Health Research:Federal grand jury subpoenas Chipotle records♦ High blood sugar levels could lead to heart attack complications ♦ Reliably detecting dengue fever

Federal grand jury subpoenas Chipotle records Officials with Chipotle Mexican Grill say they will “fully cooperate” after receiving a subpoena from a federal grand jury seeking documents related to a norovirus outbreak at a restaurant in Simi Valley, Calif.

Broken bone may lead to widespread body pain, not just at the site of the fracture Breaking a major bone may increase risk of widespread chronic body pain in later life, a new study has found. Researchers found that men and women who had a spine fracture and women who had a hip fracture were more than twice as likely to experience long term widespread pain as those who had not had a fracture.

High blood sugar levels could lead to heart attack complications Direct evidence of blood vessel contraction due to glucose (sugar) has now been demonstrated for the first time, researchers report. These effects were observed even at glucose levels that could be reached after a large meal. This research provides a potential therapeutic target for improving outcomes following a heart attack or stroke

Reliably detecting dengue fever Tiger mosquitoes are indigenous to Africa and Asia. However, they are increasingly being found around the Mediterranean and are bringing the dengue virus with them. Up to now, there’s been no sure-fire antibody test for detecting this virus. Researchers have now developed such a test, creating a cost-effective and fail-safe way to diagnose dengue.

Health News: The 10 biggest US foodborne illness outbreaks of 2015 ♦ Chipotle illnesses have food safety experts ‘scratching their heads’ ♦ Warning symptoms for usually fatal heart rhythm malfunction

The 10 biggest US foodborne illness outbreaks of 2015  This year saw dozens of well-publicized foodborne illness outbreaks. While many of them were found to have sickened a handful of individuals, a few stood out as especially wide in scope.

Chipotle illnesses have food safety experts ‘scratching their heads’  A new spate of food poisoning related to Chipotle has sprung up, food safety experts aren't sure how the latest illnesses are connected to a previous outbreak at the national restaurant chain. Five people who ate at Chipotle restaurants in Kansas, North Dakota and Oklahoma have been sickened with a similar, though slightly different...

High drowsy driving crash risk on daytime commute after night work Those who commute home after working the night shift may be at high risk for drowsy driving crashes because of disruption to their sleep-wake cycles and insufficient sleep during the night

Medical first: Discovery of warning symptoms for usually fatal heart rhythm malfunction Although medical science has long regarded sudden cardiac arrest as a deadly condition that strikes without warning, a new study shows for the first time that many patients experience warning symptoms up to a month before having a cardiac arrest.

Health News: Seattle Chipotle closed for repeated food safety violations ♦ Antibiotics sales to farms up 23% since 2009 ♦ NY state warns about listeria in Gerald E. Snyder Farm’s raw milk

Seattle Chipotle closed for repeated food safety violations The Chipotle Mexican Grill on South Lake Union was shut down Thursday by officials with Public Health — Seattle and King County for repeated food safety violations. The “fast casual” restaurant at 212 Westlake Ave. in Seattle was closed for receiving red violations during three consecutive inspections.

Antibiotics sales to farms up 23% since 2009  According to newly released federal data, sales of medically important antimicrobials used in food-producing animals in the U.S. increased by 3 percent in 2014 and by 23 percent between 2009 and 2014. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released its summary of the information animal drug sponsors are required by the Animal Drug.

NY state warns consumers about listeria in Gerald E. Snyder Farm’s raw milk Consumers in New York’s Allegany County and the surrounding area were told not to consume “unpasteurized” raw milk from the Gerald E. Snyder Farm, due to possible Listeria contamination.  The public health warning came from  Commissioner Richard A. Bail of  the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Getting the most from your stretching routine The conclusions of a systematic review of hundreds of studies contradict the most common static stretching findings from the last 15 years. This research reviews hundreds of studies to determine best way to stretch to improve range of motion, prevent injury during sports and exercise.

Health News: Children Under 5 account for almost 30% of deaths from foodborne diseases ♦ Is there a Boston College connection to the Chipotle outbreak

Children Under 5 account for almost 30% of deaths from foodborne diseases A new report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that almost 30% of all deaths from foodborne diseases occur in children aged below five years. The "WHO estimates of the global burden of foodborne diseases" report estimates the global burden of foodborne diseases.

Norovirus outbreak following catered event sickens 200 people  An estimated 200 people have reported symptoms of norovirus following a catered event held Tuesday, Dec. 1, at a downtown Seattle office tower. Two people were hospitalized and eight were treated at local emergency rooms. City health officials reportedly closed all food vendors operating at the building while the investigation continues.

Is there a Boston College connection to the Chipotle outbreak Chipotle Mexican Grill started the week being blamed for more illnesses in a potentially expanded number of E. coli infections, sending its stock diving to another post-outbreak low. But the most recent allegations — while getting plenty of attention — are not yet proven facts. .

Fresh produce causes most US foodborne illness outbreaks Fresh produce is the cause of most foodborne illnesses in the U.S., reports the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). In a study of outbreaks that occurred between 2004 and 2013, the consumer advocacy group found that fresh produce, such as cilantro, cucumbers, cantaloupes and peppers, caused 629 outbreaks and almost 20,000 illnesses

Health News: Nanoparticles in our food --Added without public knowledge ♦ Number Of Illnesses in Chipotle E. coli outbreak rises to 41 ♦ Robotic worm for head surgery can cut around corners

Nanoparticles in our food --Added without public knowledge  Our food supply is not nearly as safe as we are led to believe, although it is much better than it was before we had the Food and Drug Administration. However, there are some disturbing gaps in food safety that the majority of us know little about. Nanoparticles have become incredibly important in the medical field, from the use of nanoparticles to deliver drugs to specific areas

Number Of Illnesses in Chipotle E. coli outbreak rises to 41 As the number of illnesses continues to grow, Oregon and Washington state health officials, along with the CDC and FDA continue their investigation into the source of the E. coli outbreak that has now sickened 41 people. On October 31, Digital Journal reported Chipotle Mexican Grill had closed 43 restaurants in Oregon and Washington state after 22 people became sick after eating

Robotic worm for head surgery can cut around corners Removing tumors from within the inner ear is a very delicate matter that typically requires surgeons to remove the entire mastoid bone. However, in the future, all doctors will need to do is cut a tunnel of 5 mm in diameter through the bone using a miniature robot named NiLiBoRo. The system is capable of adjusting its path while drilling through bone to steer around sensitive tissue such as blood vessels and nerves

Taking public transportation instead of driving linked with better health Commuting by public transportation is linked to a lower risk of having high blood pressure, diabetes, and overweight than commuting by car or bike.

Oregon cases of E. coli linked to Chipotle now at 12

The Oregon Health Authority is reporting a total of 12 cases of Shiga toxin E. coli linked to eating at Chipotle restaurants in the Portland Metro area, up from three cases that were first reported October 31.

Among the cases, three were hospitalized, Katrina Hedberg, MD, state health officer with OHA’s Public Health Division, said during a media briefing today. There have been no deaths. People in Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties, as well as Columbia, Benton and Deschutes counties have reported symptoms.

Many people affected with Shiga toxin E. coli may not seek health care, so the number of people made ill by this outbreak is likely more than identified.

Health officials want people who have eaten at a Chipotle during October 2015, and became ill with vomiting and bloody diarrhea, to see their health care provider and mention this outbreak.

The Oregon Health Authority, Washington State Department of Health, the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working with local health departments in the Portland metro region, and in other Oregon counties on the outbreak investigation.

Chipotle has closed at least 14 of its restaurants in the Portland metro area (Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties) to assist public health agencies with their investigation.

Most people infected develop watery or bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps within one to 10 days, with the average three to four days. Most illnesses resolve on their own within seven days. Most people recover within a week but, rarely, some develop a severe type of kidney failure which can begin as the diarrhea is improving and is most common in children under 5 years old and the elderly.

Health News: Silica nano-particles could repair damaged teeth ♦ Using ultrasound to clean medical instrument ♦ Suicide greatly underestimated in U.S.

MN salmonella outbreak blamed on tomatoes served at chipotle restaurants Tomatoes served at 22 Chipotle Mexican Grill locations in Minnesota were the source of the recent Salmonella Newport outbreak which sickened 64 people and hospitalized nine of them. All are recovering, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

Epidemiologist says suicide, death from intentional self-injury is greatly underestimated in U.S. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States -- greater even than traffic crashes. A professor of epidemiology says the problem is bigger and proposes a way to address it.

International team discovers natural defense against HIV A new natural defense against HIV infection has been discovered by researchers. The team's discovery focuses on ERManI, a protein that prevents the HIV virus from replicating.

Using ultrasound to clean medical instruments A pioneering ultrasonic device can significantly improve the cleaning of medical instruments and reduce contamination and risk of infection. StarStream makes water more efficient for cleaning by creating tiny bubbles which automatically scrub surfaces. The device supplies a gentle stream of water through a nozzle that generates ultrasound and bubbles, which dramatically improve the cleaning power of water reducing the need for additives and heating.

Tiny silica particles could be used to repair damaged teeth, Researchers have shown how the development of coated silica nanoparticles could be used in restorative treatment of sensitive teeth and preventing the onset of tooth decay

Health News: 45 Salmonella infections linked to Chipotle Restaurants ♦ New federal food rules result of deadly outbreaks ♦ New giant virus discovered in Siberia's permafrost

New federal food rules result of deadly outbreaks WASHINGTON – Food manufacturers must be more vigilant about keeping their operations clean under new government safety rules released Thursday in the wake of deadly foodborne illness outbreaks linked to ice cream, caramel apples, cantaloupes and peanuts. The rules, once promoted as an Obama administration priority, ran into long delays and …

45 Salmonella infections linked to Chipotle Restaurants  The Minnesota Department of Health announced Thursday that officials were investigating 45 cases of Salmonella Newport infection reported in the state since Wednesday, Sept. 2. Since many cases of salmonellosis do not seek health care and get tested, the number of ill people that are part of this outbreak is likely to be larger than...

Discrimination during adolescence has lasting effect on body In both blacks and whites, everyday feelings of discrimination can mess with the body's levels of the primary stress hormone, cortisol, new research suggests. In African-Americans, however, the negative effects of perceived discrimination on cortisol are stronger than in whites, according to the study, one of the first to look at the biological response to the cumulative impact of prejudicial treatment

High rate of Texas bugs carrying Chagas disease A deadly parasite that causes Chagas disease is widespread in a common Texas insect, according to a new study. The finding suggests that the risk of Texans contracting the disease may be higher than previously thought.

New giant virus discovered in Siberia's permafrost A new type of giant virus has been discovered in the same sample of 30,000-year old Siberian permafrost from which Pithovirus had already been isolated. Microscopic, genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metagenomic technologies have allowed the scientists to draw a detailed portrait of this new virus, dubbed Mollivirus sibericum.

Chicken And Beef Burritos recalled

Vern’s and Sons Food Service, a Milwaukie, Ore. establishment, is recalling approximately 450 pounds of beef and chicken products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection and outside inspection hours, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The beef and chicken burritos were produced on April 2, 2015. The following products are subject to recall: View Labels

• 10 oz. individually wrapped “Great Pacific Beef Verde Burrito.”
• 10 oz. individually wrapped “Great Pacific Chicken Chipotle Burrito.”

The products subject to recall bear the establishment number “P-34723” or “Est. 34723” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These products were shipped to retail locations in Oregon and Washington.

FSIS and the company have received no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall can contact Chris Thomas, at 1-800-658-3993.