Latest news with #Spitz
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
NEL Animal Cardiovascular Center Performs World's First Surgical Treatment of Canine Infective Endocarditis
ANYANG, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The NEL Animal Cardiovascular Center said that its NEL Animal Heart Surgery Team has achieved the world's first surgical success in treating canine infective endocarditis (IE) in a dog. 'This case is the first to prove that surgical treatment can be a viable option for canine infective endocarditis, a condition previously considered inoperable. It is a result of our cumulative experience in over 50 successful mitral valve surgeries." Share The South Korean veterinarian team led by Chief Veterinarian Dr. Taeheum Um has conducted a complex procedure using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to resect and reconstruct a heart valve damaged by infection, in a case where conventional medical treatment had proven insufficient. This case marks the world's first successful surgical intervention for canine infective endocarditis. The patient, an 8-year-old, 6.2 kg Spitz, was a high-risk case with a medical history of Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE) and prolonged antibiotic use. The first surgery addressed a degenerative mitral valve damaged by myxomatous changes, significantly reducing regurgitation. The patient recovered well without the need for ongoing medication. However, approximately four weeks post-op, a bacterial infection developed on the valve. Detailed diagnostics confirmed the presence of infective endocarditis caused by the multi-drug resistant bacterium Enterococcus faecium. The infection was likely due to intestinal barrier damage linked to chronic enteritis and long-term antibiotic treatment. Despite six weeks of intravenous antibiotic therapy, severe structural damage to the valve necessitated a second surgery. In the second operation, the team performed anterior mitral valve leaflet patch augmentation, extending the shortened anterior leaflet using a bovine pericardial patch. This is a highly advanced technique borrowed from human cardiac surgery — and this marks the first time it has ever been applied to a dog. The nine-hour procedure was successful, and the patient was able to discontinue all cardiac medications and diuretics. Now, over three months post-surgery, the dog is living a normal life without any syncope episodes. Considering the average survival period for dogs with infective endocarditis is around 70 days, this case — with the patient surviving and improving over 10 months post-onset — is a landmark achievement demonstrating the potential of surgical treatment. Dr. Taeheum Um, lead surgeon of the NEL Animal Heart Surgery Team, stated, 'This case is the first to prove that surgical treatment can be a viable option for canine infective endocarditis, a condition previously considered inoperable. It is a result of our cumulative experience in over 50 successful mitral valve surgeries. We will continue to monitor the case and publish our findings in academic journals.' Building on this success, the team aims to expand the clinical scope of treatment for complex canine heart diseases and contribute critical data to the global veterinary cardiology community. About NEL Animal Cardiovascular Center The NEL Animal Cardiovascular Center is a 24-hour specialty veterinary hospital with expertise in heart surgery and intensive cardiac care. It also offers services in neurology (disc treatment), advanced diagnostics (CT/MRI), stem cell therapy, and orthopedic surgeries such as cruciate ligament and patella luxation repairs. NEL is the only private animal hospital in South Korea capable of performing both mitral valve surgery and open-heart surgery. The center also operates a specialized heart screening program for early detection and management of cardiac diseases.
Hindustan Times
08-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Neurosurgeon shares 10 reasons why ‘you need to supplement protein': Keep brain sharp and active, prevent muscle loss
Did you know inadequate protein intake can lead to muscle weakness, particularly in the spine, which can cause back pain and mobility issues? Or that protein can impact your mood, cognitive function, and overall brain health? US neurosurgeon Dr Steven Spitz shared some insights on the importance of protein for brain and spine health in an Instagram post on February 24. Also read | Gastroenterologists reveal truth about protein supplements: Are whey protein powders safe for your liver and kidney? Ensure you're getting enough protein in your diet to support brain and spine health. (Freepik) He shared how protein helps maintain muscle mass and strength, particularly in the spine. In his post, Dr Spitz listed 'top 10 reasons to supplement protein': 'Your spine isn't just bones — it's built on protein' 1. 'Your brain needs protein too. Neurons rely on proteins to communicate, repair damage, and keep your brain sharp (so maybe rethink that all-carb diet),' he said. 2. 'Your spine isn't just bones — it's built on protein. Collagen, the most abundant protein in the body, makes up your spinal discs and connective tissues,' he added. 3. According to Dr Spitz, 'Surgery = trauma. Protein = recovery. After any major surgery, your body needs extra protein to heal muscles, tissues, and even your brain.' 4. 'Protein keeps your nerves firing. Neurotransmitters (like dopamine and serotonin) are made from amino acids, the building blocks of protein,' he added. 5. 'Sleep-deprived neurosurgeons rely on coffee. Your body relies on protein. Protein helps regulate metabolism, immune function, and muscle repair — kind of important if you like staying alive,' Dr Spitz said. 'Protein keeps your muscles and balance in check' 6. He added, 'Your brain is 60 percent fat, but don't forget the protein. Enzymes that power brain function and memory formation are protein-based.' 7. 'Skipping protein? Enjoy your chronic pain. Low protein intake can lead to muscle weakness and joint issues — bad news for anyone with a spine (which is everyone),' Dr Spitz said. 8. 'Protein helps prevent the 'old person shuffle'. Sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) is real, and eating enough protein keeps your muscles and balance in check,' he added. 9. Dr Spitz further shared, 'Protein helps control post-op swelling. It plays a key role in reducing inflammation, which means faster recovery after surgery or injury.' 10. He concluded, 'Brains, spines, muscles — it's all protein-dependent. If you want to stay strong, sharp, and mobile for life, make sure protein is on your plate.' Would you like more information on protein-rich foods or tips for incorporating protein into your diet? Click here to learn about 10 high-protein foods that make weight loss easy, according to anutritionist. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Neurosurgeon says ‘stress rewires our brain' leading to high cortisol, memory loss; suggests 5 easy ways to stay sharp
Have you been under a lot of pressure lately? It could be related to workload, family dynamics, or just some tiff you got into with your friend. But did you know that this stress could harm your brain? An overload of stress shrinks the hippocampus, scrambles focus, and ramps up anxiety. (Freepik) {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Also Read | Cardiologist reveals 'real cause of heart diseases' isn't the elevation of cholesterol levels, but this hidden issue {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} In an Instagram post shared on June 14, Dr Steven Spitz, neurosurgeon, talked about what stress really does to your brain. He discussed the three ways in which stress rewires our brain and suggested 5 ways to help your brain stay sharp. Let's find out what the neurosurgeon suggested: How stress rewires your brain According to the neurosurgeon, stress leads to: Cortisol Memory loss Poor focus He stressed that our brain wasn't built for nonstop cortisol. So, when there is an overload of stress, it 'shrinks the hippocampus, scrambles focus, and ramps up anxiety.' Here's how the above-mentioned three factors affect our brain: {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Read More {{^usCountry}} Per Dr Spitz, when we are stressed, our amygdala lights up and the increased cortisol levels activate our fear centre. This leads to increased anxiety, fear, and emotional reactivity. 'Your brain starts to prioritise threats over logic,' he stressed. Chronic stress = Cortisol overload {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} Per Dr Spitz, when we are stressed, our amygdala lights up and the increased cortisol levels activate our fear centre. This leads to increased anxiety, fear, and emotional reactivity. 'Your brain starts to prioritise threats over logic,' he stressed. Chronic stress = Cortisol overload {{/usCountry}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} 'When your body stays in 'fight or flight' mode too long, cortisol builds up and brain structure and function start to change,' the neurosurgeon stated. 'This isn't just 'in your head' - it's science,' he stressed. Additionally, it also affects the hippocampus, which is our memory centre. 'High cortisol shrinks the hippocampus and makes it harder to remember things, learn new info, regulate emotions, and leads to forgetfulness,' Dr Spitz said. He warned that all these aren't just signs of ageing. It's cortisol. Lastly, stress also affects our prefrontal cortex, aka the decision control centre. 'Chronic stress impairs your judgment, focus, and impulse control. That 'foggy brain' feeling? Blame cortisol hitting your prefrontal cortex. Protect your brain. Stress management isn't optional - it's neuroscience,' he explained. How to help your brain stay sharp {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Here's what the neurosurgeon does to help his brain stay sharp: Move every day (even 10 minutes helps) Say no without guilt Box-Breathe (2-second breath in, 2-second hold, 2-second exhale, and 2-second hold) Walk without a phone sometimes Prioritise sleep like it's surgery prep 'No trendy hacks. Just what actually works. If you've been living in survival mode lately, this is your reminder: you can't pour from an empty prefrontal cortex,' he stressed. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Fox Sports
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
What Are the 10 Best Sports Moments Representing Team USA?
For as long as there have been sports competitions between countries, the United States has always put together amazing efforts, leading to incredible successes and iconic moments. No matter the sport or competition, Team USA has some memorable leaders who have led the country to seismic wins and monumental upsets. The history of Team USA's play is incredibly rich with talent. If you ask someone what the best performance from the U.S. is on the world stage, you'll likely get a few different answers. That said, FOX Sports Research is here to help sort through the Americans' undeniably rich and successful history. 10 Best Team USA Performances 10. Michael Johnson at the 1996 Olympics Johnson delivered an all-time Olympic performance in 1996, becoming the first male athlete to claim gold in both the 200-meter and 400-meter races. That would even undersell his dominance. Johnson, at the time, would set an Olympic record in the 400-meter race, winning by nearly a full second. 9. Landon Donovan's goal at the 2010 World Cup vs. Algeria Few moments can match the pure adrenaline and excitement of Donovan's 2010 World Cup goal. With the U.S. needing a win to advance, Donovan came through. With just one minute of stoppage time added to the end of the match, Donovan came up with the game-winner, sending Team USA to the next round with one emphatic kick. 8. Carli Lloyd's hat trick in the 2015 World Cup Final vs. Japan One of the most efficient performances in World Cup history belongs to Lloyd. In the biggest match of the year, she delivered, punctuating the final with a hat trick — in just 16 minutes of game action. That 16-minute hat trick is a record for the fastest in a World Cup, and Lloyd is one of only two players to score a hat trick in a World Cup final. 7. Mark Spitz at the 1972 Olympics There's no possible way to do any better than Spitz did in 1972. After feeling like he had a subpar performance in the previous Olympic run, Spitz crushed it in 1972. He competed in seven swimming events in those Olympics and won all seven, doing so by setting a world record in each of the contests. 6. Simone Biles at the 2024 Olympics The hype around Biles returning to the Olympics in 2024 was at an all-time high, and she delivered. In the end, she finished the competition with four medals, three golds and one silver. Moreover, that gave her an eye-popping 11 medals in her illustrious gymnastics career, one that leaves her as the most decorated American gymnast of all time. 5. Michael Phelps at the 2008 Olympics Driven by his determination to better the performance of Spitz in the Olympics, Phelps had his eyes on the prize in 2008. He competed in eight different swimming competitions, collecting gold in all eight of them, while setting world records in seven of them. His eight gold medals are still the record for the most for an athlete in a single Olympics. 4. Brandi Chastain in the 1999 World Cup Final vs. China Perhaps the most indelible image in sports history, Chastain came through clutch in the 1999 World Cup, which was played on the home soil of the United States. With the final game pushing all the way to penalty kicks, Chastain stepped up and drilled the game-winner to seal the home victory for the team and country. 3. "Dream Team" at the 1992 Olympics The 1992 Olympics marked the first time that NBA players were allowed to suit up for their home countries. That year, the U.S. put together one of the greatest rosters of all time. The squad consisted of 12 players, and 11 of them went on to make the Professional Basketball Hall of Fame. The "Dream Team" easily won the gold medal, beating opponents by an average of 43.8 points per game during the tournament. 2. Jesse Owens at the 1936 Olympics At a time in history filled with turmoil, Owens was a shining star. He showed up for the U.S. and delivered with four track and field gold medals, setting three Olympic records and one world record over the course of those four events. Owens became the first track and field athlete to collect four or more gold medals in a single Olympics. 1. "Miracle on Ice" at the 1980 Olympics This one needs no introduction. The Soviet Union was considered the international powerhouse for ice hockey and deemed unbeatable, while the U.S. was a scrappy group of junior players — a team no one thought could contend with the full roster of Soviet Union pros. Team USA was down 3-2 entering the final 20 minutes before netting two goals in the final frame to seal the 4-2 victory, birthing the now-famous television call, "Do you believe in miracles? Yes!" Honorable mentions: Keri Strug at the 1996 Olympics "Redeem Team" at the 2008 Olympics Katie Ledecky at the 2024 Olympics Stephen Curry at the 2024 Olympics vs. France Check out all of our Daily Rankers. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! Get more from Summer Olympics Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Scottish Sun
18-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
We transformed battered old barge into a 4-bed floating home with panoramic views – now we're selling it for HUGE sum
Scroll down to see what they have done with the impressive space PLAIN SAILING We transformed battered old barge into a 4-bed floating home with panoramic views – now we're selling it for HUGE sum Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A COUPLE have renovated their dated barge home into a luxurious houseboat - and it's now worth a pretty penny. The barge - which was previously used to transport grain - has been transformed into a luxury water home. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 The houseboat has been transformed into a £1.5m luxury vessel Credit: Jam Press/River Homes 9 The lounge area includes a wood-burning stove perfect for cosy nights in Credit: Jam Press/River Homes 9 The impressive barge boasts glorious views of The Thames Credit: Jam Press/River Homes 9 Owner David is selling the renovated barge and heading off to the US Credit: Jam Press/River Homes The opulent vessel - which measures 131ft long and 19.6ft wide - is on the market for £1.5m. David Karat and his partner - who spent more than they had intended upgrading the flat-bottomed water boat - said it was worth every penny. Soon to be moving back to New York, they are hoping a buyer will snap it up and enjoy the perks of water-based life. Currently moored at St Mary's Wandsworth Pier, London, the Spitz has a long lease of 116 years. The 52-year-old owner told Luxury Boat News: "Nothing compares to life on the water. "The fresh air, the sounds of the water, the wildlife and the community are special and provide a unique experience. "It's an oasis with really easy access by Thames Clipper from the Wharf to anywhere in Central London. "Or the train from Clapham Junction is a short walk away. It is special." Much of the renovations had already been carried out by the previous owners, but it still proved a tough challenge for the duo. David - who acquired the barge in August 2021, said: "The owners before us had done all the hard work of sourcing this amazing grain barge from Antwerp and creating the foundation that we built upon. Hotel owner splashes £55k to build 'world's shortest' canal with locks in garden to float barge converted into a pool "The layout and position of the boat were perfect for updating to the most modern and advanced systems and materials. In all, we spent more than we intended. "Hundreds of thousands of pounds that would have been wasted on other things were funnelled this way instead." He explained: "Originally built to carry grain, the Spitz barge has been transformed into a striking and highly liveable floating residence. Meticulously refurbished, the floating property boasts bespoke finishes and high-end insulation. 9 There are four beautifully decorated en-suite double bedrooms Credit: Jam Press/River Homes 9 The large outer area includes a top-deck reception room and sun trap Credit: Jam Press/River Homes 9 The bathroom has a free-standing bath and modern white features Credit: Jam Press/River Homes "It even has an automated waste pump-out system - ideal for year-round, comfortable living. The entrance welcomes those on board with a decked garden complete with panoramic views across the Thames. "Inside, the layout provides a spacious open-plan kitchen and saloon, perfect for both entertaining and day-to-day living. The home has four en-suite double bedrooms, with the master suite being a standout feature." David concluded: "I am heading back to the US to live, so I wish to leave it to someone else to enjoy." The vessel has its own wood-burning stove, a walk-in wardrobe, a luxurious white-themed en-suite bathroom boasting a roll-top bath and a separate shower. Below deck is the main living room with rich wood panelling and a cosy wood-burning stove. There's also a top-deck reception room and sun deck and a designated parking space. The pier - located on the south bank of the Thames between Battersea and Wandsworth bridges - offers a 24-hour concierge service. Plus it's close to local shops, restaurants and bars, and has easy access to Fulham and Chelsea. 9 The barge is located on the south bank of the Thames between Battersea and Wandsworth Credit: Jam Press/River Homes
