MedicalCare.org

H1N1 Swine Flu Triggers Super Immunity

admin — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 06:04:47 +0000

My grandfather used to say “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” It turns out that he was probably right, at least in terms of antibodies and the Swine Flu. The 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu epidemic infected an estimated 60 million people and hospitalized more than 250,000. Those who were sick and then recovered from the pandemic H1N1 flu may have been rewarded for their suffering with extraordinary flu immunity, U.S. researchers report.

In the Jan. 10, 2011, issue of the Journal of Experimental Medicine, researchers from the University of Chicago and Emory University report that people who were infected with pandemic H1N1 and recovered had an extraordinary immune response, producing antibodies that are protective against a variety of flu strains.

The 2009 H1N1 virus matched typical influenza strains only in the components that are absolutely critical for the virus to function. It induced an immune response to the virus’ most essential molecules. Consolidating those defenses into a vaccine could put an end to the yearly scramble to predict coming flu strains and quickly mass produce a different vaccine each fall.

The result is something like the Holy Grail for flu-vaccine research, said study author Patrick Wilson, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Chicago. “It demonstrates how to make a single vaccine that could potentially provide immunity to all influenza. The surprise was that such a very different influenza strain, as opposed to the most common strains, could lead us to something so widely applicable.”

Our data show that infection with the 2009 pandemic influenza strain could induce broadly protective antibodies that are only very rarely seen after seasonal flu infections or flu shots,” said first author of the study, Jens Wrammert, assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at Emory University School of Medicine and the Emory Vaccine Center. “These findings show that these types of antibodies can be induced in humans, if the immune system has the right stimulation.”

The team began by analyzing antibody responses from nine patients who contracted and recovered from the illness. The team identified white blood cells from the patients that made antibodies against the virus, then isolated antibody genes from individual cells. They used the genes to produce antibodies—a total of 86 varieties—and then tested which flu strains the antibodies reacted against.
Five antibodies isolated by the team could bind all the seasonal H1N1 flu strains from the last decade, the devastating “Spanish flu” strain from 1918, plus a potentially lethal H5N1 avian flu strain.

This indicated that while the flu changes from year to year, some core elements have been consistent for nearly a century,” said Wilson.
The cross-reactive antibodies were produced by highly mutated antibody genes. These antibodies appear to have been produced by white blood cells that had been exposed to influenza in previous years and were reactivated by a new viral infection. As the antibody genes, developed to combat one strain, adapted to a new infection, they continued to mutate, increasing their affinity for certain key targets present on both strains.

Half of the cross-reactive antibodies the team identified attached to the virus’ “stalk” region, a sort of biochemical drill-bit the virus uses to enter cells. Because this part of the virus doesn’t change as much as other regions, scientists have proposed to make it the basis for a vaccine that could provide broader protection.

Previously, this type of broadly protective, stalk-reactive antibody was thought to be very rare,” Wrammert said. “In contrast, in the patients we studied, these stalk-reactive antibodies were surprisingly abundant.”

The team tested whether three of their cross-reactive antibodies could protect mice against the 2009 strain or two other common lab strains. Two antibodies protected mice against an otherwise lethal dose of any of the three strains, even when the antibody was given 60 hours after infection.
One antibody, from the patient with the most severe illness, only protected against the 2009 H1N1 strain. The antibody genes from that patient suggest that the patient had a complete lack of preexisting immunity to H1N1 viruses. In cases where patients experienced a milder illness, it appears that immune cells that developed in response to previous seasonal flu shots or infections formed a foundation of response to 2009 H1N1 strain.

Although relatively few patients could be analyzed in detail at the antibody level, the authors concluded that “with the proper immunogen, the long-sought development of a pan-influenza vaccine might be possible.”

Next, the research team is planning to examine the immune responses of people who were vaccinated against the 2009 H1N1 strain but did not get sick to see if they also produce antibodies that protect against many influenza strains.

Funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, and by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the research comes from a collaboration between the laboratories of Rafi Ahmed, director of the and Patrick Wilson, at the University of Chicago’s Knapp Center for Lupus and Immunology Research. Ahmed, Wrammert and Wilson, and Emory University and the University of Chicago, are entitled to royalties derived from the sale of products related to the research described in this paper. This study could affect their personal financial status.

Additional authors include Michael Morrissey, Nai-Ying Zheng, Jane-Hwei Lee, Min Huang, Zahida Ali, Kaval Kaur, and Sara Andrews from the University of Chicago; Dimitrios Koputsananos, Gui-Mei Li, Srilatha Edupuganti, Megan McCausland, Ionna Slountzou, Behzag Razavi. Carlos Del Rio, Rama Rao Amara, Youliang Wang, Mark Mulligan, Richard Compans, and Aneesh Mehta of Emory University; Mady Hornig and Ian Lipkin of Columbia University; Jinhua Sui and Wayne Marasco of Harvard Medical School; Suman Das, Christopher O’Donnell, Jon Yewdell and Kanta Subbarao of the National Institutes of Health.

Your HealthCare this week: Focus Dermatology and Cardiology

admin — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 20:05:03 +0000

Here are this weeks special features from our sister sites at Dermatologist.org and Cardiologist.Org

Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers are heart disease drugs that increase the blood and oxygen supply to the heart, while lessening the heart’s workload. Examples of brand name calcium channel blockers include: Norvasc, Plendil, Cardizem, Calan, Adalat, Cardene, Sular, Vascor, Virapin and Isoptin. What Conditions Do These Blockers Help? For a variety of heart conditions including: coronary artery disease, coronary spasm, angina, abnormal heart rhythms, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, diastolic heart failure, and migraine headaches. Calcium channel blockers read more

Myocardial Ischemia

This condition occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is decreased by a blockage of an artery. Myocardial ischemia is also known as cardiac ischemia, and it has the ability to damage your heart muscles, reducing its ability to efficiently pump blood. Severe blockages of certain coronary arteries may lead to a heart attack. Myocardial ischemia can also cause serious arrhythmias. Treatment for myocardial ischemia is meant to help improve blood flow to the heart muscle. Treatments can come in the form of medications, procedures that open read more

Beta Blockers

Beta blockers are also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents. They treat a variety of conditions including hypertension (high blood pressure), glaucoma, and migraines. Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of epinephrine, the hormone that produces adrenaline. The beta blockers will reduce heart beats with less force, thus reducing blood pressure. They also help to open up blood vessels to improve blood flow. Examples of beta blockers include: Acebutolol Atenolol Bisoprolol Carvedilol Metoprolol Nadolol Nebivolol Propranolol Beta read more

Nizoral

Also known as ketoconazole topical cream, brand name Nizoral is a medication used to treat skin infections such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and dandruff. It can also be used to treat a skin condition called pityriasis, a fungal infection that causes a lightening or darkening of the skin. Nizoral is an azole antifungal that works to prevent growth of fungus. To use this topical medication, clean and dry the affected area and apply a thin film of cream to skin once or twice a day. Dosage and strength will be up to your dermatologist’s read more

Metrogel

Also known as Metrocream, Metrolotion, and Noritate, Metrogel is a topical cream with a main ingredient called metronidazole, used on the skin to treat rosacea. This medication is an antibiotic that helps decrease redness, inflammation, and the number of pimples caused by rosacea. Some versions of this medication also contains sunscreen protection. To use Metrogel, apply onto the affected area. Wash and dry your hands before and after applying the medication. Also wash and dry the area to be treated. Wait about 10-15 minutes before applying a read more

Sculptra Aesthetic

Sculptra Aesthetic, also known as injectable poly-L-lactic acid, is a cosmetic treatment used to improve the appearance of aging skin folds, indented chin surfaces, hollow cheeks, and sunken eyes. The Sculptra treatment is performed in the plastic surgeon’s office, typically for patients ages 35 to 60. It is very quick and almost painless. The overall process takes about 15 to 30 minutes; patients get to return home within minutes after it is done. The main ingredients in Sculptra has been commonly used in dissolvable stitches and soft tissue read more

Your HealthCare this week: Focus Dermatology and Cardiology

admin — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:28:40 +0000

Here are this weeks special features from our sister sites at Dermatologist.org and Cardiologist.Org

Calcium Channel Blockers

Myocardial Ischemia

Beta Blockers

Nizoral

Metrogel

Sculptra Aesthetic

Your HealthCare: Focus Dermatology and Cardiology

admin — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:41:28 +0000

Summer is over, Labor Day has passed. Sundown comes earlier each day as the leaves of fall hint at changing colors to come. Here’s a quick taste of what our editors are covering this week over at Cardiologist.Org and Dermatologist.Org

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiopathy, also known as DCM, is when the heart’s rate of pumping blood is decreased due to the heart’s left ventricle being enlarged. It causes a decrease in the amount of blood pumped out with each heart beat. Sometimes, it prevents the heart from taking in the normal amount of blood. Symptoms of DCM include heart failure symptoms, swelling of the lower body, fatigue, weight gain, fainting, palpitations, dizziness, blood clots, and chest pain. What causes DCM? It is mostly inherited; however, a variety of other factors includes read more

The Best Foods For A Heart-Healthy Diet

Heart-healthy foods provide the body with a powerful nutrient called phytonutrients, which prevents cell damage. This is the essence of preventing heart disease. So, what are these so-called foods? It’s in the colorful fruits and vegetables, the whole grains, beans, and legumes that offer all kinds of complex yet heart-protective nutrients. Everyone’s looking for one food that will do the trick. However, heart-healthy is more than just oatmeal and omega 3′s. You have to come at it from a holistic view. The Cleveland Clinic and the American read more

Arginine, or L-Arginine

What are the heart benefits and side effects of arginine? Lately, arginine has gotten a lot of attention for its potential heart-healthy benefits. It is also abundant in many types of food such as red meat, fish, poultry, wheat germ, grains, nuts, seeds, and dairy products. Its benefits include wound healing, helping the kidneys remove waste products and maintaing a good immune system. It’s heart benefits include nitric oxide, which is a powerful neurotransmitter that helps blood vessels relax and also improves the circulation. Arginine can read more

Sculptra Aesthetic

Liposuction: Fat Removal

Are you embarrassed of that so-called “muffin top”? Wondering what to do with that “food baby”? In our generation, many of us have battled long and hard with our unwanted bulges—also known as fat. When diet and exercise are no longer an option, there is the possibility of liposuction. Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes small bulges of fat. The most common areas for liposuction are the hips, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and face. A good candidate for liposuction should possess these qualities: Average height Firm, elastic skin Good read more

The Cool Laser: Acne Scarring Treatment

The Cool Laser is a treatment that removes and decreases the appearance of acne scarring or wrinkles. It also improves the overall color and skin texture of the face, neck, and hands. The Cool Laser, based on its name, is much less painful than traditional laser techniques. It’s usually performed under local anesthesia and has a faster recovery time. How It Works Your skin cells will absorb the laser light. The absorption will destroy the cells and remove the tissues. Damaged skin is removed, and new skin grows quickly in its place. The pain read more

Your HealthCare: Focus Dermatology and Cardiology

admin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:50:18 +0000

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

The Best Foods For A Heart-Healthy Diet

Arginine, or L-Arginine

Sculptra Aesthetic

Liposuction: Fat Removal

The Cool Laser: Acne Scarring Treatment

Your HealthCare: Focus Dermatology and Cardiology

admin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:35:05 +0000

Dilated Cardiomyopathy Dilated cardiopathy, also known as DCM, is when the heart’s rate of pumping blood is decreased due to the heart’s left ventricle being enlarged. It causes a decrease in the amount of blood pumped out with each heart beat. Sometimes, it prevents the heart from taking in the normal amount of blood. Symptoms of DCM include heart failure symptoms, swelling of the lower body, fatigue, weight gain, fainting, palpitations, dizziness, blood clots, and chest pain. What causes DCM? It is mostly inherited; however, a variety of other factors includes read more

The Best Foods For A Heart-Healthy Diet Heart-healthy foods provide the body with a powerful nutrient called phytonutrients, which prevents cell damage. This is the essence of preventing heart disease. So, what are these so-called foods? It’s in the colorful fruits and vegetables, the whole grains, beans, and legumes that offer all kinds of complex yet heart-protective nutrients. Everyone’s looking for one food that will do the trick. However, heart-healthy is more than just oatmeal and omega 3′s. You have to come at it from a holistic view. The Cleveland Clinic and the American read more

Arginine, or L-Arginine What are the heart benefits and side effects of arginine? Lately, arginine has gotten a lot of attention for its potential heart-healthy benefits. It is also abundant in many types of food such as red meat, fish, poultry, wheat germ, grains, nuts, seeds, and dairy products. Its benefits include wound healing, helping the kidneys remove waste products and maintaing a good immune system. It’s heart benefits include nitric oxide, which is a powerful neurotransmitter that helps blood vessels relax and also improves the circulation. Arginine can read more

Sculptra Aesthetic Sculptra Aesthetic, also known as injectable poly-L-lactic acid, is a cosmetic treatment used to improve the appearance of aging skin folds, indented chin surfaces, hollow cheeks, and sunken eyes. The Sculptra treatment is performed in the plastic surgeon’s office, typically for patients ages 35 to 60. It is very quick and almost painless. The overall process takes about 15 to 30 minutes; patients get to return home within minutes after it is done. The main ingredients in Sculptra has been commonly used in dissolvable stitches and soft tissue read more

Liposuction: Fat Removal Are you embarrassed of that so-called “muffin top”? Wondering what to do with that “food baby”? In our generation, many of us have battled long and hard with our unwanted bulges—also known as fat. When diet and exercise are no longer an option, there is the possibility of liposuction. Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes small bulges of fat. The most common areas for liposuction are the hips, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and face. A good candidate for liposuction should possess these qualities: Average height Firm, elastic skin Good read more

The Cool Laser: Acne Scarring Treatment The Cool Laser is a treatment that removes and decreases the appearance of acne scarring or wrinkles. It also improves the overall color and skin texture of the face, neck, and hands. The Cool Laser, based on its name, is much less painful than traditional laser techniques. It’s usually performed under local anesthesia and has a faster recovery time. How It Works Your skin cells will absorb the laser light. The absorption will destroy the cells and remove the tissues. Damaged skin is removed, and new skin grows quickly in its place. The pain read more

Your HealthCare: Focus Dermatology and Cardiology

admin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:52:16 +0000

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

The Best Foods For A Heart-Healthy Diet

Arginine, or L-Arginine

Sculptra Aesthetic

Liposuction: Fat Removal

The Cool Laser: Acne Scarring Treatment

Regular Foot Care Prevents Diabetic Amputation

admin — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 02:39:57 +0000

Many Americans know to associate fever with illness. But healthcare professionals know that, when it comes to diabetes, every part of a patient’s body, from their hair to their toes, can aid in diagnosis.

Eight percent of the U.S. population has diabetes, but nearly six million people remain undiagnosed. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), foot problems can help doctors discover diabetes. Diabetes can cause nerve damage in people’s feet, which can easily lead to amputation.

In the U.S., more than 60 percent of the patients who receive non-traumatic lower-limb amputations have diabetes. In 2004, almost 71,000 American diabetics needed amputations. Luckily, most diabetic amputations can be prevented through vigilant footcare.

”Diabetes can cause patients to lose sensation in their extremities, therefore a person with diabetes might not notice injuries to their feet until serious infection occurs,” said Ross Taubman, D.P.M., president of APMA. ”In most cases, patients can avoid amputation by working regularly with a podiatrist.”

Once diagnosed, patients with diabetes can prevent amputation by creating a footcare plan. Plans should include annual checkups with a podiatrist and daily foot inspections. Diagnosed diabetics need to be especially careful about footcare and should work with a podiatrist to determine the best preventative treatments.

Early diagnosis helps prevent severe nerve damage. For patients at risk for developing diabetes, foot conditions can be an early warning sign. According to the APMA, patients should see a podiatrist if they notice the following conditions:

Calluses, blisters, or dry and cracked skin anywhere on the foot can imply poor circulation or foot health, especially if you don’t feel them or they take two or more weeks to heal.
Look for thin, fragile, shiny or hairless skin, which can denote decreased circulation to the foot.
Check shoes for torn linings or foreign objects. If they don’t irritate you when you walk, you might have nerve damage. Other warning signs include foot deformities like hammertoes, a past history of foot ulcers, or lower leg or thigh pain when walking.

For more information on preventing diabetes complications to the feet, visit the APMA’s website at www.apma.org.

Urgent Care Growth Causes Concern

admin — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:36:47 +0000

The Wall Street Journal reports: As Urgent Care Grows, Watchdogs Circle

The number of emergency rooms has been falling in recent years, as the number of people heading into the ER has been climbing.

Urgent care centers — doc-in-a-box outfits that handle urgent health problems that aren’t life-threatening — have been growing to take up some of the slack.

But, this morning’s WSJ notes, urgent care has remained largely unregulated. Urgent care doctors and nurses do have to be licensed the same as health care providers anywhere else, but there are no national standards for what urgent care centers should offer, or what quality measures they should meet.

That looks likely to change. The Urgent Care Association of America recently made a deal with the Joint Commission, the group that accredits the nation’s hospitals, to accredit urgent care centers and publish national quality standards by 2010.

While many insurers already pay for some urgent care services, accreditation could lead to better reimbursements. “We’d look far more favorably at an urgent-care clinic that was accredited than one that wasn’t,” Troy Brennan, chief medical officer at Aetna, tells the WSJ. “[I]t means an organization is taking a hard look at a variety of safety issues that should be involved in caring for someone who is acutely ill.”

Health-Care Costs Easing

admin — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:33:36 +0000

Inc. magazine reports:

Health-Care Costs Easing
Workplace wellness programs may be reining in rising costs, a survey finds.
From: Inc.com | August 13, 2008 By: Michael Gadd

Employer health-care costs are expected to rise at a slower pace in the year ahead, as more workplaces offer wellness programs and consumer-driven coverage options, according to Aon Consulting.

Based on a survey of more than 70 health-care insurers, the Chicago-based consulting firm estimates that that health-care costs will increase by 10.6 percent over the next 12 months, a 0.3 percent drop from last year and the lowest rate since the study was launched in 2001.

Rising prescription drug costs are also expected to ease, dropping by 0.3 percent for last year to 9.2 percent.

The study attributes the lower costs to an upturn in workplace wellness programs and consumer-driven coverage.

According to John Zern, the firm’s health and benefits director, employers could be doing more to combat rising health-care costs, in addition to wellness programs.

“This includes greater senior management support for these programs, better employee communications and more consistent cooperation from the medical community,” he said in a statement.