MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'deficiency'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:57:52 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130667&cid=t_212135_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F15%2Freaching-out-to-carers-innovation-fund%2F Scan or click to download 'Reaching Out to Carers Innovation Fund' The Title: Reaching Out to Carers Innovation Fund The Skinny: The Reaching Out to Carers Innovation Fund, is a scheme specifically targeted at voluntary sector organisations in England who, in addition to their primary work with individuals with particular conditions, illnesses or from particular age groups or communities, are also keen to support carers. [download id="17"] provides a list of dunded projects. 79 projects will be funded at a total value of £1.35m. These projects will: focus on early contact with those who are taking on a caring role for the first time, through different settings, e.g. hospitals, GP surgeries, the workplace, supermarkets, places of worship and other community settings, and help th... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130667 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 07:43:52 +0100 5130667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050582&cid=t_212135_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhy-are-humans-so-drawn-to-sunlight-despite-its-negative-consequences%2F2011.07.20 It doesn’t make sense: If sunlight causes cancer, why are human beings so drawn to it, flocking to sunny beaches for vacation time and hoping for sunshine after a rainy spell? One answer, says David Fisher, chief of dermatology at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, may be that humans are literally addicted to sunshine so our skin can make vitamin D. New evidence suggests that we get the same kick out of being in the sun that we get from any addictive substance or behavior. It stimulates the so-called “pleasure center” in the brain and releases a rush of feel-good chemicals like endorphins. So there may be more than a desire to look good in a tan behind the urge to soak up the sun’s rays. This craving may be a survival mechanism that evolved over thousands ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050582 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:00:34 +0100 5050582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852861&cid=t_212135_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fburning-mouth-syndrome-may-be-cured-with-magnesium-supplements%2F2011.05.22 Patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) have two major findings: one, burning sensations in their mouth and two, no anatomical changes present in their mouth to relate to this burning. Dr. Henkin and colleagues at the Center for Molecular Nutrition and Sensory Disorders have clinically distinguished two major groups of patients with BMS. One group has burning limited only to their tongue – called GLOSSOPYROSIS. The other group has burning in their entire mouth, including their tongue, lips, palette, gums and pharynx – called OROPYROSIS. They have recently been able to distinguish these two patient groups biochemically. Patients with GLOSSOPYROSIS have lower levels of magnesium in their red blood cells (erythrocytes) than do patients with OROPYROSIS or normal subjects. (more…) ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852861 Sun, 22 May 2011 19:00:00 +0100 4852861 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684356&cid=t_212135_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2Foah4J7BW6Qo%2F Thanks to the wonders of modern science, not only are we able to 'medically' justify every ache, pain, whinge, grimace and gripe we suffer - but we are also offered a cure at the same time! (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684356 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 08:56:21 +0100 4684356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4361312&cid=t_212135_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F2fUYjz31s-8%2F Every now and then I receive an e-mail  or comment that is sufficiently long to warrant a post of it’s own.  Below is the comment without interruption;  a bit lower I repeat parts of the comment, interspersed with my own responses.  I hope you find it interesting. The comment: I am a strange case: vegetarian, healthy, Pilates instructor, good-looking– NEVER A DRUG ADDICT — but i had a secret-  I was badly depressed for years- treatment resistant to over 30 meds, only some helped to a point… I did extensive research into the brain and opiate systems and i wondered if it was possible my endorphin system may be the culprit ( check this primer: http://www.prohibitionkills.blogspot.com/)  I was desperate enough to try out opiates as a final solution ( and I monitored m... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4361312 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 05:53:49 +0100 4361312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4326962&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2FIoWl_uOpcks%2Fed-brailey-in-tribute.html When I met Ed in 2005, I was a newbie to the Alpha-1 community. He and I were elected to the board of the Association that year. Previously, I had read his story in the Foundation's Alpha 1-to-1... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4326962 Sun, 09 Jan 2011 00:22:00 +0100 4326962 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225467&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2FuIh_tNGgdPw%2Fall-right-words.html During our nightly prayers, I added a new name to the very lengthy list of angels and those battling illness for which we pray. Meghan peered up at me from her bed with love on her face along with... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225467 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 21:32:00 +0100 4225467 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4168208&cid=t_212135_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FWoFKcVzc854%2F Mention the phrase ‘white paper’ and an authoritative guide to a particular policy issue may spring to mind. Of course, white papers may also be nothing more than promotional thoughts dressed up as think pieces. And that’s what the FDA has decided the Ipsen Group did in creating and distributing a paper about Insulin-like Growth Factor Deficiency, an affliction in which growth is inhibited. In a recently disclosed warning letter, the agency took Ipsen to task for omitting important risk info and broadenening the indication for its Increlex treatment. But the underlying issue was that the white paper wasn’t really a white paper and there were several tell-tale signs that offer some interesting insight into agency thinking on such situations. To wit, the FDA noted the... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4168208 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:13:53 +0100 4168208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077246&cid=t_212135_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdo-you-have-low-t%2F2010.10.17 If you google “low testosterone” you’ll see lots of ads for testosterone replacement. Some are from pharmaceutical companies that sell testosterone, others from obvious snake-oil salesmen. Both types of ads list vague sets of symptoms, encourage you to believe that they are pathologic, and want to sell you something to make you better. For example, the pharmaceutical company Solvay gives you a handy guide for speaking to your doctor, and a quiz to see if you have “low T.” The quiz asks some questions that may be useful, but also asks very general questions about your sense of well being. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Science-Based Medicine* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077246 Sun, 17 Oct 2010 21:00:01 +0100 4077246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4022917&cid=t_212135_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FOKw1o5y-ce4%2F Yay…it’s Friday. Time to challenge that cerebral cortex and put on those ‘mental’ dancing shoes as we trip the light fantastic of medical trivia, and lift the latch on the cage of the tiger of tease…the Funtabulously, Frivolous Friday Five… Question 1 What did George Washington die from? Reveal Answer expand(document.getElementById('ddet1529338873'));expand(document.getElementById('ddetlink1529338873')) Asphyxia Asphyxia secondary to [...] (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4022917 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 03:06:04 +0100 4022917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3790813&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2FKmwipNB0wE0%2Falpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency-video-on.html GENETICS from Alpha-1 Association on Vimeo. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3790813 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 04:50:00 +0100 3790813 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3772352&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F_kHcRih38YQ%2Falpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency-in.html CHILDREN from Alpha-1 Association on Vimeo. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3772352 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 03:22:00 +0100 3772352 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3710558&cid=t_212135_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-male-menopause-story-journalists-all-over-the-map%2F2010.06.29 An article on the Knight Science Journalism Tracker comments on German media coverage of the “Is there male menopause?” question. An excerpt: One study, but very different types of headlines: “‘Male Menopause’ discovered” and “Men have no Menopause.” Both types of headlines are based on one study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, which analyzed 3219 European males between 40 and 79. Blood samples provided testosterone levels and questionnaires (!) asked about the “general, sexual, physical, and psychological health.” What the scientists found was nothing more and nothing less than a correlation between a low testosterone level and three clinical symptoms (”decreased frequency of morning erection, decreased fr... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3710558 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:01:05 +0100 3710558 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3723374&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2FTiOuVMl5hDU%2Fbreathe-in-breathe-out.html Sitting on a vinyl covered bench in the lobby of the hotel, I found myself people watching. I was waiting for the bus to return from Epcot with my family on board. I was ready to go home. The suit... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3723374 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 02:05:00 +0100 3723374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3679916&cid=t_212135_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Falcoholic-brain-damage-and-thiamine%2F The Role of Thiamine Deficiency in Alcoholic Brain Disease A deficiency in the essential nutrient thiamine resulting from chronic alcohol consumption is one factor underlying alcohol-induced brain damage. Thiamine is a helper molecule (i.e., a cofactor) required by three enzymes involved in two pathways of carbohydrate metabolism. Because intermediate products of these pathways are needed for the generation of other essential molecules in the cells (eg., building blocks of proteins and DNA as well as brain chemicals), a reduction in thiamine can interfere with numerous cellular functions, leading to serious brain disorders, including Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which is found predominantly in alcoholics. Chronic alcohol consumption can result in thiamine deficiency by causing inadequate... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3679916 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 17:56:00 +0100 3679916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3640967&cid=t_212135_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F07%2Fexpert-advisory-group-on-aids-annual-report-2009%2F Title: Expert Advisory Group on AIDS Annual Report 2009 Skinny: Report from the Expert Advisory Group on AIDS (EAGA) (an advisory non-departmental public body which is non-statutory) that covers the period 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009. Content includes: HIV prevention Surveillance of UK HIV drug resistance HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) guidance Current treatment issues Breastfeeding transmission risk reduction trials HIV vaccine Testing incapacitated source patients for blood-borne viruses Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 11p. Published: 20/05/10  Filed under: AIDS, Grey Literature, HIV, NHS, Sexual Health Tagged: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, AIDS, Annual Reports, Grey Literature, HIV, Sexual Health (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3640967 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:23:52 +0100 3640967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607472&cid=t_212135_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Frheumatoid-arthritis-on-the-rise-in-women%2F photo: Thinkstock Rheumatoid arthritis may sound like something you’ll worry about in your twilight years, but it’s actually an auto-immune disease that’s becoming more and more common in women. It usually affects women between 40-60 years old, and causes joints and their surrounding tissue to become inflamed, leading to pain, stiffness, and a variety of not-fun side effects. According to the Mayo Clinic, the number of cases of rheumatoid arthritis had been falling for 40 years, but between 1995 and 2007 they increased by 2.5%. However, in the same time period, cases have fallen among men. Women are three times more likely than men to be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Since rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disorder, there isn’t much rhyme or reason as to... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607472 Thu, 27 May 2010 19:13:33 +0100 3607472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607757&cid=t_212135_135_f&fid=35262&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsurvivinghiv.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fnew-book-testosterone-mans-guide-by.html (Source: Nelson Vergel's HIV Blog) Nelson Vergel's HIV Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607757 Thu, 27 May 2010 16:46:00 +0100 3607757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3433052&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F44B9S_TDaus%2Falpha-1-sucks-life-right-out-of-you.html This video is a public service announcement from the Alpha-1 Foundation. I know it is controversial but in my opinion, it is a fabulous advertisement. It grabs your attention, and that is exactly... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3433052 Fri, 02 Apr 2010 04:07:00 +0100 3433052 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3311967&cid=t_212135_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F02%2F26%2Firon-supplementation-found-to-improve-brain-function%2F Iron is an essential nutrient for the making of haemoglobin – the component in red blood cells that carries oxygen and delivers it to the tissues. If iron is deficient in the body, haemoglobin levels can fall and eventually cause anaemia (pathologically low haemoglobin). Symptoms of this can include mental and physical fatigue and low [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3311967 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:14:43 +0100 3311967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3272869&cid=t_212135_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fwernickes-syndrome%2F Pathophysiology 1) caused by thiamine deficiency (vitamin B1) 2) usually (but not always) seen in chronic alcoholism Signs and Symptoms 1) progressive ataxia 2) polyneuropathy 3) impaired ocular motility/nystagmus/lateral rectus palsy 4) mental confusion 5) tachycardia 6) hypotension 7) Charcot’s triad – ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, confusion Characteristic Test Findings Laboratory – 1) decreased serum thiamine 2) abnormal erythrocyte transketolase activity Histology/Gross Pathology 1) petechiae in mamillary bodies, hypothalamus, and periaqueductal gray matter 2) necrosis of nerve cells 3) “ring” hemorrhages in brain Associated Conditions 1) occurs in patients with – chronic alcoholism, hyperemesis, starvation, renaly dialysis, cancer, HIV 2) increased incid... Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3272869 Sun, 14 Feb 2010 23:00:20 +0100 3272869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3220093&cid=t_212135_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2010%2F01%2Firon-in-bacillus.html Bacillus subtilis is a metabolically versatile soil microbe and Gram-positive model organism that displays a sophisticated adaptive response to conditions of iron limitation. The endogenous siderophore of B. subtilis is bacillibactin, a trimeric catecholate siderophore similar in structure to enterobactin. In addition to bacillibactin, B. subtilis can obtain iron from several xenosiderophores, ferric citrate, heme, and through a newly discovered elemental iron permease. The regulation of iron homeostasis in B. subtilis is complex and involves a ferric uptake regulator (Fur) protein as master regulator and at least two subsidiary regulatory systems. The most significant of these is an iron-sparing/prioritization response controlled by the small RNA FsrA and three auxiliary proteins (FbpABC)... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3220093 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:50:00 +0100 3220093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3220094&cid=t_212135_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2010%2F01%2Firon-in-cyanobacteria.html Cyanobacteria are dependent on but can also be compromised by metals such as iron. On the one hand the demand for iron for photosystem functionality represents a challenge for the iron uptake machinery in iron limiting environments. On the other hand intoxication by iron causes a severe problem for growth and reproduction. To overcome this dilemma cyanobacteria have developed a regulatory network controlling iron uptake. They produce siderophores, which are distinct from that of other bacteria. Furthermore, the iron metabolism is linked to the nitrogen metabolism as documented for example in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120.Further reading: Iron Uptake and Homeostasis in MicroorganismsFull range of books on microbiology at Microbiology Books (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3220094 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:49:00 +0100 3220094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3220098&cid=t_212135_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2010%2F01%2Firon-in-vibrio-and-aeromonas.html Vibrio and Aeromonas species are ubiquitous bacteria in aquatic environments worldwide. Many of the species are important pathogens for humans and/or aquatic animals. Several iron acquisition strategies have been developed by vibrios and aeromonads in order to get this essential element for surviving in their host and in aquatic habitats. All species studied so far have the ability to synthesize siderophores to sequester iron from the cell environment and transport it through their respective cognate outer membrane receptors. It has been demonstrated that this capacity is a relevant virulence factor for human and animal pathogens. Furthermore, all species studied can utilize exogenous siderophores, made by other bacteria. Another iron acquisition system described in both genera involves th... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3220098 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:46:00 +0100 3220098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3220101&cid=t_212135_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2010%2F01%2Firon-in-bordetella.html Upon colonization of the mammalian respiratory epithelium by mucosal pathogens of the genus Bordetella, the host-pathogen interaction causes inflammatory changes, immune activation, and host cell injury. In this dynamic environment, Bordetella cells scavenge the nutritional iron necessary for growth. The three classical Bordetella species produce the siderophore alcaligin. In addition, they can utilize xenosiderophores that could be produced by commensals or other microbes that transiently inhabit the nasopharynx. As infection progresses, extravasation of immune cells, erythrocytes and serum to the mucosal surface can occur, exacerbated by the damaging action of Bordetella toxins, thus providing iron sources such as transferrin and heme compounds to the microbe. The three characterized Bor... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3220101 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:42:00 +0100 3220101 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111515&cid=t_212135_115_f&fid=34670&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsumerdoc.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fb12-deficiency-cord-brain-involvement.html There is associated white matter involvement along with posterior column involvement which is relatively less commonly reported in B12 deficiency. This is 51 year old male who is non alcoholic, with possibly dietary deficiency. Reported by- Teleradiology ProvidersFrom Sumer's Radiology Site http://www.sumerdoc.blogspot.com -The Top Radiology Magazine. Teleradiology Providers at www.teleradproviders.com Mail us at teleradproviders@gmail.com (Source: Sumer's Radiology Site) Sumer's Radiology Site blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111515 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:42:00 +0100 3111515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3059824&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2FVc-gpv7GNJs%2Fspecial-parts-of-you.html Dear Gracie, It is so easy to get wrapped up in daily life, and not realize how much you are growing and changing. You are no longer a little girl. You are a big girl, plain and simple. But you are... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3059824 Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:47:00 +0100 3059824 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2927466&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2FVxSEOaG_4fc%2Falpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency-and-flu.html Grace has come down with the flu, just which virus it is...I don't know. I'm betting that many parents of children with Alpha-1 have questions about how to treat their children when they have... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2927466 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:56:00 +0100 2927466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2786239&cid=t_212135_136_f&fid=35294&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psa-rising.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F09%2Fteleconference-estrogen-deficiency-side-effects-due-to-androgen-deprivation-therapy%2F Us TOO University Presents: Estrogen Deficiency Side Effects Due to Androgen Deprivation Therapy. This free webinar/teleconference with speaker Samir Taneja MD will take place Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at 8pm Eastern, 7pm Central, 6pm Mountain, 5pm Pacific. For more information and to RSVP today, go to: http://www.ustooevents.org/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=2700 (Source: psa-rising.com/blog) psa-rising.com/blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2786239 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:57:49 +0100 2786239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2757855&cid=t_212135_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FK6lcorEN7Ls%2F Have you ever had your vitamin B12 levels checked? Do you know what vitamin B12 is? One of the B vitamins, it’s found in dairy products, meat, fish, and shellfish. It’s an essential part of the human diet because it: nourishes your nerve cells nourishes your red blood cells helps make DNA (genetic material) Vitamin B12 deficiency Without vitamin B12, you can end up with: a poor appetite weight loss tingling or numbness in your hands and feet difficulty walking memory loss irritability depression pallor shortness of breath dimentia Because many of these symptoms can also be signs of other disorders, it’s easy for vitamin B12 deficiency to be overlooked. Onset The onset of vitamin B12 deficiency is usually pretty slow and often later on in life. This is because your b... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2757855 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 07:53:21 +0100 2757855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2667499&cid=t_212135_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FoxCPpiVZz_g%2F Doctors and researchers have been noticing a decline in vitamin D levels in children for a while now but the problem is getting worse. With the increasingly sedentary and inside-the-home lifestyle of many American children, and the high use of sun block for those who do go outside, many just aren’t getting sufficient levels of vitamin D from the best source, the sun. Although we know it’s important to protect our skin from the sun to reduce the risk of skin cancer, as with everything, moderation and common sense needs to take hold. Unless their skin is very fragile, five to 10 minutes in the sun without sunscreen shouldn’t do any harm to their skin, but will be very beneficial for vitamin exposure. By removing the sun from a child’s life altogether, they are at high... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2667499 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:09:36 +0100 2667499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2613817&cid=t_212135_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F17%2Fthe-lancet-2009-volume-374-issue-9685%2F This article finds that circumcision of HIV-infected men did not reduce HIV transmission to female partners over 24 months; longer-term effects could not be assessed. Condom use after male circumcision is essential for HIV prevention. (Print Subscription Held by the Fade Library) Posted in Current Awareness Tagged: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Circumcision, Current Awareness, Developing Countries, HIV, Journals (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2613817 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:33:37 +0100 2613817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2593193&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2FlpZYdvdjayk%2Fsurprising-results.html My hopes were not high Past experience taught me You have trouble With blood tests Once you tried to bite Another you bounced Off all four walls Others we restrained you Many tantrums erupted Even... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2593193 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:12:00 +0100 2593193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2570990&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2FI-OrMDe0WnM%2Ffireworks-moment.html As I sorted through the mound of "paper nightmare" which had been stowed away in a drawer, I tossed various papers into the recycling bin. My finger stumbled upon a crumpled post-it note, upon which... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2570990 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:27:00 +0100 2570990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523271&cid=t_212135_117_f&fid=37824&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.doctorkalitenko.com%2Fblog%2Fantiaging%2Fprogesterone-deficiency-can-lead-to-tender-breasts Hormone Replacement Can Be the Cure Many women are suffering from tender and swollen breasts right before their period. Usually, it is one of the many symptoms, that include bloating, fatigue, even moodiness in some. A low progesterone level can be the cause of this tenderness. Replacement with progesterone, not progestine, may help. (Source: Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog) Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523271 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:25:49 +0100 2523271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2458375&cid=t_212135_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FRdUHmqA3XeA%2F My heart breaks when I see photos of children suffering from genetic disorders, such as the nine babies from this story. But this story also lauds to the use of genetically modified organisms for producing drugs for treatment. Recently, scientists discovered a new genetic disorder in nine newborn to 2-week old babies. The infants had swollen bone tissues, bone pain and deformity, and rashes that can range in size from small fluid-filled blisters or pustules to blisters that covered the whole body. The researchers immediately realized they were looking at an unrecognized auto-inflammatory syndrome, where recurring episodes of inflammation occur without any pathogens or immune cells triggering the reaction. All nine babies had mutations of IL1RN, a gene involved in the immune response whic... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2458375 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:34:11 +0100 2458375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2452954&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2FLHXgcxaW6E4%2Falpha-1-antitrypsin-education.html Here I am in San Francisco. My girls are at home with Daddy, and I’m here to attend an Alpha-1 education conference. I’m here to learn more about Alpha-1. I’m here to meet up with my online family... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2452954 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 22:52:00 +0100 2452954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2295073&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Falpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency-get.html It’s a familiar story for many Alphas. You’ve been short of breath. The cough you got from that chest cold two weeks ago won’t go away. Your doctor prescribes an inhaler for asthma, but it’s not helping much. You’re confused, tired and worried about what may be wrong. The Alpha-1 Foundation's new video, “Short of Breath? Get Tested,” focuses on the symptoms of Alpha-1 and the problems Alphas face getting the right diagnosis. You can help spread awareness about getting tested for Alpha-1 by sharing this video with your friends. (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2295073 Thu, 12 Mar 2009 02:42:00 +0100 2295073 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2206695&cid=t_212135_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F23%2Fthe-archer-inquiry-the-independent-public-inquiry-report-on-nhs-supplied-contaminated-blood-and-blood-products%2F The Archer Inquiry the Independent Public Inquiry Report On NHS Supplied Contaminated Blood and Blood Products makes 8 key recommendations following the transmission of HIV and Hepatitis to the Haemophiliac community as a result of contaminated blood products. 1.a) A Committee should be established by Statute to advise Government on the management  of haemophilia in the United Kingdom. It should have overarching responsibility for: i) the selection, procurement and delivery of the best therapies currently available and recommended by NICE; ii) readily available access to any necessary treatment relating to the condition itself or any condition arising from consequent therapy; iii) all provisions necessary to address the financial and other needs of haemophilia patients. (b) Emphasises ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2206695 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:12:54 +0100 2206695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2156736&cid=t_212135_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aheartylife.com%2F2009%2F02%2F02%2Fanorexia-affects-the-heart%2F   Anorexia affects the whole body, when the body is deprived of the nutrients that it requires it will start using muscles for energy. Due to the fact that the heart is a muscle, it will over time lose its ability to do normal functions. When a person becomes anorexic their heart starts to beat at a slower rate causing a multitude of problems. As a result of the problems they can go into shock and low blood pressure will also occur.   When depriving the body of the food that it needs, iron deficiency develops. The lack of iron will lead to anemia, which will make delivering oxygen throughout the body more difficult. The result of the anemia will be exhaustion, shortness of breath as well as heart infections and palpitations. A poorly-functioning cardiovascular system also m... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2156736 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:33:18 +0100 2156736 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2149742&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F528682088%2Fmy-worlds-collide.html What do you get when you cross an Alpha-1 MZ gene carrier/hypertensive momma with a developing baby who has ZZ Alpha-1? ANSWER: SEVERE PREECLAMPSIA Some amazing research is going on at Yale by Dr.... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2149742 Sun, 01 Feb 2009 06:38:00 +0100 2149742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2067890&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F495879784%2Ftelevision-show-featuring-alpha-1.html Healthy Body, Healthy Mind (HBHM) takes a look at Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and helps viewers to understand Alpha-1. The show is currently running on the Public Television Network, so contact... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2067890 Fri, 26 Dec 2008 22:23:00 +0100 2067890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1984678&cid=t_212135_115_f&fid=34670&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsumerdoc.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fsub-acute-combined-degeneration-mri.html Sub-acute combined degeneration (SCD) is a rare cause of demyelination of the dorsal and lateral columns of the spinal cord and is a neurological complication due to vitamin B12 deficiency. This is a case of SCD of the spinal cord in a 40-year-old man. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine showed intramedullary hyperintensity seen on T2-weighted images in the posterior column of the cervico-dorsal spinal cord, and lateral columns. A diagnosis of SCD of the spinal cord was considered and confirmed by a low serum cobalamin. Detection of lateral tracts involvement by the MRI is uncommon.Dr.Sumer K Sethi, MDSr Consultant Radiologist ,VIMHANS and CEO-Teleradiology ProvidersEditor-in-chief, The Internet Journal of Radiology Director, DAMS (Delhi Academy of Medical Sciences) From Sumer's ... Sumer's Radiology Site blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1984678 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:09:00 +0100 1984678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1964292&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F452598438%2Fjust-when-i-think-she-understands.html Just when I think Gracie understands about Alpha-1, she blind sides me with her youth and immaturity. All of her misunderstanding is completely age appropriate, but leaves me feeling a bit unsettled.... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1964292 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:29:00 +0100 1964292 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1960728&cid=t_212135_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D5255 The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for iron is 18 mg for adult women, and 8 mg for men. Here are the top 10 food sources of iron, according to the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans. read more | digg story Iron deficiency is surprisingly common even amongst the affluent in the Klang Valley. Women who lose iron in pregnancies, breast feeding and then don’t eat properly (mistakenly cutting off meats in order to “lose weight”) are especially prone! Men on the other hand have no business to be iron deficient and it invariably means blood loss somewhere else - usually the gastrointestinal tract. The general advice given in the Digg article above is OK but I think the “organ meats” would be rather unhealthy (fats, cholesterol, purine/uric acid conten... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1960728 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1960728 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1918179&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F435179824%2Fgetting-word-out.html About Alpha-1, that is... I'm over at 5 Minutes for Special Needs today: http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/553/but-were-not-like-that-mom/ Come on over and check out this one of a kind... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1918179 Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:16:00 +0100 1918179 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1837466&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F405905702%2Fwhy-i-support-newborn-screening-for.html I'll never forget the moments when Grace's pediatric gastroenterologist sat Charlie and I down in some rocking chairs in the NICU and said some words I couldn't quite comprehend. She had diagnosed... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1837466 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:44:00 +0100 1837466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1826143&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F401286207%2Ffly-with-angles.html There are not adequate words to say the Earth lost a precious little human being named Gavin. May you rest in peace, and may your family find solace. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1826143 Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:05:00 +0100 1826143 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1811480&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F397796343%2Fnewborn-screening-for-alpha-1.html The Newborn Screening Workshop is completed. I'm home now from Arlington, and well, I'm jumping for joy. DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!! Okay, since I don't have a drum roll audio file, how about some... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1811480 Sat, 20 Sep 2008 02:58:00 +0100 1811480 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1809641&cid=t_212135_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F09%2F19%2Fhiv-post-exposure-prophylaxis-guidance-from-the-uk-chief-medical-officers-expert-advisory-group-on-aids%2F HIV post-exposure prophylaxis: guidance from the UK Chief Medical Officers’ Expert Advisory Group on AIDS provides updated guidance on occupational HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) from the UK Chief Medical Officers’ Expert Advisory Group on AIDS (EAGA) issued in February 2004 and the interim update following the withdrawal of Viracept (nelfinavir) published in July 2007. It should be read in conjunction with local needlestick injury policy. Posted in AIDS, Grey Literature, HIV, Infection Control, NHS   Tagged: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Grey Literature, HIV, Occupational Health    (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1809641 Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:30:07 +0100 1809641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1811481&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F397137523%2Ffix-you.html I'm feeling a bit panicked about Gavin, and thought I'd send these lyrics to him since his Mom has this song on his blog. Please pray or send positive thoughts for him. He really needs them. Fix You... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1811481 Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:53:00 +0100 1811481 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1809923&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F396849200%2Flive-from-arlington-va.html I'm live from Arlington, VA at the Alpha-1 Foundation's Critical Issues Workshop: The Promise and Challenge of GINA: Is it time for Newborn Screening for Alpha-1? I was honored to have been invited... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1809923 Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:53:00 +0100 1809923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1806471&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F394876039%2Fgavin-in-picu.html A few weeks ago, I mentioned that Gavin had been passed over with his gift of life. Well, it happened a 2nd and 3rd time. Now, he has been moved to the PICU, and honestly, it appears he needs many... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1806471 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 05:04:00 +0100 1806471 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1729637&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F373169630%2Ftesting-newborns-for-alpha-1.html I've been asked to provide a patient's perspective at an Alpha-1 Foundation Critical Issues Workshop in September regarding newborn screening for Alpha-1. I'm a little nervous about this, but... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1729637 Sun, 24 Aug 2008 03:25:00 +0100 1729637 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1711839&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F367322114%2Ffalse-alarm-for-gavin.html Sad to say, but Gavin's transplant didn't happen. False alarms happen, but they are often an extreme let down for the family, who are desperate to save their loved one's life. Unfortunately, the... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1711839 Sun, 17 Aug 2008 15:18:00 +0100 1711839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1709611&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F366971714%2Fgavin-gets-call.html I just learned that a little baby boy, named Gavin, has been called for a liver transplant due to his progressive liver disease from Alpha-1. Please consider sending positive thoughts or prayers to... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1709611 Sun, 17 Aug 2008 03:15:00 +0100 1709611 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1646325&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F342512526%2Fgrand-rounds-turns-200.html Some of you may be aware of a blog carnival called Grand Rounds. It is the weekly rotating carnival of the best of the medical blogosphere. On a lark, I submitted my post about Gracie's realizations... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1646325 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:35:00 +0100 1646325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1639394&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F340272643%2Fgo-ali.html Ali's life has been so inspiring to me since I met her mom online in 2003. Enjoy this inspiring article about her life since liver transplant due to Alpha-1. A new outlook on life Transplant source... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1639394 Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:57:00 +0100 1639394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1635146&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F338677641%2Fbut-were-not-like-that-mom.html It has taken me a week to write this, and I'm not so sure I've quite captured last week's realization for Gracie or for me. It was difficult to recount the experience since my emotions pretty much... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1635146 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 02:35:00 +0100 1635146 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1635269&cid=t_212135_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fvitamin-d-are-you-getting-enough%2F The odds are that you aren’t getting enough vitamin D from your diet or from the sun and that you need to be taking vitamin D supplements, as I’ll explain below. I recently had a routine physical examination and blood work done and while most everything turned out fine, my vitamin D levels were found to be low. And since there are no symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, I wouldn’t have otherwise known about it before I developed osteoporosis (which would be a bit late in the game I think). Moreover, adequate vitamin D levels are now being recognized as important not only in preventing osteoporosis, but also in preventing several types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, falls, chronic pain syndromes and a variety of autoimmune diseases (with the list growing on a nearly daily basis). Evi... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1635269 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:35:58 +0100 1635269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1583001&cid=t_212135_151_f&fid=35823&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FAddictionInbox%2F%7E3%2F328368635%2Fif-genes-fit.html U.K psychiatrists agree addiction is "genetically determined."Although the verdict is very little in doubt these days, the heritability of addictions was reaffirmed by the U.K.'s Royal College of Psychiatrists in London on July 4th.In a presentation at the group's annual meeting, held at Imperial College, Professor Wim van den Brink of the University of Amsterdam's Academic Medical Center pinned the blame for addiction squarely on the absence of a sufficient number of dopamine receptors in the brain. "Addicts find it difficult to receive pleasure," he said. "They are not likely to enjoy most of the ordinary things most of us enjoy... they are looking for more stimulus." Professor van den Brink also made clear the importance of environmental interactions for gene expression: "You might star... Addiction Inbox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1583001 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 22:46:00 +0100 1583001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1553099&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F322209743%2Falright-then.html When my daughter Grace was born six weeks early and underweight, she was quickly placed in our hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). At that time, I was quite ill with the effects of severe... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1553099 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:00:00 +0100 1553099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1543854&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F318508430%2Finhaleexhale.html Oxygen tubes were strewn across the top of their lips and clear tubing clutched in their hands. Occasionally, a hiss would erupt from an oxygen unit. Here and there, the pulse of oxygen being... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1543854 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:24:00 +0100 1543854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1467054&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F297558863%2Four-cover-girlshaha.html Soon to be featured on the cover of The Alpha-1 News...introducing the Alpha Girls... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1467054 Sun, 25 May 2008 04:20:00 +0100 1467054 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1461172&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F295520623%2Falpha-1-foundation-association.html Alpha-1 Foundation, Association Celebrate GINA signing; Plans Under Way to Discuss Implications, Opportunities for Alpha-1 Detection MIAMI – The Alpha-1 Foundation and Alpha-1 Association today... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1461172 Thu, 22 May 2008 03:23:00 +0100 1461172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1454749&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F294185665%2Fgenetic-information-nondiscrimination.html President Bush will sign the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) into law tomorrow. One of my Alpha-1 pals, Dennis, who actively lobbied for this historic legislation will be in... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1454749 Tue, 20 May 2008 10:54:00 +0100 1454749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1439988&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F289408459%2Fin-home-stretch.html The following article will appear in an upcoming issue of the Alpha-1 News. Please enjoy this advance copy. Alpha-1 Association copyrights apply. On two recent beautiful spring days, the "Ayes" went... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1439988 Tue, 13 May 2008 12:12:00 +0100 1439988 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1397716&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F277386538%2Fhistoric-day.html I'm amazed. I'm proud. I'm relieved. I'm wondering what the future holds. The Senate passed the Genetic Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) today. It has been years in the making, and it is finally here.... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1397716 Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:28:00 +0100 1397716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1397717&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F277348914%2Fim-finding-courage-through-sharing.html As an avid reader of blogs, I've discovered a gem of a writer in Michelle at In the Life of a Child. She began a blog carnival called Finding Courage Through Sharing. It is aimed at a large community... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1397717 Fri, 25 Apr 2008 02:58:00 +0100 1397717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1358612&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F266730099%2Fboston-marathon-update.html In January, Grace and Meghan were matched with Jen Davis, a runner in the Boston Marathon, through a patient match program in use at the American Liver Foundation. Jen is participating in the Run for... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1358612 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 02:04:00 +0100 1358612 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1289142&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F248120453%2Fwhen-we-go-to-heaven.html How do you speak to your children about death? Really, how do you? Please comment. I find this subject extremely difficult, yet it has been unfortunately quite common place lately. I'm unprepared... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1289142 Sat, 08 Mar 2008 23:40:00 +0100 1289142 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1276087&cid=t_212135_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Flow_testosterone_linked_to_depression_in_elderly_males.htm Older men with lower free testosterone levels in their blood appear to have higher prevalence of depression, according to a report in the March issue of Archives of General Psychiatry. Depression affects between 2 percent and 5 percent of the population at any given time, according to background information in the article. Women are more likely to be depressed than men until age 65, when sex differences almost disappear. Several studies have suggested that sex hormones might be responsible for this phenomenon. Osvaldo P. Almeida, MD, PhD, F.R.A.N.Z.C.P., of the University of Western Australia, Perth, and colleagues studied 3,987 men age 71 to 89 years. Between 2001 and 2004, the men completed a questionnaire reporting information about demographics and health history. They underwent testin... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1276087 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 07:04:00 +0100 1276087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1253299&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F240575506%2Fpulse.html As a parent, I often feel like I've got the "pulse" of each of my children pretty much down to an exact science. Gracie is my serious, often tentative child. She is genuinely concerned about a lot... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1253299 Sun, 24 Feb 2008 22:44:00 +0100 1253299 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1243512&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FUniqueButNotAlone%2F%7E3%2F237968883%2Fpay-it-forward.html I'll never forget the moments when Grace's pediatric gastroenterologist sat Charlie and I down in some rocking chairs in the NICU and said some words I couldn't quite comprehend. She had diagnosed... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1243512 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 03:25:00 +0100 1243512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1226816&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F02%2Fmystery-diagnosis-alpha-1-len-geiger.html When I went to the national Alpha-1 conference a few years ago, I sat down next to a very clean cut looking man. He introduced himself as Len, and he immediately asked me my story and how I came into the Alpha-1 community. He shared his story with me too, and like most of the stories I've heard from Alphas, his touched my heart. Please enjoy these videos of Len, who appeared on the television show, Mystery Diagnosis. Kudos to Len for getting the word out about Alpha-1!Click on each video to watch Len's story. Part 1 is 7 minutes, 15 seconds, and part 2 is 8 minutes, 16 seconds. (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1226816 Wed, 13 Feb 2008 02:19:00 +0100 1226816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1208098&cid=t_212135_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F229669246%2F Lacking motivation? Having trouble achieving your goals? One in five people do. But no worries. Consumer International has the answer for those of you who suffer this serious affliction - mild, moderate or severe. It’s called Strivor (you know, as in striving), which can push you to do your shopping or clean the oven. The little blue pill is the group’s answer to what it calls ‘unethical and irresponsible’ pharma marketing. So it’s created a campaign called Marketing Overdose that includes a series of five tongue-in-cheek videos to peel the curtain back on patient groups that partner with pharma (raise your hand if you belong to Unmotivated Anonymous), DTC advertising and gifts to docs. There’s also a fictitious ’secret training video’ for ma... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1208098 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:53:46 +0100 1208098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1198751&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F02%2Fmommys-answers-to-lifes-questions.html Or rather, my crude attempt at answering the questions of a three and 1/2 year old. LOLTonight, as I was putting the girls to bed, we had quite a profound conversation, which taught me a little more about my daughters and their innate abilty to understand their surroundings, others in their life, and others' belief systems. While we have taught our children a specific belief system, I applaud and welcome learning about other belief systems. It helps the girls to see the larger world, while also encouraging them to accept diversity. Growing up with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency will already provide the girls with a different life vantage. I hope to cultivate diplomacy and understanding in them as well. I don't have a set plan for sharing information with them. Rather I try to use simple, e... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1198751 Mon, 04 Feb 2008 02:39:00 +0100 1198751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1179299&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Flongitudinal-study-of-alpha-1.html WOOHOO!Today, I was notified that the Cholestatic Liver Disease Research Consortium (CLiC) has begun the longitudinal study of the causes of intrahepatic cholestasis. Last fall, I interviewed the chief investigator, Dr. Ron Sokol, who explained how the study works. See this post to read that article.As much as I'm excited and will be enrolling my daughters in this study, I'm equally upset that it will require me to add yet another set of tests for both Grace & Meghan. They are easily traumatized by blood tests, and while this research may help them down the road, it means that they must sacrifice some of their DNA. This is the part of their Alpha-1 that I don't like. Making them participate in research gives me some pause, but I know that this study is being conducted to try to figure out ... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1179299 Sat, 26 Jan 2008 04:48:00 +0100 1179299 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1162652&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Fnsaids-and-alpha-1-antitrypsin.html Hmmm! I guess the children's ibuprofen in use at my house should be discontinued. Interesting, and I'm amazed this isn't more well known within the Alpha-1 community. Obviously, this hasn't been tested on humans, but animal models are really quite interesting and can show causal relationships.Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Increases Liver Damage In Mice Carrying Mutant Human GeneAlpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency isn't a term that rolls right off the tongue. But people diagnosed with this genetic disorder learn its potential effects well. They know they shouldn't smoke or be around smokers because they are at increased risk for developing emphysema at a young age. In addition, some patients with alpha-1-antitrypsin (AT) deficiency can develop serious liver disease. But predicting which o... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1162652 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 20:23:00 +0100 1162652 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1117840&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fcough-cough-cough.html As I write this, Meghan is gleefully playing inside our brand new, Santa delivered Disney Princess play hut tent. As she does every day, Meghan is humming her way through her imaginary world of the kitty vets office. Her newest family pet is a Fur Real Friend orange and white kitty. Grace's kitty is also visiting the vets office.While I'm thoroughly enjoying the sounds of the girls playing together even if there is the occasional whining and whimpering, I don't like one sound I'm hearing over and over again. It is the sound of Meghan's cough, which resembles the sound that a curdled jug of milk might make if you shook it. The "chunk, chunk, chunk, gag, gag, gag" sounds are driving this Alpha mom a little bit crazy. Once again, I'm standing here wondering how much damage Meghan's former mic... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1117840 Wed, 26 Dec 2007 16:48:00 +0100 1117840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1106329&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fcherished.html I'm feeling sentimental as the year winds down to an end. I'm grateful for all of my blessings, and this letter I wrote to Meghan when she was 1 year old really and truly recaps how I'm feeling, which is incredibly blessed. Some of you may have seen this already, but it bears repeating. I hope Meghan cherishes it when she is older.Dear Meghan,When your sister was about 15 months old I was having so much fun being a mommy, I began to have what we, mommies, call baby lust. Your big sister, Gracie, was at a very fun age filled with exploration and inquisitiveness, but she had Alpha-1.Your daddy and I eventually decided to add to our family, but that was not without reservations. We discussed having another baby from a risk benefit perspective. After all, I had a high risk pregnancy and birth ... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1106329 Wed, 19 Dec 2007 22:45:00 +0100 1106329 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1096737&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fcroup.html Thursday morning, I awoke to the sound of Grace coughing like a barking seal. It wasn't too bad at first sounds, but then rapidly progressed into a series of "arf, arf, arrrrf, arrrrrrrrrrffffff, aaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrfffffffffff" followed by a garbled, "Mommy!"I walked into her room, and she promptly began to bark again. "Hmmm, that doesn't sound good," I thought. As I got closer to her sitting up in bed, I heard what sounded like Darth Vadar breathing, which can be properly labeled as stridor."Ah crap!" I thought. I knew that croup is irritation in the upper airway, but wasn't sure what that meant in terms of her Alpha-1. Would this virus be damaging her lungs? Or, could this be something more severe like bronchitis? In either case, it was time to get an appointment with the pediatrician. ... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1096737 Sat, 15 Dec 2007 07:09:00 +0100 1096737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1047922&cid=t_212135_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F11%2F24%2Ftesting-times-hiv-and-other-sexually-transmitted-infections-in-the-united-kingdom-2007%2F The sexual health of young UK adults worsened in 2006 despite a concerted public health effort to turn it around, figures show. In 2006, a total of 376,508 new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were diagnosed - up 2.2% on 2005, the Health Protection Agency found in Testing Times - HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections in the United Kingdom: 2007 Young people aged 16-24 made up the bulk of cases of some of the most common STIs, including chlamydia. The report also warns of a continuing HIV and STI epidemic in gay men. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1047922 Sat, 24 Nov 2007 09:23:57 +0100 1047922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1033071&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Froad-to-cure.html This study isn’t the final answer though. We think this an important step on the way to finding the final answer, and especially for developing a kind of a flow chart for how the liver gets hurt. That allows researchers to investigate every arrow in the chart, and figure out a medicine that could block certain “arrows” in the chart.”Dr. Teckman envisions this for the future, “Now we are trying to understand the liver cells that have the large amount of Z protein build-up. We are trying to determine what that build-up might mean in terms of developing liver cancer. We are also trying to test drugs that would block the build up of abnormal protein so we can hopefully take some of these drugs we are testing in animals and then try them in humans in clinical trials.”The research so... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1033071 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:53:00 +0100 1033071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1031202&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Flife-insurance.html Neither of my children can obtain life insurance. Well what I mean is that I have not been able to obtain life insurance on my children. They've been flat out denied because of their Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.I know that this can be a morbid subject for some people, but I've faced the idea that my children's lives are not guaranteed. Yes, I hate to even write that down. If I lost my children, I'm pretty sure I'd curl up in a ball somewhere and never emerge again. My only hope for life insurance policies for my girls would be to pay for funeral expenses. Money could never ever replace them or begin to soothe the emptiness I'd feel.It has always bothered me that Gracie and Meghan won't be able to take advantage of the benefits of life insurance, though. I've even asked insurance agents ... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1031202 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:25:00 +0100 1031202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1028284&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Finterview-with-alpha-1-expert.html On Friday, I had the opportunity to interview a man helping to find answers for how Alpha-1 damages the liver. He is Dr. Jeff Teckman, and I've gotten to know him as an acquaintance through my volunteer work with the Alpha-1 Association and Alpha-1 Foundation. It was an enlightening experience in that I got to better understand how the true process of research happens, but then I had a realization.Research takes years and years of trial and error. Successes are often fleeting or just out of reach. In talking to Dr. Teckman, I learned about in vitro research, which is based on cells grown in a petry dish. I also learned about in vivo research, which uses animals or humans. His latest publication was based on a well known assumption that the build-up of the Alpha-1 Z protein in the liver cel... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1028284 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 02:50:00 +0100 1028284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=974654&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Fowie-it-hurts.html When Gracie was a baby in the NICU, she had several leads on her chest to monitor various vital signs and such. I remember the circular stickers that attached the leads to Grace covered nearly all of her chest. I have a vivid memory of watching her tiny 3 pound body breathe in and out. Her retractions made me very nervous. I kept willing her to calm the rapidity of her breaths. My telepathic notions didn't work, but some time and patience did.Preemie skin is often frail, and the NICU used something they called "second skin" to help protect Grace's skin from sores while in their care. Grace only ended up with one tiny scar on her collar bone. It is pea-sized and slightly raised. Recently, Grace asked me what the bump was on her chest. I told her how it got there, and she said, "I like to to... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=974654 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:08:00 +0100 974654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=964738&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Falpha-1-carriers-and-anxietybipolar.html Wow, I guess I would have never put these two together. Interesting, but I'm not sure I completely understand it...Art, alpha-1-antitrypsin polymorphisms and intense creative energy: Blessing or curse? NeuroToxicology Volume 28, Issue 5, September 2007, Pages 899-914 Twenty-Third International Neurotoxicology Conference: ”Neurotoxicity in Development and Aging” Donald Everett Schmechel, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Medical Director, The Falls Neurology and Memory Center, 4355 Hickory Boulevard (US 321), Granite Falls, NC 28630, United States Received 1 February 2007; accepted 21 May 2007. AbstractPersons heterozygous for Z, S and rare alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT, SERPIN1A) polymorphisms (ca. 9% of population) are often considered ‘silent’ carriers with incre... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=964738 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 22:01:00 +0100 964738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=939920&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Fresearch-into-impact-of-testing.html The objective of this study is to investigate the ethical, legal, and social impact of testing at risk children for Alpha-1. The results will inform the development of recommendations for health care professionals on what constitutes disclosure of risks and benefits in informed consent or assent by children who are considering testing for Alpha-1. As a pre-study, we will conduct 2 focus groups: one in Denver, Colorado on November 10, 2007 and one in Orlando, Florida on December 1, 2007. To participate in a focus group, you must be a parent who has made a decision to test or not to test your at risk child for Alpha-1 or an adult who was tested for Alpha-1 as a child. To enroll in the focus group or for more information please email marilyn.coors@uchsc.edu or call 1-303-315-0203. To particip... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=939920 Wed, 10 Oct 2007 03:27:00 +0100 939920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=912155&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fbeautiful-alpha-1-organ-donation-story.html This is an amazingly beautiful story of a woman, just about 1 year younger than me, who received a liver transplant due to ZZ Alpha-1 in 1984. She lost her older brother to Alpha-1, but her story is so beautiful. Enjoy the reminder of life's blessings.http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/0923transplant0923.html (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=912155 Fri, 28 Sep 2007 20:13:00 +0100 912155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=868298&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fbut-i-want-to-cut-grass-when-i-grow-up.html Grace's understanding of Alpha-1 is exploding now. Her naiveness is fading, and we'll she is one smart cookie. I hope that I can help her believe that she is special because she is an Alpha, but that it doesn't limit her (within reason). This is the hard part of parenting a child with a medical condition...explaining things with kid logic and just enough without giving too much. It certainly is a balancing act. Here is another example of our conversations lately.While driving down our alley in the minivan, Grace noticed our neighbor cutting his lawn."Look Mom! Emma's Daddy is cuttin' the grass. Mom, when can we make the Alpha go away?""Honey, we can't make it go away. It isn't like a germ. It is part of who you are, but we are taking good care of you by protecting your lungs from bad stuff... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=868298 Thu, 13 Sep 2007 04:09:00 +0100 868298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=862183&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fdisenchanted.html As I approached the front door of the home, I paused and composed myself. I guessed that I'd have a hard time getting through the meeting. After all, I had decided I needed to tell them I could no longer serve.I gulped some air, and entered. I walked in the house behind another woman. The individuals in the living room quieted. A few minutes later, we gathered around a large oak table for the meeting. Several agenda items were to be completed. All that I wanted was for the last item to arrive. I wanted to say what I had to say, and get out of there. With much anticipation, I shifted in my chair and managed to gulp down some food. My nerves were on end, and I'm pretty sure my blood pressure was rising.Eventually and finally, we arrived at the agenda item I anticipated. I informed the group ... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=862183 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 02:37:00 +0100 862183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=853189&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fanother-cousin-gone.html Gosh, I'm pretty depressed since I recently found out my cousin, Butch, passed away on June 27th at age 44. I'm assuming his Alpha-1 liver disease is what finally released his soul. How is it that we just found out you're gone???I hadn't seen him in many years, but it just feels strange knowing he is gone. As a little girl, I remember him hanging out with my uncle David and Butch's older brother, Tony. They would have been teenagers at the time, and they seemed so old to me then. But now I think that Butch was simply too young to die. There are too many Alpha angels in heaven. It just makes me so so sad to know he is gone. How is it that your brother, Tony, is the only one left of your siblings now? How is it that 4/5 siblings are gone from Alpha-1? Sometimes, I wonder...Butch, I know you ... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=853189 Sun, 09 Sep 2007 04:51:00 +0100 853189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=831066&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Fode-to-clean-air.html Well, I'm just jokin' about the ode part...Charlie and I just got back from sin city, aka Las Vegas. We attended our dear friend Shanna's wedding to Steve. It was 107 that day, and well, I've never worn sun screen to a wedding before. :)In any case, it was fun to get some one-on-one time with my husband. It was down right decadent at times what with us being able to lie down on the bed, and lazily flip channels without a child whining something to the effect of "I wanna watch Dora!" I missed the girls, and they were frequently our topic of conversation.What I didn't like about Las Vegas was the amount of cigarette and cigar smoke I encountered on what seemed to happen in 30-second intervals. Blech! Now that I've been educated about how exposure to one cigarette completely wipes out the ava... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=831066 Thu, 30 Aug 2007 03:26:00 +0100 831066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=817556&cid=t_212135_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F8%2F23%2Fselenium-supplementanother-myth-debunked.html  By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.D The theory that selenium is ‘good for you’ has just suffered a body blow—supplementation actually causes an increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Why is selenium a food supplement? The theories range from the sublime to the ridiculous. I still remember that runners swore by selenium as a performance enhancer. It didn’t do it for me, so I asked for the evidence. In a word: there was none. Another ‘theory’ is that selenium is important in the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Evidence? Sub Saharan Africa has a low selenium content in the soil, and a high incidence of HIV. The exception is Senegal , where the soil content is high and, wouldn’t you guess, HIV incidence is lower. Enough said. A more serious theory is that i... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=817556 Thu, 23 Aug 2007 05:38:28 +0100 817556 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=816757&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Falpha-realization.html As I was tucking Meghan into bed tonight, I told her that she would be going to the eye doctor tomorrow."Why'm goin' ta the eye docta Momma?" Meghan inquired."To get your eyes checked out Meggie so that they stay healthy. Sometimes, kids who were born too early need to get glasses like the ones I'm wearing Meggie. Daddy will take you to see if your eyes need glasses."Meghan responded, "Okay, Mommy."Grace joined in, "Mommy were you born too early?""No honey, I wasn't born too early. I was born one week late.""Did your mommy get sick when you were in her tummy?""No honey, but my mommy's mommy got sick from those nasty "party bugs" called preeclampsia like me."Mom, when can we make the Alpha go away?" Grace pondered.Ah ha, there it is again. Gracie is growing up so quickly now, and her self-r... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=816757 Wed, 22 Aug 2007 04:08:00 +0100 816757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=779019&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Fvisit-to-gi-clinic.html We reported that Grace has bloody noses here and there, but has always been a kid who bruises easily. So, Dr B. ordered a clotting time study, which just meant an extra couple of tubes of blood. All of this went right over Grace's head so she is none the wiser. Whew!I'm pretty confident that each of my girls will have mild elevations in ALT/AST, and Grace's clotting time will come out normal as it did when the test was run when she was 2. Okay. I should probably say that I'm crossing my fingers for those results.As you can see, I struggle with denial versus reality versus maintaining a normal childhood experience for my girls. Both of them identify themselves as Alphas, but I still don't think they quite "get" what Alpha-1 is yet. I wonder how much longer I can help maintain that blissful ... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=779019 Sat, 04 Aug 2007 03:29:00 +0100 779019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=776208&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Freality-setting-in.html Tomorrow, my girls go for their liver checks at the GI clinic. Why does it always send me into an inner panic mode? Well, I can answer that question, but I guess this just an Alpha mom voicing her inner most fears. Please God, please let everything be fine.Oh and God, please help Gracie with her anxiety over blood draws. Last time, she tried to bite the lab tech, and well, we need some bravery Lord. Please?A humble Alpha mom,Jen (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=776208 Fri, 03 Aug 2007 03:44:00 +0100 776208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=774224&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Ftalecris-sues-baxter.html The Delware IP Law Blog is reporting "Baxter Loses Bid To Have Patent Declared Invalid for Indefiniteness."http://www.delawareiplaw.com/index.php?itemid=149Augmentation therapy is big pharmaceutical business in the Alpha-1 community. I suppose this goes on more than most of us know. As a parent of Alphas, I hope this kind of drama stays far, far away from my girls as they get older. (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=774224 Thu, 02 Aug 2007 03:42:00 +0100 774224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=767679&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Ftalecris-goes-for-initial-public.html Hey Alpha-1 Community!Hold onto to your hats. The producer of Prolastin, an augmentation therapy for Alpha-1 lung disease, is going public. Hot of the presses...Talecris Biotherapeutics (TLCR) Files $1 Billion IPO07-30-2007 09:06:31 AM Talecris Biotherapeutics Holdings (Nasdaq: TLCR) has filed a registration statement with the SEC for an initial public offering of its common stock. The Company intends to apply to list its common units on the Nasdaq under the symbol “TLCR.” The proposed maximum aggregate offering price is $1 billion.The offering is being made through Morgan Stanley, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and JPMorgan.Talecris Biotherapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company that is one of the largest producers and marketers of plasma-derived protein therapies in the world. Talecris develop... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=767679 Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:48:00 +0100 767679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=764443&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Falpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency-human.html I found a really great summation of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency on the Human Genome web site. Enjoy the reading.http://www.genome.gov/19518992 (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=764443 Sat, 28 Jul 2007 15:34:00 +0100 764443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=741510&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fgot-abstract.html Yahoo! Thanks Sarah.I don't want to violate copyright law, but here is a snipet of the article's conclusions:A1AT protein expression is increased in preeclamptic placentas. This is the first demonstration that polymerized A1AT is present in serum and urine of patients with preeclampsia, and that this material is bound to placental vascular endothelium. This suggests that the polymerized A1AT may play a role in the pathogenesis of endothelial damage in preeclampsia.Can I translate this into English words? Yes. Warning: I'm not a medical professional nor do I play one on TV. Alpha-1 proteins are sticking together (polymers) and "globbing up" the tiny blood vessels (vascular endothelium) of the placenta in patients with the Z type of Alpha-1. When a placenta doesn't work well, the baby does n... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=741510 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 01:27:00 +0100 741510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=736361&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fpreeclampsia-and-alpha-1-antitrypsin.html About 3 years ago on a lark, I looked up the location of the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency gene on the human genome web site. To my surprise, I had an "aha" moment when I noticed that a different gene for hypertension (that I have) was startlingly close to the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency gene on the distal long arm of chromosome 14.I've always wondered about this:* I have the M2Z genotype for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.* Both of my children have ZZ Alpha-1, a severely deficient genotype.* Plus the fact that I have a form of hypertension that responds to an ACE inhibitor.Did these facts contribute to the development of my severe preeclampsia??? It seems someone else (a smarter medical research team than I am) has indeed wondered the same thing.Today, someone found my blog by doing a... Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=736361 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 03:10:00 +0100 736361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=733627&cid=t_212135_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F07%2F13%2Fincreased-cancer-risk-in-hiv-transplant-patients%2F Filed under: All CancersHIV/AIDS and kidney transplant patients are at a much greater risk of developing 20 different types of cancer than the general population, according to research led by Professor Andrew Grulich from the University of New South Wales' National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research (NCHECR) and published in The Lancet.The research suggests that immune deficiency, which is common to the two types of patients, is responsible for this increased risk of cancer.HIV/AIDS and kidney transplant patients are more likely to develop Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is associated with the Epstein Barr virus and a number of cancers associated with the human papilloma virus. According to the researchers, for other cancers which are not linked with viruses such as breast and pros... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=733627 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 733627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=729917&cid=t_212135_129_f&fid=35709&url=http%3A%2F%2Falphagirls.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Falpha-1-public-service-announcement.html My support group leader, Noreen, made this wonderful public service announcement about Alpha-1.Here is her description of the video: 1 min 18 sec - Jul 11, 2007 This is my PSA on the condition called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. It is a spoof on the Viking genes that have been passed down ... all » through hereditary means. The mutated gene pair is called ZZ and can cause emphysema, cirrhosis and/or panniculitus. As many as 25 million people in the U.S. are unaware that they are carriers of the Z gene. It is commonly misdiagnosed as asthma in young adults. Alpha-1 can lead to a lung or liver transplant. I am a lung-affected Alpha and was diagnosed at age 38 with advanced emphysema.Click on the movie to make it play. (Source: Unique But Not Alone) Unique But Not Alone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=729917 Thu, 12 Jul 2007 15:48:00 +0100 729917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=484975&cid=t_212135_127_f&fid=34828&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrclouthier.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fiodine-deficiency.html When you get a chance take a look at the link above regarding iodine deficiency. Dr. Brownstein is a good friend and fellow practitioner of a mentor or mine in Michigan. He has written a really good short synopsis of iodine deficiency. I treat patients that have that have been experiencing female health/hormone problems, increased speed of aging of body tissues and cystic breasts, constipation, exhaustion, arrhythmia to name just a few. Some would go as far as to cite any cystic tissue in the body as being deficient of iodine. If you need more information on how to perform a simple check for iodine need in the body just call our office and we will help you get the information you need. (Source: Dr. Steve Clouthier) Dr. Steve Clouthier blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=484975 Wed, 21 Mar 2007 01:20:00 +0100 484975