Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
+1617-488-9699
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HealthNews RoundUp - 1st Week of May 2022
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REPORTS
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A New Moderna Booster May Be Meh
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/VkPHT-DrLiA
A new bivalent Moderna CoVid vaccine that contains CoVid antigens from the original CoVid strain and from the feisty South African Beta B.1.351 variant more than doubles the titers of protective antibodies against Omicron for up to 6 months after the shot. This from a pre-publication manuscript released by Moderna that does raise some questions about the power of this new booster to control our current cascade of new and more challenging Omicron sub-variants.
The CoVid mRNA boosters were administered to subjects fully vaccinated about 6 months previously with 2 shots of Moderna vaccine. The boosts occurred in June through mid-July 2021 and subjects were monitored for antibody production at about one and six months. Two dosages of the new vaccine were used, 50 ug and 100 ug, but complete results were only reported for the 50 ug dosage. The antibody production triggered by this new vaccine was compared with that induced in the past by a boost of the original vaccine.
Although protective antibody levels triggered by the new compound vaccine were measured against the original strain, the beta, gamma, delta, and omicron, only the latter should concern us. The new booster produced protective antibody levels 2.2 times higher than the original booster at one month and still 2.15 times higher at 6 months.
The study has many catch-22s. Unmentioned are which subvariants of Omicron the antibodies were tested against. Then too, the controls were a group of so-called historic controls that were not exposed to the same conditions as the test subjects.
Bottom line: interesting results but not a good reason to get your hopes up for a new vaccine silver bullet from Moderna. Our only hope against what seems to be a constant stream of variants is a universal CoVid vaccine that protects against ANY form of COVID.
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-1555201/v1
#moderna #CoVid #vaccine #booster #omicron
moderna, CoVid, vaccine, booster, omicron
Walking Faster Makes Aging Slower
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/dWud9FLsFis
Those who consistently walk at a brisk pace have cells that are measurably 53% younger compared with those who walk at an average pace. British researchers studied data from nearly 406 middle-aged persons with data in the UK Biobank and correlated self-reported walking speeds with a quantitative measure of cellular aging, the white cell telomere length. The longer the telomere, the younger the cell.
Of the entire group, 52.3% reported walking at average speeds, 41.1% at brisk speeds, and 6.6% at slow walking paces. Compared with slow walkers, those walking at an average speed had telomeres 66 units longer and the brisk walkers had telomeres that were 101 units longer.
The investigators emphasize that habitual brisk walking not only keeps your cells younger but makes your body as a whole less susceptible to all diseases.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-022-03323-x.pdf
#aging #telomerelength #walkingpace #exercise
aging, telomerelength, walkingpace, exercise
Prenatal Genetic Screening Tests Unreliable
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/UEBi_YtxlCU
The FDA is now warning prospective parents should not base a decision to terminate a pregnancy on so-called non-invasive prenatal screening tests or NIPS for short. These tests are laboratory developed tests and are offered for sale without any FDA review of their accuracy and precision. They are not FDA authorized, cleared, or approved.
These tests are often marketed as “reliable and highly accurate,” but the solid scientific studies to support such claims are often missing. These tests are not formal chromosomal analyses but rely on the testing of small fragments of fetal DNA circulating in the mother’s blood to predict if an actual chromosomal anomaly exists. Sometimes such genetic misfires exist only in the placenta while the fetus itself has a normal chromosomal complement.
Any fetal abnormalities predicted by these NIPS MUST be confirmed with a formal fetal chromosomal analysis, an FDA approved diagnostic test, before any decisions based on the presence or absence of a potentially devastating genetic disease can be made. These genetic tests require amniocentesis or chorionic villous sampling, and both procedures do carry a small risk of miscarriage.
The decision to perform non-invasive screening tests and confirmatory, invasive formal genetic testing should always be discussed with a qualified genetic counselor. Screening tests only suggest a given genetic abnormality may be present or absent. They do not prove it.
#pregnancy #geneticscreening #FDA #abortion #chromosomes
pregnancy, geneticscreening, FDA, abortion, chromosomes
Heart Failure Very High For Obese Women With Late Menopause
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/XrVLddsBZcc
Obese women experiencing menopause after age 55 were 3 times more likely to experience often-deadly heart failure compared to women with normal body weight. Cardiovascular researchers at UC-Davis analysed the risk of congestive heart failure for 4441 women in 4 communities across the US including those in Minnesota, Maryland, North Carolina, and Mississippi looking at the apparent impact of excess weight and obesity.
Their analysis showed that frank obesity increased heart failure risk more than 11 fold for those with late menopause at 55 years or older and more than 8 fold for those with earlier menopause at 49 years or younger. The study confirmed previous findings that even women with normal body weights were at risk for heart failure if their periods ceased at 45 years or younger since such women tended to put on weight as they aged.
The bottom line: carrying excess weight strains the heart. This life-giving muscular organ can only take so much abuse before it wears out. So what you say. I’ll just get a transplant. Don’t count on it. Fact is, available replacement hearts are relatively scarce and the waiting list is long.
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.121.024461
#heartfailure #obesity #menopause #transplantation
heartfailure, obesity, menopause, transplantation
Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Associated with Eye Disorders
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/AvY_uD3X-4Q
Men taking phosphodiesterase inhibitors for ED including sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, or avanafil, better known as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra or Stendra, are about twice as likely to develop potentially blinding eye disease. Canadian ophthalmology researchers performed a case-control study using a large cohort of more than 213 thousand men (213, 033) using ED drugs to determine the association of retinal detachment, retinal vascular occlusion, and ischemic optic neuropathy with the use of these drugs.
Compared with non-users of these ED drugs, users were 85% more likely to suffer one of these 3 eye disorders. Specifically, drug users were nearly 2.6 times more likely to have a retinal detachment, twice as likely to experience optic neuropathy, and 44% more likely to have retinal vascular occlusion.
So listen up guys. If you are regularly using Viagra, Cialis, Levitra or Stendra or the generics, you’d better be seeing an ophthalmologist regularly to check for these sight-robbing ocular diseases. You don’t want the old saw “doing it till you go blind” to become a reality.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/article-abstract/2790661
#phosphodiesteraseinhibitor #erectiledysfunction #blindness #retina #viagra #cialis #levitra #stendra
phosphodiesteraseinhibitor, erectiledysfunction, blindness, retina, viagra, cialis, levitra, stendra
Cannabis Triggers Cardiovascular Disease But There Is A Fix
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/4Csxcu3sjuY
Those who smoke marijuana more than once of month are more likely to suffer a heart attack and frequent users are more likely than non-users to have their first heart attack before the age of 50. Stanford University cardiologists now report these sobering facts following their analysis of half-million persons with clinical data and blood samples in the UK Biobank.
Their study revealed that THC, tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component of cannabis, binds to CB1 receptors in blood vessel linings and creates inflammatory damage of the sort associated with atherosclerosis. These damaged blood vessels nourishing the heart and brain block leading to heart attacks and strokes.
The researchers used AI techniques to search for molecules capable of blocking CB1 receptors and found one called genistein. Using a mouse model, they showed that genistein blocked THC-induced vessel damage while failing to interfere with THC’s beneficial, pain-moderating properties. Clinical studies lie ahead in order to prove the value of genistein in humans.
Meanwhile, know that marijuana is not entirely harmless. Those with other factors predisposing them to vessel damage including high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity, should be particularly wary about use and overuse of marijuana.
#cannabis #marijuana #thc #atherosclerosis #heartattack #stroke #genistein
cannabis, marijuana, thc, atherosclerosis, heartattack, stroke, genistein
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SHORT SHORTS
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Short Shorts for 1st Week of May, 2022
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/LzQmL19bTxo
Short Shorts are quickie reports about cutting edge medical and healthcare discoveries. They’re worth knowing about this 1st week of May, 2022.
British regeneration scientists now have a handle on how it might be possible to make your aging cells 30 years younger. The method begins with the technique used to reprogram mature cells to become stem cells that can develop into any type of cell. Rather than permitting cells to drift back completely from specialized to unspecialized versions, the process is stopped so that the cells become rejuvenated without losing their unique characteristics. We are coming ever closer to a fountain of youth.
https://elifesciences.org/articles/71624
A previous Omicron infection is unlikely to protect you against developing another one with the latest subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. These latest challenging viruses are now sweeping across South Africa and will almost certainly be visiting your neighborhood soon. A small, preliminary international collaborative study suggests that existing protective antibodies against these new subvariants, especially in unvaccinated persons but also in Pfizer vaccinated and boosted persons, will be inadequate to prevent yet another CoVid wave. Get out your masks and hand sanitizer.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.29.22274477v1.full.pdf+html
A consistent 7 hours of sleep seems to be the optimal amount for adults middle-aged and older. A British study of nearly one-half million persons from 38 to 73 years demonstrates that too little but also too much sleep affects your mental performance and memory. Their data also raises that question whether non-optimal sleep durations actually increase inflammation and damage your brain rather than merely temporarily impairing its functioning.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-022-00210-2
And finally…….The neuroscientists at Boston University discovered CTE, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. That’s the progressive brain deterioration and dementia triggered by the head pounding sustained during football and other intense contact sports. These researchers now continue their investigations by amassing further data to prove that the level of brain damage is truly proportional to the amount of head trauma sustained. For some years, the NFL and even college football leagues have dismissed many CTE studies as having disqualifying selection bias due to non-random donations of anatomic materials by professional athletes. This new study adjusts for and eliminates selection bias and now estimates that 1 in 10 pro players, 1 in 250 college players, and 1 in 20,000 high school players will develop devastating and deadly CTE.
There you have the latest reveals for the 1st week of May, 2022. When additional information about these developments becomes available, I’ll pass it on to you.
#aging #rejuventation #stemcells #CoVid #omicron #BA4 #BA5 #vaccination #sleep #cognition #inflammation #football #CTE
aging, rejuventation, stemcells, CoVid, omicron, BA4, BA5, vaccination, sleep, cognition, inflammation, football, CTE
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CPSC Recalls
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BIBS Baby Bottles May Fall Over
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/qdvWn2My_zk
The COPSC and BIBS Denmark are recalling BIBS Baby Bottle Complete Set and the BIBS Bottle Kit. The set includes a 110 or 225 milliliter baby bottle with nipple and a rubber bumper for the bottle to rest on. The kit has only the bumper. The apparent issue is that, when the bottle is filled with a hot liquid, the rubber bump will become misshapen the the bottle will fall over spilling the hot contents which might create a burn hazard. About 300 of these items were sold at a variety of retail locations and online at maighandistribution.com. If you have these bottles, use them without the bumper. You may also return the product to BIBS by contacting them at 1-514-543-7505 or via email at care@bibsworld.com to obtain a free mailer and a refund. Frankly, not sure the reason for this recall. How may parents load a baby bottle with hot liquids? Possible that the bumper would be deformed by a trip in the dishwasher. Seems like a “tempest in a teapot.”
#bibs #baby bottle #bumper #spills #recall
bibs, baby bottle, bumper, spills, recall
Heckler 9 Electric Bicycles Lose Their Batteries
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/33s7HutmXqA
The CPSC and Santa Cruz Bicycles now recall 2022 Heckler 9 Electric Bicycles. A defective battery spring latch allows the battery to fall off the frame stopping and destabilizing the bicycle leading to ridcr falls and injuries and possible bystander injuries. This spring latch also causes battery housing damage and a fire risk. About 1600 of these bicycles were sold at bicycle shops, sporting goods stores, and online at santacruzbicycles.com. If you have one of these electric bikes, stop using it and contact your Santa Cruz bicycle shop to arrange a free replacement of the battery latch spring mechanism and the installation of a battery wear plate. For more informations reach Santa Cruz Bicycles at 1-833-944-8335 or by email at qualityassurance@santacruzbicycles.com.
#santacruz #heckler #ebicycle #electric #battery #falls #fires #recall
santacruz, heckler, ebicycle, electric, battery, falls, fires, recall
GreenSpeed Magnum and Magnum XL Recumbent Trikes Have Unstable Axles
Xvid https://youtu.be/apOimT85gJc
The CPSC and WizWheelz are recalling GreenSpeed Magnum and Magnum XL recumbent trikes with quick release front axles and replacement quick release axles. The front axles on these tricycles have a manufacturing defect permitting them to come loose from the vehicle creating crash and injury hazards. About 340 tricycles were sold nationwide; if you have one of them, return it to the place of purchase for a free repair. If you want more information about this recall, phone WizWheelz at 1-800-945-9910 or contact the company via email at support@wizwheelz.com.
#greenspeed #recumbent #tricycle #axle #crash #injury #recall
greenspeed, recumbent, tricycle, axle, crash, injury, recall
Winter Water Factory Baby Garments Have Sharp Edges
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/CUJzWOOyAPQ
The CPSC and Winter Water are recalling Winter Water branded infant French terry jumpsuits, rompers, snap suits, baby dresses and bibs. The snaps on these baby clothes may uncouple and detach thus exposing small, sharp prongs that could create lacerations and the opportunities for small children to ingest the pieces with choking. About 46,000 of these garments were sold in the US and about 169 were sold in Canada. If you bought any of these garments, stop allowing your baby to wear them, cut them in half, and send a photo of the destroyed garment to Winter Water by email at safety@winterwaterfactory.com. For more information, contact the company via the same email.
#winterwater #babygarments #snaps #laceration #choking #recall
winterwater, babygarments, snaps, laceration, choking, recall
NewCosplay Children’s Robes May Ignite
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/R6po6gIvJdY
The CPSC and NewCosplay now recall NewCosplay children’s robes. These garments fail to meet federal flammability safety standards for children’s sleepwear creating a risk of burn injuries. About 3,160 of these robes were sold online at newcosplay.net and amazon.com. If your children have these garments, do not permit their wear. Contact NewCosplay by email at 591025473@qq.com or amazon.com online for a prepaid mailer to return the items and receive a full refund.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Childrens-Robes-Recalled-Due-to-Burn-Hazard-Imported-by-NewCosplay
#newcosplay #robes #children #flammable #burns #recall
newcosplay, robes, children, flammable, burns, recall
Linum Home Textiles Children’s Robes Are Flammable
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/fqF7bzikebc
The CPSC and Linum Home Textiles now recall Linum Home Textiles children’s robes. These robes do not meet federal flammability safety standards for children’s sleepwear and create a risk of burn injuries. About 44,600 of these robes were sold online at Amazon.com, QVC.com, Overstock.com, Groupon.com, Wayfair.com, Zulily.com, Bedbathandbeyond.com, Boscovs.com, Houzz.com, JCPenney.com, Kohls.com, Linumtowels.com and TorreyCommerce.com. Do not permit your children to wear these robes. Contact Linum Home Textiles by phone at 1-855-933-0300 or via email at recall@linumhometextiles.com for a prepaid mailer to return the items for a full refund.
#linumhonetesxtiles #robes #children #flammable #burns #recall
linumhonetesxtiles, robes, children, flammable, burns, recall
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FDA Recalls
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Recalled are NaturesPlus Keto Living Sugar Control Capsules
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/jlJpxKL2lMs
The FDA and Natural Organics, Inc. are recalling NaturesPlus Keto Living Sugar Control Capsules. These capsules contain undeclared wheat. Those with wheat allergies, sensitivities to gluten, and celiac disease may develop serious or life-threatening allergic reactions after taking these capsules. This product was sold nationwide and internationally in Kenya, Spain, Trinidad, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. If you bought these capsules, return them to the place of purchase. If you want more information, contact Natural Organics, Inc. by phone at 1-800-645-9500.
#naturesplus #sugarcontrol #wheat #gluten #celiac #allergy #recall
naturesplus, sugarcontrol, wheat, gluten, celiac, allergy, recall
Maitz Valencia Almonds Recalled
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/owJ5G7rOsYg
The FDA and New Seasons Market LLC are recalling Maitz Valencia Almonds. This product contains undeclared peanuts. Those with peanut allergies may develop serious or life-threatening allergic reactions after eating the contents of this product. These almonds were sold by New Seasons Markets in Oregon and Washington state. If you bought these almonds and you or a household member have a peanut allergy, return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you want more information about this recall, contact New Seasons via email at talktous@newseasonsmarket.com.
#newseasonsmarket #maitz #valenciaalmonds #peanuts #allergy #recall
newseasonsmarket, Maitz, valenciaalmonds, peanuts, allergy, recall
Recall on Bee Chocolate Candy Products
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/4n7LPSQtLLY
The FDA and Queen Bee Gardens now recall Bee Chocolate Candy Products that have been purchased over the past year. These include a variety of honey caramel candy products and chocolates that may contain undeclared allergens including tree nuts and milk. Those with allergies to tree nuts including macadamia nuts, coconut, pecans, walnuts, almonds, and cashews and/or milk could develop serious or life-threatening allergic reactions after ingesting these products. Most were sold by Queen Bee Gardens stores in Wyoming. Do not ingest these candies but return any of them to the place of purchase for a refund. For more information, contact Queen Bee at 1-307-548-2818.
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/queen-bee-llc-voluntary-recall
#queenbeegardens #chocolates #carmels #honey #treenuts #milk #allergy #recall
queenbeegardens, chocolates, carmels, honey, treenuts, milk, allergy, recall
Recalled are Pimlico Confectioners and Keats London Vegan Chocolate Products
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/rxM6CzDugjk
The FDA and TJX Companies have recalled Pimlico Confectioners and Keats London Vegan Chocolate Products including Vegan Fine Hazelnut Truffles, Vegan Hazelnut Dark Chocolate, and Vegan Irish Cream Truffles. These products contain undeclared milk. Those with milk allergies could develop serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they eat these confections. These products were sold nationwide at TJX retails stores including T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra, and Homesense. If you purchased any of these product, return them to the place of purchase. If you require more information, contact TJ Maxx by phone at 1-800-926-6299.
#tjmaxx #veganchocolate #milk #allergy #recall
tjmaxx, veganchocolate, milk, allergy, recall
H-E-B Bakery Two-Bite Brownies on Recall
Vidcast: H-E-B Bakery Two-Bite Brownies on Recall
The FDA and H-E-B are recalling H-E-B Bakery Two-Bite Brownies and H-E-B Simply Delicious Cookies with Brownie Bites Party Trays. These products contain metal fragments that could lead to injuries of the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal linings. The items were sold in Texas and Mexico. If you bought these pastries, do not consume them. Return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For additional information, call H-E-B Customer Service at 1-855-432-4438.
#heb #brownies #cookies #foreignbodies #lacerations #recall
heb, brownies, cookies, foreignbodies, lacerations, recall
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