StemCell Therapy

We feel now is a pretty good time to analyse ISR Immune System Regulation Holding AB (publ)'s (STO:ISR) business as it appears the company may be on the cusp of a considerable accomplishment. ISR Immune System Regulation Holding AB (publ) develops immunostimulatory drugs to treat chronic infectious diseases and cancer in Sweden. The kr373m market-cap company posted a loss in its most recent financial year of kr79m and a latest trailing-twelve-month loss of kr257m leading to an even wider gap between loss and breakeven. The most pressing concern for investors is ISR Immune System Regulation Holding's path to profitability when will it breakeven? We've put together a brief outline of industry analyst expectations for the company, its year of breakeven and its implied growth rate.

View our latest analysis for ISR Immune System Regulation Holding

Expectations from some of the Swedish Biotechs analysts is that ISR Immune System Regulation Holding is on the verge of breakeven. They anticipate the company to incur a final loss in 2022, before generating positive profits of kr104m in 2023. So, the company is predicted to breakeven just over a year from today. What rate will the company have to grow year-on-year in order to breakeven on this date? Using a line of best fit, we calculated an average annual growth rate of 101%, which signals high confidence from analysts. Should the business grow at a slower rate, it will become profitable at a later date than expected.

Given this is a high-level overview, we wont go into details of ISR Immune System Regulation Holding's upcoming projects, but, take into account that typically biotechs, depending on the stage of product development, have irregular periods of cash flow. So, a high growth rate is not out of the ordinary, particularly when a company is in a period of investment.

One thing we would like to bring into light with ISR Immune System Regulation Holding is it currently has negative equity on its balance sheet. Accounting methods used to deal with losses accumulated over time can cause this to occur. This is because liabilities are carried forward into the future until it cancels. These losses tend to occur only on paper, however, in other cases it can be forewarning.

There are too many aspects of ISR Immune System Regulation Holding to cover in one brief article, but the key fundamentals for the company can all be found in one place ISR Immune System Regulation Holding's company page on Simply Wall St. We've also compiled a list of relevant aspects you should further research:

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Find out whether ISR Immune System Regulation Holding is potentially over or undervalued by checking out our comprehensive analysis, which includes fair value estimates, risks and warnings, dividends, insider transactions and financial health.

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When Will ISR Immune System Regulation Holding AB (publ) (STO:ISR) Become Profitable? - Simply Wall St

A Northwell Health staff member holds the monkeypox vaccine, at Cherry Grove on Fire Island, New York, where monkey pox vaccines were administered on July 14, 2022.

James Carbone | Newsday | Getty Images

Health authorities in Ohio reported the death of an adult male who had monkeypox, the third fatality in the United States of someone who tested positive for that virus since the outbreak began in May.

The unidentified man had other health conditions, according to the state's health department, which announced his death late Thursday.

Michelle Fong, a spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Health, said on Monday that the patient's health conditions decreased their immune response, "in line with what we're seeing nationally in severe cases of monkeypox."

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a health alert to physicians Thursday warned that people who have compromised immune systems due to HIV and other conditions face a higher risk of developing severe symptoms from the virus.

The U.S. had the largest monkeypox outbreak in the world, with more than 25,000 cases reported across all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, according to CDC data.

The outbreak has started to slow as the two-dose Jynneos vaccine has become more widely available, and people have become more aware of what precautions to take to avoid infection.

Los Angeles health officials confirmed earlier this month that an individual with a severely compromised immune system died from monkeypox after being hospitalized.

Texas health officials reported in late August that an adult in the Houston area diagnosed with monkeypox had died. That person also had a severely compromised immune system. The cause of death in that case is still under investigation.

While monkeypox is rarely fatal it causes a rash resembling blisters that can be extremely painful.

The virus is primarily spreading among gay and bisexual men through close contact during sex. But anyone can catch the disease through close contact with someone who is infected or with contaminated materials.

Read CNBC's latest global health coverage:

In a study published earlier this month, the CDC found that 38% of 2,000 people diagnosed with monkeypox were living with HIV. And people with HIV were more likely to become hospitalized with monkeypox than other patients, according to the study.

The CDC, in its health alert this week, warned of severe monkeypox symptoms that include a persistent rash that turns into lesions resulting in the affected tissue dying. In some cases, treatment has required surgery and even amputation of the affected extremity, according to the agency.

Other severe symptoms include lesions that cover a significant portion of the body that are associated with secondary bacterial or fungal infections. Extremely painful lesions in sensitive areas such as the throat, urethra, rectum and vagina have also been reported.

Some lesions cause scarring that results in the narrowing of the urethra or anal canal, according to CDC. Facial scarring has also been reported.

In other instances, multiple organ systems have been affected resulting in neurological conditions such as encephalitis and cardiac conditions like myocarditis. Pink eye and ulcers on the cornea that threaten people's sight have also been reported.

Update: This story was updated on Monday, October 3 to include an additional statement from the Ohio Department of Health about the patient's health conditions.

Originally posted here:
Ohio reports third U.S. death of person with monkeypox who had underlying health conditions - CNBC

WAGENINGEN, the Netherlands, Oct. 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NutriLeads BV announced today that its patented immune health ingredient BeniCaros has won the 2022 Nutrition Industry Executive award for the Immune Health category. Each year the publication honors the most cutting-edge and advanced natural branded nutritional ingredients backed by science.

A panel of five health and nutrition experts evaluated nominated products in several categories based on the following criteria:

We are gratified to receive this honor, said Joana Carneiro, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of NutriLeads. This award reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone at NutriLeads and our trusted partners.

BeniCaros is a soluble prebiotic carrot fiber known as RG-I (Rhamnogalacturonan-I) that trains the immune system to respond faster when challenged. BeniCaros has a unique dual mode of action prepares innate immune cells for a heightened state of readiness and selectively increases beneficial gut microorganisms and their metabolites that support immune responses.

Peer-reviewed clinical research shows that 300 mgs. daily of BeniCaros accelerated protective immune responsiveness, reduced airway symptom severity (20-33%) and duration (25-43%) and minimized the impact on quality of life following a controlled challenge with a common cold virus.

The awards panel praised BeniCaros for its strong scientific support.

BeniCaros is safe to use and can easily be consumed on a daily basis by a wide range of consumers. It is well sourced and characterized from field to point of use. The supporting scientific and clinical research documents are of very good quality and help substantiate a structure function claim that the ingredient can support the immune system. Yair Steve Henig, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer, Caligenix, Founder of Henig Consulting

I like this novel nutraceutical from carrot pomace, with two human clinical studies demonstrating effectiveness in immune health, with concurrent prebiotic benefits. Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG) Senior Director of Product Innovation, Twinlab Consolidation Corporation

Ruud Albers, Ph.D., NutriLeads founder and Chief Scientific Officer, will present clinical research demonstrating the effectiveness of BeniCaros at 11:00am on November 2 at the SupplySide West Supplier Presentation Theater, booth #3077, in the exhibition hall at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. His presentation is titled, Meeting Post-Pandemic Consumer Demands in Immune Health. NutriLeads will also showcase BeniCaros at display #3876 on November 2 and 3.

About NutriLeads BVNutriLeads is a private company developing natural, plant-derived ingredients that are scientifically and clinically proven to strengthen human health. The companys proprietary technology platform is based on naturally bioactive fibers known as RG-I (Rhamnogalacturonan-I) found in select crops. The companys first product BeniCaros has won several awards for research and innovation. NutriLeads is developing other products to protect the gut barrier and improve metabolic health through gut microbiome modulation. For more information, visit NutriLeads and BeniCaros.

Contact:

David WalshCommunications Consultant 1-651-503-8248david.walsh@nutrileads.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/624dad98-6acc-4dce-8926-e83e5e53bb80

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BeniCaros Wins Nutrition Industry Executive 2022 Immune Health Award - GlobeNewswire

Over the past year, news of two new people cured of HIV grabbed headlines, stirring hopeful talk of what these scientific wonders might portend for the four-decade fight against the virus.

To researchers working in the HIV cure arena, these cases are inspiring because they prove it is in fact possible to eradicate this extraordinarily complex virus from the body.

That said, such cures are the result of treatments too toxic to attempt on all but a select few. So while they provide a scientific roadmap toward success, they do not necessarily make researchers job any easier as they work to develop alternatives: safe, effective and, crucially, scalable therapies to cure HIV.

HIV has been a tough nut to track, says Marshall Glesby, an infectious disease specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City and a coauthor of one of the recent HIV cure case studies. But there is incremental progress being made in terms of our understanding of where the virus hides within the body and potential ways to purge it from those sites.

The HIV cure research field is yet quite young. And it likely never would have ballooned as it has in recent years were it not for the very first successful cureone that served as a catalyst and guiding light for scientists.

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the HIV research establishment focused the lions share of its energy and resources on treatment and prevention of the virus. Actually curing HIV was generally regarded as a distant dream, with only a small set of researchers pursuing such a goal.

Then, in 2008, German scientists announced the first case of what would ultimately be deemed a successful cure of the virus. This proof of concept ignited the field and sent financial investment soaringto $337 million in nonpharmaceutical industry funding in 2020, according to the HIV nonprofit AVAC.

Clinicians were able to cure HIV in an American man living in Berlin named Timothy Ray Brown, by exploiting the fact that he had also been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, or AML. This made Brown a candidate for a stem cell (bone marrow) transplant to treat his blood cancer.

Browns treatment team relied on the existence of a rare genetic abnormality found among people with northern European ancestry. Known as the CCR5-delta32 mutation, it gives rise to immune cells lacking a certain coreceptor called CCR5 on their surface. This is a hook to which HIV typically latches to begin the process of infecting an immune cell and hijacking its machinery to manufacture new copies of the virus.

The clinicians found a stem cell donor who was not only a good genetic match for Brown, but who also had the CCR5-delta32 mutation. First they destroyed Browns immune system with full-dose chemotherapy and full-body radiation. Then they effectively gave him the donors immune system through the stem cell transplant. This cured his HIV by ensuring that any remaining virus in his body was incapable of infecting his new immune cells.

Variations of this method have yielded cures, or likely cures, in four other people during the years since. These cases provide researchers with increasing certainty that it is possible to achieve the ultimate goal: a sterilizing cure, in which the body has been rid of every last copy of virus capable of producing viable new copies of itself.

It was not a given that if you completely replace the immune system, even with a purportedly non-susceptible immune system, that you would cure infection, says Louis Picker, associate director of the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute at the Oregon Health & Science University. It was possible that HIV could be hiding in non-immune cells, like endothelial cells, and still find targets to infect.

But the small cohort of people who have been cured or likely cured to date, Picker says, show thats not the case.

Nevertheless, these successes have not opened the door to a cure for HIV available to much more than a few of the estimated 38 million people living with the virus worldwide. Critically, it is unethical to provide such a dangerous and toxic treatment to anyone who does not already qualify for a stem cell transplant to treat blood cancer or another health condition.

Brown, for one, nearly died from his treatment. And a number of efforts to repeat his case have failed.

Highly effective treatment for HIV hit the market in 1996, transforming what was once a death sentence into a manageable health condition. Today, the therapy, a combination of drugs called antiretrovirals, is so safe, tolerable and effective, that it has extended recipients life expectancy to near normal. But despite the fact that these medications can inhibit viral replication to such a degree that its undetectable by standard tests, they cannot eradicate HIV from the body.

Standing in the way is whats known as the HIV reservoir.

This viral reservoir is composed in large part of long-lived immune cells that enter a resting, or latent, state. Antiretrovirals only target cells that are actively producing new copies of the virus. So when HIV has infected a cell that is in a non-replicating state, the virus remains under the radar of these medications. Stop the treatment, and at any moment, any of these cells, which clone themselves, can restart their engines and repopulate the body with HIV.

This phenomenon is why people with HIV typically experience a viral rebound within a few weeks of stopping their antiretrovirals. And it is the reason why, given the harm such viral replication causes the body, those living with HIV must remain on treatment for the virus indefinitely to mitigate the deleterious impacts of the infection.

A key new advance is the finding that those cells which harbor the virus seem resistant to dying, a problem with cancer cells, HIV cure researcher Steven Deeks, a professor of medicine at University of California, San Francisco, says of the viral reservoir. We will be leveraging new cancer therapies aimed at targeting these resilient, hard-to-kill cells.

Brown stood alone on his pedestal for over a decade.

Then, at the 2019 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in Seattle, researchers announced two new case studies of men with blood cancer and HIV who had received treatments similar to Browns. The men, known as the Dsseldorf and London patients, were treated for Hodgkin lymphoma and AML, respectively. By the time of the conference, both had spent extended periods off of antiretroviral treatment without a viral rebound.

To this day, neither man has experienced a viral reboundleading the authors of the London and Dsseldorf case studies recently to assert that they are definitely and almost definitely cured, respectively.

In February 2022, a team of researchers reported at CROI, held virtually, the first possible case of an HIV cure in a woman. The treatment she received for her leukemia represented an important scientific advance.

Called a haplo-cord transplant, this cutting-edge approach to treating blood cancer was developed to compensate for the difficulty of finding a close genetic match in the stem cell donorwhich is traditionally needed to provide the best chance that the stem cell transplant will work properly. Such an effort is made even more challenging when attempting to cure HIV, because the CCR5-delta32 mutation is so rare.

The American woman received a transplant of umbilical cord blood from a baby, who had the genetic mutation, followed by a transplant of stem cells from an adult, who did not. While each donor was only a partial match, the combination of the two transplants was meant to compensate for this less-than-ideal scenario. The result was the successful blooming of a new, HIV-resistant immune system.

The authors of the womans case study, including Weill Cornells Marshall Glesby, estimate that this new method could expand the number of candidates for HIV cure treatment to about 50 per year.

A variety of antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV infection. Image Credit: NIAID, Flickr

In July, at the International AIDS Conference in Montreal, researchers announced the case of a fifth person possibly cured of HIV. Diagnosed with the virus in 1988 and 63 years old at the time of his stem cell transplant three years ago, the American man is the oldest to have achieved potential success with such a treatment and the one living with the virus for the longest. Because of his age, he received reduced intensity chemotherapy to treat his AML. Promisingly, he still beat both the cancer and the virus.

The lead author of this mans case study, Jana K. Dickter, an associate clinical professor of infectious disease at City of Hope in Duarte, California, says that such cases provide a guide for researchers. If we are able to successfully modify the CCR5 receptors from T cells for people living with HIV, she says, then there is a possibility we can cure a person from their HIV infection.

Scientists also know of two women whose own immune systems, in an extraordinary feat, appear to have cured them of HIV. Both are among the approximately 1 in 200 people with HIV, known as elite controllers, whose immune systems are able to suppress replication of the virus to low levels without antiretroviral treatment.

Researchers believe that these womens immune systems managed to preferentially eliminate immune cells infected with viral DNA capable of producing viable new virus, ultimately succeeding in eradicating every last such copy.

As they seek safer and more broadly applicable therapeutic options than the stem cell transplant approach, HIV cure researchers are pursuing a variety of avenues.

Some investigators are developing genetic treatments in which, for example, they attempt to edit an individuals own immune cells to make them lack the CCR5 coreceptor.

The science that I am particularly excited about and that we and others are working on is to make this treatment as an in vivo deliverable therapy that would not rely on transplant centers and could ultimately be given in an outpatient setting, says Hans-Peter Kiem, director of the stem cell and gene therapy program at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle.

Then there is whats known as the shock and kill method, in which drugs are used to flush the virus from the reservoir and other treatments are then used to kill off the infected cells. Conversely, block and lock attempts to freeze the reservoir cells in a latent state for good. Researchers are also developing therapeutic vaccines that would augment the immune response to the virus.

Progress will be incremental and slow, Picker predicts, unless there is a discovery from left fieldan unpredictable advance that revolutionizes the field. I do think it will happen. My personal goal is to be a very good left fielder.

This reporting was supported by the Global Health Reporting Center.

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How a select few people have been cured of HIV - PBS

Autumn is a superfood haven waiting to be enjoyed. (Getty Images)

While the days might be starting to get a little colder, it's also the perfect time to cosy up and tuck into some tasty seasonal superfoods to boost your immunity this autumn.

Whether you're a fan of the blender, like a homemade hearty meal, or graze throughout the day, incorporating highly nutritious ingredients into what you eat can make the world of difference to your health.

"Superfoods as a group, are nutrient-dense foods in an overall balanced diet that are filled with vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre just as the food mentioned in the list [below is]", says nutritionist Signe Svanfeldt.

And right now, we could especially benefit from an internal pick-me-up.

"Autumn is generally a time filled with lots of activities and people getting back from summer holidays and can be a stressful time for many. Some find it challenging eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet during stressful periods even though we really need healthy fuel for our wellbeing," says Svanfeldt, of healthy eating app Lifesum.

Svanfeldt also points out that we're now switching from doing things outdoors to indoors, which can lead to more germs spreading. "It is, therefore, vital to nourish our immune system in the best way possible to avoid getting ill," she advises.

So, as eating well doesn't mean skimping on taste, here's some of the most nutritious but delicious foods (that don't break the bank) you can add to your shopping list to help you stay well this autumn.

Read more: Vitamin D supplements: When and why you should take them

Apples are perfect for Tarte Tatin. (Getty Images)

British apples came into season a little early this year on Monday 26th September, thanks to favourable weather in the spring and summer, according to British Apples & Pears (BAPL). They are second to bananas in terms of fruit affordability, store well in the fridge, travel low food miles to our supermarkets, and are packed full of health benefits.

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With October National Cholesterol Month, leading nutritionist Rob Hobson also says, Recent research has shown apples (and pears) contain several bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, dietary fibre, and antioxidants, that have been individually associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Studies show incorporating apples into our diet helps to lower cholesterol (which can cause problems with the heart), thanks to their pectin (natural fibre) content. Svanfeldt also points out that they're rich in potassium (important for our body's nerve & muscle function, and to regulate blood pressure) and vitamin C (needed for our bone and tissues).

BAPL recommends British Cox apples, which are tart and sweet, one of the most aromatic varieties with a hint of honey, and keep their shape when cooked. This makes them great for Tarte Tatin, chopped into muffin mixes or a salad with blue cheese and celery, or simply paired with rich cheeses. Meanwhile, British Gala are sweet, delicate, light and juicy a great pick-me-up after exercise.

Start your day with pears. (Getty Images)

Often overshadowed by the apple as an on-the-go snack, as mentioned above the humble pear has just as many health benefits and are also versatile in the way you can eat them.

Svanfeldt explains that they're also "filled with fibre (also good for digestion and gut health), potassium and vitamin K (important for coagulation of our blood as well as for our bone health)". Plus, they're high in water content, helping you to keep you full while being low in calories.

"Pears are perfect for making a compote, to serve with pancakes or adding on top to your morning oats or yogurt," Svanfeldt adds. You might also want to try baked pears with cinnamon, poached pear tarts, or simply go back to basics and remember why you should bite into a napkin-held pear more often.

Read more: The best and worst foods you can eat, according to science

How do you like your sweet potatoes? (Getty Images)

The sweetest of potatoes, ready to eat as 'fries', crisps, baked, roasted, steamed, tossed in a salad, or however you like.

"These are filled with beta-carotene (important for our skin and eyesight) as well as folate (important for cell renewal and red blood cells)," says Svanfeldt. In the body, beta-carotene converts into vitamin A, which is also known for boosting immunity.

"Sweet potatoes are excellent to roast or to add into a soup or stew," she adds.

Pumpkins aren't just for decoration. (Getty Images)

Hello October, hello pumpkins. But, while it is of course tradition, you might want to try being a little more resourceful this year with your carving and use discarded parts for a highly nutritious warming meal.

"Pumpkins, just like sweet potatoes, are packed with beta-carotene and potassium, and make a perfect base to a soup. Spice it up with ginger, green curry and garlic and you have the perfect soup this autumn," suggests Svanfeldt.

Brighten up your meals with beetroot. (Getty Images)

Beetroot doesn't just have to be eaten in salad you can have it in falafel, in your pizza base, and even in cake.

"Beetroots are high in folate as well as nitrate, which can transform into nitric oxide and enhance exercise performance," according to Svanfeldt, which is one of their main perks. Some studies suggest that athletes benefit from eating them in their diet, with it thought to help endurance, and even recovery due to the nitrates bringing more oxygen to muscles.

All the vitamin C you could need and more are in red bell peppers. (Getty Images)

Red bell peppers are packed-full of vitamin C, and according to Svanfeldt, just one of the delightful shiny veggies "almost contains twice our daily requirement of vitamin C".

Vitamin C is great for helping to protect cells and keep them healthy, maintaining healthy skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage and wound healing. Red bell peppers also contain vitamin K1, vitamin E, vitamin A, folate, and potassium.

Svanfeldt recommends that they're perfect to either eat raw (as this is how they keep their high vitamin C content), or to roast in the oven and then mix into a spread with some nice spices like chilli and garlic.

Read more: Flu jab: Who's eligible for the NHS vaccine rollout and how to book

Warm your soul with a cauliflower stew. (Getty Images)

Svanfeldt points out that cauliflower isn't only high in fibre, which we've learnt is vital for our digestion, and potassium, which we've learnt is great for regulating internal systems in our body, but it's also high in magnesium, which is important for muscle & nerve function. It also helps turn the food we eat into energy and ensure the parathyroid glands, which produce hormones important for bone health, work normally.

Some studies suggest it can help with anxiety and depression and improve sleep to a certain extent, though more research is needed.

And, other than being great for our health, cauliflower is also much-loved by veggies and vegans for its multiple uses think bang bang cauliflower, buffalo cauliflower wings, baked cauliflower nuggets and so on.

Or, for a more traditional staple, Svanfeldt suggests, "Roast the cauliflower in the oven with some nice spices like curry and chilli, add it to a delicious stew."

Don't knock them until you've tried them. (Getty Images)

While you might not necessarily think to reach for a handful of chestnuts, it's the best time to start. In season through both autumn and winter, roasting them will help to warm you up as much as it will benefit your body.

Like cauliflower, they're also packed with magnesium, as well as iron (important for our blood health) and fibre. "They're great to roast with sprinkled sea salt," recommends Svanfeldt.

Dates aren't just good for digestion. (Getty Images)

They might not seem like a superfood, but dates have a worthy place on the list. They're high in magnesium, iron and zinc (important for our immune system, and enzymes) and fibre of course.

Svanfeldt says they're perfect together with oats, as small treats, or mixed with your favourite flavours like chocolate, sea salt or freshly ground cardamom.

Meet the latest superfood. (Getty Images)

Again, mushrooms are thought to be the newest superfood, or the superfood of the future, with more crediting them for their nutritional value. They've even been named as ingredient of the year by the New York Times.

But the type you're eating might make a difference. "Wild mushrooms have various nutritional content, some (like chanterelles) are high in vitamin D, important for our immune system and bone health, as well as fibre," says Svanfeldt.

According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, for example, estimates show fresh wild mushrooms like chanterelles and morels can contain up to1200 IU of vitamin D per 3.5-ounce serving, but mushrooms grown in darkened conditions like white button, shiitake, and oyster contain less than 40 IU.

Svanfeldt adds, "Mushrooms are perfect in a risotto, a creamy pasta dish or as a toast topping." We agree.

Watch: Three little-known superfoods to add to your diet

Link:
Seasonal superfoods to give your immune system a boost this autumn - Yahoo Entertainment

(WHTM) This week, the providers of UPMC Childrens Community Pediatrics in York and Spring Grove are continuing to see COVID-19, flu, RSV, and viral syndrome.

WellSpan Pediatric Medicine Physicians across the Midstate are seeing RSV, croup, influenza A, and asthma and allergy flares.

This week, pediatricians at Penn State Health Childrens Hospital are seeing a lot of common colds and cases of COVID. They are also seeing some upper respiratory viruses and stomach bugs.

The CVS MinuteClinic in York also saw upper respiratory viruses and COVID-19.

Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Physicians Roseville Pediatrics is seeing many fevers for a myriad of reasons this week, the most popular being enterovirus, influenza, strep throat, RSV, and adenovirus.

They have seen influenza officially several times, all Type A.

Strep throat took a sharp increase. They are also seeing a sharp increase in pneumonia.

Dr. Joan Thode is offering the following advice about the flu:

Influenza is a group of viruses that causes a syndrome of fevers, chills, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, congestion, cough, headache and sore throat. These symptoms occur due to the virus invading the cells of the body, as well as the immune systems attack of the bodys cells in an attempt to kill the virus that invaded them. When there is a body-wide immune attack on flu-invaded cells, tissues and organs can be damaged to the point of not functioning. That is when the flu can become dangerous and deadly. The time is now to get your family vaccinated for the flu.

How the flu shot works: Influenza rapidly changes its outward appearance. While the core structure of the flu stays the same, the tiny molecules that adorn its surface can change rapidly. Its hard to create a flu vaccine that primes the immune systems memory cells to recognize the surface of the flu, because that surface changes! Thats why, unlike other vaccines, the flu shot is never perfect. BUT thats also why the makers of the flu vaccine include not only pieces of the predicted surface molecules but ALSO pieces of the core structure of the flu that doesnt change. This is where getting the flu shot can be lifesaving.

Think of it like a high school reunion. Though your acquaintances may have changed their hairstyle, put on a little weight or started wearing glasses since high school, you would still recognize them because their face, laugh and personality, their core, dont drastically change. If you ran into one of these prior acquaintances while out running errands, you would have some recognition, even if you couldnt immediately recall their name.

This is how flu vaccines work. The flu will change its hairstyle and outward appearance every season, but by giving your immune cells a taste not only of the predicted hairstyle but also of the core molecule, your immune system will have some familiarity with it. And when memory immune cells recognize somethingeven partiallythey sound the alert and activate the immune system.

The flu virus moves fast to invade our bodys cells, but when the immune system is primed to recognize pieces of it, the defense process starts sooner. Yes, you may still be unlucky enough to get the flu infection despite getting the shot, but with an armed immune system, you will have a decreased severity of the illness that can be lifesaving.

You cant get the flu from the flu shot because the intact virus is not in the shot. There are just a few pieces of the influenza structure to give your immune system enough of a taste to learn how to identify it. As with any shot, your immune system will be activated, which uses a lot of energy and may make you feel a bit tired. But your symptoms are not the true flu, and your cells are not being destroyed as they are with the flu.

See the article here:
Whats Going Around: Flu cases confirmed locally - ABC27

With cold and flu season approaching, tips for avoiding the worst of the respiratory viruses are important for facing the coming months, when health experts expect an uptick in flu cases compared with the past 2 years.

As the weather starts changing and winter approaches, we begin to brace ourselves for the season of respiratory viruses. The flu, COVID-19, and even the common cold can make us miserable, take time away from work and school, and prevent us from enjoying activities with family and friends. These illnesses can be even worse for those who are elderly or have compromised immune systems. After 2 years of below-normal numbers for flu cases, public health authorities fear an upsurge in the number of cases. What can we do to prepare for the viral onslaught? Here are 3 tips to fight the cold and flu season!

1. Practice healthy habits. An overall healthy lifestyle not only prolongs life but also fights colds and flu. The tried-and-true advice of getting plenty of sleep, exercising, eating a balanced diet, and drinking adequate amounts of fluid is vital to practice year-round. These habits are even more crucial during the respiratory illness season. Our immune system relies on a healthy body to be able to fight off invaders. When we dont take care of ourselves, we become more likely to get sick, and it will take longer to recover. Taking a little time daily to get an extra glass of water or make a balanced and nutritious meal will pay off in the long run with less illness and better health overall.

2. Wash your hands. Keeping our hands clean is 1 of the most effective ways to control the spread of many diseases, including the common cold, flu, and COVID-19. Handwashing also prevents diarrhea-related illnesses and infections caused by bacteria, reducing the need for antibiotic use. Lathering with soap and water for 20 seconds is the best way to ensure that germs get removed. Using a paper towel to turn off the faucet helps ensure you dont pick up more bugs on your newly clean hands. When soap and water are unavailable, you can use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

3. Get your flu shot. As we have been fighting COVID, some of us have forgotten the flu can be a severe respiratory illness and 1 that we should all avoid. Thousands of people each year are hospitalized and even die from flu complications. Everyone over 6 months of age should get their annual flu shot, ideally in September or October. For those aged 65 years and older, there is a special high-dose flu shot that is even more effective in this age group. You can get a COVID-19 booster at the same time as a flu shot. The COVID-19 shots available now are more effective against the newest strains of the virus. But dont forget your flu shot for additional protection.

The COVID-19 pandemic taught us some essential lessons in reducing the spread of respiratory illness. We know that having a healthy lifestyle, washing our hands, and getting vaccinated are all keys to preventing infection or reducing the severity. Following the same simple principles can reduce the chances of catching a cold or the flu.

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Contributor: How to Fight the Cold and the Flu This Season - AJMC.com Managed Markets Network

Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved an updated COVID-19 bivalent booster, specifically to target the Omicron variant. Starting this fall, Moderna and Pfizer will offer these boosters to provide protection as COVID-19 infection rates are expected to rise.

A bivalent vaccine is a vaccine that contains two strains, or two slightly genetically different versions, of a virus. According to Prof. Cynthia Leifer, microbiology and immunology, bivalent vaccines are created for extra protection against new viral strains that arise over time.

The COVID-19 bivalent booster is not the only vaccine with more than one strain of virus. Many vaccines, such as the flu and MMR vaccines, contain multiple strains of a virus or even different viruses.

Half of the contents in the COVID-19 bivalent booster are mRNA from the original COVID-19 strain while the other half includes mRNA from the Omicron strain.

mRNA are pieces of genetic material used to synthesize proteins. In the COVID-19 virus, mRNA allows the production of spike proteins, proteins located on the surface of COVID-19 viruses that allow entry of the viruses into host cells. Once the spike proteins are in the body, the immune system learns to develop a response and attack against them.

Because the immune system can fight against multiple antigens, vaccines with multiple viruses do not change in efficacy compared to their monovalent counterparts. However, it reduces the number of shots necessary to combat against all strains of a virus. Thus, it allows our immune system to provide better protection against more viral strains.

The bivalent COVID booster works by reminding our immune system of the original strain and introducing the new variant, Leifer said.

The COVID-19 bivalent booster contains the Omicron variant as opposed to other strains of COVID-19 because of Omicrons high infection rate. Omicron is now responsible for 90 percent of COVID-19 cases and is predicted to spread during the fall and winter season due to reasons such as decreasing COVID-19 immunity and cold weather that drives people indoors and allows for more spread of infection.

Although the original COVID-19 vaccine and boosters reduced rates of symptomatic infection, severe disease, hospitalization and death from the original Alpha and newer Delta strain infection, it is ineffective in reducing symptomatic infection for Omicron.

However, studies have shown that the updated bivalent booster causes high levels of antibodies against the original Alpha strain and reasonable levels of antibodies against the Omicron strain.

The FDA analyzed data of 600 people over the age of 18 who all received the first dose of the Moderna monovalent booster and then received either another dose of the monovalent booster or a dose of the bivalent booster. A stronger immune response was observed from the individuals who received the Moderna bivalent booster dose after the first monovalent booster dose.

Additionally, an estimate of over 100,000 hospitalizations can be prevented in the upcoming month through administration of the bivalent booster.

All individuals who received the initial booster are eligible to receive the bivalent booster after two months. The Moderna booster can be given to those ages 18 and up while the Pfizer booster can be given to those ages 12 and up.

The bivalent COVID-19 booster, like the original version, has similar side effects and takes up to two weeks to have full effects. Additionally, it is also still possible to become infected even after receiving the booster.

As cases continue to persist, many health experts compare making new COVID-19 vaccines to the yearly flu shots. Although there is still uncertainty about this, COVID-19 boosters will most likely be frequently updated to combat against newly arising strains or increase effectiveness against the infection.

Prof. Leifer even believes that one day there may be a multivalent vaccine that protects against COVID-19 and the flu.

While Biden confidently claimed the pandemic is over, not all scientists and epidemiologists agree, Prof. Leifer said. What everyone does agree on is that COVID-19 is here to stay.

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Updated COVID-19 Bivalent Booster Released in Time for Fall and Winter Omicron Wave - Cornell University The Cornell Daily Sun

Immune reactions from COVID infections could lead to memory problems and contribute to brain fog, according to research.

The preliminary findings by researchers at King's College London reveals a process which could also trigger delirium in patients.

Scientists analysed blood samples taken from 36 patients who were admitted to Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation in London during the first wave of the pandemic between March and June 2020.

A protein released by immune cells was found in infected patients to be 15 times higher than normal.

The protein, called IL6, was even higher in patients with delirium, a state of confusion which can lead to an increased risk of dementia.

The report said it is "likely that a major contributing mechanism to the development of neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients is a hyper-activated immune system".

The research added: "The virus infection is now well-known for its ability to induce an over-reacting immune response.

"Once produced, these peripheral inflammatory cytokines can then penetrate the blood brain barrier and directly affect brain mechanisms and induce neurological symptoms affecting cognition, memory, alertness and emotional state, and leading to delirium."

Some drugs which are used to treat high immune responses to COVID could be used against delirium, it was suggested.

The impact of COVID on brain health has already been analysed in other studies.

Last month, a year-long study published in Nature Medicine assessed brain health across 44 different disorders using medical records from millions of US veterans.

Read more:Long-awaited inquiry into COVID 'won't drag on'

American researchers found brain and other neurological disorders occurred in 7% more of those who had been infected with COVID compared with a similar group of veterans who had never been infected.

The figures translated into roughly 6.6 million Americans who had brain impairments linked with their COVID infections, the study reported.

The authors highlighted how their study included both hospitalised and non-hospitalised patients.

Memory impairments, or brain fog, were the most common symptom.

Continued here:
COVID immune reaction could affect brain mechanisms and induce neurological symptoms - Sky News

A daily pill can change immune cell memory and reduce allergic reactions such as hay fever and thunderstorm asthma, new research shows.

A study led by Monash University researchers found Victorians who took the prescribed medication Oralair for four months in the lead up to allergy season for three consecutive years had retrained immune cells, providing long-term protection against allergic reactions.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Pill delivering relief for hay fever and asthma sufferers.

Watch the latest News on Channel 7 or stream for free on 7plus >>

In 2019, researchers studied 27 Victorians allergic to ryegrass pollen; half of them took the daily tablet consisting of grass pollen under the tongue and the others received antihistamines.

Its probably about 75 per cent effective in terms of symptom improvement, such as nasal congestion, the runny nose, sneezing and itching, allergy specialist Dr Joy Lee said.

The pill exposed sufferers to five different types of grass pollen and works by retraining the immune system and can reduce the risk of thunderstorm asthma.

This is very good news... we compared the samples before and after for any changes in immune memory and what we found is the bases treated with the tablet - their immune cells that responded to ryegrass pollen had changed, Monash Universitys Central Clinical School lead researcher Menno van Zelm said.

The cells in the patients that were not treated with the medication had not changed.

More than 4.6 million Australians suffer from hay fever, which is often triggered by an allergic reaction to outdoor or indoor allergens such as pollen and dust mites, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

In 2016, Melbourne had the worlds largest epidemic thunderstorm asthma event, with thousands of people developing breathing difficulties and at least nine deaths.

Oralair does not work for everyone and asthma sufferers should first check with their general practitioner.

- With AAP

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Hero neighbour helps a mother and her children escape inferno.

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Oralair pill that retrains the immune system to reduce risk of thunderstorm asthma - 7NEWS

Pure canned pumpkin can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods, pancakes and much more. Need just a small amount? Pour the remainder into small, freezer-safe containers (or into a silicone ice cube tray covered with a gallon-size zip-close bag), freeze it and defrost as needed.

Most of these frothy drinks are totally pumpkin-less, though some versions contain a smidgen. In either case, the biggest problem is that these are really indulgent desserts in disguise: A 16-ounce cup may have as much as 400 calories, 50 grams of sugar and nearly half the maximum amount of saturated fat you should get in an entire day. (If you cant pass it up, ordering yours with skim milk, less syrup and no whip will blunt the damage.)

Pumpkin pie spice doesnt contain any pumpkin either, but this spice blend (typically cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice) offers plenty of health benefits provided you use it to add flavor to otherwise healthy foods. Cinnamon might help balance blood sugar, ginger may relieve minor stomach upset, and nutmeg offers B vitamins and minerals, Kimberlain says. Try adding this seasoning to unsweetened applesauce, oatmeal or regular coffee or tea.

Many people think of pumpkin as a vegetable, but treat it as a fruit by saving it for sweet drinks and desserts. Neither is quite right. By scientific definition, a fruit develops from the flower of a plant, while other parts are categorized as vegetables, so pumpkin fits the bill. And pumpkin itself isnt inherently sweet; its all about what you pair with it. Pumpkin is very versatile, says Kimberlain, who likes to use it in risottos and chilies or simply roast it and serve as a side dish.

Lakatos is a fan of pumpkin seed butter, an earthy green paste you can buy premade or make yourself (by pureeing pumpkin seeds with a small amount of sea salt). I often recommend it to vegetarians, because its a good deal higher in protein than most nut butters, she says. (It has about 9 grams per serving.) When youre craving something with a little sweetness but dont want to go overboard, try Lakatos recipe for Pumpkin Pie Oat Breakfast Muffins.It incorporates canned pumpkin and pumpkin seeds and has a reasonable 8 grams of sugar per muffin. (A typical blueberry muffin, in contrast, can have as much as 35 grams.)

Ingredients

2 cups old fashioned oats or rolled oats (not instant)1 tsp. baking powder1/4 tsp. salt1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice1/4 tsp. vanilla extract1 cup almond milk (we used unsweetened vanilla)3/4 cup canned pure pumpkin1 egg1/4 cup honey1/4 cup dried cranberries (if youd like muffins a little sweeter, we suggest adding an additional 1/4 cup)3 Tbsp. raw pumpkin seeds1 Tbsp. seed and grain blend (we used Trader Joes Super Seed & Ancient Grain blend; you can use whatever type of seed or grain you have on hand!)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F.2. Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with muffin papers or coat with nonstick spray.3. Combine all ingredients and mix completely until thoroughly combined in a bowl.4. Divide batter into 12 cups so its evenly distributed.5. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes.

When done, the tops will be firm and not gooey or moist. Poke with a toothpick and when it comes out clean, the muffins are ready! Be careful not to overbake.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 105 calories, 2g fat, 0g saturated fat, 16mg cholesterol, 75mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 8g sugar, 3g protein

Source:Nutrition Twins

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7 Surprising Health Benefits of Pumpkins - AARP

Of all the nicknames I have for my cat CalvinFluffernutter, Chonk-a-Donk, Fuzzy Lumpkin, Jerky McJerkfaceBumpus Maximus may be the most apt. Every night, when I crawl into bed, Calvin hops onto my pillow, purrs, and bonks his head affectionately against mine. Its adorable, and a little bit gross. Tiny tufts of fur jet into my nose; flecks of spittle smear onto my cheeks.

Just shy of a decade ago, cuddling a cat this aggressively would have left me in dire straits. From early childhood through my early 20s, I nursed a serious allergy that made it impossible for me to safely interact with most felines, much less adopt them. Just a few minutes of exposure was enough to make my eyes water and clog my nasal passages with snot. Within an hour, my throat would swell and my chest would erupt in crimson hives.

Then, sometime in the early 2010s, my misery came to an abrupt and baffling end. With no apparent interventions, my cat allergy disappeared. Stray whiffs of dander, sufficient to send my body into conniptions mere months before, couldnt even compel my nose to twitch. My body just up and decided that the former bane of its existence was suddenly totally chill.

What I went through is, technically speaking, completely weird, says Kimberly Blumenthal, an allergist and immunologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. Some allergies do naturally fade with time, but short of allergy shots, which dont always work, we think of cat allergy as a permanent diagnosis, Blumenthal told me. One solution thats often proposed? Get rid of your cat.

My case is an anomaly, but its oddness is not. Although experts have a broad sense of how allergies play out in the body, far less is known about what causes them to come and goan enigma thats becoming more worrying as rates of allergy continue to climb. Nailing down how, when, and why these chronic conditions vanish could help researchers engineer those circumstances more often for allergy sufferersin ways that are actually under our control, and not just by chance.

All allergies, at their core, are molecular screwups: an immune system mistakenly flagging a harmless substance as dangerous and attacking it. In the classic version, an allergen, be it a fleck of almond or grass or dog, evokes the ire of certain immune cells, prompting them to churn out an antibody called IgE. IgE drags the allergen like a hostage over to other defensive cells and molecules to rile them up too. A blaze of inflammation-promoting signals, including histamine, end up getting released, sparking bouts of itching, redness, and swelling. Blood vessels dilate; mucus floods out in gobs. At their most extreme, these reactions get so gnarly that they can kill.

Just about every step of this chain reaction is essential to produce a bona fide allergywhich means that intervening at any of several points can shut the cascade down. People whose bodies make less IgE over time can become less sensitive to allergens. The same seems to be true for those who start producing more of another antibody, called IgG4, that can counteract IgE. Some people also dispatch a molecule known as IL-10 that can tell immune cells to cool their heels even in the midst of IgEs perpetual scream.

All this and more can eventually persuade a body to lose its phobia of an allergen, a phenomenon known as tolerance. But because there is not a single way in which allergy manifests, it stands to reason that there wont be a single way in which it disappears. We dont fully understand how these things go away, says Zachary Rubin, a pediatrician at Oak Brook Allergists, in Illinois.

Read: What they arent telling you about hypoallergenic dogs

Tolerance does display a few trends. Sometimes, it unfurls naturally as people get older, especially as they approach their 60s (though allergies can appear in old age as well). Other diagnoses can go poof amid the changes that unfold as children zip through the physiological and hormonal changes brought on by toddlerhood, adolescence, and the teen years. As many as 60 to 80 percent of milk, wheat, and egg allergies can peace out by pubertya pattern that might also be related to the instability of the allergens involved. Certain snippets of milk and egg proteins, for instance, can unravel in the presence of heat or stomach acid, making the molecules less allergenic, and giving the body ample opportunity to reappraise them as benign, says Anna Nowak-Wgrzyn, a pediatric allergist and immunologist at NYU Langone Health. About 80 to 90 percent of penicillin allergies, too, disappear within 10 years of when theyre first detected, more if you count the ones that are improperly diagnosed, as Blumenthal has found.

Other allergies are more likely to be lifers without dedicated interventionamong them, issues with peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, pollen, and pets. Part of the reason may be that some of these allergens are super tough to neutralize or purge. The main cat allergen, a protein called Fel d 1 thats found in feline saliva, urine, and gland secretions, can linger for six months after a cat vacates the premises. It can get airborne, and glom on to surfaces; its been found in schools and churches and buses and hospitals, even in space, Blumenthal told me.

Read: The next weird way were changing cats

For hangers-on like these, allergists can try to nudge the body toward tolerance through shots or mouth drops that introduce bits of an allergen over months or years, basically the immunological version of exposure therapy. In some cases, it works: Dosing people with Fel d 1 can at least improve a cat allergy, but its hardly a sure hit. Researchers havent even fully sussed out how allergy shots induce tolerancejust that they work well for a lot of patients, Rubin told me. The world of allergy research as a whole is something of a Wild West: Some people are truly, genuinely, hypersensitive to water touching their skin; others have gotten allergies because of organ transplants, apparently inheriting their donors sensitivity as amped-up immune cells hitched a ride.

Part of the trouble is that allergy can involve just about every nook and cranny of the immune system; to study its wax and wane, scientists have to repeatedly look at peoples blood, gut, or airway to figure out what sorts of cells and molecules are lurking about, all while tracking their symptoms and exposures, which doesnt come easy or cheap. And fully disentangling the nuances of bygone allergies isnt just about better understanding people who are the rule. Its about delving into the exceptions to it too.

How frustratingly little we know about allergies is compounded by the fact that the world is becoming a more allergic place. A lot of the why remains murky, but researchers think that part of the problem can be traced to the perils of modern living: the wider use of antibiotics; the shifts in eating patterns; the squeaky-cleanness of so many contemporary childhoods, focused heavily on time indoors. About 50 million people in the U.S. alone experience allergies each yearsome of them little more than a nuisance, others potentially deadly when triggered without immediate treatment. Allergies can diminish quality of life. They can limit the areas where people can safely rent an apartment, or the places where they can safely dine. They can hamper access to lifesaving treatments, leaving doctors scrambling to find alternative therapies that dont harm more than they help.

But if allergies can rise this steeply with the times, maybe they can resolve rapidly too. New antibody-based treatments could help silence the bodys alarm sensors and quell IgEs rampage. Some researchers are even looking into how fecal transplants that port the gut microbiome of tolerant people into allergy sufferers might help certain food sensitivities subside. Anne Liu, an allergist and immunologist at Stanford, is also hopeful that the incidence of new food allergies will decline over the next 10 years, as more advances come through. After years of advising parents against introducing their kids to sometimes-allergenic substances such as milk and peanuts too young, experts are now encouraging early exposures, in the hopes of teaching tolerance. And the more researchers learn about how allergies naturally abate, the better they might be able to safely replicate fade-outs.

One instructive example could come from cases quite opposite to mine: longtime pet owners who develop allergies to their animals after spending some time away from them. Thats what happened to Stefanie Mezigian, of Michigan. After spending her entire childhood with her cat, Thumper, Mezigian was dismayed to find herself sneezing and sniffling when she visited home the summer after her freshman year of college. Years later, Mezigian seems to have built a partial tolerance up again; she now has another cat, Jack, and plans to keep felines in her life for goodboth for companionship and to wrangle her immune systems woes. If I go without cats, that seems to be when I develop problems, she told me.

Its a reasonable thought to have, Liu told me. People in Mezigians situation probably have the reactive IgE bopping around their body their entire life. But maybe during a fur-free stretch, the immune system, trying to be parsimonious, stops making molecules that rein in the allergy, she said. The immune system is nothing if not malleable, and a bit diva-esque: Set one thing off kilter, and an entire network of molecules and cells can revamp its approach to the world.

I may never know why my cat allergy ghosted me. Maybe I got infected by a virus that gently rewired my immune system; maybe my hormone levels went into flux. Maybe it was the stress, or joy, of graduating college and starting grad school; maybe my diet or microbiome changed in just the right way, at just the right time. Perhaps its pointless to guess. Allergy, like the rest of the immune system, is a hot, complicated messa common fixture of modern living that many of us take for granted, but that remains, in so many cases, a mystery. All I can do is hope my cat allergy stays gone, though theres no telling if it will. I have no idea, Nowak-Wgrzyn told me. Im just happy for you. Go enjoy your cats.

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Why Do Some Allergies Go Away While Others Dont? - The Atlantic

Sarcopenia, an age-related loss of muscle mass and depletion of strength and performance, is significantly more common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when compared with controls when assessed using the updated European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2)criteria. Further, the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH)definition showed a higher proportion of participants with sarcopenia in individuals with high body mass index (BMI) and fat mass, regardless of RA diagnosis, according to a study published in Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Diseases.1

Currently, no consensus definition for sarcopenia exists, investigators explained. However, all definitions proposed recently include the assessment of muscle mass and muscle strength, yet different thresholds are being applied to determine these parameters. Hence, the existing data on the prevalence of sarcopenia vary, depending on the definition used and the respective population studied. However, it is well known that sarcopenia increases with advanced age. Whereas the amount of sarcopenia is found to be around 15% in 65 years, it rises up to 40% in 85-year-old healthy ambulatory subjects.

The single-center, cross-sectional study, performed at the CharitUniversittsmedizin Berlin, included 289 adult patients with RA. Appendicular lean was measured via dual x-ray absorptiometry and muscle function, including chair rise time, gait speed, and grip strength was assessed. EWGSOP2 and FNIH assessed the prevalence of sarcopenia. Patients with RA were then compared with a cohort of healthy controls (n = 280).

The mean age of patients in the RA cohort was 59 years, 80% were women, the median disease duration was 9 years, and most had a low disease activity score. Among patients with RA, 4.5%, (59.411.3 years) were affected by sarcopenia, compared with 0.4% of controls (62.911.9 years) by EWGSOP2 definition. Of those with RA, body weight (odds ratio [OR] 0.92, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.97), BMI (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.87), disease duration (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.36), current medication with glucocorticoids (OR 5.25, 95% CI 2.14 to 24.18), cumulative dose of prednisone equivalent (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.05), C reactive protein (CRP) (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.10), and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.27 to 4.86) were associated with a sarcopenia diagnosis.

However, when using the FNIH definition, 2.8% of patients with RA and 0.7% of controls were affected by sarcopenia. In these participants, smaller body height (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.88), higher BMI (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.41), higher CRP (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.11), and higher HAQ (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.17 to 6.59) were linked to sarcopenia.

The cross-sectional design of the study, which did not allow for the determination of a causal relationship between sarcopenia and contributing factors, limited the study. Applying the same criteria to a control group without inflammatory disease showed that patients with RA are more likely to be affected by sarcopenia, low lean mass, and poor muscle function. However, it could not be determined whether patients with joint pain or joint destruction, caused by RA, impacted grip strength. Therefore, assessments may have been influenced by factors unrelated to muscle function. Future studies should evaluate the influence of pain and erosive lesions. Other studies are needed to determine risk factors and cut-off values for muscle mass and muscle function.

This research is a first step towards a deeper understanding of defining low muscle mass by using different muscle mass indices, investigators concluded. The 2 definitions were found to respond differently to the anthropometric characteristics of the cohort, resulting in different rates of prevalence. This shows the importance of a common definition of sarcopenia and the need for reliable methods to determine low muscle mass and the inclusion of muscle function.

Reference:

Dietzel R, Wiegmann S, Borucki D, et al. Prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using the revised EWGSOP2 and the FNIH definition.RMD Open. 2022;8(2):e002600. doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002600

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Higher Prevalence of Sarcopenia Reported in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatology Network

Patients with arthritis are often first diagnosed with psoriasis. In this excerpt from a Dermatology Times DermView video episode1, 2 physicians explored the relationship between the skin and joint disorders, why the two are often related, and some of the medications that may bring relief for patients with both conditions.

About a third of our [patients with psoriasis] go on to psoriatic arthritis [PsA]...and we know there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood that a patient is going to develop psoriatic arthritis. That includes factors such as nail disease, inverse psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, more severe psoriasis, obesity, and family history of psoriatic arthritis, specifically in a first- or second-degree [relative], said Joseph Merola MD, MMSc, vice chair of clinical trials and innovation in the Department of Dermatology, director of the Clinical Unit for Research Innovation and Trials, and director of the Center for Skin and Related Musculoskeletal Diseases at Brigham and Womens Hospital and associate professor of dermatology and rheumatology at Harvard Medical. Although there may be a genetic risk factor, with overlap-ping risks between skin and joint disease, environmental factors can also trigger the immune response that becomes psoriasis and leads to psoriatic arthritis.

Mark Lebwohl, MD, dean of clinical therapeutics at the Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sanai in New York, New York, noted that 70% of patients with arthritis are first diagnosed with psoriasis and that arthritis occurs before psoriasis 15% of the time. Plaque psoriasis is the predominant presenting form of psoriasis.

Lebwohl then explained the domains of the disease and the different preexisting conditions that dermatologists see in many patients before a diagnosis, including nail disease, scalp disease, or inverse and intertriginous psoriasis. I would say close to 20% come in with guttate psoriasis. [Pustular psoriasis and erythrodermic psoriasis are exceedingly rare], but those are deadly ones.... And of course, in plaque [psoriasis] we include inverse palm and sole psoriasis, [which is] less common than just plaque psoriasis.

Some patients also show signs of other types of arthritis, including the following:

The treatments for PsA also work for psoriasis. The physicians discussed a few widely used treatments such as TNF- blockers, IL-17 blockers, and Janus kinase inhibitors. Several Janus kinase inhibitors were approved in 2022 for the treatment of psoriasis and PsA, and Lebwohl said they work well, despite some boxed warnings that come with the drugs. He added that doctor involvement is key. It is up to the physician to ask questions to help the patient pinpoint the source of pain or stiffness. The physicians discussed the reasons a physician may choose one category of drug over another. They agree that TNF- blockers have the best evidence to date that they prevent heart attacks. For patients who have preexisting heart conditions, a drug in that category would be the first line of defense. Lebwohl explained this is important because of a marked increase in the risk of heart attacks in patients with psoriasis. If a patient has or had skin cancer, a TNF- blocker would not likely be the first choice, because a side effect is an increased risk of squamous cells.

In addition, they mentioned that patients with PsA who are pregnant could benefit from certolizumab pegol (Cimzia), a drug that does not contaminate breast milk and therefore will not cross the placenta. Dermatologists often start women of childbearing years on certolizumab pegol for that reason.

The patients weight also factors into some treatment plans. We know that one of the unique aspects of some of our infusion therapies, in particular infliximab (Remicade; Janssen Biotech, Inc), is that it is weight-based dosing, Merola said. It does offeralbeit off-labeldose flexibility around frequency dosing, IV [intravenous] dosing that is...weight based but has flexibility around frequency. I can do it every 4 weeks, every 8 weeks. I can do 5 mg/kg. I can do 10 mg/kg.

Merola noted that some of the highest efficacy in PsA was shown in findings from the GO-VIBRANT trial (NCT02181673) that examined intravenous golimumab (Simponi Aria).

The physicians also mentioned treatment options when a drug fails to yield positive results. Lebowhl and Merola described primary failure as the ineffectiveness of a drug; no history of a response. A secondary failure, they said, indicates a lack of response after an initial period of success. A practitioner may prescribe a new classification of drugs for a patient who experiences primary failure. In a secondary failure, the doctor may have to increase the dosing or move to a new treatment plan. Merola said that one cause for secondary failure is due to the patients development of antibodies; they would then have to prescribe an additional medication to suppress their formation.

Both physicians agreed that the number of drugs available for PsA is always increasing, which means more access for doctors and patients. We have robust data from studies that support that switching [medications] seems to be well tolerated, seems to continue efficacy for our patients with these disorders, Merola said. However, patients often have negative expectations about what changing drugs means, which may lead to confusion, more calls to the office, or failure to take the drugs.

Merola and Lebwohl concluded by talking about the importance of regular screenings for PsA or psoriasis patients. Merola suggested a frequency of every 6 months to record new or worsening symptoms and to keep track of disease progression.

Transcript edited for clarity and conciseness.

Reference

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Exploring the Relationship Between Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis - Dermatology Times

Rumor has it that eating too many tomatoes causes inflammation in the body, which can lead to arthritis symptoms. But are tomatoes really to blame? Should everyone with arthritis swear off the vegetable (or fruit, depending on who you ask)? Good thing you asked because its time to officially debunk this myth.

Arthritis is the degeneration and inflammation of the joints that causes uncomfortable symptoms like joint swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. There isnt a cure for arthritis, but diet *can* play a major role in mitigating inflammation and managing symptoms, says Melinda Ring, MD, an integrative medicine physician at Northwestern Medicine.

Certain foods are more likely to trigger inflammation in the body, she says. And while the foods you do or do not eat won't cure or eliminate all your arthritis troubles, they can make an impact.

More From Women's Health

Read on to see what foods pass the inflammation test, and if tomatoes are in or out.

In short, no. There is really minimal scientific data that supports the elimination of tomatoes, or nightshades, by looking at inflammation markers or symptoms, says Dr. Ring. It is not an across the board statement that nobody with arthritis should eat them, because in fact, nightshade vegetables are rich in lots of really healthy phytonutrients.

So, why do tomatoes get such a bad rep? Nightshades, which are a family of plants including tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplant, naturally produce a toxin called solanine, which is long believed to trigger inflammation and joint pain. But there is actually no scientific or medical link between the two. Instead, studies actually show that tomatoes can reduce systemic inflammation, and that solanine does not directly cause inflammation in humans. It's true purpose: to protect plants against animals and harmful fungi.

That being said, people do have individual sensitivities or intolerances to different foods, and tomatoes can potentially trigger arthritis symptoms in some, says Dr. Ring. If you find your joints are extra sore, swollen, or stiff after eating tomatoes (or any food for that matter), try an elimination diet.

If someone wants to see if they have a reaction to a food, including the nightshade category, eliminate [a specific food] for a couple of weeks, says Dr. Ring. Then, add it back into your diet, and see if you notice a different response in terms of pain.

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In other words, if arthritis symptoms disappear or lessen with the elimination of nightshades, it might be your bodys way of telling you to scale back.

Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder, but if you experience an immediate or severe reaction to a specific food, its time to check-in with your doctor or an allergist. Severe allergies or anaphylactic reactions to nightshades are rare, but if you have trouble breathing, or experience throat swelling or difficulty swallowing, stop eating immediately and seek medical care.

Simply put, yes. Sugar, processed foods, alcohol, charred foods, meats, additives, and gluten can cause inflammatory responses and can sometimes be avoided to minimize arthritis symptoms, says Dr. Ring.

But dont panic! Certain foods can trigger an inflammatory response for some and not others, so there is not one cure-all eating plan. However, a good rule of thumb for someone with arthritis is a plant-forward, Mediterranean diet, that focuses on whole and not processed foods, stresses Dr. Ring.

Certain foods can also help quench inflammation, she says, including foods that are rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Flax seeds, chia seeds, and fish like salmon and sardines, along with vegetables and fruits are rich in antioxidants also help with inflammation in the body, she says. In addition, turmeric, ginger, green tea, and fermented foods have also been shown to promote a healthy gut, support the body, and lower chronic inflammation, she explains.

But remember that not everyone reacts the same to all foods, and eating habits are extremely personalized. Ultimately, food should still be something that somebody enjoys and sees as pleasurable and nourishing, says Dr. Ring. While we should always be striving to improve our diet, we should also enjoy the food we eat.

Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. Shes a mass consumer of social media and cares about womens rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.

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Are Tomatoes Bad For Arthritis? Here's What An MD Has To Say - Women's Health

Adverse events related to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy lack alternative treatments outside of glucocorticoids, which themselves may reduce the efficacy of ICI therapy in patients with cancer. Researchers in the COLAR trial examined whether interleukin-6 blockade with tocilizumab reduced ICI-induced colitis and arthritis and concluded that tocilizumab had promising efficacy and manageable safety profiles for this population.

The clinical trial, published in the Journal for Immunotherapy of Cancer, enrolled 20 patients. Participants had solid cancers and met Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) for grade >1 ICI-induced colitis/diarrhea (n=9), arthritis (n=9), or both (n=2).

Patients ICI treatments included pembrolizumab (n=10), nivolumab (n=4), or combined ipilimumab and nivolumab (n=5), and tocilizumab was administered at 8 mg/kg every 4 weeks. The primary end point of the study was improvement in colitis or arthritis.A total of 19 patients were included in the final analysis after 1 exclusion due to pancreatic insufficiency-induced diarrhea.

According to the researchers, 15 out of 19 (79%) patients achieved the primary end point of a 1 or greater reduction in CTCAE score within 8 weeks. One further patient achieved the primary end point at week 10, and one other maintained stable symptoms. Additionally, at week 24, 12 patients had ongoing improvement without glucocorticoids and 10 had complete remissions of ICI-induced colitis or arthritis.

In closing, the authors summarized that that tocilizumab demonstrated promising efficacy with manageable toxicity in patients with ICI-induced colitis and arthritis (84% clinical benefit rate), and highlighted that half of their patients were able to continue ICI treatment alongside tocilizumab.

Further studies are required to confirm these results and to eventually compare efficacy of tocilizumab with currently standard approaches in the treatment of ICI-induced toxicities, the researchers closed.

Find More Recent Arthritis and Rheumatology Research

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Tocilizumab for Treating ICI-Induced Arthritis and Colitis - DocWire News

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Zimmer Biomet, a pioneer in making medical devices, is joining hands with Network18 to promote awareness about arthritis and bone health.

A right step towards educating people on arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common medical conditions in India. More than 180 million people suffer from one of the numerous forms of the condition in the country. Arthritis is a general term that just refers to inflammation of a joint. The inflammation is often caused due to the gradual degeneration of the cartilage that covers and sheathes the joints. This results in irritation, pain, inflammation, stiffness and gradual loss of that joint.

With so many of us suffering from this debilitating disease, Zimmer Biomet, a pioneer in making medical devices, is joining hands with Network18 to promote awareness and talk about the concerns individuals regarding bone and joint health.

There are two main types of arthritis osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In the former, damage to the cartilaginous tissue can occur from wear and tear. Injury, infection, lifestyle choices, age and genetic predisposition are some of the risk factors for osteoarthritis. It is the most frequent joint disease in the country with a prevalence of 22 percent to 39 percent, according to data from the National Health Portal.

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease that causes the bodys immune system to attack the lining of the joint capsule, called the synovial membrane, which then causes damage to the cartilage and bone. The risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis include family history, age, genetic predisposition and gender.

Arthritis can mean lowered workplace productivity in high-income countries due to timely intervention and access to healthcare. In countries like India, arthritis can mean loss of livelihood entirely due to the disease not being treated in time in most cases. Rheumatoid arthritis can especially be threatening to livelihoods as it is more common in younger individuals than osteoarthritis. The disease can also significantly impact the lifestyles of individuals who suffer from it, with arthritis quickly emerging to be the fourth most common cause of disability in India.

As a result of changing lifestyles, growing population and increasingly sedentary activity levels, the prevalence of all types of arthritis is also increasing steadily. Incidentally, suffering from arthritis further increases the chances of an individual suffering from other lifestyle diseases like diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular issues due to plummeting activity levels.

Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed using tests like erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), both of which show elevated levels when a patient suffers from the disease. Osteoarthritis is usually detected through imaging techniques like X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and arthroscopy along with complementary laboratory tests.

The most common medicinal intervention is the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs not only help patients manage pain but also reduce other symptoms of the disease including inflammation and swelling.

Replacement arthroplasty, or joint replacement surgery, is also an electric surgical option that patients can opt for in case of severe damage to the joints, bone, or cartilage or in case of deformity of the joint. It is often considered a final option when other less invasive interventions are not working. Knee replacement surgeries alone in India hit the 2,00,000 mark in 2020, and the demand for joint replacement surgery is expected to grow in the country as advancements in science and surgery have made the procedure far more effective than before.

A joint replacement may be complete or partial and the life expectancy of the new artificial joints can be anywhere from a couple of years to decades depending on various other factors. Zimmet Biomets campaign with Network 18 will help readers educate themselves against the common disease and help explain options to existing patients. Through advancements in medical tech, holistic interventions have meant that arthritis patients are able to enjoy a better quality of life than ever before

First Published:Sep 30, 2022, 07:17 PM IST

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Why Arthritis Is A Clear And Present Danger, And How We Can Fight It - CNBCTV18

Arthritis refers to a diverse set of conditions characterised by inflammation in the joints. Joint pain and stiffness are the hallmark signs of arthritis. Unfortunately, there's no cure for arthritis, but you can alleviate the symptoms and reduce your risk of developing arthritis by leading a healthy lifestyle. With this in mind, research makes a strong case for packing cruciferous vegetables into your diet.

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, bok choy and cauliflower are some of the best examples.

Evidence suggests a natural compound found in these cruciferous vegetables called sulforaphane explains this effect .

"Research on mice shows sulforaphane blocks the inflammatory process and might slow cartilage damage in osteoarthritis (OA)," reports health body Arthritis Foundation AF).

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK. It affects around a third of people aged 45 and over.

READ MORE:Arthritis: The 70p anticancer herb that may reverse painful inflammation in the joints

Indeed, the Mayo Clinic spent more than a decade studying the effects of antioxidant-rich cruciferous vegetables in preventing arthritis.

The study, published in the journal American Journal of Epidemiology, involved 29,368 women who were aged 55 to 69 years at the beginning of the study in 1986.

By the end of the study in 1997, 152 cases of rheumatoid arthritis were identified.

After controlling for other risk factors, cruciferous vegetables also "exhibited trends" toward a reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

READ MORE:Arthritis: Certain seed has significant anti-inflammatory properties - study

In their conclusion, the researchers noted that a diet high in cruciferous vegetables, may be "protective against the development of rheumatoid arthritis".

While thin on the ground, more recent human studies have echoed these results.

Researchers in a 2014 study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics evaluated associations of vegetable intake with a panel of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers among 1,005 middle-aged Chinese women.

Dietary intake of foods was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire.

The study suggested that the previously observed health benefits of cruciferous vegetable consumption may be partly associated with the anti-inflammatory effects of these vegetables.

The research to date is encouraging but human evidence remains scarce.

Further research must be conducted on human subjects before recommendations can be made.

Nonetheless, cruciferous vegetables are low-calorie, and rich in folate, vitamins C, E, and K, and fibre, making them essential to a healthy, balanced diet.

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Arthritis: Five cruciferous veg 'block inflammatory process' - backed by 10-year study - Express

Arthritis is a condition that can be completely and utterly debilitating. According to Healthline, individuals can typically develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA) anywhere between 30 to 50 years of age, while osteoarthritis (OA) usually occurs after 50 or 60 years of age. Arthritis is not something you can always prevent, so it's essential to know every possible way to address the pain as effectively as possible. We're here to share some exercise habits for arthritis in your 50s that you should be aware of. Read further so you can start some helpful tricks today.

We reached out to Dr. Mike Bohl, the Director of Medical Content & Education at Ro and a certified personal trainer. He informs us, "Exercising with arthritis is all about starting off easy and gradually progressing workouts to be longer and more difficult, as tolerated." For instance, some people may be limited to performing exercises in a five-minute session at first and can increase the length of their workout slowly over time. Others may feel more comfortable performing their routine in a seated position. This is a great start, as they can gradually work up to a standing position.

Related: Bad Fitness Habits That Are Rapidly Aging Your Body, Trainer Reveals

Dr. Bohl offers more suggestions you'll want to keep handy. "When it comes to aerobic exercise, low-to-moderate intensity is best," he shares, adding, "When it comes to resistance training, it's important to start with low repetitions of low weight." As you start to become more comfortable, you can step up the total reps. Note that it's always wise to stick with a lower weight. According to Dr. Bohl, your overall goal can be something like this: "Start with low repetition/low weight and progress to high repetition/low weight."6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Related: The #1 Strength Workout To Regain Muscle Mass as You Age, Trainer Says

Individuals who suffer from arthritis may have balance issues or be a tad weaker. If that's the case, Dr. Bohl says balance exercises, stretching, and core-strengthening movements must be top priorities in your regular fitness regimen.

Another one of the best exercise habits for arthritis that Dr. Bohl shares is this. Circuit training can be quite beneficial for individuals dealing with arthritis. Circuit training is performing many various exercises back to back, rather than dedicating your entire workout time to simply one to two parts of your body or types of exercise.

Dr. Bohl does warn that individuals with arthritic conditions stay away from doing high-load or high-intensity exercises. This means no lifting heavy weights, steering clear of vigorous aerobic activities, and avoiding plyometrics.

Additionally, it's wise to avoid working out first thing in the morning, as this is the time when you likely endure a greater amount of stiffness and inability to move well. He tells us, "People with arthritis should use pain as a guidedon't do anything outside of a comfortable range of motion, and if they're experiencing an acute flare-up of arthritis symptoms, it may be best to avoid exercising altogether."

Alexa Mellardo

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5 Exercise Habits for Arthritis in Your 50s - Eat This, Not That

Arthritis comes in many forms but one that commonly afflicts Britons is gout. As the Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) explains, gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that is "very painful". It usually affects one joint at a time (often the big toe joint), the CDC notes. It may come as a surprise to hear that certain types of fish can trigger gout symptoms.

This effect owes to the purine content found in fish. The Arthritis Foundation (AF) explains: "Purine compounds, whether produced in the body or from eating high-purine foods, can raise uric acid levels.

"Excess uric acid can produce uric acid crystals, which then build up in soft tissues and joints, causing the painful symptoms of gout."

Given the risks posed by high-purine foods, gout sufferers should "strive to limit" them, says the AF.

Fish high in purine includes anchovies, sardines, herring, mussels, codfish, scallops, trout and haddock, adds the health body.

READ MORE:Arthritis symptoms: Three drinks proven to reduce inflammation ease sore joints

According to the NHS, eating a healthy, balanced diet can help to keep painful gout symptoms at bay.

"Your doctor may give you a list of foods to include or limit," notes the health body.

In general, a healthy, balanced diet means eating a wide variety of foods in the right proportions, and consuming the right amount of food and drink to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.

"Most people in the UK eat and drink too many calories, too much saturated fat, sugar and salt, and not enough fruit, vegetables, oily fish or fibre," warns the NHS.

READ MORE:Arthritis warning: Refined carbohydrates directly 'cause' inflammation - 'avoid or limit'

Gout can be effectively treated and managed with medical treatment and self-management strategies.

"Treatment for flares consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, steroids, and the anti-inflammatory drug colchicine," explains the CDC.

According to the health body, making changes to your diet and lifestyle, such as losing weight, limiting alcohol, eating less purine-rich food (such as red meat or organ meat), may help prevent future attacks.

"Changing or stopping medications associated with hyperuricemia (like diuretics) may also help."

If you have frequent attacks or high levels of uric acid in your blood, you may need to take uric acid-lowering medicine, adds the NHS.

According to the health body, it's important to take uric acid-lowering medicine regularly, even when you no longer have symptoms.

It says to:

Do not put any pressure on the affected joint, the NHS adds.

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Arthritis: 8 types of fish can cause acid crystals to build up in joints - 'very painful' - Express