking with nonstick cookware may release toxic fumes at very high temperatures. Nonstick coatings like Teflon emit chemicals when heated above 500 degrees. Don't use it in very hot ovens or preheat it on high on stovetops, and always use an exhaust fan. Instead, consider using cast iron or stainless steel pots and pans.

Chemicals From Craft Supplies

When your kids want to get crafty, head outside for better ventilation. Depending upon the product and the length of exposure, fumes from markers, glues, and other art supplies may cause headaches and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Overcooking polymer clays can release toxic chemicals into the air. Even some "nontoxic" markers may contain solvents that are dangerous when inhaled.

Cleaning Product Health Problems

The chemicals found in some household cleaners can be toxic if inhaled or touched, causing rashes and irritating the respiratory tract. This is particularly true for people prone to skin or breathing problems. Some products may aggravate allergies. Those that contain ammonia and chlorine may be especially irritating to children with asthma. Try cleaning with hot water, baking soda, microfiber cloths, and less-toxic cleaning products.

Dry-Cleaned Clothes and Health

The next time you pick up your clothes from the cleaners, take a whiff. Dry cleaning most often uses perchloroethylene, a chemical that has been found to cause cancer in animals. When you bring freshly dry-cleaned clothes into your home, your family may be inhaling this potentially harmful chemical. Air dry-cleaned clothes in the garage for several days before wearing them or wash clothes by hand or in a washing machine.

Kids and Secondhand Smoke

Living in a home where someone smokes can make children more prone to ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, and coughs. Children with asthma may have more frequent and severe attacks. Inhaling smoke may cause asthma in kids who never had symptoms before. Thirdhand smoke -- the toxic residue that lingers in clothes, cushions, and carpet -- can be also harmful to kids, especially when they play or crawl on the floor.

Stove Problems and Air Pollution

Improperly installed or vented gas stoves can release harmful gases into your home. At low levels, carbon monoxide can cause fatigue. Higher concentrations can cause nausea, headaches, confusion, and even death. Nitrogen dioxide can cause respiratory problems -- especially in children. Make sure burners are adjusted correctly so that flame tips are always blue. Vent the stove with a fan that blows outside.

Chimney and Furnace Gases

If your central heating and air conditioning system has problems -- ranging from cracks and dirt to poor ventilation -- dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide could be collecting in your home. Make sure your furnace – including the chimney and flue -- is well-maintained, including annual inspections and regular filter changes.

Dangers of Radon

You can’t smell, see, or taste radon -- a dangerous gas formed when uranium naturally decays in soil, rocks, or water. It can enter your home through cracks or holes in the foundation, walls, or around pipes. Radon is second only to smoking as a cause of lung cancer. Children may be more sensitive to radon because they breathe faster and take in more air. You can test for radon with a kit or call a radon inspector.

Health Concerns With Air Fresheners

Air fresheners may cause breathing difficulties and headaches for some people. In a study, nearly one-third of people with asthma said they had breathing problems when exposed to air fresheners. Tests by the Natural Resources Defense Council found that some air fresheners contain phthalates, a chemical linked to child developmental and hormonal issues. Instead, use natural herbs like rosemary, basil, or mint and good ventilation to freshen air.

Formaldehyde and Furniture

The chemical formaldehyde is common in pressed-wood furniture as well as permanently pressed drapes and clothes. Children are particularly vulnerable to respiratory irritation from formaldehyde fumes. Because new products give off stronger emissions, consider purchasing floor models. Air out new furniture and wash drapes before bringing them indoors.

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








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Now, a breathalyser test with a 'nose' to 'sniff out' lung cancer!

Researchers have developed a new groundbreaking device that uses exhaled breath to accurately detect lung cancer and identify its stage of progression.

The breathalyser test is embedded with a "NaNose" nanotech chip to literally "sniff out" cancer tumours.

The study was conducted on 358 patients who were either diagnosed with or at risk for lung cancer.
"Lung cancer diagnoses require invasive procedures such as bronchoscopies, computer-guided biopsies, or surgery. Our new device combines several novel technologies with a new concept - using exhaled breath as a medium of diagnosing cancer," said Dr Nir Peled of Tel Aviv University's Sackler Faculty of Medicine.

"Our NaNose was able to detect lung cancer with 90 per cent accuracy even when the lung nodule was tiny and hard to sample. It was even able to discriminate between subtypes of cancer, which was unexpected," said Peled.

Lung cancer tumours produce chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which easily evaporate into the air and produce a discernible scent profile.

Professor Hossam Haick of the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology harnessed nanotechnology to develop the highly sensitive NaNose chip, which detects the unique "signature" of VOCs in exhaled breath.

In four out of five cases, the device differentiated between benign and malignant lung lesions and even different cancer subtypes.

"Cancer cells not only have a different and unique smell or signature, you can even discriminate between subtypes and advancement of the disease. The bigger the tumour, the more robust the signature," said Peled.

The device and subsequent analysis accurately sorted healthy people from people with early-stage lung cancer 85 per cent of the time, and healthy people from those with advanced lung cancer 82 per cent of the time.

The test also accurately distinguished between early and advanced lung cancer 79 per cent of the time.

"The device could prove valuable in helping determine patients who need more intensive screening for lung cancer. We're hoping to have a device that would be able to give you a go/no-go result — something's wrong, go get an X-ray," said Peled.

The Boston-based company Alpha Szenszor has licensed the technology and hopes to introduce it to the market within the next few years.

The study was presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago.

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

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Breath test may help detect lung cancer

A simple breath test can help detect lung cancer in its early stages, according to a new study.

Researchers from University of Louisville using a silicone microprocessor and mass spectrometer tested the exhaled breaths of patients with suspicious lung lesions to detect the presence and levels of specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs; aldehydes and ketones, collectively called carbonyls).

The researchers then matched their findings with pathologic and clinical results, according to the study released at the 50th Annual Meeting of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

Although the data are preliminary, we found that patients with an elevation of three or four cancer-specific carbonyl compounds was predictive of lung cancer in 95% of patients with a pulmonary nodule or mass,” said Dr. Michael Bousamra, MD. “Conversely, the absence of elevated VOC levels was predictive of a benign mass in 80% of patients.”

Elevated carbonyl concentrations returned to normal following surgery to remove the malignant nodule.

“Instead of sending patients for invasive biopsy procedures when a suspicious lung mass is identified, our study suggests that exhaled breath could identify which patients may be directed for an immediate intraoperative biopsy and resection,” said Dr. Bousamra.  

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