Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
617-488-9699
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HealthNews RoundUp - 3rd Week of May 2021
=========================
Medicine of The Future 3rd Week May 2021
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/72z_nvozrdw
Today’s medical discoveries that point to future therapy.
Nanoturbocharging Antibiotics
Hydrogen Peroxide Boosts Radiation Therapy
Peptide Treats Croup and Pneumonia
Drug Boosts Immunity to Hepatitis B
Cutting Edge Wireless Implants
Avocado Therapy For Leukemia
As bacteria and fungi become more antibiotic-resistant, we need ever stronger drugs. Australian microbiologists have one solution by formulating the antibiotic tobramycin with a lipid liquid crystal nanoparticle that amplifies tobramycin’s killing potency 100,000 times when used against the dread bug pseudomonas living in a mucus coating called a biofilm. This discovery should revolutionize the management of cystic fibrosis in children.
University of Iowa researchers now report that the drug Avasopasem manganese makes cancer radiation therapy safer and more effective. This drug mimics a natural body enzyme and converts the toxin superoxide produced by the radiation into hydrogen peroxide that is harmless to normal cells but devastating to cancer cells. A preliminary clinical trial shows that adding Avasopasem to high dose radiation therapy nearly doubles the overall survival of pancreatic cancer patients.
Parainfluenza viruses that cause childhood pneumonias and croup can be blocked by a tiny peptide molecule that thwarts the virus’ ability to penetrate human cells. Biochemists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and New York’s Columbia University have fabricated and refined this peptide. It works well in animal models, and clinical trials won’t be far behind.
The cholesterol-lowering drug avasimibe blocks a liver enzyme that impedes our natural immunity against the hepatitis B virus. British immunologists now demonstrate that this drug blocks the enzyme acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase, ACAT for short, and permits T cells to wipe out the hepatitis virus responsible for cirrhosis of the liver and deadly liver cancer. Studies to test avisimibe’s anti-viral effectiveness lie ahead.
Bioengineers at Texas’ Rice University have developed pill-sized implantable electrical stimulators that can be activated and powered by a single wearable battery-powered electromagnetic transmitter. The stimulators can be harnessed and sequenced to trigger multiple nerves permitting those with spinal cord injuries to use their extremities and those with cardiac rhythm disturbances to enjoy functional heart pumping.
Avocados contain a compound that blocks the cancer cellular metabolism in those with acute myeloid leukemia or AML. Canadian nutraceutical scientists have discovered that avocatin B, a fatty compound unique to avocados, can block the VLCAD enzyme essential for survival of myeloid leukemia cells. Those patients with the highest levels of this enzyme would be expected to benefit most from avocado therapy when this nutraceutical undergoes clinical testing.
These and other cutting edge solutions are coming to your doctor’s office and our hospitals…….some day soon!
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/smll.202100531
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00014
https://stm.sciencemag.org/content/13/593/eabb3768
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/jacs.1c01565
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-22967-7
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/05/210510161437.htm
#nanotechnology #cysticfibrosis #pseudomonas #avasopasem #hydrogenperoxide #pancreaticcancer #peptide #parainfluenza #pneumonia #croup #hepatitisB #avisimbe #cirrhosis #livercancer #microstimulators #paralysis #arrhythmias #aml #leukemia #avocado
pancreaticcancer, peptide, parainfluenza, pneumonia, croup, hepatitisB, avisimbe, cirrhosis, livercancer, microstimulators, paralysis, arrhythmias, aml, leukemia. avocado
Medicine of The Future 3rd Week May 2021. Part 4 of 4 For refs, see my YouTube channel.
Protective CoVid Antibodies May Last Two Years
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/Eef5-AGQOCo
IgG antibodies against the CoVid spike protein have a calculated half-life of 725 days. French virologists just published this conclusion following their study of 1,309 health care workers 393 of whom had become infected with CoVid.
Over the first 9 months following infection, protective anti-spike antibodies diminished moderately but faster in men than in women. Approaching one year post infection though, the levels of anti-spike antibodies stabilized. These antibodies showed a protective level of 96.7%. Vaccination of these health care workers with one of several vaccines drove a 1000-fold increase in antibody levels. Testing of these antibodies revealed their effectiveness against most variants.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.07.21256823v3.full.pdf+html
#CoVid #antibodies #variants
CoVid, antibodies, variants
A Plant-Derived CoVid Vaccine Works
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/k2G_5M6yWuY
A virus-like particle vaccine created from plant protein blended with CoVid spike proteins is safe and effective. A US-Canadian team, helmed by Stanford University virologists, now announces their results on the biorixiv.org pre-print server after testing the vaccine in a monkey model.
Two vaccine doses were necessary to trigger a protective antibody response and proper stimulation of T-killer cells. The vaccine did reduce levels of live CoVid harvested using nasal swabs and improved the lung appearance of infected animals in comparison with those unvaccinated.
Whether this plant-derived Covid vaccine proves better than the mRNA vaccines or the nanoparticle vaccines remains to be proven.
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.15.444262v1
#plant #CoVid #vaccine
plant, CoVid, vaccine
Moderna Vaccine Protective Over Time
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/pa2eVkvAFmA
How protective is the Moderna CoVid vaccine over time? Preliminary answers were just pre-published online by a multi-site collaborative study group coordinated by the NIH Vaccine Research Center.
The sera gathered from 24 individuals representing various age groups were exhaustively studied to assess their antibody protection at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months following completion of vaccination. A variety of assays were used.
The bottom line: the Moderna vaccine affords declining but functionally effective protection for up to 6 months. The most telling viral neutralization tests demonstrate continued protection against the original, the British, the New York, the California, and the Brazilian strains, with only borderline protection against the South African strain.
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.13.444010v1.full.pdf
#moderna #vaccine #CoVid #variants
moderna, vaccine, CoVid, variants
Novavax CoVid Vaccine Ties With mRNA Vaccines
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/u_XW1QD_308
Novavax, a nanoparticle complexed with a CoVid spike protein, is overall 89.7% effective. This is similar to the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines and about 20% better than the adenovirus vector J&J and Astrazeneca vaccines. These results of a phase 3 study now appear in advance of its presentation to the FDA.
A total of 15,187 participants took part with half receiving the 2 shot vaccine. Novavax is 96.4% effective against the original strain and 86.3% effective against the British B.1.117 variant. The vaccine works for all ages and medical conditions. Side effects are mild and more prominent after the second dose.
It may trigger longer-lasting immunity. Stay tuned.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.13.21256639v1.full.pdf+html
#novavax #nanoparticle #vaccine #CoVid
novavax, nanoparticle, vaccine, CoVid
Any Consistent Alcohol Consumption Hurts Your Brain
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/Qzle1OfnhEI
Drinking ANY alcohol is associated with reduction of your functional brain volume, and the more you drink the worse the effect. Epidemiologists and neuroradiologists at Britain’s University of Oxford make this assertion after studying 25,378 participants in the UK Biobank by magnetic resonance brain imaging.
As lifetime drinking escalates, all brain zones suffer. Elevated blood pressure and body weight only aggravate this brain deterioration. Binge drinking predictably makes the situation worse, and the frequency of benders from none to daily has an additive effect.
The scientists sobering conclusion is that there is no safe level of drinking when it comes to your brain health. They recommend that current guidelines be revised.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.10.21256931v1.full.pdf
#alcohol #brain #greymatter #hypertension #obesity
alcohol, brain, greymatter, hypertension, obesity
CoVid Vaccination Safe For The Placenta
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/MNjNvqJuIS8
Vaccination with either mRNA CoVid Vaccine, the Moderna or Pfizer product, and the resultant immune stimulation create no injury to the placenta. Northwestern Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists draw this conclusion from their study of 200 CoVid-uninfected women in their third trimester 84 of whom were vaccinated.
Comparative pathologic studies of the placentas from the vaccinated and the control women revealed no increased incidence of negative vascular changes, no evidence of fetal malperfusion, and no appearance of unusual inflammatory changes. In fact, the incidence of high-grade chronic villitis was higher in the unvaccinated women.
CoVid vaccination during pregnancy produces none of the placental damage inflicted by an untimely CoVid infection.
#CoVid #pregnancy #placenta #vaccination #moderna #pfizer
CoVid, pregnancy, placenta, vaccination, moderna, pfizer
Organic Meats Contain Fewer Dangerous Bacteria
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/Ym4G46KTwQU
A Johns Hopkins study finds that USDA-certified organic meats were 77% less likely to be contaminated with multiple drug-resistant micro-organisms. The public health researchers reviewed purity data from 39,349 retail meat samples linked to 342 processing facilities using conventional and organic processing protocols. Some plants were split as both processing techniques take place under the same roof.
Chicken, turkey, beef, and pork processed conventionally had a 34% incidence of bacterial contamination compared with a 20% incidence when processed organically. More critical was 3.8% incidence of drug-resistant bacteria in meat processed in conventionally versus 0.9% for meat processed organically.
You do get a significantly cleaner and healthier meat for the extra bucks.
https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP7327
#meat #organic #bacteria #drugresistant
meat, organic, bacteria, drugresistant
==========================
Recalls
==========================
Pro Supply Outlet Sodium and Potassium Hydroxide
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/Irema4MgvIA
The CPSC and Pro Supply Outlet are recalling Pro Supply Outlet Sodium and Potassium Hydroxide. These lye products contain caustic poisons and must be sold in child-resistant packaging and must be clearly labeled POISON. Potassium and sodium hydroxide will cause severe chemical burns if they get on the skin or if they are swallowed. These items were sold online at Amazon.com, eBay.com, Etsy.com and prosupplyoutlet.com. If you have these products, immediately move them to a location out of reach of any children and pets in your home. Contact Pro Supply Outlet at 1-855-248-9059 or via email at PSO5000@ctiinc.biz to secure a replacement in safe packaging with appropriate labeling.
#prosupplyoutlet #naoh #koh #lye #poisoning #childproof #recall
prosupplyoutlet, naoh, koh, lye, poisoning, childproof, recall
Recall On John Deere Gator Utility Vehicles
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/v7tQwO7Mxqw
The CPSC and John Deere now recall John Deere XUV590 and XUV590 S4 Gator Utility Vehicles. A software bug in the engine control unit causes the speedometer and several sped-related safety systems to malfunction causing crash and injury hazards. About 90 of these vehicles were sold. Immediately stop using the vehicle and contact your authorized John Deere Dealer at 1-800-537-8233 or online at Deere.com to obtain a free software update.
#johndeere #gator #enginecontrolunit #softwarebug #recall
johndeere, gator, enginecontrolunit, softwarebug, recall
IKEA Bowls, Plates and Mugs Are On Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/KFqPGBBqqeg
The CPSC and IKEA are recalling IKEA Bowls, Plates and Mugs. These polylactic or polylactide plastic items may become brittle and leak or crack with hot foods and liquids leaking out causing burns. Stop using these items and return then to any IKEA store for a full refund. For more information, reach IKEA at 1-888-966-4532 or online at ikea.com.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/IKEA-Recalls-Bowls-Plates-and-Mugs-Due-to-Burn-Hazard
#ikea #bowls #plates #mugs #plastic #crack #burns #recall
ikea, bowls, plates, mugs, plastic, crack, burns, recall
Recalls on Cheyenne Folding Chairs and Barstools
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/rRvM0MLFPvI
The CPSC and Cheyenne Products Mainstay are recalling Cheyenne Folding Chairs and Barstools. The welded legs may detach from the seat bottom creating falls and injuries. About 795,000 of these items were sold at Walmart stores and online at Walmart.com. Stop using these chairs and barstools and contact Cheyenne at 1-833-351-1707 or via email at cheyennerecall@nbg-home.com for a full refund.
#Cheyenne #foldingchairs #barstools #legs #falls #recall
Cheyenne, foldingchairs, barstools, legs, falls, recall
Randall Beans Are Recalled
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/_LFYXAwulxQ
The FDA and Randall Foods have recalled Randall Beans. Due to improper processing, the product may contain bacteria including clostridium botulinum. If ingested, a severe or possibly fatal food poisoning episode could occur. These beans were sold at retail locations in: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Do not consume this product but return it to the point of purchase for a refund. For additional information, contact Randall at 1-513-793-6525.
#randall #beans #clostridium #botulism #recall
randall, beans, clostridium, botulism, recall
Recall On Peppa Pig Chocolate Chip Cookie Gable Box
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/9XNyUYDd1LE
The FDA and the Primary Colors Design Corporation are recalling Peppa Pig Chocolate Chip Cookie Gable Box. This product contains undeclared egg allergen. Those with an egg allergy could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction after eating these cookies. If you or a member of your family have an egg allergy, don’t consume these chocolate chip cookies. Return them to the place of purchase for a refund. For more information, contact Primary Colors Design at 1-419- 903-0403 or via email at sales@primarycolorscorp.com.
#peppapig #chocolatechipcookies #egg #recall
peppapig, chocolatechipcookies, egg, recall
Little Hatches Jalapeño Cream Cheese Is Recalled
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/YHrGxVypUdU
The FDA and Interstate Food Products have recalled Little Hatches Jalapeño Cream Cheese. This product is contaminated with listeria monocyogenes. Listeria causes a serious and possibly fatal infection the the very young, elders, and those who are immunosuppressed. This item was sold in Whole Foods stores.in the Denver, CO metro area. If you have this product, don’t consume it and return it to the point of purchase for a refund. More information if available from Interstate Food Products at 1-720-626-9917.
#littlehatches #creamcheese #listeria #recall
littlehatches, creamcheese, listeria, recall