Inside Diagnostics Summer 2017 by nal von minden GmbH

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Inside Diagnostics Summer 2017

The European Drug report

Superfoods vs 'BAD'FOODs

When grocery shopping turns into a nightmare

NPS still on the rise

Travel medicine

Stay healthy whilst travelling

Rapid Tests

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Inside Diagnostics

Foreword

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Dear reader,

Inside Diagnostics Customer magazine from nal von minden GmbH Responsible according to press law: Thomas Zander Editor-in-chief: Iris Schubert Editorial Team: Iris Schubert, Krystina Beer, Nicola Barabas, Helen Murr, Daniela Beer, Martina Kastenmaier, Kristina Sambs, Jenny Button, Andrea Kreuzer, Manuela Kaml inside-diagnostics@nal-vonminden.com Graphics: Martina Kastenmaier, Kristina Sambs

Subscribe to our customer magazine Write to: inside-diagnostics@nal-vonminden.com

ummer is here – and with it a new issue of our customer magazine, Inside Diagnostics. Numerous interesting topics on the theme of drugs and medicine await you inside, where the focus is, as always, on diagnostics. Our main article provides an overview of the results of this year’s European Drug Report, which was released in June. The yearly EMCCDA report provides an insight into the current situation and developments on the European drug market. Summer is also the time for holidays. More and more people are choosing long-distance and adventure breaks instead of ‘classic’ resort holidays. The article on travel medicine in this issue looks at infections and diseases which are common in the far-flung reaches of the world, and provides tips on what travellers should do before and after their travels in order to reduce the risk of contracting diseases or, in the case of infection, how to take action quickly. For the first time, this edition contains an altogether new column. We take a tongue-in-cheek look at the dreaded man-flu. Numerous other topics are also included, as well as our competition – up for grabs this time are high-quality headphones for the perfect sound of summer! Happy Reading! Your Inside Diagnostics Editor Team

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Contact/Editor in chief Iris Schubert • Tel.: 0941 29010-46 inside-diagnostics@nal-vonminden.com

Product overview:

Many of our articles feature products available at nal von minden. Here you can find a list of the article-related products that we offer. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us under 0941-290 - 0. Page 4: Opiate/Amphetamine Substance tests Product code: 310100 Synthetic Cannabinoids Product code: 310460 Synthetic Cathinones Product code: 310470 Page 10: Influenza A/B Product code: 241005N-10, 241006N-25, 242006N-10 Page 12 (Selection of available tests in the field of tropical medicine): Dengue Product code: 532011N-25, 532002N-25, 532012N-25 Malaria Product code: 472009 Page 12: Ebola Product code: 2210001

Inside Diagnostics

Content Topics The European Drug Report 2017 �� 4 Oh no! - Nature calling again? �� 6 One man, one virus: temperatures over 37°C will be rounded up �� 10 Travel Medicine – Stay healthy whilst travelling �� 12 Ebola – A life-threatening infection �� 13 Superfoods vs 'Bad' foods – When grocery shopping turns into a nightmare �� 14 nvm Inside Prize Draw �� 8 Contact �� 16 The European Drug Report 2017 | Page 4

This yearly report provides an overview of the current situation in relation to the drug market in Europe, as well as resulting political strategies. More on page 4.

Cover © istockphoto.com/FGorgun

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Rapid Tests European Drug Report

Current developments on the European drug market

The European Drug Report 2017 The continuing availability of new psychoactive substances (NPS), the continuing rise of drug-related deaths and the growing health risk associated with highly-potent synthetic opioids – these 3 topics are in the spotlight with the release of this year’s drug report from the EMCDDA (European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction). The yearly report paints as precise a picture as possible regarding the current situation on the European drug market, as well as resulting political strategies. Data from the 28 member states, as well as Turkey and Norway, is examined and consolidated in a comprehensive result report. The number of drug-related deaths rises for the third year in a row.

t the forefront of the 2017 Drug Report is concern over the fact that the number of drug-related deaths has risen for the third year in a row. The sharp rise between 2014 (7950 deaths through overdose) and 2015 (8441 deaths through overdose) gives cause for concern. As in earlier years, heroin and other opioid overdoses are responsible for many deaths – this includes many opioids which are used as part of substitution treatment. This highlights the importance of good clinical practice in order to avoid the misuse of these substances. Various measures have already been implemented in an attempt to counteract the number of drug-related deaths in the last several years. This has included the provision of rooms in which addicts can be supervised whilst taking their substitution drug, as well as the provision of naloxone – a substance that counteracts the effects of an overdose and which can be taken home by addicts, their family or those close to them.

New psychoactive substances – still a serious problem Though new psychoactive substances are no longer flooding the drug market in such high numbers and speed as they did before, the danger they pose is still a grave problem, especially due to their widespread availability. Information on updates regarding new psychoactive substances is published through the EU Early-Warning System. Here it is established

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how many of these drugs have been newly discovered over the course of the year. This number stood at 66 in 2015, compared with the 98 new drugs that found their way onto the market in 2015. Several aspects could be responsible for this drop in numbers, such as changes to NPS legislation amongst several member states which make it much harder for the drugs to be manufactured. A further reason for the decline could lie in stricter laboratory controls in China. The EMCDDA director Alex Goosdeel has emphasised that, despite these positive developments, the ‘all clear’ can by no means yet be given. As the NPS market shifts increasingly onto the internet and the black market, larger numbers of highly-potent substances are appearing and playing a part in both deaths and acute poisoning.

Number and categories of new psychoactive substances notified to the EU Early Warning System for the first time, 2005-16 Other Substances Opioids Benzodiazepines Arylcyclohexylamines

Synth. cannabinoids Cathinones Phenethylamines

Rapid Tests European Drug Report

Estimates of opioid use in the European Union

New synthetic opioids becoming an ever bigger threat Another growing problem is the synthesis of highly-potent opioids. These drugs, offered mostly in the form of powders, tablets and capsules, are sometimes even more potent than heroin. For the most part, these substances are forms of fentanyl. This kind of drug is not only connected to numerous deaths, it also carries a high risk of poisoning – and not only for those consuming the drug. Those who come in to contact with it on their skin or by inhalation are also at risk. Further important points related to the most commonly-consumed drugs and related topics, including a comparison between drug use by students in North America and Europe, can be found in detail as part of the European Drug Report 2017. The complete report is available for download free of charge at: http://www.dbdd.de/fileadmin/user_upload_dbdd/05_ Publikationen/PDFs/EDR-2017_DE.pdf

• The European Drug Report is published every year and gives an overview of the current drug situation and the resulting political measures and strategies. • The EMCDDA (European Observatory for Drugs and Drug Addiction) published the first Drug Report 20 years ago and uses data from more than 30 countries covering observatory systems. • Among the European partners are national experts, the European Commission, Europol, the European Pharmaceutical Agency and the European Centre for the prevention and control of diseases. • In addition, the EMCDDA uses the contributions of various European research groups and initiatives.

Source picture & texts: http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/news/2017/6/european-drug-report-2017-highlights

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Infectiology Urinary Tract Infection

Oh no!

Nature calling again? Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a nightmare for many women, who in our society are 8 times more likely to be affected than men. Approximately 50-60% of women will experience a urinary tract infection at least once in their lifetime. The so-called bladder infection (cystitis) predominantly affects females for the simple reason that the anus is closer to the urethral opening in women than in men. Women also have a shorter urethra, making it is easier for germs (bacteria, and more rarely viruses, parasites or fungi) to reach the bladder and cause cystitis. The most common culprit for this is the bacteria known as Escherichia coli, which occurs naturally in the gut.

round 10% of all patients develop a chronic, ongoing infection. This means the infection crops up at least twice every six months, or more than 3 times per year. Such infections are known as recurrent cystitis, but do not mean that the infection is there to stay – though it will reoccur after

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several months if a previous infection has not cleared up or was left untreated.

Which symptoms are characteristic of a bladder infection? •

A burning sensation during urination, as well as the feeling of needing to push against resistance.

•

Feeling the continuous urge to urinate, though only producing small amounts of urine (so-called pollakisuria) with each visit to the toilet.

•

Pain in the lower abdominal area, caused by spasmodic contracting of the bladder during urination.

The following can increase the risk of a UTI: •

Urinary- or prostate infection in a sexual partner

Infectiology Urinary Tract Infection

•

Frequent sexual activity (for women - hence why the condition is also known as ‘honeymoon cystitis’)

•

Metabolic disorders such as diabetes or gout

•

Kidney diseases

•

Bladder stones, kidney stones, urethral stricture

•

Smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, poor diet

is metabolised from nitrate by the many bacteria (such as Escherichia coli), which caused the infection. The urine is then examined microscopically, in order to clearly identify red and white blood cells as well as bacteria. A urine culture allows the establishment of an antibiogram, which enables targeted antibiotic therapy for the patient. It is usually the case with (chronic) infections that antibiotics are required for successful treatment. Following a course of antibiotics, care should be taken in protecting and maintaining intestinal- and vaginal flora, in order to avoid the development of yeast infections.

•

Changes in hormonal balance during pregnancy

Are there ways to prevent a bladder infection?

•

Decline in hormone production during and around the time of the menopause

•

Drink plenty, ca. 1.5 – 2.0 litres per day, to help flush the bladder and urethra and thus excrete the bacteria

•

A weakened immune system

•

If a urinary tract infection is not identified or not properly treated, it can have drastic consequences:

Keep warm, especially in the colder months and especially your feet, kidney and pelvic areas

•

Go to the toilet regularly, don’t hold it in!

•

An acute urinary tract infection can become a chronic one

•

The number of bacteria can rise and lead to an infection of the renal pelvis (pyelitis or pyelonephritis) with symptoms such as fever, side pain and chills. This is known as an infection of the upper urinary tract

Do not use any perfumed or disinfectant-based products in intimate areas

•

After sex, wash the area around the urethra as soon as possible

•

With an upper urinary tract infection, is it possible for bacteria to get into the blood stream, which can lead to blood poisoning (sepsis)

•

Above all, use condoms during vaginal sex that follows oral- or anal sex

•

Avoid contraceptives such as diaphragms and pessaries

•

Recurrent infections can lead to lasting damage of the bladder and renal tissue

Chronic urinary tract infections can also be responsible for urinary incontinence, in which the individual has only partial control over their bladder.

It is also true that children, the elderly and people with preexisting conditions are at an increased risk of developing a UTI. Please be aware that this article is only intended to provide an overview of the illness and its symptoms, and cannot substitute the competent care of a doctor. If experiencing symptoms, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and advice.

How are bladder infections treated? A simple test with a urine analysis strip can be the first step to diagnosing cystitis through the detection of a raised white blood cell count (leukocytes), or the detection of nitrite that

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www.istockphoto.com © Ljupco

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nvm inside Prize Draw

Join in & win!

Dear reader,

We would like to congratulate Friederike S., the winner of the Nikon Coolpix A10 Camera from our last issue. We are pleased to once again give you the opportunity to win a great prize! For the spring issue, we are giving away Beats Headphones by Dr. Dre EP. All you need to do is answer the following question:

f the main o e n o is g in w o ll Which of the fo ctions? fe in l e v a tr f o s e s u ca Your Inside Diagnostics team e is rc e ck of ex a) pineapple b) la water c) contaminated

Good luck!

Win Beats Headphones in white by Dr. Dre EP! ✓ Fine-tuned acoustics ✓ Durable, lightweight design reinforced with stainless steel ✓ Battery-free for unlimited playback ✓ Adjustable vertical sliders ✓ Take calls and control your music with RemoteTalk cable ✓ Box contains: Beats EP Headphones; Foldable Carrying Pouch, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card Participate via the following link: www.nal-vonminden.com/gewinnspiel.html or by email to: gewinnspiel@nal-vonminden.com Otherwise send the following fax form to: +49 941 29010 50

Closing date is 15.09.2017

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nvm inside Prize Draw

Please mark the right answer,

Simply fill in the form & win!

Name

Address

City

E-Mail

Signature Participation Conditions 1. The promoter of this competition is nal von minden GmbH. 2. To take part, fill in the form and fax it to +49 941 29010 50, or send it by post to nal von minden GmbH, Iris Schubert, Friedenstraße 32, 93053 Regensburg. It is also possible to take part via email. Send the correct answer along with your full address to gewinnspiel@nal-vonminden.com with the subject heading ‘Gewinnspiel‘, or simply fill in the online form on our website at www.nal-vonminden.com/de/ueber-uns/gewinnspiel.html. The winner is chosen in a prize draw. Those taking part must have an address in Germany, Switzerland or in Austria and be at least 18 years old at the time of participation. nal von minden employees or those involved in the conception or implementation of this competition are not permitted to take part. Only one entry per person is permitted. An illegal or repetitive attempt at participation in the competition will result in the competition closing. Participation is free and does not depend on the purchase of goods or services. By taking part in the competition, the participant agrees to these conditions. The competition closes on 15.09.2017. 3. The winner will be informed by writing and will receive their prize by post. 4. The promoter of this competition witholds the right to change the conditions of this competition within the promotion period, and to end or cancel at any time. This is especially the case in cases of force majeure or if the competition cannot continue to be carried out for organisational, tecnical or legal reasons. In such cases, the partcipants are not entitled to any claims against the promoter. Through participation, individuals can win Beats headphons by Dr. Dre. The prize cannot be exchanged for cash or another prize. 5. The promoter of this competition takes no responsibility if the prize is lost or damaged during delivery. 6. Any liability for damages of nal von minden GmbH and their officers, employees and agents in connection with the competition, irrespective of the legal reason is, as far as legally permissible, limited to cases of intent or gross negligence. 7. This is not subject to legal recourse. 8. Should one or more of the above clauses be partially or fully invalidated, void or unfeasible, the remaining clauses are not invalidated. A corresponding clause will be applied instead. This also applies in the case of omissions. 9. The promoter’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into. Legal recourse is excluded. Data Protection 1. The promoter utilises data shared by those participating - (name, address), in as far as this is in accordance with German data protection law. The data collected will be used to conclude contracts between the two parties. The promoter additionally holds the right to send future issues of 'Inside Diagnostics‘ to the email address provided, as long as the participant in question has consented to the legal requirements of the shipment. The receipt of future copies of the Inside Diagnostics magazine can be cancelled at any time at the end of each promotional email. In accordance with the Federal Data Protection Act, particpants and users have the right to information regarding their stored data and, where necessary, a right to report, block or delete this data. Participation in the promotion is then no longer possible.

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Column Man Flu

Man Flu

One man, one virus: temperatures over 37°C will be rounded up There comes a day when even the strongest guy is knocked off his feet within a day and subsequently confined to bed: here comes the dreaded man flu and to take its victims. This aggressive virus rages and strikes down men, one after the other, and woe betide he without a devoted woman by his side.

e women are familiar with the symptoms and anticipate them with horror: the first groans, the cough, the hoarseness, the increasing sniffles and wheezes culminating with the collapse onto the couch – totally incapacitated by this devastating illness. The effects of man flu include man-sniffles, man-cough, man-sore-throat, man-hoarseness and man-fever (which, unlike other colds, begins at 37.5°C), not to mention exaggeration. And if you ladies are not sure whether your husband is suffering a harmless cold or if it’s a case of deadly man flu, there is a surefire way to find out: he’ll tell you, and he’ll tell you at least every 10 minutes.

Good care requires tact and understanding Every mother, wife and girlfriend who has ever dealt with such a patient on the brink of death, knows that her commitment is needed here. The infected man is unable to look after himself, nevermind work or help around the house, and looking after him could be compared to caring for 2-3 toddlers. There are also several potential threats to recovery – men have been known to fall off the sofa in attempts to reach the remote control.

Nursing therefore requires a gentle touch. Depending on the patient, trivialising symptoms, or ignoring them completely, is liable to worsen the patient’s state. The cough will likely become louder, exhaustion greater and a worst-case scenario could see his mother called in. Otherwise-acceptable reasoning such as ‘Laughter is the best medicine’ have shown to have no effect on man flu. Similarly, jokes like “Sing me the man-flu song: waaaah!!” or “What will happen if I die tomorrow?“ – “It’ll be Saturday“ have no proven healing effect. In fact, the patient’s sinuses are often so blocked that it is not possible for him to hear his wife/ girlfriend‘s jokes or words of advice. The only approach known to work is that of understanding, attention, a constant supply of hot tea, tissues, chicken soup and action films, as well as absolute peace. The occasional use of a ‘hops-smoothie’ can also ease symptoms. The vocalisation of suffering in the form of moans and groans - similar to those seen in women during childbirth – is imperative in order to cope effectively with the illness. A visit to the doctor, however, should be carefully weighed up against the very real danger of infecting other men in the waiting room. Limited success can be achieved in the prevention of man flu with sentences such as “You’ll have to cancel that barbecue on Saturday,” or “I could call my mother –she’d be happy to look after you”, though good timing is decisive in the use of these. Other treatment suggestions can also be found online – such as lying the patient in cold, wet earth. It won’t cure him, but prepare him for what he thinks is obviously to come.

Gender-specific infection Rather than downplaying or ignoring their guy’s affliction, women ought to rejoice that they themselves cannot be infected with this highly-aggressive virus. In contrast to the usual influenza A or B, so-called ‘influenza M‘ is gender-specific and only affects the Y-chromosome. It is unclear whether or not the ‘weaker’ of the sexes could either physically or psychologically survive the infection, though male scientists highly doubt this. Astonishingly, it has also be found that the risk of infection amongst single men is significantly lower, something which suggests a public influence on characteristics that manifest as part of the illness.

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Column Man Flu

So it’s true!

The scientific background of man flu 2013: Testosterone is to blame! By 2013, scientists at Stanford University in California were able to demonstrate that influenza vaccinations were significantly more effective in women than in men. This is due to testosterone levels – the higher the testosterone level in blood, the higher the number of antibodies following vaccination. 2015: Long live the 2nd X-chromosome! Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have found that women have a much better immune system than men. It seems that a second X-chromosome is responsible for the fact that immune defence is much better than in those with a Y-chromosome. The exact causes of man flu, as well as its potential treatments continue to keep scientists busy (see box to the right), who are placing an emphasis on its treatment rather than causes. As long as it remains unclear whether this phenomenon has been responsible for wiping out other species (remember, the extinction of dinosaurs is yet to be fully explained), the dangerous nature of this condition should not be underestimated. To all those women who, due to the terrible ordeal of their men and providing nursing around the clock, become somewhat secondary victims of man flu, remember one thing: stay calm and composed, take it upon yourself to make a cup of tea and enjoy the feeling of temporarily being the stronger sex. He will somehow get through this near-death experience and once again come to your rescue in the form of killing spiders or fixing the lawnmower. After all, what will make a better anecdote on your next girls’ night out than him using what is left of his strength on the couch to google his symptoms, only to find three potential diagnoses: a faulty car exhaust or a blocked dryer ventilator.

We would like to take the opportunity to wish your dear men a speedy recovery!

2017: Once again hormones are to blame... Do men in fact suffer more with the flu virus? To investigate this, a research team at the John Hopkins University in Baltimore (Maryland) took cells from the nasal mucosa of healthy volunteers – both men and women – and added the female sex hormone, estrogen. The next day, the cells were infected with the influenza A virus, to see how it would develop over a further two days. The results were a surprise: only in female cells did the addition of estrogen cause a considerable reduction in the viral load; in male cells the estrogen boost had no protective effect. How exactly the female sex hormone estrogen, which also occurs in small amounts in men, affects the viral infection is still unclear. It has been put forward that estrogen slows down the replication of the viral genome. Conclusion: Men, it is proven that there really is such a thing as man flu!

Important medical advice from the author: Be careful – laughter can be contagious! KS

Source: augsburger-allgemeine.de / erkaeltung.behandeln.de / die-männergrippe.de www.istockphoto.com © kbeis

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Infectiology Travel Medicine

Travel Medicine

Stay healthy whilst travelling

or the most part, which diseases and infections we are exposed to depend on the areas we travel to and, on the whole, it is in developing countries that travelers are most at risk. For example, as many as a 26.7% of travel related illnesses are acquired in sub-Saharan Africa and more than two-thirds of dengue infections are acquired in Asia – mostly in popular holiday destinations such as Thailand. Whereas statistics show that 1-4% of travel-related deaths are due to contracting infectious diseases, few people are likely to visit their doctor as a result of what might be dismissed as an ‘upset stomach’. It is true that a different diet, excessive travel and unusually hot weather can take their toll on the body, but prolonged symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea and respiratory difficulties should not be taken lightly. Fever can be indicative of, for example, hepatitis B or C, malaria, typhoid, cholera or dengue. Likewise, diarrhoea is a symptom of giardiasis, ebola, typhoid and cholera, amongst many more. Of course, such

symptoms can occur simultaneously and are not easily differentiated between, with many causing not only fever and diarrhoea, but also aches and pains, headaches and so forth. Due to the severity and danger associated with many of these conditions, a quick and precise diagnosis is imperative for successful treatment and a good prognosis. Immunisation against the diseases thought to present the biggest threats are offered in many countries – sometimes for free (as in the UK), and proof of these vaccines is sometimes required by the country being visited. Nevertheless, patients should be encouraged to present themselves for examination upon returning from abroad if symptoms persist, particularly as incubation periods of diseases can vary from days to weeks. nal von minden offers a range of tests for the fast and reliable diagnosis of numerous tropical diseases. For the detection of malaria, for example (which presented approximately 212 million new cases in 2015 ), we offer the NADAL® Malaria Pf/Pan Ag 4 Species Test. Further prominent diseases such as cholera, typhoid, filariasis and dengue are also part of our test portfolio, alongside those which are less well-known such as chagas (which is featured on the WHO’s list of Neglected Tropical Diseases – a list for diseases receiving insufficient attention from health agencies and governments, despite the fact that it affects over 8 million people worldwide).

Patients should be encouraged to

present themselves for examination upon returning from abroad.

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http://www.rd.com/health/conditions/signs-diabetes/ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Diabetes-type2/Pages/Symptoms.aspx http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20033091

With international travel cheaper and easier than ever, our exposure to various diseases also faces an increase. As holidaymakers increasingly stray from resort-based package holidays in favour of exploration and adventure, so the risk of contracting infectious diseases through insect bites, poor hygiene, or contaminated food and water rises, and this is where travel medicine comes into play.

Infectiology Travel Medicine

Ebola

A life-threatening infection Ebola is the most dangerous infectious disease in the world. Due to its influenza-like symptoms, the illness is often not caught in time, making it potentially untreatable and the consequences devastating. This article serves as a short overview of the importance of a quick diagnosis, as well as the worth of a recently - evaluated vaccine study. Definition and risk of infection

bola haemorrhagic fever, now known as just ‚ebola‘, is a severe, often fatal infectious disease which occurs in humans and non-human primates such as gorillas and chimpanzees. It occurs repeatedly in locally-confined epidemics in which, since the large outbreak in 2014/2015, the main area affected is West Africa. Ebola is caused by an RNA-virus of the genus Ebolavirus, and belongs to the Filoviridae (filovirus) family. The disease can be spread by contact with those who are infected or sick, or by contact with host-animals. From person to person, the virus can be spread through bodily fluids such as blood or respiratory droplets. It should be noted that patients are only contagious during the acute phase of the illness.

Symptoms • • • •

Fever, shivers Head- and muscle aches, sore throat Loss of appetite; stomach cramps (later stages), vomiting, diarrhoea Internal bleeding, as well as bleeding from orifices

which the afflicted was likely infected that are the first indicators of an ebola infection. With the use of in-vitro rapid tests, the virus antigen can be detected easily in serum or throat swabs taken from the patient, with results taking just 15-30 minutes. Furthermore, the thread-like virus can also be seen in blood, urine, saliva and tissue samples when examined under the microscope. A final confirmation of the virus’ presence can be determined by PCR-based laboratory diagnostic analyses.

It can lead to shock, circulatory collapse and multiple organ failure, which can be deadly for the patient. Treatment First and foremost, it is important to treat the patient in isolation, in order to curb the spread of infection. As long as there is no successful ebola-specific treatment, only the symptoms can be treated. The high death rate of ebola patients in Africa is mainly a result of late diagnosis, as well as inadequate treatment options. With more modern, intensive medical technical capabilities, patients have a higher chance of survival – in 2014, an ebola patient in Hamburg recovered after 5 weeks in one of nine new special treatment centers.

Diagnosis

Overview of possible vaccinations against ebola

The incubation period (the time between exposure to the infection and the onset of symptoms) lasts 2-21 days. The first symptoms are similar to those of influenza or other respiratory diseases, such as yellow fever, malaria or dengue. Symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea only occur in later stages of the disease. Dangerous haemorrhagic bleeding and subsequent blood loss can lead to shock, circulatory collapse and multiple organ failure, which can be deadly for the patient.

In 2015, approximately 6000 individuals in Guinea were given the vaccine rVSV-ZEBOV (Merck & Co.), with a further 5000 unvaccinated individuals acting as a control group. Of those vaccinated, none fell sick after at least 10 days, whereas 23 become infected from the control group. At the final evaluation at the beginning of 2017, a 100%-effective vaccination was confirmed. Though its length of protection is still unclear, the approval procedure is already underway. Here’s hoping for a swift end to this horror.

For this reason, a fast diagnosis can be life-saving. It is usually a combination of the symptoms and the geographical region in

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http://symptomat.de/Ebola http://www.medizin.de/ratgeber/e.html http://www.spiegel.de/gesundheit/diagnose/ebola-patient-geheilt-aus-uni-klinik-uke-in-hamburg-entlassen-a-995346.html http://www.zeit.de/2017/02/impfstoff-ebola-heilung

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Nutrition Superfoods

Superfoods vs Bad'foods ' When grocery shopping turns into a nightmare

A healthy lifestyle is becoming more and more important for many people. In our often hectic and stressful lives, more and more of us are now searching for ways to stay fit and healthy by looking after our body as well as our soul.

n addition to exercise and relaxation, a good diet is of utmost importance. While many contend with increasingly common food intolerances, trying to find food with suitable ingredients (something they must do out of necessity rather than the result of a lifestyle choice) others have voluntarily turned to so-called super foods. For them, health and wellbeing are also highly significant. The promises of super foods are comprehensive: quinoa, chia seeds and açaì berries not only keep you fit, but also radiant, intelligent, and beautiful. Of course, it is sensible to look after your lifestyle and watch your diet, but inevitably comes the question: How much is too much? Is the trend going too far? Have we become too concerned with which ingredients we put in our food and are we too easily won over by the promises of others?

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‘Bad‘ food, ‘good‘ food and ‘super’ foods? Stomach aches, headaches, and feeling under the weather – those with intolerances of certain foods are bound to identify with these symptoms, some more strongly than others. It is also not easy to identify the actual culprit. In addition to lactose, gluten and fructose can also cause problems. The number of those who give up certain foods as a result of a (supposed) intolerance seems to be on the rise as much as the selection of foods sporting a ‘-free’ label (lactose-free, glutenfree etc), something more and more people are resorting to. Though this trend may be a source of ridicule for many, an actual intolerance can be very unpleasant, as well as potentially dangerous for those affected. An example of this is celiac disease, which is characterised by a serious intolerance to gluten. Its consumption leads to inflammation of the small intestine and the damaging of the mucosa there. This causes great discomfort to patients, who suffer from diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain and fatigue as well as wider conditions such as anaemia, osteoporosis and infertility. However, celiac disease only occurs in those with a genetic predisposition to

Nutrition Superfoods

the disease. The only available ‘treatment’ for this intolerance is a lifelong avoidance of gluten. Experts advise everyone else against avoiding gluten if it’s not necessary to do so, as this protein is an important part of our diet. Additionally, a diet which lacks variety risks a deficiency of important nutrients and minerals. If intolerance to a certain food is suspected, it is advised to consult a doctor and discuss the possibilities of a diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Super foods: super healthy? But what about the trendy super foods that have literally been in everyone’s mouth for some time now? Can a person actually eat their way to health, beauty and intelligence? It is true that some foods contain more healthy nutrients than others, but it is also a fact that not only the exotic foods on our supermarket shelves count amongst super foods – our local food can also rank highly. Many berries contain a lot of vitamin C, linseeds are rich in non-saturated fatty acids and roughage – the list goes on and on. Not to mention, the ecological foot-

print of local alternatives to chia seeds etc is of course much smaller – they need not be brought to us by plane from South America. In this jungle of newly emerging foods, it is easy to lose track. One would hope for a simple ‘miracle solution’ available in supermarkets, health shops and so on, particularly as mistrust grows of foods and the ingredients they contain that cause problems and harm to so many. In general, the following principle applies: Those who drink enough and eat a varied diet including fruit and vegetables, need not usually worry about malnutrition or doing something special that is good for their body. It is true that the ultimate ‘super foods’ - those that single-handedly lead to extreme beauty, intelligence and fitness - are as few and far between as the absolute ‘bad foods’ that cause illness and pain. Furthermore, people should not generally give up certain ingredients or foods if they do not actually need to do so due to an intolerance. IS

http://www.apotheken-umschau.de/Zoeliakie http://www.spiegel.de/gesundheit/ernaehrung/glutenfreies-essen-grundloser-weizenverzicht-ist-teuer-und-nicht-gesund-a-1133736.html

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