Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
+1-617-488-9699
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RoundUp - 5th Week of April 2025
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HEALTH REPORTS
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The Measles Explosion
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHldhBtMEW/
Dr. Smith discusses objections to the measles vaccines, medications that all but eliminated measles in the US some 25 years ago. Covered are: the vaccines-autism hoax, the religious objections; the ethical concerns, the fear of side effects and complications, and the efficiency of the vaccines. Watch and pass on to family and friends who refuse vaccination for themselves and their kids.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(10)60175-4/abstract
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150421111240.htm
#measles #autism #safety #pneumonia #encephalitis
measles, autism, safety, pneumonia, encephalitis
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Full Narrative
The Measles Explosion
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHldhBtMEW/
Measles is a disease that in the year 2000 we thought was all but eliminated, and effective vaccination prevented millions of deaths. The sad fact is that now measles is returning with a vengeance. Why? For only one reason, Children and adults are not receiving the vaccines that create a powerful immune response against the measles virus, technically known at the morbillivirus hominus or variola.
I want to spend some time with you reviewing some facts about these vaccines in order to dispel some of the misinformation that you may have heard. Even if you and your kids have been vaccinated against measles, you may have relatives or friends who refuse to avail themselves of this safe and effective medicine or refuse to permit their child or children to receive it. If that’s the case, I ask you to pass a link to what I’m about to say on to them. It could save them from a severe illness or possibly a tragic and totally preventable death.
So why do people oppose measles vaccination? Let’s talk about the common objections and shed some light on the facts surrounding them,
Objection #1. Some people believe that the measles vaccine causes autism, a group of developmental disorders with associated communication challenges and restricted behaviors that often arises within the first 3 years of life. Let’s talk about the history of the vaccine and how this lie came to prominence.
The measles vaccine was first licensed and put into wide use in 1963. Over the following 37 years, measles cases declined from millions with a half million deaths to hundreds or fewer. When a second dose of vaccine was added in the 1990’s, the vaccine’s protection soared and measles was all but gone.
Despite the receipt of vaccine doses in the millions throughout the world, there were no widespread reports of autism. In 1998, a British surgeon published a small study in the reputable UK scientific journal The Lancet claiming a link between the MMR, the measles, mumps, rubella, vaccine, and the development of autism-like symptoms in a small group of 12 children.
Wakefield’s research ignited fear, vaccine hesitancy, a drop in MMR vaccinations and a bump in measles’ cases. Investigative journalists and the Lancet editors began to examine Wakefield’s study in more detail.
They found that it suffered from a number of serious flaws. Wakefield only studied 12 children, an extremely small sample, and he failed to compare them to a control group. A detailed review of his data revealed evidence of alteration and misrepresentation of patient historical details. He failed to disclose a conflict of interest in that he received funding from attorneys suing vaccine manufacturers.
The Wakefield 1998 study drove other investigators to look for a possible measles vaccine-autism link. In 2002, Danish epidemiologists published a massive study of more than 537,000 children born between 1191 and 1998. Their tabulated data revealed NO increased risk of autism among those children who received MMR vaccinations and NO association between the timing of vaccination and the development of autism.
Meanwhile, here in the US, public health researchers at the CDC studied nearly 2500 children in Atlanta. Their data also confirmed the lack of any association between the age at which children received the MMR vaccine and the development of autism.
For these reasons, in 2010 the editors at The Lancet retracted Wakefield’s paper with the following statement: “It has become clear that several elements of the 1998 paper by Wakefield et al are incorrect, contrary to the findings of an earlier investigation. Therefore, we fully retract this paper from the published record.”
Wakefield lost his British medical license and moved to the United States continuing his campaign promoting a false link between autism and the measles vaccine. He created non-profits to support continuing studies looking for a connection, and used social media for self-promotion and fundraising.
Despite the two studies showing no link and the retraction of the only study that claimed a link, vaccine skepticism continued. As evidence was beginning to point to a genetic influence in the development of autism, an American think tank studied more than 95,000 sibling-pairs with an autism family history and found no increased risk of autism after the MMR vaccine.
Wakefield linked up with right-wing conspiracy theorists and directed a 2016 anti-vaccination film "Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe" which was removed from the Tribeca Film Festival. In 2020, he broadened his anti-vaccine campaign to malign the CoVid vaccines. He along with Robert Kennedy Jr. continues to attack vaccines.
Some have accused Wakefield and others who oppose vaccine of using fear and paranoia in order to make money. We all know that, whenever something occurs either in the political or cultural sphere, we receive a raft of emails soliciting contributions.
Let’s return to the facts.
Objection #2. Some have other objections to vaccines based on their content. Let’s take a look at the content of these MMR vaccines. Those following Kosher and Halal dietary rules refuse vaccine based on their animal proteins in them. However, these vaccines do not contain pig proteins but rather cow proteins.
Objection #3 Others refuse vaccination due to objections that the vaccines contain fetal material. They do not. True that the weakened viruses in these vaccine are grown on human fetal cells, but these fetal cells are not in the final vaccines. Viruses must be grown in human tissue cultures, and the tissue culture cell lines used, WI-38 and MRC-5, are well-established and, of most importance, free of any contaminating microorganisms and toxins.
Then, others refuse to consider these vaccines for themselves and their children based on safety. They do not most common side effects are mild including low fever, a mild rash, or some arm discomfort. More serious complications such as treatable seizures only occur in .03%, a temporary platelet count drop only occurs in .003%, and a serious allergic reaction only occurs in 1 in 1 million doses.
Compare these rare side effects to the consequences of a measles infection that include pneumonia for 1 in 20, the brain infection encephalitis occurring for 1 in 1000, and death for up to 3 in 1000.
The last objection is that the vaccines are not effective. This chart is proof positive that they are highly effective and lifesaving. With the initiation of MMR vaccination in the late ‘60s, there was a precipitous case decline from hundreds of millions to tens of thousands. With the addition of a second vaccine booster, the thousands of measles cases dropped to hundreds and then to a trickle. Deaths dropped from hundreds of thousands to none.
Now, with yet another unjustified vaccine scare, measles cases are again on the rise. To date, nearly 1000 cases have occurred. Several children have already sadly suffered totally unnecessary deaths.
To recap: measles does not cause autism, the vaccines should not cause religious or ethical objections, and they are safe, and very, very effective. Please, please…make certain that you and your children are properly vaccinated. If you are, please pass this information on to any family or friends who have objections to the vaccine.
Remember, when you vaccinate yourself and your children, you help to protect your entire community. Due to misinformation and unwarranted fear, the measles vaccination rate has dropped from a barely protective 95% to a dangerous 93%.
From Stanford University comes the warning that, if vaccination rates fail to improve, the once all but eradicated measles could cause 850,000 infections and 2,500 deaths over the next 25 years. Let’s not let that happen!
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(10)60175-4/abstract
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150421111240.htm
#measles #autism #safety #pneumonia #encephalitis
measles, autism, safety, pneumonia, encephalitis
What About Cuffless Blood Pressure Monitors
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHnp56RT5F/
A raft of wearable and other electronic devices are vying to replace the old blood pressure cuffs and squeeze balls. Should they?
A panel of cardiologists led by the University of Washington School of Medicine give them all a thumbs down. When I say all, I refer to the smartwatches, rings, chest patches, ultrasound wearables, phone-based sensors, and, yes, smart toilet seats that can measure all your cardiac vital signs every time you sit.
These devices test out to be unreliable yielding readings either lower or higher than the gold standard blood pressure cuff. That leads to under- or over-treatment of high blood pressure. Under treatment can lead to strokes or heart attacks while overtreatment leads to fainting and falls or a stroke.
Another problem occurs for patients with darker skin. Many of these devices rely on a light sensor and often fail to deliver accurate readings. There is no easy way to change their factory calibration.
Though these devices are more convenient and more comfortable to use, the bottom line is that you want accurate data. Until bioengineers can tweak and upgrade them, the best bet is to stick with the old tried and true blood pressure cuff.
I do suggest that everyone, even you in your twenties and thirties, check your blood pressure regularly. High pressures over time lead to heart and kidney failures.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/fullarticle/2832857
#bloodpressure #cuff #cuffless #wearables
bloodpressure, cuff, cuffless, wearables
Repurposed Drug Curbs Alcohol Cravings And Pain
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHoaqqROQk/
An FDA-approved psoriasis drug helps those addicted to alcohol turn the corner. That drug is apremilast, a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor sold under the brand name Otezla.
Preclinical testing of the drug at San Diego’s Scripps Research Institute using mouse lines that are prone to over consume alcohol shows that apemilast not only reduces craving for the drink but also lessens a characteristic accompanying heightened pain sensitivity known as mechanical allodynia. These beneficial effects occurred in both female and male mice.
Seeking to explain the drug’s effects, the investigators found that apemilast increases signaling by the amino acid neurotransmitter GABA, gamma-aminobutyric acid. GABA is known to slow down and calm brain activity thereby reducing stress, anxiety and fear. This drug is already FDA-approved for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis nd that’s a plus for getting it into the clinic for curbing alcoholism.
The next step will be clinical trials of apemilast. Once completed, this drug may well help those with alcohol use disorder kick the habit and suppress the heightened pain response that accompanies it.
https://insight.jci.org/articles/view/189732
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250422155830.htm
#apremilast #otezla #alcohol #aud #pain
apremilast, otezla, alcohol, aud, pain
Micronanoplastics Associated With Those Blocked Arteries That Trigger Strokes
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHpCRNPMX2/
The number of micronanoplastic particles found in plaques blocking the carotid or brain-feeding arteries was 51-fold higher in those persons suffering debilitating strokes. This the key finding of studies by University of New Mexico vascular surgeons reported to the 2025 American Heart Association’s Vascular Discovery Scientific Sessions.
Studying some 50 individuals, the investigators found that the concentration of these plastic particles was significantly higher in the blood vessel plaques of those who suffered strokes, mini-strokes, and vision losses. Although the embedded plastics did not appear to precipitate more inflammation in the blood vessels, they did alter gene function and reduced the inflammation fighting capabilities of immune cell types such as macrophages.
The bottom line: micro- and nano-plastics appear to be likely cofactors along with pathological lipid metabolism that fuels the arterial disease responsible for strokes. Future studies will no doubt also look at the effects of these tiny plastic particles on the arteries that feed our hearts and our extremities.
Meanwhile, this is yet another wakeup call to stop using plastic water bottles, food containers, and utensils.
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-tiny-plastic-particles-artery-clogging.html
#microplastics #nanoplastics #carotid #arteries #plaques #strokes
microplastics, nanoplastics, carotid, arteries, plaques, strokes
Brown Rice Unsafe For Young Kids
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHpsVIJN6v/
Brown rice contains almost double the amount of arsenic as white rice and threatens the health of infants, toddlers, and preschool children. So say food scientists at the Michigan State University following their analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) looking at the arsenic levels and nutritional content of rice from various sources and undergoing different processing.
They found that brown rice contains 72-98% more inorganic arsenic, a known carcinogen, than comparable quantities of white rice. They warn that children under five who regularly consume brown rice may exceed international safety limits for arsenic exposure consuming up to three times more arsenic per body weight than adults. They add that infants are most at risk.
On the other hand, the nutritionists note that brown vs white rice has a higher fiber and nutrient content. Brown rice of U.S. origin has less arsenic that that coming from overseas.
The nutritionist’s recommendation: moderating the intake of brown rice for young children and substituting other grains such as white rice, quinoa, or oats. By the way, brown rice is far less dangerous for adults.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/risa.70008
#rice #brown #white #arsenic #infants #toddlers #preschoolers
rice, brown, white, arsenic, infants, toddlers, preschoolers
Child CoVid Triggers Chronic Heart, Kidney, and Gastrointestinal Disease
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHqSLvgbvj/
Infection with the CoVid virus is associated with a 63% higher risk of cardiovascular disease, up to a 35% risk of chronic kidney disease, and a 28% risk of gastrointestinal problems. This from a series of University of Pennsylvania epidemiological studies reviewing the case histories of those with continuing issues following cases of youth CoVid.
Studying more than 1.2 million pediatric patients with or without congenital heart disease, the data revealed that almost 2 of every 3 who suffered a CoVid infection developed arrhythmias, heart inflammation, chest pain, palpitations, and/or hypertension. The review of 1.9 million patients showed that more than one in 3 young CoVid patients developed mild to severe kidney damage impacting function from 1 to 24 months following their infections. Finally, the studies of more than 1.5 million children showed that 1 in 4 developed abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or irritable bowel syndrome between 6 months and 2 years following their CoVid infections.
The studies also revealed ethnic differences with the risk of post-CoVid complications higher in Asian American Pacific Islander children and adolescents.
These results indicate the need for careful medical surveillance of children following CoVid infections. Their medical teams should, over the first 2 years, monitor their cardiac, renal, and, gastrointestinal functions.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2832549
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2830031
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56284-0
#CoVid #cardiovascular #renal #gastrointestinal #children #pediatrics
CoVid, cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, children, pediatrics
Smart Bandage Monitors Healing Wounds
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHrDdspb_Y/
A high tech bandage combining the power of biosensors, microfluidics, and machine learning capably detects signs of wound infection and inflammation some 3 days before clinical signs appear. Developed by bioengineers at Caltech, the California Institute of Technology, and surgeons at the USC School of Medicine, the iCares device not only continuously monitors the wound fluids for reactive oxygen, nitrogen species, pH, and temperature, but it removes and facilitates healing by keeping the tissues dry. It transmits data to a smartphone app using Bluetooth.
Following preclinical studies in diabetic mice, the research team tested the smart bandage in 20 patients with chronic wounds due to diabetes and suboptimal blood flow. Their smartphone algorithm is able to classify wound severity and healing potential. Their study now appears in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.adt0882
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423163909.htm
#wound #healing #smartbandage #icares #wearables #diabetes
wound, healing, smartbandage, icares, wearables, diabetes
Urine Test Diagnoses Early Prostate Cancer
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHrndtOyB4/
A painless, shot-free urine test could diagnose prostate cancer at its earliest, treatable stages. Biochemists in Sweden, the UK, and China, led by those at the Karolinska Institute, studied mRNA activity in more than 2000 patients with and without prostate cancers. They used AI to identify the proteins specific for prostate cancer that show up in the urine of those with this disease.
Following this identification phase, the researchers now plan to further validate this urine prostatic cancer test in larger clinical trials. Once this type of testing becomes the standard for prostatic cancer diagnosis, expect its use for monitoring following the medical and surgical therapeutic measures to eradicate prostate cancer.
https://dx.doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-25-0269
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-urine-reveal-prostate-cancer.html
#prostate #cancer #urine #screening #ai
prostate, cancer, urine, screening, ai
Best Time To Take Proton Pump Inhibitors
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJKcyZ6PDwM/
If you are taking a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole, Prilosec, esomeprazole, Nexium, or lansoprazole, Prevacid, you are likely not taking it at an optimal time with respect to meals. Most directions given with these drugs vaguely recommend taking them an hour or so before eating. Lab data pinpoints a more specific time.
It turns out that the best time to take any of these drugs is exactly 20 to 30 minutes before you begin eating. Let’s find out why.
The role of these proton pump inhibitors is to shut off acid production in the stomach. They work on acid producing cells in the stomach lining known as parietal cells. However, the drugs as you swallow them are not capable of performing this task. They must first be converted to active forms within the acidic crevices of the parietal cells called canaliculi. This process requires approximately 20 to 30 minutes to occur.
If you begin eating before taking these drugs or before 20-30 minutes after taking them, their acid suppressing effect will be reduced. If you wait too long after taking the drugs before eating, the optimal acid reduction by the active form of the drug will have occurred and the food you are eating will trigger far more stomach acid than is desirable.
So, to repeat, take any of these proton pump inhibitors exactly 20 to 30 minutes before eating a meal, whether that be breakfast or, if you’re taking the drug twice a day, dinner.
Effect of Food and Dosing Regimen on Safety and Efficacy of Proton Pump Inhibitors Therapy—A Literature Review - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8036504/
#protonpumpinhibitors # ppi #acid #prilosec #nexium #prevacid
protonpumpinhibitors, ppi, acid, prilosec, nexium, prevacid