Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
617-488-9699
If the top menu is not working correctly on your phone's or tablet's mobile browser, touch the tab at the middle of the bottom to reveal an alternative menu, a one-touch phone button, and a one-touch email button.
HealthNews RoundUp - 4th Week of July 2021
=========================
Medicine of The Future 4th Week July 2021
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/LsH7UZN_Fz4
Today’s medical discoveries that point to future therapy:
Ultrasonic Patch Warns Of Strokes and Heart Attacks
Electromagnetic Helmet Helps Shrink Brain Tumor
Copper Tranporter Gene Triggers Blood Vessel Repair
New Cancer Immunotherapy Emerging
Nanodressing Turbocharges Wound Healing
UC-San Diego have developed a soft, flexible ultrasound generating patch that, when worn on the skin of the neck or chest, can report blood flow problems major arteries feeding the brain and heart. The phased array of ultrasound transducers in the patch work continuously to measure blood flow in vessels as deep as 6 inches within the body. The ultrasound beam may also be electronically tilted for measurements of vessels not directly beneath the patch.
An oscillating magnetic field generated within a wearable helmet has driven shrinkage of an otherwise untreatable brain tumor by 30%. Neurosurgical investigators at the Houston Methodist Research Institute report the case of a 53 year old man with an end-stage, recurrent frontal lobe glioblastoma given this electromagnetic therapy for 5 weeks. Looks for more work in this arena.
Medical College of Georgia cardiologists report that the gene responsible for copper transport and utilization also promotes the healing of ailing blood vessels. In a biochemical cascade, the product of this gene, ATP7A, triggers activity of the blood vessel growth factor VEGFR2. Acquiring control over this process could help halt vascular deterioration in diabetics and others with chronic vascular disease.
There are new cancer immunotherapy agents in town called anti-TIGIT antibodies, and they prevent TIGIT from dialing down killer T cell activity against cancer cells. The major drug companies are all battling to get their hands on these experimental agents. GlaxoSmithKline just bought rights to EOS-448, BristolMyersSquibb bought AGEN1777, Gilead AB154, and Roche has already tested its tiragolumab in combination with another checkpoint inhibitor in phase 2 trials. Stay tuned on this one.
A wound nanodressing composed of thin threads of natural materials including collagen as well as wound healing promotion agents may provide a cost effective means of helping diabetics and others with chronic vascular disease. Michigan State bioengineers helmed a multinational group that has developed these dressings aiming to keep the eventual cost as low as $20 per unit by employing readily available biopolymers.
These and other cutting edge solutions are coming to your doctor’s office and our hospitals…….some day soon!
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41551-021-00763-4
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2021.708017/full
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-23408-1
https://cen.acs.org/pharmaceuticals/biologics/GSK-buy-iTeosanti-TIGIT-antibody/99/i23
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31828774/
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00400
#ultrasoundpatch #oncomagnetictherapy #glioblastoma #TIGIT #antitigit #checkpointinhbitor #wounds #diabetes
ultrasoundpatch, oncomagnetictherapy, glioblastoma, TIGI, antitigit, checkpointinhbitor, wounds, diabetes
==========================
REPORTS
==========================
Delta Variant A Greater Danger For Pregnant Women
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/UzKWftF0UAE
Pregnant women infected with the Delta variant suffer more severe infections and worse pregnancy outcomes than when infected with the original strain or the alpha British variant. British pediatricians and obstetricians reviewed the records of 3371 pregnant women.
Pregnant women infected and admitted to the hospital during the current delta-predominant period were 80% more likely to require respiratory support compared with pregnant women admitted during the initial strain predominance and 35% more likely to require it compared with those admitted with the alpha variant. No fully vaccinated pregnant women were admitted during the data collection period of this study.
The bottom line: delta is bad news and vaccination helps.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.22.21261000v1.full.pdf+html
#CoVid #pregnancy #delta #alpha #ventilators
CoVid, pregnancy, delta, alpha, ventilators
mRNA CoVid Vaccines Do Not Harm Sperm
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/0ZAL_mXIBpA
If you guys out there are worried about your virility and fertility, University of Miami urologists have some good news for you. They performed a longitudinal study of 45 young men in their 20s before and after vaccination with with the Moderna or Pfizer mRNA CoVid vaccines.
The tabulated data revealed a baseline median sperm count of 26 million/ml and a total motile sperm count of 36 million. After two doses of the vaccines, the media sperm count actually increased to 30 million/ml and the total motile sperm count increased to 44 million. Semen volumes and absolute motility also increased. The changes were significant but within the range of normal variation. More dramatic: seven of eight men with low sperm counts had increases into the normal range.
The bottom line: CoVid vaccination won’t hurt men’s fertility, and it could actually help,.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2781360
#CoVid #vaccination #sperm #fertility #motility
CoVid, vaccination, #sperm, fertility , motility
Delta Variant Infections In The Vaccinated
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/3tpTX7uovOY
The Delta CoVid variant B.1.617.2 that arose within India and carries 4 mutations that make it more transmissible and dangerous is spreading throughout the US and the world and creating infections even in those vaccinated. So far, the available data is sparse, but here's what we know.
Public Health England is tabulating the best data to date. Their numbers indicate that most vaccines are 10 percentage points less effective against Delta with prevention of a symptomatic infection in 79% rather than 89% or more against the initial strain. Studying the 238,773 CoVid infections that did occur in vaccinated Brits, 3.8% required an ER visit, 2.9% required hospitalization, and 0.8% died.
What to do? All those vaccinated should wear masks indoors or outdoors in crowds, distance, and cleanse very carefully. Avoid indoor dining and prolonged indoor exposures. Especially key for those over 65 and those with chronic medical conditions If you test positive, quarantine for 10 days. If you’re unvaccinated, DON’T BE.
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/955342
#CoVid #delta #variant #masking #vaccination
CoVid, delta, variant, masking, vaccination
CoVid Vaccine Hesitancy Trends
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/89NcqXjpYP0
CoVid vaccine hesitancy dropped by a factor of one-third from this past winter to spring. This the conclusion of an epidemiological study from Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh that surveyed more than 5 million US adults. (5,121,436)
Vaccine hesitancy dropped the most in communities of color. Persistent vaccine hesitancy risk factors include: younger age, non-Asian ethicity, those with a PhD or less than a high school diploma, rural residents, red county residents, lack of concern about CoVid, those working outside the home, those never avoiding contact with others, those who were not vaccinated against the flu, those fearing side effects, those with governmental distrust, and those with a wait and see attitude.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.20.21260795v1.full.pdf+html
#vaccine #CoVid #hesitancy
vaccine, CoVid, hesitancy
Where Are The Delta Hot Spots?
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/1IyG20nlX-A
An analysis of Delta variant cases pinpoints 20 US counties as “Delta Danger Zones.” Surgo Ventures, a public health think tank whose analyses are used by the CDC, has identified these hot spot counties in seven states including Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas.
Delta is driving 83% of all new CoVid cases in the US, and these counties are particularly vulnerable due to their low vaccination rates. They are: in Arkansas, Hempstead; in Florida, Baker, Holmes, Washington; in Georgia, Charlton, Lanier, Telfair, Heard, Jeff Davis, Treutlen, and Bacon; in Missouri, McDonald, Ripley, Carter, Texas; in South Dakota, Ziebach; in Tennessee, Grundy; and in Texas, Newton, Motley.
https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20210723/these-20-us-counties-are-delta-danger-zones
https://precisionforcovid.org/ccvi
#CoVid #delta #vaccination
CoVid, delta, vaccination
Moderna CoVid Vaccine Triggers Strongest Antibodies in Breast Milk
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/oFSAnhgXxzQ
Vaccination with the Moderna mRNA CoVid vaccine is significantly more likely to induce production of protective antibodies in breast milk than either the Pfizer or the Johnson and Johnson vaccines. Infectious disease researchers at New York’s Mt. Sinai Hospital report these results after studying the levels of anti-CoVid antibodies in the breast milk of 50 women before and after vaccination.
In terms of IgA levels, 93% of Moderna recipients developed significant levels compared with 74% of those getting Pfizer and 54% of those receiving J&J. For secretory antibodies, 86% for Moderna vs. 61% for either Pfizer or J&J. For IgG, 100% of those receiving either the Moderna or Pfizer had a significant increase versus only 62% for J&J.
Since anti-CoVid vaccines have not yet been approved for infants and children under 12, this study suggests that breastmilk from Moderna-vaccinated mothers is most likely to passively transfer CoVid immunity.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.19.21260794v1.full.pdf+html
#CoVid #breastmilk #antibodies #passiveimmunity
CoVid, breastmilk, antibodies, passiveimmunity
==========================
CPSC Recalls
==========================
Can-Am Side By Side Vehicles With Track Kits On Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/K1qxA7XAr8U
The CPSC and BRP now recall Can-Am Defender HD10 Side By Side Vehicles with track kits from Model years 2020 and 2021. The stock CVT air intake is susceptible to obstruction with snow which causes the drive belt to overheat, break, and create a fire hazard. About 34,000 of these units were sold. Immediately stop using track kits on these recalled vehicles in snow conditions and contact a Can-Am dealer for a free repair. For more information, contact BRP by phone at 1-888-272-9222 or find the online contact form on brp.com.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/BRP-Recalls-Side-by-Side-Vehicles-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Recall-Alert
#brp #canamsidebyside #trackkits #fire #recall
brp, canamsidebyside, trackkits, fire, recall
Recall On Polaris RZR Recreational Off-Road Vehicles
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/gSz0PZoHEfo
The CPSC and Polaris have recalled Polaris RZR Pro XP and RZR Pro XP 4 Recreational Off-Road Vehicles, model year 2021. A raised edge on the turbocharger castings surface can trigger an oil leak creating a fire hazard. About 1700 of these vehicles were sold in the US and 90 were sold in Canada. Immediately stop using these recalled vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. Additional information is available from Polaris by phone at 1-800-7675-2747 or online at Polaris.com.
#polaris #rzr #rov #oilleak #fire #recall
polaris, rzr, rov, oilleak, fire, recall
Recalled Are Polaris GENERAL Recreational Off-Road Vehicles
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/pNBwPM4aeTk
The CPSC and Polaris have recalled Polaris GENERAL 1000, 4 1000, XP 1000, and XP 4 1000 Recreational Off-Road Vehicles, model year 2021. The weld between the brake pedal pivot bracket and the EPS mounting bracket may separate resulting in a loss of brake function and possible crashes. About 1400 of these vehicles were sold in the US and 130 were sold in Canada. Immediately stop using these recalled vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. Additional information is available from Polaris by phone at 1-800-7675-2747 or online at Polaris.com.
#polaris #general ##rov #brakes #crash #recall
polaris, general, rov, brakes, crash, recall
Barrington 5-Drawer Chests Are Recalled
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/qxPlRY3Y4Yc
The CPSC and Bel Furniture have recalled Barrington 5-Drawer Chests. These chests are unstable unless they are anchored to the wall, and they may tip over entrapping and crushing children leading to injuries and possible death. The chests violate the voluntary industry safety standards. About 90 of these dresser have been sold. If you have one of these dressers at home, unload it and contact Bel Furniture by phone at 1-832-358-8899 or email them at recall@bellfurniture.com to arrange for a refund and a free pick-up of the dresser or the free installation of tip-over restraints.
#belfurniture #barrington5drawerdressers #tipping #crush #children #recall
belfurniture, barrington5drawerdressers, tipping, crush, children, recall
Recall On RiteAid Rechargeable Handheld Fans
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/H_Ia0Lke7CQ
The CPSC and RiteAid now recall RiteAid Rechargeable Handheld Fans. This fan’s lithium ion battery may overheat while charging, ignite, and create a fire hazard. About 9780 of these fans were sold. Do not recharge this product but rather return it to your nearest RiteAid store for a full refund. If you req uire more information, call RiteAid at 1-800-748-3243 or online at riteaid.com.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Rite-Aid-Recalls-Rechargeable-Handheld-Fans-Due-to-Fire-Hazard
#riteaid #fans #lithiumbattery #fire #burns #recall
riteaid, fans, lithiumbattery, fire, burns, recall
Recall On One Stop Gardens Tank Top Propane Heaters
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/VgX2qA__Ijs
The CPSC and Harbor Freight Tools announce the recall of One Stop Gardens 15,000 and 30,000 BTU Tank Top Propane Heaters. Due to a defective design, environmental wind may blow the flame toward the back of the unit where it may melt the tip safety switch that shuts off the unit should it tip over. The result: possible fires and burn injuries. About 350,000 of these propane heaters were sold. Immediately stop using these heaters and return to the place of purchase or your local Harbor Freight Tools store for a full refund. For more information, call Harbor Freight at 1-800-444-3353 or via email at recall@harborfreight.com.
#propaneheater #tipoverswitch #fire #burns #recall
propaneheater, tipoverswitch, fire, burns, recall
Caldwell E-Max® Pro BT Earmuffs with Rechargeable Lithium Battery Packs On Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/W8w5WTJ20dQ
The CPSC and American Outdoor Brands have recalled Caldwell E-Max® Pro BT Noise Reduction Earmuffs with Rechargeable Lithium Battery Packs. Wires within the battery packs are poorly soldered allowing them to detach, and create overheating, fires, and burns. About 13,740 of these units were sold in the US and 88 were sold in Canada. If you have these earmuffs, remove the lithium battery pack and contact American Outdoor Brands at 1-877-416-5167 or via email at support@caldwellshooting.com.
#caldwell #earmuffs #lithiumbattery #fire #burns #recall
Caldwell, earmuffs, lithiumbattery, fire, burns, recall
Oculus Quest 2 VR Headset Foam Facial Interfaces Are Recalled
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/tbSZ_rHPPNk
The CPSC and Facebook Technologies have recalled Oculus Quest 2 VR Headset Foam Facial Interfaces. This foam may cause facial skin irritation and a contact dermatitis manifest by rashes, swelling, burning, itching, hives, and bumps. About 4 million of these items were sold in the US and 172,6000 were sold in Canada. All consumers should contact Facebook Technologies by phone at 1-877-960-0889 or online at oculus.com to receive free silicone covers.
#oculus #Facebook #vrmask #facialinterface #dermatitis #recall
oculus, Facebook , vrmask, facialinterface, dermatitis, recall
———————
FDA Recalls
———————
Bunny Luv, O Organics, Cal-Organic and Grimmway Farms Packaged Carrots Are Recalled
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/deg3MvxXbLs
The FDA and Grimmway Farms are recalling packaged chopped and chunk carrots sold under the Bunny Luv, O Organics, Cal-Organic and Grimmway Farms brands. These carrots are contaminated with salmonella. This bacterium may cause severe and sometimes fatal gastroenteritis and sepsis in the very young, elders, and those with weakened immune systems. If you bought these carrots, do not consume them and destroy them. For more information and compensation, contact Grimmway by phone at 1-800-301-3101 or online at grimmway.com.
#carrots #grimmway #bunnyluv #oorganics #calorganic #salmonella #gastroenteritis #reecall
carrots, grimmway, bunnyluv, oorganics, calorganic, salmonella, gastroenteritis, reecall
Recall On Backroad Country Dried Apricots
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/OOadTrpli_s
The FDA and Lipari Foods now recall Backroad Country Dried Apricots. This product contains undeclared sulfite. Those with sulfite allergies may develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these apricots. This product was distributed and sold in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, & West Virginia. If you purchased these apricots, return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If you require additional information, contact Lipari Foods by phone at 1-(586)-447-3500 EXT 9534 or via the email Kelly_Holmes@Liparifoods.com.
#backroadcountry #apricots #sulfites #allergy #recall
backroadcountry, apricots, sulfites, allergy, recall
Miss Slim Dietary Supplement For Weight Loss Is On Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/vcJ6wYC-F1g
The FDA and HIS now recall Miss Slim Dietary Supplement For Weight Loss. This product is contaminated with sibutramine, an prescription drug for weight reduction that has been withdrawn from the market due to safety issues. Sibutramine may trigger an increase in blood pressure and pulse rate that is dangerous for those with cardiovascular disease or stroke. The presence of this substance in an over-the-counter product makes this supplement an unapproved, unsafe drug. If you bought this supplement, stop using it and return it to the point of purchase. If you have questions, contact HIS by phone at 1-718 216 0359 or via the email msslimusa@gmail.com.
#missslim #dieting #supplement #sibutramine #hypertension #recall
missslim, dieting, supplement, sibutramine, hypertension, recall
McCormick and Frank’s Seasonings Are Recalled
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/sDXG7I762aU
The FDA and McCormick and Co.. now recall McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning, McCormick Culinary Italian Seasoning, and Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Ranch Seasoning. These products are contaminated with salmonella. This bacterium may cause severe and sometimes fatal gastroenteritis and sepsis in the very young, elders, and those with weakened immune systems. These seasoning are sold nationwide and in Canada. If you bought any of these products, destroy them and contact McCormick Consumer Affairs at 1-800-635-2867 to receive a full refund or replacement product.
#mccormick #italianseasoning #franks #buffaloranch #salmonella #recall
mccormick, italianseasoning, franks, buffaloranch, salmonella, recall
Recall On Haen Meats 1959 House Blend Seasoning
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/N2kmW0p25og
The FDA and Excalibur Seasoning Co. are recalling Haen Meats 1959 House Blend Seasoning. This product is contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. This microorganism may cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in the very young, elders, and those who are frail or have weak immune systems. It can cause miscarriages and stillbirths. If you purchased this product, return it to the place of purchase or dispose of it. Questions about refunds or this product should be directed to Excalibur by phone at 1-309-347-1221.
#excalibur #houseblend #seasoning #listeria #recall
excalibur, houseblend, seasoning, listeria, recall
Old Soul’s Farms Greenhouse Leafy Green Products Are Recalled
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/aLCPxug9JOo
The FDA and Old Soul’s Farms, LLC have recalled Old Soul’s Farms Greenhouse Leafy Green Products. These leafy products are contaminated with listeria. This microorganism may cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in the very young, elders, and those who are frail or have weak immune systems. It can cause miscarriages and stillbirths. The recall includes Arugula, Basil, Finstar, Green Bibb, Romaine, and Spring Mix. If you purchased these products, do not consume them but destroy them. For more information and refunds, contact Old Soul’s by calling 1-937-802- 9192.
#oldsouls #greens #listeria #recall
oldsouls, greens, listeria, recall
Recall On Whole Foods Cahill Cheddar Cheeses
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/vLEj0tbGlWc
The FDA and Whole Foods are recalling Cahill Cheddar Porter and Whiskey Cheddar Cheeses. These cheeses are contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. This microorganism may cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in the very young, elders, and those who are frail or have weak immune systems. It can cause miscarriages and stillbirths. If you bought these cheeses, do not consume them. Bring your receipt back to a Whole Foods store for a refund. For more information, contact Whole Foods by phone at 1-844-936-8255.
#wholefoods #cahill #cheddarcheese #listeria #recall
wholefoods, cahill, cheddarcheese, listeria, recall
X