StemCell Therapy

The bacteriumStaphylococcus aureushas long been known to cause infections in humans, ranging from mild skin infections to pneumonia to more serious infections of the heart. In high-income countries, its the leading cause of a sometimes-fatal condition known as infective endocarditis, involving inflammation of the hearts valves or lining.

Now, in a new study, researchers at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine describe another way the bacterium can cause harm: by undermining the bodys ability to heal from those infections.

The findings may point the way toward improving treatment of infections withS. aureus, more commonly called a staph infection.

TheS. aureusbacteria produce small toxins, called superantigens, that bind to white blood cells and over-activate the immune system, which can cause complications for the circulatory system. Thestudy in rabbits, published recently in Science Advances, found that a superantigen called SEC (superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin C) prevents injured blood vessels from healing. It also stops the formation of new branching blood vessels crucial to the wound repair process.

The role of many immune system molecules is to make the vessels around the infection more permeable, so they can enter and heal the infection, explains senior author Wilmara Salgado-Pabn, professor of pathobiological sciences. But when superantigens hyperactivate the immune system, your blood vessels can become leaky, leading to low blood pressure and organ dysfunction.

When an area of the body has suffered injury, it will form tiny branching blood vessels called capillaries, which send nutrients and oxygen to the damaged area. Using whats called the aortic root model, researchers sliced small sections of a rabbits aortic artery to imitate an injury. These ring slices were unable to form new capillaries in the presence of SEC, hindering the vascular system from healing the injury.

The model works well, says Salgado-Pabn, because it allows us to test capillary formation which can be complex in a laboratory environment, with all of the elements you would expect in the body.

Infective endocarditis disproportionately affects Black and Indigenous populations, as well as people predisposed to infection such as the elderly, people with diabetes and people who smoke.

The condition is responsible for high rates of in-hospital mortality, as it progresses very quickly and can go on to cause complications in other organs throughout the body, Salgado-Pabn says.

Over the last 50 years, treatment for infective endocarditis has remained largely unchanged, currently consisting of a six-week course of antibiotics or heart surgery to clear the infection. The new findings offer potential for developing new and better approaches.

You could not only neutralize the toxins vascular effects, but you could possibly treat patients to improve their vascular health, says Salgado-Pabn, whose work is supported by the National Institutes of Health. By strengthening a patients vascular health, you could proactively prevent the complications that lead to fatality.

Now that the lab has identified this new biological function, it is working to define the structures and molecules that are critical to the process, including identifying the molecules SEC interacts with and defining the cellular receptors that react to the toxins presence.

Maddie Arthur

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New understanding of 'superantigens' could lead to improved staph infection treatments - University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine

Veterinarian Dr. Rebecca Jackson was working in an Alberta mountain town a few summers ago when a patient came in showing signs of heatstroke.

The dog had just had a long day of hiking and was disoriented, vomiting, panting heavily, and "very, very weak," she recalled. "He had a high elevated heart rate, he had low blood pressure. His body temperature was elevated."

He was immediately put on intravenous fluids and wrapped in cool towels. Isopropyl alcohol was applied to his paw pads for an evaporative cooling effect. He was also given an anti-nausea injection to prevent any further dehydration through vomiting.

The story has a happy ending: The dog's body temperature came down and he made a full recovery, Jackson said.

But it's a reminder during these hazy, humid days of summerthat humans aren't the only ones feeling the heat pets are, too. And with even hotter days projected to come, veterinarians say it's important to take precautions and watch for signs of trouble in your furry family members.

Heatstroke may be top of mind for pet owners since it's something that humans can also suffer from. But burnt paws are actually a more common summertime injury and one that can be easy to overlook, said Jackson, an instructor at the University of Calgary's faculty of veterinary medicine.

Imagine walking barefoot across a sidewalk or beach on a hot summer day, and you get some idea of what our four-legged friends go through.

"We forget that they're very unique in that their paw pads are touching the ground as they walk," she said. "Black pavement in particular can attract a lot of heat and can cause burn injuries to those paw pads."

Severe burns on paw pads can be tough to heal because the surface of the pads is relatively avascular, meaning that it's lacking in blood supply. On very hot days, consider keeping your pet inside and walking them only in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler, Jackson said.

If you're unsure, the American Kennel Club suggests placing the back of your hand on the asphalt on hot days; if you can't comfortably hold it there for 10 seconds, it's too hot for your pup's paws.

If you do take your pet out on a hot day, watch for signs of heatstroke, which happens when the body is unable to cope with external heat.

As humans, we regulate our body temperature in part through sweating: the evaporation of sweat from our skin's surface removes excess heat and cools us down. But our pets don't have sweat glands distributed throughout their body in the same way.

In dogs and cats, the sweat glands are mostly located in the paw pads. It's such a small surface area that it doesn't help much with temperature regulation, according to Dr. Sarah Machell, a licensed veterinarian and medical director of Vetster, a telehealth app that connects pet owners to veterinarians for virtual consults.

That's why our pets pant in the heat it's their way of cooling off.

"[Panting is] the only way that pets dogs, in particular, we see this in can really evaporate water from any surface to help lower body temperature," Machellsaid.

"So their capacity and their tolerance for heat is much, much less than humans."

To help your pets stay cool, make sure they have lots of access to shade and that any exercise taken on is very moderate and at a slow pace, Machellsaid. Keep them hydrated by carrying water bottles, taking frequent breaks and encouraging them to drink.

Specialized cooling bandanas and cooling vests can also keep your pets from getting overheated, Machellsaid.

Most pet owners know to never leave their pets alone in a car because of how fast temperatures can rise in the enclosed space. Machellrecommends planning ahead and taking a second person with you who can walk the dog while you pop into the store.

As with humans, it only takes a few degrees of difference in your pet's body temperature for the situation to tip intodangerous territory.

A normal body temperature for a dog is in the range of 37.5 C to 39.2 C. When it gets above 41 C, the possibility of heatstroke starts to be a significantconcern, and there is risk of multiple organ failure and death, said Dr. Matthew Richardson, a veterinarian at The Animal Clinic in Toronto and president-elect for the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA).

The higher above that level it goes and the longer it is elevated, the more serious the consequences, he said.

According to the OVMA, the signs of heatstroke in pets can include:

While symptomsare fairly similar across pet species, there are some minor differences.

"In dogs, we will see vomiting and diarrhea as symptoms of heatstroke. In birds andreptiles, ittends to be a reduction in the production of fecal matter and a reduction in the amount that they want to eat," Richardson said.

If you think your pet is suffering from heatstroke, you should move them to a cooler setting and use cool not cold water and damp towels to try to lower their body temperature, according to the OVMA. If they are able, allow them to drink.Bring any pets suffering from heatstroke to aveterinarian as soon as possible, the OVMA says.

Pet owners should also be aware that some animals are more vulnerable to heatstroke than others. The Toronto Humane Society says these include animals with flat faces, such as pugs and Persian cats, as they can't pant as effectively; elderly pets; overweight pets; and those with heart or lung diseases.

A puppy would also be more prone to heatstroke than an adult dog, Richardson said.

Heat stress can also be an issue for indoor pets if there is a lack of air conditioning.

Machellsuggests having multiple locations for access to fresh water and adding ice cubes to water or even using a water fountain, since running water can sometimes be more appealing for pets.

For pets like birds and guinea pigs, make sure the cage is out of direct sunlight, and you could place a fan on them, Richardson said.

For small mammals, you can also try to create a special spot for them in their cage that will retain a cooler temperature for longer than regular bedding.

"If you can find a piece of stone, tile, granite, something like that that's cool and can stay in the shade so it stays cool you can put that in their cages," he said. "You can have this sort of cold area where they can go to try to find that cooler spot."

Have you ever had a dispute over ownership or custody of a pet? We want to hear from you for an upcoming story. Send an email to ask@cbc.ca.

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Pets are also feeling the heat this summer. Here's how you can protect them - CBC.ca

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - With temperatures as hot as they are, veterinarians say it's important to keep your pets inside to avoid heat stroke and other emergencies.

"Recently, we actually saved a police dog. He was working outside and his temperature went up to 107 degrees and we were very lucky...they brought him in immediately," said Dr. Julie Nelson, an emergency veterinarian at Bay Beach Veterinary Emergency Hospital in Virginia Beach.

The dog and its handler were also lucky because they were able to find a clinic to take the case.

Bay Beach's schedule for emergency doctors currently has numerous openings, particularly during overnight shifts No doctor on staff means pets could be turned away. It nearly happened on Monday of this week, the clinic tells News 3.

We did not have an emergency doctor overnight and most of the veterinary emergency hospitals in our community did not have emergency doctors overnight either so we did not have anywhere to send the patient. We did end up getting him taken care of, but, at the same time, its a really tough situation for people to be in," said Allison Rye, the Hospital Administrator at Bay Beach.

According to Blue Pearl an emergency veterinary hospital that operates across the country, with two locations in Hampton Roads the problem is nationwide due to a shortage of veterinarians and support staff.

A statement to News 3, from company spokesperson Laura Fourniotis, reads, "Over the past decade, there has been an increased generational interest in pet ownership, which was accelerated by a historic influx of pandemic pets. Adding to this, the industry is facing a national veterinary professional shortage. COVID-19 only exacerbated pre-existing issues in veterinary medicine, including burnout. Loss of qualified/experienced para-staff, clinicians, and leadership is notable across all aspects of the veterinary business. However, emergency and critical care medicine has seen the greatest attrition or movement of Associates. Many determined to take a break, to move to another role or another team/practice, or to leave the profession altogether. This trend is not yet slowing in 2022."

Fourniotis pointed News 3 to a study by Mars Veterinary Health that breaks down the numbers.

Rye says the staffing situation at Bay Beach and across the region is the worst she's seen since joining the clinic as a veterinary assistant in 2001.

"I think we had five or six 24-hour facilities locally. Now we have two," she said. "We do our best to cover the holes (in our schedule) that we can, but our doctors can only work so many hours in a week."

If the hospital is unable to take on a new patient, Dr. Nelson says her staff may refer the owner to another clinic outside the region.

It hurts us immensely to have to send them somewhere else, like all the way to Richmond. That is a two-hour drive to do in the middle of the night when their pet is having an emergency but when you dont have the doctor to take care of them, we have to do whats best for them," she told News 3.

But sometimes even those locations are already full too.

Dr. Nelson says the best thing for someone having an emergency with their dog, cat or another pet is to call ahead to make sure a hospital is accepting patients to avoid a wasted trip.

Also, if you think your pet might be sick, try to get in to see your regular veterinarian before it becomes an emergency.

And keep in mind if you do have to visit the ER, be patient and prepared to wait several hours in the event the doctor is working on another, higher priority case.

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Heat emergency with your pet? Don't be surprised if your ER visit requires a drive - News 3 WTKR Norfolk

Rep. Kurt Schrader would have to apply for a new license from state board led by wife of candidate who defeated him.

Oregon is a small state, prone to odd intersections of political lives. To wit:

U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader, D-Canby, would have to apply for a new veterinarian's license from a state board led by the wife of the candidate who defeated him in the May primary.

State records show that Walter Schrader the congressman goes by his middle name, Kurt received a state veterinary license in 1977. Elected to Congress in 2008, Schrader has served as chair of the Veterinary Medicine Caucus.

But state records show that after 42 years, Schrader allowed his license to lapse in December 2019.

Schrader lost the May 17 Democratic primary to Terrebonne attorney Jamie McLeod-Skinner.

If Schrader wanted to resume his practice after he leaves office in January, he'd apply for a new license from the Oregon Veterinary Medicine Examining Board.

The board's interim executive director since December 2020 is Cass McLeod-Skinner. She's Jamie's wife.

Cass McLeod-Skinner is also the executive director of the Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners. She stepped into the additional work of leading the veterinary board after the previous executive director, Lori Maakinen, retired in December 2020.

State records show Cass McLeod-Skinner has a base pay of $119,899 and earned total compensation in the 2021 fiscal year of $120,109.

Gov. Kate Brown announced she plans to fill the veterinary board commission job and was accepting applications until the end of June. No announcement has been made on an appointment.

Schrader is paid $174,000 per year as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Starting next year, the paycheck will go to either Jamie McLeod-Skinner or Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer, depending on the outcome of the November election.

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Oregon's a small world: Politics and vetting veterinarians - Portland Tribune

A cat treated for care at UC Davis Veterinary Hospital after the 2018 Camp Fire. (UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine)

Discovery Could Change the Way Veterinarians Treat Wildfire-Injured Cats

Quick Summary

July 24, 2022 - By Trina Wood - Cats who suffered burns and smoke inhalation in urban California wildfires are at risk of forming deadly blood clots, according to a new study from researchers at the University of California, Davis, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.The study, recently published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, follows up ona previous discoverythat showed cats injured in urban wildfires had a high incidence of heart problems.

Prior to these two papers, we didnt realize that cats impacted by urban wildfires were prone to forming clots, which can lead to sudden death, said lead co-author Ronald Li, associate professor of small animal emergency and critical care at UC Davis. This study will change the standard of care for rescued cats from these wildfires and hopefully save more lives.

Cats treated for their injuries from the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California, were some of the models for this study. Researchers examined their platelets, the cells that circulate in blood and help stop bleeding or form blood clots. They found that cats with wildfire injuries had increased overactive platelets compared to healthy cats or cats with heart disease, in this case subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM. HCM is the most common cardiac disease in cats and causes a thickening of the heart muscle.

Cats with HCM are hypercoagulable, meaning they are more likely to form clots, explained lead co-author Ava Tan, a veterinary research fellow currently working in Lis laboratory. Thats why we used them as a control group to compare with cats in the wildfire group.

The platelets of wildfire-injured cats also released high amounts of microvesicles, microscopic membranous bubble-like structures filled with proteins, which are associated with cardiovascular disease and an elevated risk of clotting.

We found cats exposed to wildfire smoke and injuries are even more prone to throwing clots, showing a direct association between wildfire injuries, platelet response and clot formation, Tan said.

In addition to clot formation, platelets have a lot to do with overall cardiovascular health and disease. The study also led to the discovery of a novel receptor on cat platelets, Toll-Like-Receptor-4, that may play a role in clotting and could be the target for treatments developed in the future.

These results could lead to bigger health implications for our feline patients and highlight the important role that platelets play in linking inflammation with the coagulation system, Li said.

Wildfires pose a major risk for humans as well. Emergency room visits increase due to heart attack and strokes after wildlife exposure. Although the underlying mechanism isnt known in humans, this study in cats may shed light on systemic platelet activation, which plays a crucial role in mediating the likelihood of developing clots as a result of wildfire injuries.

This study opens a new door to looking at how wildfires impact cardiovascular health in humans, Li said.

The researchers were able to use blood samples collected from cats brought in for treatment from the Camp Fire, which have been used in these two studies to date. This study has also led to a third study, which is underway, to discover new cellular processes that may explain why feline platelets are so sensitive and prone to clotting, especially in cats with heart conditions or wildfire injuries. The data collected is critical to developing early treatment plans, Li said.

Other authors include veterinary cardiologists Joshua Stern, Catherine Gunther-Harrington and Ashley Sharpe; veterinary critical care specialists Yu Ueda, Steven Epstein and Satoshi Haginoya; and research associates Nghi Nguyen and Mehrab Hussain in the Li Comparative Platelet and Neutrophil Physiology Laboratory. The diagnostics and therapeutic management of feline burn victims reported in this study were funded through the UC Davis Veterinary Catastrophic Need Fund.This study also received funding through the Center for Companion Animal Health.Source: UC Davis

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Cats Injured in Wildfires at Risk of Deadly Blood Clots - Sierra Sun Times

By Vidya Rajan, Columnist, The Times

We seldom think of the home or medicine cabinet as a storehouse of poisons, but that is what they are. From the very food we eat, the sprays we clean with, to the drugs we take, the chemical activity of um, chemicals can have diabolical effects upon biological systems. In this article, I will explore a few of the drugs we use to keep ourselves healthy, and how drugs can become poisons.

That drugs can be dangerous is the reason why so many are regulated, and available only by prescription by a licensed physician or psychiatrist. Most drugs are derived from other living organisms which use the chemicals to ward off predators, and they do this by messing with the biochemistry of the attacker, sometimes lethally. However, some drugs are from inanimate sources. Elements such as lithium, iron, potassium, iodine, zinc, and sodium, and compounds such as bicarbonate of soda and calcium carbonate, are used as part of the spectrum of pharmacological interventions to manage health. But the questions arise: What distinguishes a poison from a drug? Is the difference due merely to a dosage effect? What interactions can drugs have with each other that singly they are okay, but together will send you six feet under? Why are there so many potential side effects for each drug?

Drugs act through a physiological intermediary, through which they activate or shut down a pathway. Dosage matters here to modulate the pathway correctly. Consider a problem of acid overproduction in the stomach. There are two ways to manage this problem: 1. turning down acid production levels or, 2. absorbing the excess; both will have the desired outcome of less acid. But other problems may arise from the reduction of acid levels. If most or all the acid is absorbed, there may not be enough left to digest protein, or potential pathogens or their eggs, and will have the undesired side-effects of malnutrition or parasitic infestation. But if not enough absorption of acid occurs, the remaining acid may cause other problems such as possible ulceration, reflux, or heartburn. Therefore, the dose must be achieved that sponges up just the right amount of acid not too little, and not too much.

A second consideration for drugs is their interactions with other drugs or the body itself, if it changes the drugs persistence or activity. As a simple example, a drug that requires acid in the stomach to be activated, such as a supplementary digestive enzyme, will be modulated by the levels of acid. Agonistic, or similar actions, will be amplified. For example, barbiturates and alcohol are both nerve depressants and, taken together, can be lethal. So also aspirin and warfarin, both of which act to thin blood, will have lethal additive effects. Antagonistic drugs, such as morphine and naloxone, have opposite effects at the same receptor. Thus, a morphine overdose can be reversed by administering naloxone. Drugs whose actions involve the brain are particularly complicated in this respect their outcomes are affected regionally by agonistic and antagonistic effects, but they can even have systemic effects because of their regulation of the secretion of neurotransmitters and hormones.

Drug action is further modulated by whether the drug is rapidly or slowly broken down, and the organs involved in its removal from the body. Drugs metabolized through biochemical pathways in the liver or the kidney can place excess stress on those organs if used in conjunction with other drugs metabolized via the same organ. For example alcohol and acetaminophen a popular analgesic are both metabolized in the liver using similar oxidative enzymes. Taking them together may place such a large load on the liver that it can cause liver failure and death. Some foods may interfere with drug metabolism as well. Grapefruit juice is known to interfere with some liver enzymes that break down drugs like cholesterol-lowering statins, leading to a drug buildup which can then lead to muscle pain or damage. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can affect kidney function, impeding the removal of drugs from the body. So be sure to list these in your medication lists when you see your physician for your annual checkup! Illegal or street drugs can also interact with prescription drugs in the body. The list is long! Here is a place where you can check prescription drug interactions: https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html#. Stay safe by checking with your doctor, especially if you are required to take multiple medications. Keep your medications away from children. Expired and no-longer-needed medications can be disposed at the Police Station and through Controlled Substance Public Disposal Locations (search for your closest location at Controlled Substance Public Disposal Locations Search Utility (usdoj.gov)).

It is not usual practice to praise federal governmental institutions, but the Food and Drug Administration has been the bulwark against ineffective treatments marketed as panaceas, and against food and drug adulteration in the United States. The first part of its mission statement reads as follows: The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nations food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. The FDA requires data on two key requirements prior to licensing a drug: safety and efficacy. These data are gathered through clinical trials (at levels I, II, and III, as you may know from the testing of the vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19), and bolstered by the Vaccine Adverse Effects Reporting System (VAERS) where side effects of vaccines are reported to the FDA for safety follow up. But the FDA also demands that any negative drug interactions that are found are publicized by the drug company this is the reason for drug labeling and the laundry list of side-effects that accompany any over-the-counter or prescribed drug. The FDA is so trusted that many other countries have adopted the practices they pioneered, such as Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) with stringent record-keeping and trackable supply chains.

To stay safe, read the small print, and be honest with your physician when they ask you which other drugs you take.

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Inner Nature: The medicine/poison cabinet | The Unionville Times - The Unionville Times

There are a few actors in Hollywood who start acting as children and continue in their acting careers through adulthood. There are far more who appear in one or a few movies and then move on to completely different careers. Peter Ostrum is one interesting example of an actor who left the big screen behind.

Ostrum was born November 1, 1957, in Dallas, Texas but spent most of his childhood in Cleveland, Ohio, according to IMDb. While in Cleveland, he enjoyed acting for the local childrens theater. It is from those productions that he got discovered for his only film appearance. He starred as Charlie Bucket in the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

Ostrum was an instant hit in his role as the lovable Charlie. Ostrum, however, did not love acting in the film enough to want to return. He even turned down a three-movie deal he received as soon he finished Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. He said, When it was over, I was anxious to become just another kid again.

Ostrum didnt enjoy talking about his time as a child actor for a long time. Now that a lot of time has passed, Ostrum can look back with fondness. He said,

For a long time, I hated talking about the movie. When anyone brought it up, I wanted to change the topic. I didnt want to be known as the former child actor. Now, since Ive been out of the industry for so long and have grown up, I look on the whole experience with fond memories and see it as a wonderful part of my life. Its fun to reflect now with the maturity that I didnt have at one point when I was younger.

OWN reports that Ostrum and his fellow child actors (a.k.a the Wonka Kids) maintain a close relationship to this day. They often come together at celebrity signing events around the country.

Ostrum used the earnings he got from starring in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory to buy his first horse, according to the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. He started working at the stable where his horse was kept. It was his horses veterinarian that left a strong impression on him.

About the veterinarian, Ostrum said,

I can remember the veterinarian coming out and taking care of the horses, and it made a huge impression on me. This person really enjoyed what he did for a living. My father was a lawyer, and I really didnt have a clue what he did all day. But I knew exactly what the veterinarian did. Someone making a living from something he enjoyed so much really sparked my interest.

Ostrum took time off between high school and college to work as a groom at a few stables, and then he worked at the Delaware Equine Center in Pennsylvania. He ultimately ended up at Cornell University, where he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 1984.

Ostrum now works as a veterinarian at a small veterinary clinic in Lowville, NY. He is a senior partner and primarily works on dairy farms. For over 25 years, Ostrum has found great satisfaction in working closely with dairy farm owners and their families.

On top of his veterinary practice, Ostrum has also been featured on the reality series called Vets on Call, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health. The show sought to raise awareness about the unique bond between rural veterinarians and their dairy farmer clients and to hopefully inspire young people to enter the food animal medicine career.

Ostrum enjoys visiting public schools in his area to talk about his movie role and his work as a veterinarian. He seeks to teach about how our life can change based on our decisions. He said, Acting was fine, but I wanted something more steady. The key is to find something you love doing, and thats what I got.

RELATED: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory: None of the Actors Were Informed About the Tunnel Scene

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'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' Star Peter Ostrum Pursued an Ivy League Education After He Left Acting - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

The Ohio State University is instituting a new educational requirement for all first-year and transfer undergraduate students targeting drug, tobacco and alcohol misuse.

The new online educational modules will cover alcohol and other drug misuse prevention, mental wellness and prescription drug abuse. The program will be used on all Ohio State campuses and begin this fall.

This initiative centers the health, safety and wellbeing of every Buckeye, said Senior Vice President for Student Life Melissa Shivers. We have historically communicated and provided a wide variety of education and prevention information and we continue to identify ways to improve programming to best reach all of our students. Education is critical to creating a community of informed, responsible Buckeyes.

Students will access the modules through BuckeyeLearn. Incoming students must complete the educational modules to register for classes next spring or fall semester.

Local and national data demonstrate the growing need for education around alcohol, tobacco and other drug misuse, especially in light of increasing overdose deaths due to alcohol and other drugs, said Shawnt Elbert, associate vice president for health and well-being, Office of Student Life. These educational modules are a best-in-class opportunity to help prepare our students for a safe and healthy Buckeye experience.

Vector Solutions, the provider of the modules, works with 2,200 colleges and universities. The company provides evidence-based education used by millions of students at institutions across the U.S.

The new modules help educate students about a growing problem facing campuses across the country: Nationally, from 2019 to 2021, deaths from synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, doubled. In Ohio, as of January 2021, incidents of opioid overdose were at the highest rate in 10 years.

According to the 2022 National College Health Assessment:

These modules will be an additional requirement to those related to sexual misconduct and hazing, and part of a strong portfolio that builds on Ohio States commitment to the health, wellness and safety of the campus community, Shivers said.

While the modules are required for first-year and transfer undergraduate students, Ohio State is making the program available to and will actively encourage completion by any student who wants to take part by summer 2023.

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New student education program supports drug and alcohol abuse prevention - The Ohio State University News

Public Health | Social science | UW News blog

July 19, 2022

Most health care providers who took a suicide prevention training program developed by the University of Washington said they were better able to identify and respond to patients at risk of suicide.

Most people who die by suicide had contact with the health care system in the year before their deaths but only about one-third have received mental health services. This means that primary care and emergency room doctors, nurses and other specialists may be more often positioned to evaluate a person in crisis.

After Washington in 2012 became the first state to require suicide prevention training for health care professionals, the University of Washington developed a program, All Patients Safe, to help providers identify people at risk of suicide.

A new study, published online June 23 in the journal Psychiatric Services, finds large-scale training in this critical work is possible. The first wave of health care professionals to try All Patients Safe also report improved understanding of suicide and how to respond to people at risk.

The new Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by texting or calling 988.

The results suggest that it is possible to provide high-quality training to health care professionals about suicide, which is an important but not sufficient step in the prevention of suicide, said Jenn Stuber, associate professor of social work at the UW and the studys lead author. Its also essential to look at systems and policies to ensure there is maximum support for health care professionals to implement the clinical skills they were taught in the training.

Nearly 46,000 people died by suicide in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is among the leading causes of death for teens.

Stuber, who co-founded Forefront Suicide Prevention at the UW, helped push for the Washington state legislation to train health care providers, following the death of her husband by suicide. The law is named for him. A few years after passage, the law was amended to include all licensed health care providers not just behavioral health specialists in the requirement for training. Behavioral health specialists must participate in training every six years, whereas other health professionals must take a course only once.

In addition to Washington, 17 other states encourage or require such training for health care providers.

All Patients Safe was developed in collaboration with a variety of experts and heath care organizations, including the UW AIMS Center, and is one of a few dozen suicide prevention trainings that have been approved by the Washington State Department of Health.

Administered online in three- and six-hour versions, All Patients Safe is structured in modules and uses case-based materials and videos that model provider-patient interactions. The aim is to educate and empower providers to identify at-risk behaviors and to discuss with their patients, among other things, limiting access to lethal means.

Between November 2018 and December 2020, more than 1,500 providers completed the six-hour course and a pre-training survey. Just over half filled out a post-training survey and were included in the new study. Participants were asked about their understanding of and confidence in addressing a number of topics with a patient, including storage of medication and firearms, and thoughts of suicide.

Results from that survey showed improved levels of confidence and understanding in all areas. For example, the number of respondents who believed they could identify warning signs of suicide increased by 60%, while confidence in asking about medication and firearms also rose.

Researchers say the results indicate at least a short-term knowledge gain, as well as the potential for delivering the training to large numbers of providers. They say more study is warranted on the longer-term efficacy of the training in specific health care settings.

Co-authors were Sarah Porter of the UW School of Social Work; Anne Massey of the UW School of Public Health; and Betsy Payn and Anna Ratzliff of the UW Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

For more information, contact Stuber at jstuber@uw.edu.

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Suicide prevention training for health care providers a first step in longer-term efficacy - University of Washington

And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. Not a moment too soon, yes? This is, you may recall, our treasured signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda is still getting sorted out, but we hope to catch up on our reading and hang with our oh-so-busy short person. And what about you? Normally, we would suggest you enjoy the great outdoors, but given the heat, we hesitate to do so, unless you have a Jetsons-like portable air conditioner you can strap on your back. With that in mind, this may be an opportunity to enjoy a flick or two on the telly, meet a fun friend at a whiskey bar, or simply take a few naps. Well, whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe. Enjoy, and see you soon.

The European Medicines Agency has recommended a vaccine made by Bavarian Nordic for protection against monkeypox, Reuters writes. The vaccine, which is the only one to have won approval for preventing monkeypox disease in the U.S. and Canada, has in the European Union so far only been approved to treat smallpox. But the company has supplied the vaccine to several EU countries during the current monkeypox outbreak for off-label use. The recommendation from the EMA is expected to be referred to the European Commission for final approval shortly.

Unlock this article by subscribing to STAT+ and enjoy your first 30 days free!

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Pharmalittle: Congress may miss deadline to pass FDA user-fee bill; ViiV is urged to lower price for its HIV prevention drug - STAT

If you live with bipolar disorder, you may have wondered if you can prevent manic or depressive episodes. While everyone is different, there may be some options that can help you.

Bipolar disorder is a complex condition.

Some people may find that they are able to prevent some manic and depressive episodes.

Others may find that, while they are not able to prevent episodes completely, they can lessen or manage the symptoms. We asked two experts for tips on how to cope.

You may find that some depressive and manic episodes are preventable to some extent, though this may not be with 100% accuracy.

Thats because bipolar disorder is caused by a combination of factors that are unique to you some factors that are in your control and some that are not.

These include:

With that said, there are some preventive measures that can be put in place in order to decrease the frequency, intensity, or duration of manic and depressive episodes, says Chanel Johnson, a licensed professional counselor in Detroit, Michigan, who lives with bipolar disorder.

The most recent research supports this view. The goal of long-time management is to help prevent episodes with a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and psychoeducation.

A 2020 study noted that the earlier there is support and intervention, the better the treatment outcomes will be.

You may find it helpful to try a combination of approaches to see what works best for you.

A number of self-care strategies can help prevent bipolar disorder episodes, but first, its important to accept your symptoms and seek professional support, says Dr. Lee Phillps, a psychotherapist and certified sex and couples therapist in Virginia and New York.

Once you accept your diagnosis, you can work with a therapist on a treatment plan, he says. The most effective treatment for bipolar [disorder] is a combination of psychotherapy and medication management.

While in therapy, says Phillips, you can build your coping skills to help prevent or lessen future episodes. These coping skills can include joining a bipolar disorder support group, so you can be around others for support, he adds.

Research from 2018 shows that those living with bipolar disorder experience sleep disturbances and differences in their circadian rhythm, which is the bodys sleep-wake schedule.

If possible, try to wake up and go to sleep at the same time every night. Having a routine allows you to go on auto pilot and trains your body physiologically, says Johnson.

If your body knows that you go to bed at 10 p.m., it knows to release some extra melatonin around that time, which certainly helps if youre having racing thoughts (a symptom of mania) and having a hard time shutting things down, she says.

Research from 2020 notes that regular movement can be helpful in managing symptoms, thanks to the release of neurotransmitters in your brain, says Phillips.

Staying active can be helpful because it can help prevent a depressive episode. If youre [experiencing mania], exercise can help calm the nervous system, he says.

Research suggests that substance use may heighten some symptoms of bipolar disorder.

For example, a 2019 study noted that smoking tobacco (alone or while using other substances), was a risk factor for suicide attempts during depressive episodes.

You may find it helpful to reduce or limit substances, including:

Stress can be a trigger for bipolar episodes.

Some studies suggest that regular mindfulness practice may help bring you into the present moment and feel more balanced, says Johnson.

Adding meditation, yoga, and exercise to your daily routine is a great way to manage stress and help stabilize your mood. Activities that invoke mindfulness, focus, awareness, and physical activity help to soothe the nervous system, she says.

Research shows that weather can be a trigger for bipolar disorder, like temperature and sunlight, says Phillips.

During the winter months, you may feel more depressed. In the spring, you may become manic. Therefore, a therapist can help you prepare for these seasons with an action plan on how you are going to cope, he says.

A growing body of evidence suggests that a healthy diet of whole foods plays an important role in preventive maintenance, says Johnson.

Processed foods wreak havoc on our gut microbiome, affecting the neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate and stabilize our mood, she says.

Processed foods often come in the form of simple sugars that cause insulin levels to spike and drop drastically. Unstable insulin levels lead to an unstable mood, Johnson explains.

You may find it helpful to ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian or nutritionist.

There may be times when you feel like you dont need your medication anymore.

You may stop taking medication because you feel great while experiencing mania. But this may only cause your symptoms to become worse, explains Phillips.

Instead, work with a doctor or therapist before making any adjustments to your medication. If necessary, ask a loved one to help keep you accountable.

You dont have to do this on your own. In most cases, the prevention and treatment of bipolar disorder include a multi-pronged approach.

Therapy can help you identify your thoughts, feelings, and situations that may be triggering symptoms of depression and mania, and then challenge your thinking by introducing cognitive restructuring, says Phillips.

Somatic therapy is great in helping you identify what is happening in your body first before naming your emotions. Mindfulness-based interventions are great because they can bring awareness of what is happening in the moment, he says.

You may find it helpful to find a therapist who specializes in bipolar disorder.

A medication regime may be effective in preventing some bipolar symptoms.

Current research shows that combining certain types of medications can help prevent the onset of more severe symptoms, like hospitalizations during mania, or suicidal thoughts during a depression episode.

Medications for bipolar disorder may include:

For some, antidepressants alone can actually lead to a manic episode, says Johnson. The ideal combination is going to be different for everyone. It may take some time to figure out how you respond to certain medications.

I was switched from an antidepressant and anxiety medication regimen to a mood stabilizer. I couldnt believe it after 2 weeks. I felt like myself again. If you have bipolar disorder, you know what a huge deal that is, says Johnson.

Bipolar disorder is a complex condition.

While there may be no way to prevent manic or depressive episodes 100% of the time, there are some supportive practices that may help, like keeping a regular routine, getting enough sleep, and balancing your nutrition, among other strategies.

Bipolar disorder, in general, is highly treatable and there is hope. A typical treatment plan includes a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. Be sure to work with a professional to find the right treatment approach for you.

Originally posted here:
Prevention of Bipolar Disorder Episodes: Is It Possible? - PsychCentral.com

The only place people expect and accept radiation is in a medical setting. Outside of thatit is bad, really bad!

What this means is that if you take medical radioactive waste or other radioactive material and combine it with conventional explosives, detonate it, and if it is detectedno one is going to enter that city again for a long, long time.

It is not so much the actual destructive aspect of the explosion, but the spreading of radiation in an area that people fear. The resulting socioeconomic impact is what does the damages.

The above is a low tech way to have maximum impact.

See this NBC News item: How easy is it to get the material to make a dirty bomb? Very, report says

Eric Holdeman is a contributing writer for Emergency Management magazine and is the former director of the King County, Wash., Office of Emergency Management.

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GAO Found Gap in Dirty Bomb Prevention - Government Technology

CNN

A driver who apparently suffered a medical emergency crashed into beachgoers at Daytona Beach on Sunday afternoon, a beach safety official told CNN.

A little before 5 p.m., we had a driver go down the beach ramp at the International Speedway Boulevard and crash into the water, said Tamra Malphurs, deputy chief of Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue. He hit a toll booth and he entered the water, she added.

The driver appeared to have suffered from a medical condition, Malphurs said without elaborating.

At least five people were taken to local hospitals for precautionary reasons, including the four occupants of the vehicle and a young boy who was in the water at the time, Malphurs added. The boy was in stable condition late Sunday afternoon, Malphurs told CNN.

Video obtained by CNN affiliate WKMG shows a sedan partially in the water off Daytona Beach with visible damage to the front bumper and back doors.

People who saw the car drive through the toll booth and onto the sand said a group of at least 15 people jumped out of the way before the car hit the water.

One witness whose son was in the water said she took off trying to find him when she saw where the vehicle was headed. Another witness said people on the beach rushed to help and that adults with children were in the car.

Officials have not released information about the driver and say the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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Florida man in apparent medical distress crashes car through beach crowd before hitting the water - CNN

Patients who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community said they receive less information and use fewer preventive care services compared to the overall population, according to a recent study.

A joint report from Phreesia Life Sciences and Klick Health found that gender and sexual identity affects the care received by LGBTQ+ patients.

Nearly half of LGBTQ+ patients over 45 years old said their doctors havent brought up cancer screenings during the last two years. A similar percentage of respondents said that they have received preventive health reminder messages from their doctors offices, which is less than the overall population.

Furthermore, more than 40% said they feel not at all confident that they know which cancer screenings to schedule. Less than 30% reported that preventive care is completely covered by their insurance.

Phreesia associate director of strategy Thea Briggs said the study shows that medical marketers have an opportunity to help close the gap between LGBTQ+ patients knowledge and their use of these services. She added that the pandemic underscored the importance of receiving timely preventive care services and the risks associated with delaying regular visits.

A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health in 2021 found that the pandemic decreased the delivery of preventive care services and contributed to delayed diagnoses, increased mortality and increased health care costs. This phenomenon is especially concerning within marginalized communities and vulnerable patient populations, Briggs noted.

She added that where there have been investments in outreach and communication about health risks to the LGBTQ+ community, like HIV, there are higher levels of understanding and awareness.

Still, there needs to be more focus on encouraging other health protocols, such as routine cancer screenings, Briggs stressed.

One of the important things is to make sure that marketers, for example, when theyre developing information about preventive care, are actively considering these populations and making sure that what theyre developing doesnt exclude people, she explained. They need to make sure that they arent approaching how they disseminate this information in a way that tends towards either the middle of the bell curve or ignores specific communities.

Incorporating more LGBTQ+ voices in the development of educational materials should go a long way toward ensuring that accidental mistakes or unconscious biases dont dissuade patients from receiving timely, necessary care, Briggs said. In addition to imagery in pamphlets or commercials, this could also include listing gender identity on office check-in forms.

These small steps toward a more inclusive patient experience could ultimately reset the baseline for the number of diverse viewpoints involved in such discussions.

Theres a lot that the industry could be doing to better equip both patients and healthcare providers to have these conversations, Briggs continued. At the end of the day, it comes down to two people talking in a room about the most sensitive things in the world. Health is critical and how people identify is a huge part of that.

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Study: Preventive care scarce in LGBTQ+ community - - Medical Marketing and Media

By Sylvester Carvalho

Lifestyle-related health issues are at their all-time high leading to the early onset of health issues. This, coupled with todays inflated medical prices, makes well-designed, comprehensive health insurance an essential in todays time. The world saw a new wave of disease with the emergence of COVID-19, and it is hence safe to say that the future will see more such illnesses. Adding to this, energy transition, urbanisation, and climate change have bought massive changes in the human health condition.

What is Preventive Health Insurance? As opposed to health insurance that provides financial aid in the event of hospitalisation or treating an illness, preventive health insurance covers the costs of any care received towards preventing the onset of an ailment. While regular general health check-up was standard only for the elderly, the fast-paced way of life is leading to the emergence of health conditions in the late 30s or early 40s among many, leading to the rise in the need for preventive health measures. Some of the most commonly covered preventive health insurance packages include annual check-ups, immunisations, flu shots, fertility tests, screenings, etc.

Lack of awareness and access to preemptive healthcare facilities are the main reasons preventive health care is not prominent in India. As several major health care and insurance agencies invest in preventive health care, the masses will gain access to affordable preventive health insurance.

Many workplaces have also begun considering preventive health insurance as part of their employee health care plan since the rise in the prevalence of chronic and non-communicable diseases. As customer demands and expectations continue to change, insurers are changing ways to adapt their business models to meet new needs and provide relevant products and services. Hence, the insurers are now moving to the approach of Innovate or perish. During the pandemic, the changing consumer behaviour spurred companies to reimagine and build new product strategies to offer relevant preventive insurance products that sustain customer interest, raising the need for preventive insurance.

By Sylvester Carvalho, Lead - Product, Riskcovry

(DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETHealthworld does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETHealthworld.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person / organisation directly or indirectly.)

The rest is here:
The rise of preventive insurance purchases in India - ETHealthWorld

If youve tried all of the cozy socks and slid on the best slippers to try and keep your toes warm, but you still experience cold feet on the regular, it may be time to talk to your doctor. Cold feet can sometimes be totally harmless, but they can also be a symptom of more serious conditions.

Anyone can experience cold feet, but its most common in people with high cholesterol, who carry too much weight, are sedentary, smoke, dont follow a well-balanced diet, or have other circulation or inflammation issues, says Brad Schaeffer, D.P.M., board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon at SOLE Podiatry NYC and star of TLCs My Feet Are Killing Me.

Cold feet are often related to your arteries, which are the blood vessels that blood flows through, says Barbara Bawer, M.D., a family physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. When these vessels narrow, they lead to less blood flow to your extremities, including your feet, she says.

Here, we chat with experts to determine why your feet are always cold and how to treat them.

The most common cause of cold feet is a vascular issue or poor circulation where blood is not circulating efficiently to your legs and feet, Dr. Schaeffer says. Its especially important to make note if youre experiencing cold sensations in just one foot, as this may be a sign of peripheral vascular disease which should be treated ASAP, says Dr. Bawer.

Note: If you smoke, have high blood pressure, or have high cholesterol, these can put you at risk for vascular disease or other issues with your blood vessels, which can cause cold hands and feet, says Meghann Kirk, M.D., board-certified internal medicine doctor and pediatrician with MedStar Health.

Think back and consider how often you experience cold feet. For some people, cold hands and feet are simply a result of how their body metabolism works. Unless you also have lost a considerable amount of weight recently, this may just be how your body operates, Dr. Kirk says.

While cold feet can sometimes be normal, you should never ignore a recurring physiological symptom that bothers you, Dr. Schaeffer notes. But it is completely possible its simply an inherited trait that does no harm.

Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve problem that occurs in your extremities, like your hands and feet, explains Dr. Kirk. Symptoms tend to begin at the furthest part away, so nerve issues are often noticed in the legs and feet. Dr. Schaeffer adds if youre experiencing coldness, but your skin itself is not cold, this could be a symptom of a neurological condition.

Dr. Kirk says if youve lost a lot of weight recently, this can change your circulation and cause cold hands and feet. Weight loss can also change metabolism by slowing it down to preserve calories, leaving you feeling chilly. If youre experiencing unexplained weight loss, be sure to let your doctor know as this can be a symptom of a more serious issue.

Some medications have a common side effect of cold extremities. For example, Dr. Kirk says some blood pressure medications may slow down the circulation which could cause your feet to feel colder than usual. Some migraine medications, stimulants or amphetamines, or cancer drugs can also cause cold feet, Dr. Bawer says.

Additionally, some over-the-counter medications, like decongestants, may constrict or tighten blood vessels, Dr. Kirk adds. Always tell your physician about all medications youre taking, because some over-the-counter drugs can interact with prescription medications, she warns.

Peter Deane, M.D., F.A.C.P., medical director at MVP Health Care explains that diabetes can sometimes cause cold feet because the condition is associated with poor circulation. According to the American Diabetes Association, the condition can lead to nerve damage, called neuropathy, which in turn can cause poor blood flow to the feet. Additionally, this can make the blood vessels in your feet and legs narrow and harden, so its recommended to take precautions to keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control.

Though its not super common, Dr. Kirk says an iron deficiency in the diet may make red blood cell counts low, which means your feet will get little oxygen.

This syndrome typically starts in your teenage years or early 20s when fingers and toes turn colors when exposed to a temperature change, Dr. Kirk explains. It can occur on its own suddenly, or happen along with other autoimmune or connective tissue diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disorders, according to Hopkins Medicine. Be sure to let your doctor know if you notice color changes in addition to temperature changes in your feet.

Low vitamin B12 levels can lead to nerve damage, Dr. Kirk says. Some people dont have the ability to absorb vitamin B12 properly and may have a B12 deficiency, while others (especially those who follow a plant-based diet) may not have enough B12 in their diet. Foods that are high in vitamin B12 include seafood like salmon, clams, and trout, beef liver, milk, and fortified cereal. If you suspect this may be an issue, speak to your doctor ASAP. This can cause cold hands and feet when sick with an infection, UTI, fever, or other illness.

If you havent changed climate and have a sudden onset change in cold feet, this is likely when there is an underlying issue, Dr. Kirk says. And if your feet hurt, or you experience numbness, tingling, or burning associated with the cold feeling, its something to mention to your healthcare provider.

Additionally, any color changes on the skin or around the feet that pop up along with the temperature change should also send a red flag to go see your doc, she adds. This can look like a darkening, purple color, or even a rash. If you cant stand on your tippy toes or high heels (which requires stretching the muscles and nerves in the foot), she also recommends checking in with your doctor.

Talk with your healthcare provider about cold feet. Dr. Schaeffer says your doctor will likely take a complete medical history because there are many reasons you may be experiencing cold feet. For feet and toes, in particular, podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons are very familiar with how extremities look and react to touch if blood flow is compromised, he adds.

Your doctor will then determine the best treatment for you based on what the cold feet appear to be related to. If its a circulation issue, for example, your doctor may suggest getting up and moving more often to get the blood flowing, reducing your intake of fatty and sugary foods, drinking more water, elevating your feet, or wearing compression socks.

Additionally, Dr. Deane says cardiovascular exercise can help increase blood flow, medications to treat the underlying problem can offer relief, and in extreme cases, bypass surgery in the legs may be necessary if the arteries are blocked.

Read more:
Why Are My Feet Always Cold? Cold Feet Causes and Treatment - Prevention Magazine

A harm reduction organization in Saint John is preparing to apply to Health Canada for a licence to operate an overdose prevention site, as they grapple with a "poisoned" drug supply on the street.

Julie Dingwell says three clients of Avenue B died last week, and a couple more in the week before that.

Some were experienced drug users, but Dingwell said the addition of fentanyl in street drugs means people no longer know what they're taking.

"We're just in constant grief here with losing people," said Dingwell, who is Avenue B's executive director. "We lost a couple people that we've worked with for 20 years."

Avenue B is planning to build a new facility on Waterloo Street in Saint John's uptown, but in the meantime, Dingwell is looking for another spot to open the overdose preventionsite.

For her, the need is urgent, a matter of life and death.

"We just want to keep people alive," she said.

It would be the second overdose prevention site in the province, after Ensemble Greater Moncton opened a site late last year. The clinic offers people a safe place to test and use their substances, where staff can intervene if they have a negative reaction.

In March, after a spate of opioid overdoses in the community, at least two people were revivedat the Moncton site.

"Their site has gone very well," Dingwell said.

"I'm hoping the province looks at that and says, 'Oh look, it's been so successful in Moncton, we're ready.'"

Saint John Police Chief Robert Bruce said officers used to see a call for an overdose once every three or four days. Now, Bruce said it's not uncommon to see one or two calls per shift.

Overdose calls were up 30 per cent between January and April of this year compared to 2021, which was already up significantly over the same stretch in 2020, according to Bruce.

In some of those cases, people have died and Bruce said testing from the coroner has found "much higher levels of fentanyl."

"Some of the people know what they can handle and what they can'tbecause they've been addicted for some time," he said.

"When they overdose, then you know something isn't right."

All of the police force's supervisors carry Narcan, which can be used to revive someone after an opioid overdose. Sometimes it can take two or three doses, Bruce said, because of the "increasing toxicity" of the drugs.

"We're just about to go to Narcan in every car for our members, just because of the amount of people that we're running into," Bruce said.

"Before it was alright to have a patrol supervisor that had it and could bring it to you fairly quickly, but now we're finding that our officers are going to more of these, so they require it in the vehicle."

Like Dingwell, he too feels there's a sense of urgency when it comes to Avenue B's plan to open an overdose prevention site.

"Avenue B, they're on the ground, they're there every day, they're looking into the eyes of people," Bruce said.

"They know what the issues are. So if they're looking at trying something new, then I'm totally interested in finding out what we can do, how we contribute, how we can work together to try to at least minimize the overdoses that we're seeing."

Bruce has created acommunity action group with "on-the-ground practitioners" ranging from Dingwell with Avenue B, to other social agencies, youth services and provincial correctional staff. It's all part of a belief Bruce hasthat police can't arrest their way out of the problem, that it requires solving deeper social issues.

One committee within that group focuses specifically on substance use, in addition to committees on connected issues like homelessness.

"We're a relatively small city comparatively in this country, but we certainly have big city problems here," the police chief said.

"They're related to mental health, substance use and homelessness."

At Avenue B, Dingwell is assembling a team to "get everything in order" ahead of applying for a licence to operate the overdose prevention site. Once they get a green light, Dingwell believes they'll be ready to move quickly to open.

But first, the non-profit agency needs support from the provincial government to hire staff and outfit the site.

"Implementing overdose prevention sites" is listed as a priority in the province's 2021-25 mental health and addiction plan, but the government hasn't provided a timeline for when it might fund additional overdose prevention sites.

No one from the Department of Health was made available for an interview.

"Overdose Prevention Sites (OPS) provide a much-needed service to people who use various substances, especially for those who are precariously housed or homeless," Department of Health spokesperson Coreen Enos wrote in an emailed statement.

Enos said the department is continuing "to work with community partners to understand the needs and support the community-led plans for more Overdose Prevention Sites across New Brunswick."

"When those details are finalized, the provincial government will have more to share with the public," Enos wrote.

Beyond an overdose prevention site, Dingwellwould like to see a safe supply of opioids. A clinic in the city offers a safe, prescribed supply, but Dingwell said it's not enough for the "hundreds" of clients at Avenue B. She would also like to see the government decriminalize possession of some substances for personal use.

"We just have to be thinking much harder about what we can do to keep people alive," she said.

"It's terrible the amount of ongoing grief that we have to work with."

When asked about the idea of decriminalization, Bruce said nothing should be off the table. He said the New Brunswick Chiefs of Police are studying the effect of decriminalization in British Columbia.

"What we're doing now isn't working that well," he said. "So there must be other ways to do it. We have to do a better job."

The rest is here:
Agency looking to open overdose prevention site in Saint John amid 'poisoned' drug supply - CBC.ca

The Conversation asked Katherine Basbaum, a clinical dietitian at UVA Health who specializes in cardiovascular disease, to explain what this recommendation means for the general public, particularly those who are currently or considering taking dietary supplements in hopes of preventing cancer and cardiovascular disease. In this Q&A with Basbaum, she interprets the data behind the task forces conclusion.

Q. What was the basis of the task forces recommendation?

A. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force evaluated and averaged the results of multiple studies looking at health outcomes associated with beta carotene and vitamin E supplements. Beta carotene is a phytonutrient or plant chemical with a red-orange pigment; both beta carotene and vitamin E are found in many fruits and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, Swiss chard and avocados, to name a few.

The panel of experts concluded that with regard to the prevention of cardiovascular disease or cancer, the harms of beta carotene supplementation outweigh the benefits and that there is no net benefit of supplementation with vitamin E for those purposes. Their recommendation applies to adults who are not pregnant and excludes those who are chronically ill, are hospitalized or have a known nutritional deficiency.

Beta carotene and vitamin E are powerfulantioxidants, substances that may prevent or delay cell damage. They are commonly taken as dietary supplements for their potential health and anti-aging benefits, such as to combat age-related vision loss and the inflammation associated with chronic disease. Vitamin E has also been shown tohelp support the immune system.

Our bodies do requirebeta carotene and various nutrients for a variety of processes, such as cell growth, vision, immune function, reproduction and the normal formation and maintenance of organs. But it is important to point out that more than 95% of the U.S. population receivesadequate levels of vitamin A, vitamin E and beta carotenethrough the foods they consume. Therefore, the average healthy adult likely does not need additional supplementation to support the processes mentioned above.

The task force did not focus on other potential benefits of vitamin supplementation. It noted that there may be other benefits of some supplements that were not covered in this review owing to its focus on cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention.

Q. What risks did the task force point to?

A. Based on its review of the evidence, the expert panel concluded that beta carotene supplementation likely increasesthe risk of lung cancer incidence, particularly in those at high risk for lung cancer, such as people who smoke or who have occupational exposure to asbestos. It also found a statistically significantincreased risk of death from cardiovascular diseaseassociated with beta carotene supplementation.

In one of the clinical trials reviewed by the task force for their recommendation statement, people who smoked or had workplace asbestos exposure were atincreased risk of lung cancer or death from heart diseaseat doses of 20 and 30 milligrams per day of beta carotene. This dosage is higher than the standard recommendation for beta carotene supplementation,which ranges from 6 to 15 milligrams per day.

Continue reading here:
UVA Expert Offers Insight on the Use of Dietary Supplements for Cancer Prevention - UVA Today

A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrated that replacing the blood of an Alzheimers disease (AD) mouse model with the blood of a wild-type mouse reduced the levels of AD brain markers and improved spatial memory in the mouse model.

Although the mechanisms underlying these findings remain unclear, the results suggest that manipulating certain components in the blood could help treat AD.

Targeting components in the blood for the treatment of AD can help bypass the challenges associated with developing drugs that can cross the blood-brain barrier.

AD is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all dementia cases. More than 6 million individuals in the United States currently have AD and projections indicate that this number is may reach 13 million by 2050. Thus, there is an urgent need for effective treatments for this condition.

A central characteristic of AD is the abnormal accumulation of the beta-amyloid protein into deposits, known as plaques, in the brain.

Single units, or monomers, of the beta-amyloid protein tend to aggregate together to form short chains called oligomers. These soluble oligomers aggregate to form fibrils, which later form insoluble plaques. Experts consider these beta-amyloid aggregates to be responsible for the damage to brain cells in AD.

Beta-amyloidmonomers are produced in the brain and also in other organs. Beta-amyloid monomers and oligomers can cross the blood-brain barrier, passing from the brain to the blood and from the blood to the brain. The beta-amyloid protein is broken down in peripheral organs, including the kidneys and the liver, which explains its presence in blood.

Moreover, research suggests that there is a close association between beta-amyloid levels in the brain and the bloodstream.

In a study conducted using a genetically engineered or transgenic AD mouse model, receiving blood from older, transgenic mice with beta-amyloid deposits accelerated the formation of beta-amyloid deposits in younger transgenic animals.

In contrast, isolating the beta-amyloid protein in the blood using antibodies that cannot cross the blood-brain barrier can reduce the levels of beta-amyloid deposits in the brain.

Similarly, surgically connecting the blood circulation of a wild-type mouse with that of a transgenic AD mouse model can reduce the levels of beta-amyloid deposits in the brain of the rodent.

These data suggest that beta-amyloid protein levels in the blood could impact the levels of beta-amyloid deposits in the brain. Thus, treatments that lower beta-amyloid levels in the blood circulation could be used to slow down the progression of AD.

In the present study, the researchers examined whether the partial replacement of the blood of a transgenic mouse model of AD with the blood of wild-type mice could reduce the levels of beta-amyloid in the brain of the mouse model.

During the blood exchange treatment, the researchers withdrew 40-60% of the blood from the transgenic mice and replaced the withdrawn blood with blood from healthy wild-type mice.

They started this blood exchange treatment when the transgenic mice were 3 months old which means they were mature adults and before the onset of the formation of beta-amyloid plaques.

This blood exchange procedure was performed once a month for the next 10 months until the mice were 13 months old, or middle-aged.

Unlike the untreated transgenic mice that showed beta-amyloid plaques at 13, the transgenic mice receiving the blood exchange treatment showed fewer plaques and a lower plaque burden, which is a measure of the area of the brain covered by plaques.

The researchers also assessed the impact of the blood transfusions from wild-type mice on the memory of the transgenic AD mouse models at 12.5 months of age.

The transgenic mice from the blood exchange group performed better in short-term and long-term spatial memory tests than untreated transgenic mice. Furthermore, the performance of the mice in the blood exchange group was similar to wild-type mice.

In a similar experiment, the researchers continued the monthly blood exchange procedure until 17 months of age. They used the data from the mice sacrificed at 13 and 17 months of age to assess the rate of plaque growth during this period.

The researchers thus found that the blood exchange treatment slowed down the rate of plaque growth.

In the first set of experiments, the researchers started the blood exchange procedure in 3-month-old mice before the development of beta-amyloid plaques.

To examine the potential of this procedure for the treatment of AD, the researchers started the monthly blood exchange treatment at 13 months when transgenic mice tend to show beta-amyloid deposits in the brain and memory deficits.

The researchers found that transgenic mice receiving blood exchange treatment showed fewer beta-amyloid plaques and lower plaque burden at 17 months of age than age-matched untreated transgenic mice.

Moreover, the plaque burden in the 17-month-old transgenic mice receiving the blood exchange treatment was similar to untreated transgenic mice at 13 months. These results suggest that the blood exchange treatment prevented further accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques.

Notably, the performance of the transgenic mice in the blood exchange treatment group in the spatial memory tests was similar to age-matched wild-type mice and better than age-matched untreated transgenic mice.

These experiments show that blood exchange could serve as a disease-modifying treatment, which delays or halts the progression of AD.

The researchers found that beta-amyloid levels in the blood of the transgenic mice increased soon after the blood transfusion from wild-type mice.

Thus, it is possible that the lowering of blood beta-amyloid levels upon the introduction of blood from wild-type mice could enhance the transfer of beta-amyloid from the brain to the bloodstream. This might be a mechanism for the decline in brain beta-amyloid levels due to the blood exchange procedure.

However, the researchers did not directly remove beta-amyloid from the blood of the transgenic AD mouse model and other proteins or factors in the blood could also explain these results.

Thus, more research is needed to characterize the blood components and pinpoint the mechanisms underlying the impact of the blood exchange treatment on memory and beta-amyloid plaques.

The characterization of the blood components underlying these effects of the blood exchange treatment could facilitate the development of treatments for AD patients.

The studys lead author, Dr. Claudio Soto, a neurology professor with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, told Medical News Today that procedures such as plasmapheresis and blood dialysis could be adapted to remove the beta-amyloid protein from the blood or other blood components and treat individuals with AD.

Dr. Soto noted that [s]tudies in mouse models are necessary as a first step to analyze the efficacy of a therapeutic strategy. Of course, he added, mice are not humans, so we would need to show that our approach works in real life with real patients.'

Whole blood exchange as we did in this study is not feasible in humans [as such], but there are two technologies currently in common medical practice that may work: plasmapheresis and blood dialysis. We are currently adapting these techniques for mice studies and if we obtain positive results, the next step will be to start some clinical trials in humans affected by AD.

Dr. Claudio Soto

We also spoke with Dr. Erik S. Musiek, a professor of neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, who was not involved in this study.

Commenting on the study, Dr. Musiek noted: The authors focus on the idea that there is a pool of beta-amyloid in the periphery that is in equilibrium with that in the brain, and that adding blood with minimal beta-amyloid creates a sink by which beta-amyloid transfers from the brain to the blood, limiting plaque formation. This peripheral sink hypothesis has been around for a long time and has been demonstrated in mice after [the] administration of Abeta antibodies.

However, there are likely many other possible mechanisms at play here, he cautioned. Moreover, according to Dr Musiek, [t]he fact that the blood donors are young, while the AD model mice receiving the blood get quite old (13 months), suggests that there may be factors in the young blood which directly limit beta-amyloid pathology and promote cognition.

It is also possible that the fresh, young blood alters the immune response in the brain of the recipients, facilitating beta-amyloid metabolism Dr. Musiek hypothesized. Finally, it remains unclear if blood exchange in mice that already have [a] significant plaque burden can enhance [the] removal of plaques, as opposed to [preventing] their initial accumulation.

This is very important, as we generally identify people with preclinical AD based on the fact that they already have plaques, and primary prevention therapies to prevent that gradual plaque accumulation are very difficult to implement in humans. However, this study certainly reveals a very interesting phenomenon and should inspire future research, said Dr. Musiek.

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Alzheimer's: Targeting key protein in blood may slow progression - Medical News Today

WASHINGTON Following the notice ofa trade missionto the Philippines, The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) announced it would work with the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) on a project to help the fight against African swine fever (ASF).

Leaders from the Philippine Department of Agriculture and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture will start the project focusing on risk assessment to support safe trade of US pork products in the Philippines.

NPPC is proud to have worked with the Philippine government, US government, and the University of Minnesota to see this grant proposal to the finish line, said Terry Wolters, president of NPPC. Creating international partnerships provides further safeguards to keep American agriculture safe from foreign animal disease so US pork producers can continue to provide consumers in both countries with safe and affordable pork products.

In recent years, the Philippines dealt with ongoing ASF outbreaks and continues to seek better ways to control the virus which ties into food price inflation.

NPPC said it worked with the Philippine embassy to determine the needs of the government and producers ASF outbreak management.

The associations international affairs team partnered with the University of Minnesota to develop a proposal for government assistance which FAS agreed to for both the Philippines and Vietnam.

The knowledge to be gained from the program is a win-win for both countries as it will help us better understand how to prepare, prevent and mitigate a potential ASF outbreak, said Andres M. Perez, DVM, PhD, professor, Department of Veterinary Population Medicine at the University of Minnesota. Assisting other countries to implement control measures that reduce the spread of the disease simultaneously limits the risk to the US pork industry.

Perez also directs the universitys Center for Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS).

The new program will also include workshops for provincial officers and intense in-person training of fellows identified by the Philippine Department of Agriculture. Asynchronous training will also be available for participants on material developed and delivered in advance of the workshops.

NPPC wants to thank USDA for funding this program and their broader commitment to prevention and preparedness against ASF and other foreign animal diseases, Wolters added. This program ties in well with the $500 million committed by USDA for ASF preparedness and prevention and the recently launched USDA Borlaug Fellowship Program aimed at developing quick and affordable testing kits for African swine fever and other transboundary animal diseases.

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NPPC, FAS focused on ASF prevention in the Philippines - MEAT+POULTRY