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 'immunology'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:48:15 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181850&cid=t_96572_105_f&fid=34896&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorrw.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Ffood-allergy.html (Source: Notes from Dr. RW) Notes from Dr. RW blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181850 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:04:00 +0100 5181850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159104&cid=t_96572_105_f&fid=34896&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorrw.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Freview-of-innate-immune-system.html (Source: Notes from Dr. RW) Notes from Dr. RW blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159104 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:33:00 +0100 5159104 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159011&cid=t_96572_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2Fn0G9RlORbGY%2F A 76 year-old man presents with a florid spreading violaceous rash over most of his body...what is your differential diagnosis? (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159011 Sun, 21 Aug 2011 23:51:36 +0100 5159011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139826&cid=t_96572_105_f&fid=34896&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorrw.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fangioedema.html (Source: Notes from Dr. RW) Notes from Dr. RW blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139826 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:55:00 +0100 5139826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008090&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F008171.html If your immune system is too weak or excessively active your genes probably play a role in making them that way. WHAT: A trio of large-scale genome-wide association studies, or GWAS, have identified more than 15 gene variants responsible for the diversity of white blood cell counts among whites, African-Americans, and Japanese. Supported in part by the National Institutes of Health, each study examined the genomes of tens of thousands of people. Combined, the studies offer the first comprehensive analysis into why some people, and some populations, have more or fewer white blood cells than others. All three articles will be published online June 30 in PLoS Genetics. White blood cells are part of the immune system, which fights infections... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008090 Mon, 04 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5008090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883579&cid=t_96572_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2Fm4uebrho2cM%2F Recently I treated a patient with alcohol induced Palmaris slapus abdominus. This rare condition is prevalent amongst athletes, particularly males in their early 20's playing rugby at an elite level. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883579 Wed, 01 Jun 2011 02:34:02 +0100 4883579 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4709209&cid=t_96572_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FfxqSH9JDGF4%2F Is it safe to give a patient frusemide if he has an allergy to sulfa drugs? Are you feeling slightly immunologically discombobulated? The answer's here. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4709209 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 07:38:13 +0100 4709209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592394&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-new-treatment-for-lupus%2F2011.03.15 Lupus, an autoimmune disease, [recently] turned up on the front page of the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). It cropped up, also, on the first page of the New York Times business section, and elsewhere. Scientific American published a nice online review just now. The reason is that the FDA has approved a new monoclonal antibody for treatment of this condition. The drug belimumab (Benlysta), targets a molecule called BlyS (B-lymphocyte Stimulator). The newspapers uniformly emphasize that this drug marks some sort of triumph for Human Genome Sciences, a biotech company that first reported on BlyS in the journal Science way back in 1999. BlyS triggers B cells to produce antibodies that in patients with lupus tend to bind and destroy their own cells’ needed machinery, causing various joint, lung... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592394 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:00:36 +0100 4592394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489672&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fadult-vaccines-most-doctors-dont-stock-all-of-them%2F2011.02.17 Less than one in three primary care practices offer all 10 recommended adult vaccines, citing a variety of financial and logistical reasons. Researchers sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sampled 993 family physicians and 997 general internists. Of the respondents, 27 percent (31 percent of family practitioners and 20 percent of internists) stocked all 10. Results appear in the Feb. 17 issue of the journal Vaccine. The 10 vaccines were hepatitis A; hepatitis B; human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV); combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR); meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4); pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23); tetanus diphtheria (Td); combined tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap); varicella; and zoster. Of the responding practices, two percent plan... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489672 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:00:00 +0100 4489672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4445801&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fimmunization-recommendations-the-2011-update%2F2011.02.07 [Last] week, Pediatrics published their yearly update to the recommended immunization schedule. Each year, the immunization schedule is reviewed, and when necessary, guidelines are changed to improve protection for children. Changes stem from new studies that provide insight into immunization spacing, infectious disease experts’ analysis of data from new trends in infection, or epidemics like that from H1N1 or whooping xough. All of this data changes our understanding of how and who we need to protect as time unfolds. Some of the new recommendations announced may require your child to get an additional shot when at the office next. Often we think our kids are up to date when they aren’t. We’re often wrong because of changes made to the recommendations or because our child has missed ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4445801 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 23:00:07 +0100 4445801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4436751&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-new-twist-on-food-allergies-in-kids%2F2011.02.04 The current New Yorker unfolds an engaging story on childhood food allergies. As related by Dr. Jerome Groopman, there’s a shift in how some doctors think about how these conditions  are best managed and, even better — might be prevented. The article feeds into recent discussion that medical science, and even dogma, too-often turns out to be incorrect. Groopman interviews Dr. Hugh Sampson, director of the Jae Food Allergy Institute at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York: …“This increase in the incidence of food allergy is real,” Sampson said when we spoke recently. He cannot say what is causing the increase, but he now thinks the conventional approach to preventing food allergies is misconceived. For most of his career, he believed, like most allergists, that children are... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4436751 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:00:01 +0100 4436751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419137&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbook-review-deadly-choices-how-the-anti-vaccine-movement-threatens-us-all%2F2011.01.31 A friend suggested she was tired of hearing about vaccines. Her comment and our subsequent conversation seemed to reflect an important shift in parent sentiment: The conversation about vaccines is beginning to get somewhere. While much of this was born of the mainstream media’s newfound realization that the vaccine-autism connection was cooked, some of this is due to the tireless work of those like the Children’s Hospital of Philedelphia’s Dr. Paul Offit who get the story right. As part of his passionate agenda to expose vaccine truths, he’s published “Deadly Choices: How the Anti-vaccine Movement Threatens Us All” (Basic Books, 2011). For those looking to understand the origins of anti-vaccine sentiment, read this book. What struck me is the deep history beh... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419137 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 21:00:50 +0100 4419137 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419141&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-cocaine-vaccine%2F2011.01.30 Although cocaine use has declined steadily since its peak in the early 1980s, public health officials estimate that about 7 million Americans used the drug at least once last year. Many of these folks are addicted to the drug, and its intense, short-lived euphoric effects mean the addiction is terribly difficult to overcome. Addiction specialists believe existing treatment paradigms for cocaine addiction can be enhanced by a vaccine that prevents the drug from crossing the blood-brain barrier, thus blunting its euphoric effects. Scientists have worked hard to develop such a vaccine, but have had limited success so far.  About a year ago for example, Thomas Kosten and colleagues at Baylor reported partial success in a human trial of a cocaine vaccine. In that trial, 38 percent of subjects... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419141 Sun, 30 Jan 2011 23:00:04 +0100 4419141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399527&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdiscussing-immunization-the-injustice-of-interviewing-dr-wakefield%2F2011.01.25 When Dr. Andrew Wakefield was interviewed on ABC’s “Good Morning America” [recently], an injustice occurred. For children, I mean. And it occurred inadvertently, I suspect. But I believe this injustice happens all the time when it comes to children’s health and wellness. What the media covers really changes how we think and feel about protecting and parenting our children. The media’s effort to inform and educate — just like that of physicians and nurses, social workers and ancillary staff, researchers, and students — can get lost and misconstrued. ABC worked hard to inform us of the accusations against Dr. Wakefield with a two-minute introduction by Dr. Richard Besser, a pediatrician and medical editor/correspondent. Yet when the interview was over, ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399527 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 18:00:46 +0100 4399527 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399529&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Feffect-of-autism-vaccine-fraud-not-easily-undone%2F2011.01.24 Eighteen percent of American believe that vaccines can cause autism, 30 percent remain unsure, and 52 percent of Americans don’t think vaccines can cause autism, according to public opinion polling done after research linking vaccines to the condition was reported as fraudulent. While 69 percent of respondents said they had heard about an association between vaccination and autism, 47 percent knew that the original Lancet study had been retracted, and that recently the research is reported as being fraudulent. The poll also found that 86 percent of parents who have doubts about the vaccine said that their children were fully vaccinated, compared to 98 percent of parents who believe vaccines are safe, and that 92 percent of children are fully vaccinated. The poll was conducted... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399529 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 22:00:00 +0100 4399529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4394443&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Famericans-are-quickly-rethinking-the-autism-vaccine-link%2F2011.01.24 Eighteen percent of American believe that vaccines can cause autism, 30 percent remain unsure, and 52 percent of Americans don’t think vaccines can cause autism, according to public opinion polling done after research linking vaccines to the condition was reported as fraudulent. While 69 percent of respondents said they had heard about an association between vaccination and autism, 47 percent knew that the original Lancet study had been retracted, and that recently the research is reported as being fraudulent. The poll also found that 86 percent of parents who have doubts about the vaccine said that their children were fully vaccinated, compared to 98 percent of parents who believe vaccines are safe, and that 92 percent of children are fully vaccinated. The poll was conducted... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4394443 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 22:00:00 +0100 4394443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4352713&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-slippery-slope-of-anti-vaccine-complacency%2F2011.01.15 I got a package in the mail today: My very own (complimentary) copy of Paul Offit’s new book, “Deadly Choices; How the Anti-Vaccine Movement Threatens Us All.” Needless to say, I can’t wait to read it. Not coincidentally, Dr. Offit has been making the rounds of interviews in the wake of the book’s release. Although I haven’t heard any of them directly, I did see a reference to this NPR interview on the FaceBook page of an old friend, who quoted from it thusly: IRA FLATOW:  You write that some pediatricians will not see kids who are not vaccinated. Is that a good solution to the problem? DR. PAUL OFFIT: I don’t know what’s a good solution to that problem. And I feel tremendous sympathy for the clinician who’s in private practice. On the one hand, and my wife sort ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4352713 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 15:00:02 +0100 4352713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4343127&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Finfluenza-its-not-just-the-flu%2F2011.01.13 One of our readers suggested that I review the book The Great Influenza: The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History, by John M. Barry. It’s not a new book (it was published in 2004) but it is very pertinent to several of the issues that we have been discussing on this blog, especially in regards to the current anti-vaccine movement. It’s well worth reading for its historical insights, for its illumination of the scientific method, and for its accurate reporting of what science has learned about influenza. In the great flu epidemic of 1918, influenza killed as many people in 24 weeks as AIDS has killed in 24 years. It’s hard to even imagine what that must have been like, but this book helps us imagine it. It tells horror stories: Children found alone and starving beside the cor... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4343127 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 20:00:51 +0100 4343127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4249062&cid=t_96572_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FbEUO1LImFsk%2F A question-and-answer review of 'An Evidence-Based Review Of Pediatric Anaphylaxis' from EBMedicine's Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4249062 Sat, 11 Dec 2010 00:00:01 +0100 4249062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4249075&cid=t_96572_105_f&fid=34896&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorrw.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fcombination-antibiotics-in-early-septic.html (Source: Notes from Dr. RW) Notes from Dr. RW blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4249075 Fri, 10 Dec 2010 13:06:00 +0100 4249075 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4237893&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-food-allergy-guidelines%2F2010.12.07 The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) issued comprehensive food allergy guidelines to help primary care physicians and subspecialists diagnose and manage patients. The guidelines were published online at the NIAID food allergy guidelines portal, which also has a frequently asked questions section. The agency will release a patient synopsis early next year. The guidelines establish consistent terminology and definitions, diagnostic criteria and patient management practices. Additional topics covered by the guidelines include the prevalence of food allergy and management of acute allergic reactions to food, including anaphylaxis. The report also identifies gaps about what is known about food allergy. NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, MACP, said, “Because thes... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4237893 Tue, 07 Dec 2010 21:00:00 +0100 4237893 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4237896&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdiagnosising-sepsis-in-under-an-hour%2F2010.12.07 Because current sepsis tests can take up to two days to provide a diagnosis, many patients fail to receive proper treatment until it is too late. However, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology hope to improve survival rates with the MinoLab, a new testing platform which they claim will be able to provide results in under an hour. The MinoLab uses magnetic nanoparticles to carry the analyte through multiple reaction chambers before providing a final diagnosis. More from the announcement: Dr. Dirk Kuhlmeier, a scientist at the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, explains how all that works: “After taking a sample of blood, magnetic nanoparticles bind themselves to the target cells in the blood sample through specific catcher molecules. We... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4237896 Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:00:28 +0100 4237896 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4158813&cid=t_96572_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FTmOWer8-iJc%2F Antibodies are an important component of the host defense against viral infection. These molecules, produced 7-14 days after infection, neutralize viral infectivity, thereby limiting the spread of infection. Antibodies are thought to neutralize viral infectivity in several ways: by forming noninfectious aggregates that cannot enter cells, or by blocking virion attachment to cells or uncoating (figure). A new mechanism has just joined this list, in which antibody bound virions are degraded in the cell cytoplasm. A cytoplasmic protein called TRIM21 (tripartite motif-containing 21) was recently found to bind with high affinity to the conserved regions of antibody molecules. The presence of this activity in many mammalian species suggested that there could be ways that antibodies operate withi... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4158813 Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:34:51 +0100 4158813 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4133711&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhat-does-anti-vaccine-really-mean%2F2010.11.04 We write a lot about vaccines here at Science-Based Medicine. Indeed, as I write this, I note that there are 155 posts under the Vaccines category, with this post to make it 156. This is third only to Science and Medicine (which is such a vague, generic category that I’ve been seriously tempted to get rid of it, anyway) and Science and the Media. There is no doubt that vaccines represent one of the most common topics that we cover here on SBM, and with good reason. That good reason is that, compared to virtually any other modality used in the world of SBM, vaccines are under the most persistent attack from a vocal group of people, who, either because they mistakenly believe that vaccines caused their children’s autism, because they don’t like being told what to do by The Man, because... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4133711 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:00:04 +0100 4133711 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4162682&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fvaccine-book-published.html%23unique-entry-id-216 The new book Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel Strategies edited by Rino Rappuoli and Fabio Bagnoli has been delivered to our distributors and is available for immediate dispatch read more ... Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesEdited by: Rino Rappuoli and Fabio BagnoliISBN: 978-1-904455-74-5Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: February 2011Cover: hardback read more ... (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4162682 Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4162682 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4060015&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fimmunology-conference.html%23unique-entry-id-207 March 1 - 6, 2011 Cutting Edge Immunology and its Clinical ApplicationHulshort, The Netherlands Further informationThis conference is intended to provide academic environment in which young researchers readily meet distinguished front-runners in the field of basic and clinical immunology to discuss the frontline of immunological research and its clinical application. We believe this helps to construct a new collaborative network of young and senior researchers with different backgrounds and interests, and promote closer interaction between the bench and the clinic. This conference is organised by the European Science Foundation (ESF), in partnership with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).Suggested reading: Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel Strategies (Sour... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4060015 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4060015 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012159&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fmechanisms-of-vaccination.html%23unique-entry-id-203 October 27 - November 1, 2010 Immunological Mechanisms of Vaccination Seattle, Washington, USA Further information Immunological Mechanisms of Vaccination will bring together an interdisciplinary group of scientists in immunology, virology, systems biology and vaccinology, to address critical advances in these fields and their implications for vaccinology; The importance of the innate immune system in sensing vaccines and shaping the vaccine immunity; Modulating immune memory to vaccines with innate immunity; Novel approaches to understanding host-pathogen interactions; Deconstructing the mode of action of successful vaccines, vectors adjuvants with innate immunity; Constructing new vaccines and adjuvants with innate immunity; Application of systems biology to predicting vaccine efficacy, ... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012159 Tue, 28 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4012159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3998989&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhen-adults-get-chickenpox%2F2010.09.24 We think of chickenpox as a childhood disease, but there are adult cases and they tend to lead to more serious complications. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella virus and it is extremely contagious. Most people are exposed in childhood (or they receive the chicken pox vaccine), and so adults rarely contract it. It is especially dangerous for pregnant women because the fetus can become infected. The latency period from infection exposure to disease is 10 to 21 days. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at EverythingHealth* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3998989 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:00:00 +0100 3998989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3993911&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fall-about-hands-guidance-and-germs%2F2010.09.21 Some interesting items this week involving hands. The one which has gotten much news coverage is the issue of handwashing. Take a look at some of the headlines: High five! Handwashing on rise (Chicago Sun-Times) For Many, ‘Washroom’ Seems to Be Just a Name (The New York Times) 93% of women wash their hands vs. 77% of men (USA Today) All the above are reporting on the same study, but the difference in presentation is amazing to me. The study doesn’t involve handwashing in a hospital or doctor’s office setting. The JAMA article (2nd reference below) does, but this article focuses on whether public reporting of handwashing compliance is helpful or not. Do we inflate our numbers to make ourselves look better? (more…) *This blog post was originally published at ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3993911 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0100 3993911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965413&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpollen-as-microscopic-art%2F2010.09.13 Martin Oeggerli, a Swiss scientific photographer, has turned his talents to the bane of seasonal allergy sufferers and produced a pretty impressive gallery of colorized electron microscope images of pollen grains. The color isn’t true to life in all of the images, but it’s altered to better show the textures in the pollen grains: Micronaut: Image Gallery - Spectacular Pollen (Via BoingBoing) *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3965413 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 16:00:11 +0100 3965413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3959927&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdeveloping-new-antibiotics-thinking-beyond-bacteria-resistance%2F2010.09.11 Bacteria may be having a renaissance. Back in the days of the discovery of penicillin, doctors gleefully handed out antibiotics like they were candy and patients were more than happy to munch them down. They were quite effective too, but bacteria rapidly became resistant. Doctors and scientists worry that we are approaching a time where if we don’t come up with novel antibiotic mechanisms, we will face an epidemic of untreatable bacterial infections. MRSA, methicillin-resistant staphylcoccal auerus, is probably one of the biggest fears. John Rennie wrote about this issue in the PLoS blog The Gleaming Retort. He describes two strategies scientists are using to try to come up with new weapons in the great antibacterial war. So, naturally one of the first things they turned to was cockr... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3959927 Sat, 11 Sep 2010 18:00:08 +0100 3959927 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3935797&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fare-your-allergies-acting-up-ragweed-pollen-season-is-here%2F2010.09.05 I don’t know about you, but my allergies have really been acting up lately. Well, maybe not this week since it’s been cooler. But last week my eyes were watering, my nose was running, and my lungs were wheezing (kind of). But for the first two weeks of August, a lot of my patients were complaining about their allergy symptoms getting worse. And for some people, their asthma was getting worse as well. The local TV station called me last week during the beginning of ragweed pollen season and asked me to talk about it: If you find this information helpful, I invite you to check out my other TV interviews about health-related issues. *This blog post was originally published at Doctor Anonymous* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3935797 Sun, 05 Sep 2010 22:00:00 +0100 3935797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3899396&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2F5-things-you-should-know-about-organic-beauty-products%2F2010.08.24 “All natural. Certified organic. Made from natural ingredients. Pure botanicals. Chemical free.” You might guess I’m standing in the farmers market. Nope. I’m in the “Health and Beauty” aisle at Target. The ubiquitous all-things-natural trend has overtaken the cosmetic industry. How do you know what’s real and what’s marketing hype? Here are five things you should know about organic beauty product labels: 1. Labels that say “natural ingredients” or “botanicals” are not certified organic. These statements are not regulated. Most natural ingredients used in beauty products are actually modified in a lab. Truly botanical ingredients, like you’d pick in your garden, are usually unstable and would spoil like food. 2. Natural doesn’t always mean be... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3899396 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:00:49 +0100 3899396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3865267&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsystemic-fibromyallergia%2F2010.08.13 Happy:  Ma’am, I noticed you have an allergy to prednisone listed.  Ma’am:  Oh, I can never take prednisone again. I’m allergic to it. Happy:  Really? Huh. What happened when you took prednisone? Ma’am:  It made my tongue swell up really bad. Happy:  Huh. What did they give you to reverse the allergic reaction? Ma’am:  Some sort of steroid through my IV. I’m thinking this qualifies as a raging case of systemic fibromyallergia. *This blog post was originally published at The Happy Hospitalist* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3865267 Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:00:00 +0100 3865267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3898996&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fherperviruses-interferon.html%23unique-entry-id-187 from Paul T. Sobol and Karen L. Mossman writing in Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology:Key to the innate immune response to alpha herpesvirus infection is the expression and secretion of type I interferons (IFNs). This family of cytokines bolsters a host offensive to invading pathogens by inducing IFN stimulated genes (ISGs). Not surprisingly, the evolutionary pressure faced by alpha herpesviruses to adapt to the type I IFN response has shaped alpha herpesvirus evolution at the very interface of the virus-host interaction. The cumulative effects of type I IFN expression on alpha herpesvirus replication in vitro and dissemination in vivo are discussed in a recent review, along with mechanisms employed by these viruses to subvert the type I IFN response. Alpha herpesviruses block type I I... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3898996 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3898996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3898994&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fautophagy.html%23unique-entry-id-189 from Philipe A.M. Gobeil and David A. Leib writing in Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology:Autophagy is a rapidly growing area of biomedical research with broad relevance to fields including microbiology, cell biology, immunology, cancer biology, and neurodegeneration. In infection and immunity, it is emerging as a pivotal pathway mediating direct pathogen degradation as well as for the development of robust innate and adaptive immune responses. Successful pathogens have evolved to either evade or harness the autophagy pathway to further their replication and pathogenesis. In a recent review the basic aspects of autophagy will be described, along with its role in cellular homeostasis, and the development of immunity. The primary focus is a survey of past and recent research defining the ... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3898994 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3898994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3815964&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fstrategies-against-hsv.html%23unique-entry-id-176 from Timothy E. Dudek and David M. Knipe writing in Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology:Vaccines have been among the most effective public health approaches for protecting individuals against viral disease, with two of the world's most successful vaccines being against smallpox virus and poliovirus. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a nearly ubiquitous pathogen, and the worldwide prevalence of herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) continues to increase. These two pathogens cause significant morbidity and mortality among the general population, but in particular in neonates and immunocompromised individuals. Perhaps most significantly, there is a 3-4 fold increased risk of HIV acquisition in HSV-2 infected individuals. To date, attempts at producing a vaccine against HSV have not been successfu... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3815964 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3815964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3815963&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fhsv-immunity.html%23unique-entry-id-177 from Keith R. Jerome writing in Alphaherpesviruses: Molecular Virology:HSV presents unique challenges to the human immune system. Most of these result from the ability of the virus to establish latency in neurons of the dorsal root ganglia. The first line of defense against the initial establishment of latent infection is the innate immune response. The innate response relies on a variety of cell types recognizing HSV infection via pattern recognition receptors, including toll-like receptors. After exposure, the adaptive immune response is triggered. However, the adaptive response must deal with reactivation of HSV from the latently infected neuron, which in turn seeds mucosal sites with virus. T cells are especially important in this, and likely control both the extent of reactivation fro... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3815963 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3815963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3798242&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fvzv-immunuty.html%23unique-entry-id-170 Of three human alphaherpesviruses, only Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) induces a lifelong immunity that protects against clinical signs of exogenous re-infection and, for most of the population, from any sign of reactivation from the latent state. The importance of VZV specific immunity is exemplified by its absence: severity and morbidity of the primary infection (varicella) and incidence of reactivated disease (zoster) are greatly increased in those with immune compromise, particularly those impaired in the cell mediated immune responses. The protection afforded by VZV specific immunity underlies successful live attenuated vaccines that have greatly impacted the incidence of varicella, and reduce the incidence, severity and complications of zoster. Consequently, the important components of... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3798242 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3798242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3729876&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-study-shingles-vaccine-is-safe-and-effective%2F2010.07.06 Shingles (herpes zoster) is no fun. It usually begins with a couple of days of pain, then a painful rash breaks out and lasts a couple of weeks. The rash consists of blisters that eventually break open, crust over, and consolidate into an ugly plaque. It is localized to one side of the body and to a stripe of skin corresponding to the dermatomal distribution of a sensory nerve. Very rarely a shingles infection can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness, brain inflammation (encephalitis) or death. More commonly, patients develop postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in the area where the rash was. The overall incidence of PHN is 20%; after the age of 60 this rises to 40%, and after age 70 it rises to 50%. It can be excruciatingly painful, resistant to treatment, and can last for years or eve... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3729876 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:00:19 +0100 3729876 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706254&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Frna-silencing-plant-viruses.html%23unique-entry-id-137 from Lourdes Fernández-Calvino, Livia Donaire and César Llave writing in Recent Advances in Plant VirologyIn eukaryotes, RNA silencing controls gene expression to regulate development, genome stability and stress-induced responses. In plants, this process is also recognized as a major immune system targeted against plant viruses. Plant viruses stimulate RNA silencing responses though formation of viral RNA with double-stranded features that are subsequently processed into functional small RNAs (sRNAs). Recent studies highlight the complexity of the viral sRNA populations and their potential to associate with multiple silencing effector complexes. This fact has profound implications in the cross-talk interactions between plants and viruses since both virus genomes and host gen... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706254 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3706254 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695191&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fvaccination.html%23unique-entry-id-115 from Fabio Bagnoli and Rino Rappuoli writing in Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesVaccination, together with the wider availability of potable water, has had the most profound positive effect on the quality of public health of any measure: during the past century, these products essentially eliminated most infectious diseases causing mortality in infants and children. Vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, pneumococcus, hepatitis B and meningitis (Haemophilus influenzae and serogroup C meningococcus) have reduced the incidence and mortality of these diseases by > 97-99% (Fabio Bagnoli and Rino Rappuoli). Nevertheless, perception of vaccines in the public opinion is not completely positive. Many people are still skeptical about the real... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695191 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3695191 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695190&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fvaccine-strategies.html%23unique-entry-id-116 Overview of Vaccine Strategiesfrom Ruth Arnon writing in Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesThere are different strategies applied for vaccination against microbial diseases. These include vaccines against bacterial, viral and parasitic infections which led to tremendous improvement in public health. Both live attenuated or killed whole organisms and their sub-units can be used, as well as more novel approaches, such as DNA vaccines, recombinant vaccines and epitope-based, or peptide vaccines. There are advantages and disadvantages of each approach, eluding to various considerations, such as efficacy, safety and cost of production. The application of passive vaccination, including the use of pooled IgG (IVIG) is also possible. As indicated, these combined strategies ... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695190 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3695190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695189&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fvaccines-and-genomics.html%23unique-entry-id-117 Designing Vaccines in the Era of Genomicsfrom Fabio Bagnoli, Nathalie Norais, Ilaria Ferlenghi, Maria Scarselli, Claudio Donati, Silvana Savino, Michèle A. Barocchi and Rino Rappuoli writing in Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesGenome sequencing has become routine, and modern vaccine design is taking advantage of the accumulating genomic information. Reverse vaccinology is built on genome-based antigen discovery and has largely replaced classical vaccinology methods based on growing and dissecting the microorganism. The main advantage of the approach is the fast prediction of vaccine candidates. Most of the antigens will be surface exposed proteins, since these antigens are most likely accessible to antibodies. This approach can be applied to non-cultivable m... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695189 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3695189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695188&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fprotective-antibodies.html%23unique-entry-id-118 New Analytical Approaches for Measuring Protective Capacity of Antibodiesfrom Moon H. Nahm and Carl E. Frasch writing in Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesAntibodies to the pneumococcal polysaccharide capsule protect the host by opsonizing pneumococci for host phagocytes, while antibodies to the meningococcal polysaccharide capsule protect by directly killing meningococci in the presence of complement. In vitro measurement of serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) against the meningococcus has been used for a long time as a measure of protective immunity. Technical developments of pneumococcal opsonophagocytosis assays (OPA) in the past decade permit measurements of opsonic capacity of sera from persons immunized with pneumococcal vaccines. Experience with OPAs shows tha... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695188 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3695188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695187&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fglycoconjugate-vaccines.html%23unique-entry-id-119 New Frontiers in the Chemistry of Glycoconjugate Vaccinesfrom David R. Bundle writing in Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesMethods for single point attachment of polysaccharides and oligosaccharides to protein carriers and T-cell peptides are important in vaccine design. Contemporary approaches involve synthetic oligosaccharides with linker or tether chemistry designed for compatibility with synthetic strategies. Current research involves the synthesis and evaluation of conjugate vaccines designed to combat infectious bacterial and fungal diseases, as well as the design and testing of therapeutic cancer vaccine. The prevailing dogma that protective B-cell epitopes should be comprised of 10-20 monosaccharides is confirmed for several experimental vaccines including t... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695187 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3695187 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695186&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Ftoxin-vaccines.html%23unique-entry-id-120 Bacterial Protein Toxin Used in Vaccinesfrom Jerry M. Keith writing in Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesAt first glance, the idea of using protein toxins as vaccines against bacterial human diseases seems somewhat of a paradox. However, in some diseases, the severe pathological effects manifested by the causative agents are mediated entirely by protein toxins. Thus, it seems reasonable to expect that if antibodies could be induced against the protein toxin, they should be effective at preventing severe disease. Of course, the obvious challenge is to detoxify the protein toxin activity without destroying its ability to induce neutralizing antibodies. From an academic point of view, it is ironic that early vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough were... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695186 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3695186 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695185&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fvaccine-adjuvants.html%23unique-entry-id-121 from David A. G. Skibinski and Derek T. O'Hagan writing in Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesThe development of new effective vaccines, especially those consisting of highly purified antigens, will increasingly require the inclusion of an adjuvant. With over half a century of experience, aluminium containing adjuvants (alum) will continue to be widely used and until very recently remained the only vaccine adjuvant approved for human use in the US. In recent years a number of studies have started to reveal a more detailed understanding of alum's mechanism of action. There is a the need for more potent adjuvants than alum, with particular emphasis on the discovery and development of MF59, an emulsion based vaccine adjuvant which as been licensed for more than ten year... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695185 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3695185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695184&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fmucosal-vaccines.html%23unique-entry-id-122 from Rajesh Ravindran and Bali Pulendran writing in Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesThe term "mucosal vaccination" has traditionally been used to describe strategies in which a vaccine is administered via the mucosal route. Unlike parenteral vaccination, mucosal vaccines do not require the use of needles, thus enabling vaccine compliance and reducing logistical challenges and the risks of acquiring blood borne infections. However, despite the great success of mucosal vaccines such as the polio vaccine, several formidable challenges hinder the effective elicitation of immunity against pathogens that invade mucosal sites. First, in humans the mucosal surfaces of the gut, lung, oral cavity and reproductive tracts are estimated to cover an area of 400 square meters, a... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695184 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3695184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695183&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fintralymphatic-vaccination.html%23unique-entry-id-123 from Thomas M. Kündig, Pal Johansen, and Gabriela Senti writing in Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesThe immune response is initiated by dendritic cells (DCs) and other antigen-presenting cells. These cells are present in nearly all organs and tissues of the body, so that theoretically any organ or tissue could serve as a route for vaccine administration. The choice of route is therefore mainly based on practical aspects. Using conventional needle and syringe the subcutaneous or intramuscular route are standard. The dermis and especially the epidermis are technically more difficult to target, but are likely to gain more interest due to the recent development of micro-needle patches and needle free injection devices. Vaccine administration via mucosal surfaces s... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695183 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3695183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695182&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fmeningococcus-vaccine.html%23unique-entry-id-124 The First Vaccine Obtained Through Reverse Vaccinology: The Serogroup B Meningococcus Vaccinefrom Jeannette Adu-Bobie, Beatrice Aricò, Marzia M. Giuliani and Davide Serruto writing in Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesNeisseria meningitidis was isolated over one hundred years when Anton Weicshelbaum identified the causative agent of cerebrospinal meningitis. Since its isolation in 1887, N. meningitidis has been recognized to cause endemic cases, case clusters, epidemics and pandemics of meningitis and devastating septicaemia. Despite over one century since its discovery, scientists have yet to identify a universal vaccine for this deadly bacterium. Although vaccines exist for several serogroups of pathogenic N. meningitidis, serotype B (MenB) has eluded scien... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695182 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3695182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695181&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fneglected-diseases.html%23unique-entry-id-125 from Allan Saul writing in Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesInfectious diseases exert a major burden of disease in developing countries. While better use of existing vaccines would make an appreciable difference, the greatest burden is caused by diseases for which we currently have no vaccines. The picture, especially in children, is dominated by diarrheal and respiratory diseases. Paradoxically diseases have relatively low priority for funding in absolute terms, and especially in relationship to the burden of disease. Thus, new vaccines for these neglected diseases need both innovative scientific solutions and innovative development schemes involving scientific institutes, public financing and industrial input. The industrial input is critical: not only will vacci... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695181 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3695181 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695180&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fpseudomonas-vaccines.html%23unique-entry-id-126 Vaccines to Combat Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections in Immunocompromised Patientsfrom Jennifer M. Scarff and Joanna B. Goldberg writing in Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesPseudomonas aeruginosa is an important opportunistic pathogen that causes an array of nosocomial infections, such as ventilator-associated pneumonia and infections in cancer patients. P. aeruginosa infections are difficult to treat with antibiotics, making the need for other therapeutic options, such as vaccination, critical. The main target antigen for vaccines has been the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of P. aeruginosa and studies show that vaccination may be partially protective, but that a combination of vaccination with either antibiotic treatment or cell transfusion protocols typically works be... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695180 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3695180 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695179&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fstaphylococcus-vaccines.html%23unique-entry-id-127 Nosocomial infections: Staphylococcus aureusfrom Alice G. Cheng, Olaf Schneewind and Dominique Missiakas writing in Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesStaphylococcus aureus is the most frequent cause of human skin and soft tissue, bloodstream and respiratory tract infections. Staphylococcal strains have acquired antibiotic resistance traits against available therapies and drug-resistant strains (MRSA, methicillin-resistant S. aureus) are currently isolated in up to 80% of hospital and 60% of community-acquired infections (CA-MRSA). Unlike pneumococci and group A streptococci; S. aureus infections do not raise immunity against subsequent infections. Consistent with this observation, early efforts to develop vaccines from whole-cell killed preparations of staphylococci... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695179 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3695179 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695178&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fstreptococcus-vaccine.html%23unique-entry-id-128 Toward the Development of a Universal Vaccine Against Group B Streptococcusfrom Roberta Cozzi, John L. Telford and Domenico Maione writing in Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesGroup B Streptococcus (GBS) is one of the most common cause of life-threatening bacterial infections in infants and is also an emerging pathogen among adult humans, especially in the elderly, immunocompromised and diabetic adults. Capsular polysaccharide based vaccines of the most common serotypes present in the United States and Europe are in an advanced stage of development but they are not effective against serotypes present in other parts of the world. Many protein antigens have been studied for the discovery of an effective universal vaccine that could overcome serotype specificity. Thank... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695178 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3695178 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695177&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fstreptococcus-pneumoniae-vaccines.html%23unique-entry-id-129 Vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniaefrom James C. Paton writing in Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesExisting vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae are targeted at the capsular polysaccharide (PS) of which there are 91 distinct serotypes. Polyvalent purified PS vaccines are immunogenic in healthy adults, but not in high risk groups such as young children and the elderly. Development of PS-protein conjugate vaccines has overcome the poor immunogenicity of PS in children, but the protection imparted is strictly serotype-specific, and the number of included serotypes is even more restricted than in the PS vaccine formulations. Widespread introduction of conjugate vaccines in developed countries has dramatically reduced the incidence of invasive pneumococcal di... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695177 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3695177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695176&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fveterinary-vaccines.html%23unique-entry-id-130 with a Focus on Bovine Mastitisfrom John R. Middleton writing in Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesWhile novel approaches to vaccination against diseases of veterinary importance are being explored, currently marketed products, in general, employ old technology with the majority of products still being killed, modified live, or toxoid preparations. Due to the breadth of diseases encountered in veterinary medicine and the large number of vaccines marketed and under development, a recent review focuses on vaccines aimed at preventing bovine mastitis with a particular focus on Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that not only causes mastitis in cattle, but is a leading cause human infection. Vaccine developments for S. aureus in cattle will be compared with research ai... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695176 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3695176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695175&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fsars-vaccine.html%23unique-entry-id-131 Vaccines Against Newly Emerging Viral Diseases: The Example of SARSfrom Bart L. Haagmans writing in Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesSeveral newly emerging viral diseases in humans have been reported recently. The ability to identify and characterize the relevant pathogen and develop safe and effective vaccines against these newly emerging pathogens in a timely manner is utmost importance. In this respect, the global response to the SARS epidemic provided valuable experience which can be utilized to respond quickly to future emerging viral infections. In only a few weeks time the nucleotide sequence of this virus was available and through computational analysis of gene sequences diagnostic tests and vaccine candidates were identified and subsequently developed. Eig... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695175 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3695175 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3648494&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmedical-journals-a-social-media-model-for-the-21st-century%2F2010.06.10 The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology is the official publication of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and a good example for all medical and scientific journals about how they should embrace social media: Proper RSS feed (major element with peer-reviewed journals) Blog that serves as a journal club Twitter account Podcasts Facebook page *This blog post was originally published at ScienceRoll* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3648494 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:00:08 +0100 3648494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3633446&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffood-allergy-or-not-new-test-in-the-works%2F2010.06.06 Current methods of testing people for food allergies aren’t particularly precise, leaving many people to falsely think that they have a condition that they really don’t. MIT chemical engineer Christopher Love is working on a new test based on cytokines that may prove to be substantially faster and more reliable. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3633446 Sun, 06 Jun 2010 11:00:02 +0100 3633446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3569802&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhen-doctors-and-patients-dont-care-who-pays-for-it%2F2010.05.17 The essence of the moral hazard experience through a nice neighborly conversation: Neighbor: These allergies are killing me. Happy:  That’s terrible. I hope you feel better. Neighbor:  I tried Zyrtec but it wasn’t doing anything for me, so my doctor prescribed ’x.’ (inaudible drug name ) Happy:  Does it start with an ‘x?’ (The drugs name is Xyzal.) Neighbor:  Yes, it does. Happy: Oh, that drug (Xyzal) is nothing more than Zyrtec, which the company slightly changed the formula of and now they get to sell it as a patented medication at 10 times the price for the next 10 years. Neighbor: Oh, I didn’t know that. But you’re right. It was  $110.  Happy:  Did it help you with your allergies? Neighbor: Nope. Happy: I guess you just... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3569802 Mon, 17 May 2010 16:00:00 +0100 3569802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3560496&cid=t_96572_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fas95V6glgzI%2F Containing drug development costs and speeding compounds through the pipeline is always a big issue, but clinical trials are becoming more expensive anyway. Why? One answer is the increasing complexity of the studies - the number of procedures for each clinical trial rose 49 percent from the 2000 to 2003 period to the 2004 to 2007 timeframe, and the total effort per protocal jumped 54 percent. For instance, the average number of eligibility criteria used to screen volunteers rose 58 percent, which contributed to a 21 percent decline in volunteers enrolling in trials. But the larger number of procedures per protocol dissuades volunteers from completing trials - retention rates dropped 230 percent, according to the Tufts Centers for the Study of Drug Development, which reviewed data from 8,... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3560496 Thu, 13 May 2010 15:15:35 +0100 3560496 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3537841&cid=t_96572_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fvaccine-design-book.html%23unique-entry-id-66 A new book on Vaccine Design edited by Rino Rappuoli and Fabio Bagnoli has been announced today read more ...Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel Strategies       Buy now!Edited by: Rino Rappuoli and Fabio BagnoliISBN: 978-1-904455-74-5Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: February 2011Cover: Hardback (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3537841 Tue, 04 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3537841 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3475829&cid=t_96572_90_f&fid=34474&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCasesBlog%2F%7E3%2Fj8xiQBLiZjo%2Ftaking-charge-of-your-toddlers.html From Reuters:"In our country, we think the doctor should have all the medical records," said Dr. James McElligott, a pediatrician at the Medical University of South Carolina who worked on the study. "I like the idea of putting the ownership back in Mom's hands and empowering her a little bit."When parents kept a so-called shot card, their child's odds of being up-to-date on vaccinations rose by more than half.40 percent of the toddlers had a shot card, and 84 percent of these had up-to-date vaccinations. By contrast, only 79 percent of the children without a card had all their shots.Use the card: it doesn't have a downside and it's cheap."References:Want kids' vaccinations up to date? Keep the record | Reuters, 2010.http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61E37I20100215 Posted at Clinical... Clinical Cases and Images - Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3475829 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:39:00 +0100 3475829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3443513&cid=t_96572_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2F014_W3310_10.mp4 Download: .wmv (343 MB) | .mp4 (94 MB) Visit the virology W3310 home page for a complete list of course resources. (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3443513 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:26:47 +0100 3443513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3412434&cid=t_96572_90_f&fid=34474&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCasesBlog%2F%7E3%2FyTaqGXiY5aY%2Ffda-rotarix-rotavirus-vaccine-contains.html GlaxoSmithKline confirmed that the pig virus, porcine circovirus type 1 or PCV-1, has been in the vaccine since it was developed.75% of U.S. doctors prescribe the three-dose RotaTeq vaccine, made by Merck, which was approved in 2006. RotaTeq vaccine is made using a different process and is not contaminated with PCV-1.Electron micrograph of Rotaviruses. Image source: Wikipedia, Environmental Protection Agency, public domain.Rotavirus-related diarrhea used to cause 70,000 hospitalizations per year in the U.S. before the introduction of the vaccines. The first vaccine against the virus called RotaShield was withdrawn from the market due to reports of an intestinal blockage (intussusception) associated with its use.References:Pig Virus DNA Found in Rotavirus Vaccine. WebMD.Image source: GSKsou... Clinical Cases and Images - Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3412434 Sun, 28 Mar 2010 14:48:00 +0100 3412434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3390715&cid=t_96572_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F22%2Fstories-1-polly-matzinger-the-bunny-the-dog%2F Stories is a new series that tells a selection of my personal stories, mostly from the time I was a student or worked as a scientist. I wrote the draft of this post a year ago. The theme of the Grand Round hosted by Ramona Bates at Suture for a Living “posts that have to do [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3390715 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 02:10:40 +0100 3390715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3056284&cid=t_96572_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2FCUvaccines2009.mov Today I lectured on viral vaccines in the Immunology course at the Morningside Heights campus of Columbia University. I used poliovirus and influenza virus vaccines to illustrate general principles of immunization. My thanks to the engaged students who asked excellent questions! Here is a video of my lecture. Thanks to ScreenFlow, I was able to record my audio along with the slides and post it here the same day. Next semester I’ll be teaching a new undergraduate virology course at Columbia University, and I plan to upload similar videos of each lecture – 26 in all. I’ll post more information here about that course in early 2010. Download ‘Vaccines’ video. 67 MB .mov video file 247 MB .wmv video file (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3056284 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:18:04 +0100 3056284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2210603&cid=t_96572_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fnatasha-gets-into-oxford-on-full.html Natasha, my daughter, is completing her BSc in Biotech from Jai Hind College of Bombay University. She has got into the MSc program for Integrated Immunology into Oxford University, UK, for 2009-2010 - and we just found out that she has been awarded a 100% Clarendon Fund scholarship for her studies. She's on top of the world that she doesn't have to depend upon her parents for her fees ! (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2210603 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:00:00 +0100 2210603 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2144582&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F005922.html Wipe out the immune system and then put immune stem cells back in and this stops M.S. progression. CHICAGO --- Researchers from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine appear to... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2144582 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2144582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2131361&cid=t_96572_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2F_9IPuAR07Es%2Fminnesota-props.php For those who might be unfamiliar with the term "Props", take a click and then come on back...I spent most of my day at the Mall of America today.  I participated in the JDRF Walk for a Cure, and then... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2131361 Sun, 25 Jan 2009 04:58:20 +0100 2131361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1895038&cid=t_96572_107_f&fid=35041&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Fdigitalbio%2F%7E3%2F426626140%2Frevenge_of_the_clones_the_anim.php What happens when a group of streptococci stick to cells in your throat and start to make toxins? Your body fights back by making clones. The animated video, Fighting Infection by Clonal Selection, from Etsuko Uno and Drew Berry is so good that if I didn't know better, I would almost think it's really capturing clonal selection on film. What is clonal selection? Read the rest of this post... | Read the comments on this post... (Source: Discovering Biology in a Digital World) Discovering Biology in a Digital World blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1895038 Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:29:33 +0100 1895038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1879916&cid=t_96572_107_f&fid=35041&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Fdigitalbio%2F%7E3%2F420704212%2Fmy_immunological_fantasy.php Like many people I know, I suffer from allergies, and sometimes asthma. I take drugs to control the symptoms, but they don't cure the condition. Plus, I know there can be side effects that might not be so pleasant. This is why I like hearing about sequencing projects that target the VDJ-ome. I have this fantasy about the things we could do with that information Read the rest of this post... | Read the comments on this post... (Source: Discovering Biology in a Digital World) Discovering Biology in a Digital World blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1879916 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:44:26 +0100 1879916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2382514&cid=t_96572_107_f&fid=38577&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbiosingularity.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F09%2F04%2Fnew-nano-device-detects-immune-system-cell-signaling%2F Scientists have detected previously unnoticed chemical signals that individual cells in the immune system use to communicate with each other over short distances. The signals the researchers detected originated in dendritic cells – the sentinels of the immune system that do the initial detection of microscopic invaders – and were received by nearby T-cells, which play [...] (Source: Biosingularity) Biosingularity blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2382514 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:14:38 +0100 2382514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1709223&cid=t_96572_107_f&fid=35041&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Fdigitalbio%2F%7E3%2F365933251%2Fvaccines_part_ii_what_are_vacc.php Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to respond to a specific thing. Most of the vaccines we use are designed to prime the immune system so that it's ready to fight off some kind of disease, like whooping cough, polio, or influenza. Some vaccines can have more specialized functions, like stimulating the body to attack cancer cells, kill rogue autoimmune cells, or prevent pregnancy. We'll look at what they do in later posts, for now, let's look at the kinds of things that can be used as vaccines. Read the rest of this post... | Read the comments on this post... (Source: Discovering Biology in a Digital World) Discovering Biology in a Digital World blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1709223 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 20:38:07 +0100 1709223 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1494233&cid=t_96572_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F06%2F05%2Fclinical-guidelines-for-immunoglobulin-use%2F , 2nd ed. aim to ensure best practice in the use of IVIg across all indications, based on available evidence and expert opinion. This supports the DH-initiated National Demand Management Progamme for Immunoglobulin to provide guidance on appropriate use, to manage demand and to ensure supply for patients for whom immunoglobulin is life-saving. Also reaching it’s second edition is the Demand management plan for immunoglobulin use, 2nd ed. which provides guidance on appropriate use, to manage demand and to ensure supply for patients for whom immunoglobulin is life-saving. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1494233 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:36:23 +0100 1494233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1461317&cid=t_96572_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fa-healttalk-webcast-on-the-ms-pill%2F I’m old enough to remember the sexual revolution (though some would say I’m the product of said social uprising). I remember when the conversation of someone being “on the pill” referred to sexual promiscuity of a modern couple deciding to put off having kids for a while. Nowadays whenever I’m in MS circles and the “The Pill” is mentioned we are not speaking of sexual freedom, parental choice or even Jefferson Airplane. We are, of course, speaking of oral MS disease modifying therapy. Tomorrow night, I’ll be speaking with some of the leading experts trying to bring oral treatment to the market on a webcast called, “No More Needles? An update on Pills to Treat MS.” We’ll chat for an hour with Dr. Patricia O’Looney, Ph.D., Vice President of biomedical research... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1461317 Wed, 21 May 2008 22:50:47 +0100 1461317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1450351&cid=t_96572_150_f&fid=35603&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrugreptoys.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fhumira-tool-holder.html This one's actually decently useful for someone suffering from the disease it treats. Mad props to Abbott. (Source: Drug Rep Toys) Drug Rep Toys blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1450351 Sat, 17 May 2008 16:10:00 +0100 1450351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1455449&cid=t_96572_93_f&fid=36982&url=http%3A%2F%2Fprep4md.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fmechanism-of-atopic-diseases-as-asthma.html I was just reading in my Medical Microbiology and Immunology book by Levinson and Jawetz, and I came across this interesting hypothesis explaining why atopic disorders such as asthma might occur, and I thought you might find it interesting."It is estimated that up to 40% of people in the United States have experienced an atopic disorder at sometime in their lives. The incidence of allergic diseases such as asthma, is increasing markedly in the developed countries of North America and Europe. One hypothesis that might explain this increase is that parasite burden is low in these countries.IgE evolved as a host defense against those organisms. But in developed regions where the parasite burden is low, IgE is available to cause allergic diseases."Now isn't that interesting?!! 8) (Source: My ... My M.D. Journey! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1455449 Tue, 06 May 2008 01:42:00 +0100 1455449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1411771&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F005172.html Vaccination is slow compared to a rapid biotech process to harness your immune cells to produce antibodies. Vaccines push the immune system to create defenses against illness, but they take... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1411771 Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1411771 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1199992&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=35062&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffibroresearch.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F02%2Fimmunological-changes-in-fibromyalgia.html The newest issue of the medical journal Neuroimmunomodulation [2008 Feb 1;14(5):272-280] includes the results of a study conducted by Department of Anesthesiology of Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany. The study address immunological changes in chronic pain patients, specifically complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and fibromyalgia (FMS), both of which the researchers describe as "chronic pain syndromes occurring in highly stressed individuals."Despite the known connection between the nervous system and immune cells, information on distribution of lymphocyte subsets under stress and pain conditions is limited. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that play a critical role in the body's defenses. They include T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. They also modulate the acti... The Fibromyalgia Research Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1199992 Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:27:00 +0100 1199992 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1103537&cid=t_96572_150_f&fid=35603&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrugreptoys.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fabbott-laser-pointerslide-advancer.html This is a really cool toy. It's a combination laser pointer and slide advancer. Works quite well, and comes with extra batteries. (Source: Drug Rep Toys) Drug Rep Toys blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1103537 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:47:00 +0100 1103537 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1013313&cid=t_96572_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F11%2F8%2Fis-obesity-deadly-here-we-go-again.html By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.DIn 2005, a team of investigators at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, published a paper that shook the foundations of our long-held beliefs; they found that death rates due to overweight (BMI 25-30) and obesity (BMI >30) were actually lower than death rates due to underweight. The paper came under withering criticism by scientists and nutritionists who had been preaching the gospel of weight control. “Libertarian” organizations funded by the food industry, such as “Food Freedom”, piled on with glee. Their basic message: you can’t trust those scientists; just let the consumer beware (and, I presume, let Darwin and the forces of the “free” market weed out those who did not). The most serious criticism o... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1013313 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 06:41:03 +0100 1013313 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=980496&cid=t_96572_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2Fsleep-deprivation-is-hazardous-to-your-health.html By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.D“Methought I heard a voice cry ‘Sleep no more!Macbeth does murder sleep’—the innocent sleep,… The death of each day’s life, sore labor’s bath,Balm of hurt minds, great nature’s second course,Chief nourisher in life’s feast”Macbeth, William Shakespeare, 1600 AD.Four hundred years later UC Berkeley scientists used brain imaging techniques to explain Lady Macbeth’s sleep-deprived brain descent into the darkness of insanity. They studied 26 young adults, half of whom were kept awake for 35 hours straight and the other half were allowed a normal night’s sleep in that same time period. Their brain was then studied using fMRI imaging. This technique shows the blood flow to different areas of the brain... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=980496 Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:11:40 +0100 980496 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=882593&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=34919&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.thelancet.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F09%2F18%2Fgates-foundation-gives-280-million-for-tb-research The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will give US$280 million for tuberculosis (TB) research. The funds will go to support the development of new drugs, vaccines and diagnostics. A five-year $200 million grant will go the Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation to conduct clinical trials of six TB vaccine candidates. Another $62 million five-year grant will go to the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND). FIND has ten promising tests in development. Nine additional grants, totaling $18 million, will go to identify new treatments to combat drug-resistant strains. Recipients of those grants are: the Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Colorado State University, Weill Cornell Medical College, Johns Hopkins University, Ordway Research Institute, Northeastern University, and Éc... The Lancet Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=882593 Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:31:05 +0100 882593 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=872154&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=34919&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.thelancet.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F09%2F15%2Fhearing-on-us-gene-therapy-death-to-be-webcast The US National Institutes of Health is webcasting a review of the case of a young woman who died after receiving an experimental gene-therapy drug. The 36-year-old woman’s death has raised concerns about the future of gene-therapy research in the USA. The meeting will be conducted by the NIH’s Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC), which oversees gene-therapy trials in the USA. The study was a phase I/II trial of a recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) derived vector that delivers a gene for a soluble form of the receptor for tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a pro-inflammatory cytokine. When injected into the joint, the vector enters joint cells introducing the gene. The cells then produce the soluble TNF-alpha receptor, which can sop up the cytokine and blunt the in... The Lancet Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=872154 Sat, 15 Sep 2007 00:25:37 +0100 872154 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=858254&cid=t_96572_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F9%2F11%2Fmediterranean-diet-and-rheumatoid-arthritis.html  By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.DClinical researchers at the University of Glasgow published in the September issue of the Annals of the Rhumatic Diseases an unassuming, almost self-effacing study on the effect of diet on rheumatoid arthritis. Here is stated objective of the study: “To overcome obstacles to healthy eating by a community-based intervention promoting a Mediterranean-type diet in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or RA living in socially deprived areas of Glasgow.” What was this modest paper doing amongst all the high-powered papers on the molecular mechanisms of rheumatic diseases and the latest potent therapies based on insights into those mechanisms?The studyMethods: 130 female patients with RA aged 30–70 years (median 55), disease duration 8 years were rec... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=858254 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 01:11:25 +0100 858254 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=674825&cid=t_96572_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F6%2F10%2Favandia-glaxosmithkline-and-bullying-or-how-did-we-get-into-.html I have to admit that when the Avandia story unfolded I considered writing a strong defense of the researchers who toil anonymously in the bowels of drug companies for years on end, dedicating their life careers to bringing out a drug that may save millions of lives and improve the health and quality of life of literally billions. I have been there, albeit not with a mammoth drug company, but rather with a smallish biotech company endeavoring to develop immune-based treatment for cancer. The pressures are enormous; a company invests hundreds of millions of dollars in development of a drug, and one wrong decision can sink the whole project. Preliminary data come in from the lab or the clinic that don’t look good; what do you do? Call for a screeching halt? Rationalize and ignore? None ... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=674825 Sun, 10 Jun 2007 04:57:31 +0100 674825 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=623318&cid=t_96572_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F5%2F17%2Fgod-illuminated-how-immunity-works.html .Antibodies are an important defense mechanism against all kinds of foreign invaders, be it bacteria, viruses, or toxins. Without this defense we couldn’t survive very long. Remember the ‘bubble boy’? He was a kid who had a genetic defect that deprived him of antibody protection. He had to spend his life in a sterile plastic bubble in order to survive.How do antibodies do it?We are endowed from birth with a library of antibodies that are structurally designed to recognize and bind to these foreign invaders; each antibody recognizes a specific molecule of organism, or something structurally very close to it. This raises several obvious questions:How can the antibody recognize a certain organism from birth, not having seen this organism before? The answer is that the repert... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=623318 Fri, 18 May 2007 01:34:15 +0100 623318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=651614&cid=t_96572_145_f&fid=35718&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhy4theusmle.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F05%2Ftuberculous-granuloma-is-high-yield-for.html Ahh the Granuloma - a great example of topic that overlaps multiple subjects and any topic that brushes borders with the likes of pathology, immunology and microbiology make for great questions. Here are 5 steps to the granuloma in perfect 3rd grader doodle form: Step 1: Inhale the red, ACID FAST rod M. tuberculosis is only acid fast why? B/c of the MYCOLIC ACID in the cell wall resists decolorization with acid-alcohol and so it remains red which is the color of the initial stain, carbol fuchsin. What else stains acid fast? Nocardia which is “partially acid fast” Step 2: Phagocytosis by alveolar macrophages Circulating monocytes roll on the vascular endothelium (d/t selectins) and adhere to it (d/t ICAMs) and then transmigrate into the affected area where they are called tissue... Mike's High Yield Blog for the USMLE Step 1 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=651614 Sun, 06 May 2007 20:29:00 +0100 651614 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=651621&cid=t_96572_145_f&fid=35718&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhy4theusmle.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fburkitts-lymphoma-is-high-yield-for.html Burkitt Lymphomaa form of non-Hodgkin's lymphomaAssociated with Epstein Barr Virus and is commonly located in the jaw of Africans (the classic patient)(source)Classic Translocation = t(8;14) which moves the c-myc gene on chromosome 8 right next to the Immunoglobulin (Ig) Heavy Chain.Here is a joke for you. I hope you find it hilarious. Okay, a giggle will do. Tell it to someone else, embrace the awkwardness that ensues and that should tattoo it to your brain for a while.How come Mick ate one for?-----Here is what the joke really means----come Mick = c-mycate = 8 - since c-myc is on chromosome 8one = 1for = 4To get heavy!heavy = Ig Heavy chain which is on chromosome 14And here's a little doodle to drive it on home:That big guy there is Mick (myc) who has just ate (8) one (1). For (4) what? ... Mike's High Yield Blog for the USMLE Step 1 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=651621 Wed, 18 Apr 2007 05:57:00 +0100 651621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=533893&cid=t_96572_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F4%2F9%2Fthe-bodymind-connection-immunity-is-affected-by-your-brain.html This study is a harbinger of more serious studies, not only demonstrating the mind/body connection, but also the physiological mechanism by which this is accomplished. Is the day when we could will ourselves to better health far off? How exciting! Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.D (Source: The Doctor Weighs In) The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=533893 Tue, 10 Apr 2007 02:02:43 +0100 533893 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=651623&cid=t_96572_145_f&fid=35718&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhy4theusmle.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fepstein-barr-virus.html Attaches and activates B-lymphocytes CD21 (CR2) receptorThese activated B cells promotes T cell proliferationThe effected B-lymphocytes are NOT what are detected by the monospot test.Atypical lymphocytes (“Downy Cells”)Detected by the monospot test AKA (heterophile antibody test) Are CD8+ T lymphocytesAssociated with:Heterophile positive infectious mononucleolusBurkitt's LymphomaNasopharyngeal CarcinomaStructurea "HAPPy" double-stranded linear DNA virus (see First Aid virus section)The above was an excerpt from Mike’s High Yield Blog for the USMLE Step 1 (Source: Mike's High Yield Blog for the USMLE Step 1) Mike's High Yield Blog for the USMLE Step 1 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=651623 Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:07:00 +0100 651623 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=509310&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F03%2F29%2Fwhy-does-the-cancer-cell-not-stimulate-an-immune-system-reaction%2F Filed under: All Cancers, Clinical Trials, ResearchThis is a big question for those in the field of cancer immunotherapy, treatment based upon the concept of adjusting the immune system to reject and destroy tumors. The National Cancer Institute along with a company called NewLink Genetics are looking to get FDA approval to start clinical trials of a drug that restricts a natural mechanism for immune suppression. This enzyme named IDO, has been shown to help the fetus avoid rejection by the mother's immune system. This discovery led scientists to suspect and later prove that tumors express IDO. Will suppressing IDO in humans help the immune system to seek out and kill cancer cells? This is what these scientists want to find out. Doctor Mellor, a pediatric oncologist, says "What (cancers) ... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=509310 Thu, 29 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 509310 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=478801&cid=t_96572_87_f&fid=34882&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbreathspakids.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fmultiple-chemical-sensitivity-and-house.html What do you call it when somebody attempts to flatter the intellect of their audience and then bamboozles them to the point that it feels as if they have cast ground glass and fine grit in people's eyes? I felt like this during a recent discussion of multiple chemical sensitivity.The House of Lords has appointed a committee to investigate allergy and intolerance in the UK. The Committee is investigating some important issues with implications for public health and public policy so I was hopeful that the written submissions and oral hearings would involve robust explorations of the science and associated issues.One of the topics under investigation is multiple chemical sensitivity. Unsurprisingly, most of the experts and bodies that submitted evidence on this topic concentrated on their own... Breath Spa for Kids blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=478801 Tue, 13 Mar 2007 13:16:00 +0100 478801