Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/QNayV-DKu-w   Patients in critical condition due to CoVid19 infection develop the most intense cell-mediated immunity against the virus.  A German analysis of 28 CoVid patients defines the nature of anti-viral killer immune T cells.   The greatest numbers of the most toxic virus killer T cells arise in the sickest CoVid patients.  While it is good news that the human immune system reacts to the virus by producing immune lymphocytes as well as antibodies, it is this very reaction that provokes a cytokine storm creating collateral damage to the lungs, heart, and kidneys.   This new information will help clinicians develop vaccines that prevent viral invasion and hyperimmune devastation.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.13.20100636v1.full.pdf   #covid #pandemic #cellmediatedimmunity #tcells #cytokinestorm

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/fk3ZNbAUtVs   In-depth computer analysis of 334 genetic sequences from CoVid samples gathered around the world conclusively demonstrates a bat origin of the virus causing our global pandemic.  Australian researchers used artificial intelligence techniques to compare the viral genetic materials found in the wild with those of known alpha- and beta-coronaviruses.   Of the CoVid genomic sequences studied, 77% were from the US, 15% were from China, and the remainder from other Asian and European countries.  The computer painstakingly compared them all with reference coronavirus genomes found in bats, pangolins, and other animals.    The data shows that CoVid19 is a natural betacoronavirus type more closely related to bat than pangolin types.   https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.12.091397v2.full.pdf   #covid #pandemic #betacoronavirus #bat #pangolin  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/26AoT6Vo7Oc   Ninety percent of video gamers are not addicted to the sport.  This conclusion stems from a Brigham Young University study of 385 teens over a 6 year period.   Those who were obsessed with gaming, pursing the sport to the detriment of healthy functioning, had a definite profile.  The vidicts I’ll call them tended to be male with higher than average levels of depression, aggression, and shyness.  Their obsessive behavior spilled over into cell phone use.   Is there light at the end of adolescence?  Yes!  Once in their twenties, almost all he pathological video gamers tended to be self-supporting and not living in their parents’ basements.   https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fdev0000939 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/05/200513143803.htm   #videogaming #addiction #adolescence  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/9mRzc5KWukY   Ramar Foods and the FDA announce a recall on Peekaboo Mint Chocolate Chip With Hidden Spinach Ice Cream.  This product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  This bacterium causes a serious, sometimes fatal gastrenteritis in the very young, the elders, and those with weak immune systems.  It can cause miscarriages or stillbirths.  The ice cream was sold at Target Stores in FL GA, SC, and NC.  If you have this ice cream in your freezer, return it to the store for a full refund.  Address your questions to Ramar Foods at 1-844-491-7869.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ramar-foods-recalls-mint-chocolate-chip-hidden-spinach-ice-cream-because-possible-health-risk   #recall #icecream #listeria  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/UIXEltEQkCs   Mellace Family Brands California Inc. and the FDA announce a recall of its Wegman’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Nonpareils.  This product contains undeclared milk allergen and could trigger a dangerous allergic reaction in those with a milk allergy.  This product has been sold in MD, MA, NJ, NY, NC, PA, and VA.  If you bought this product, you may return it to the Wegman’s store service desk for a full refund.  If you require more information, contact Wegman’s at 1-855-934-3663.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mellace-family-brands-california-inc-johnvince-foods-recalls-wegmans-semi-sweet-chocolate-nonpareils   #recall, #semisweetchocolate #nonpareils #milk  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/IXRhoIno9ow   Summit Labs and the FDA announce a recall of KORE Organic Watermelon CBD Oil Tincture.  The Lot in question is K018, batch #730.  This product was found to have unacceptably high lead levels.  If you have this product, do not use it.  Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.  Contact Summitt Labs at 1-833-810-5673 for. more information.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/summitt-labs-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-kore-organic-watermelon-cbd-oil-due-high-lead   #recall #watermeloncbdoil #lead #cbd

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/UTAoMbd8BZ4   Interferon Alpha 2 Beta shortens persistence of CoVid19 and suppresses levels of the deadly immune mediators interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein.  University of Toronto investigators report that this interferon which curbed the SARS coronavirus some years ago now helps CoVid patients.   All 77 patients in the trial had moderate pneumonia not requiring intensive care.  Mean time to viral clearance for interferon-treated patients was 21 days versus 28 for the untreated.  Treated patients were also spared a toxic IL-6 spike  and enjoyed lower levels of C-reactive protein.   Let’s hope interferon alpha 2 beta turns out to be a universal coronavirus therapeutic.   https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.01061/full Early    #covid #pandemic #interferon #il6 #creactiveprotein  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/9eT3viQH4ns   Masterpharm LLC and the FDA are recalling Finasteride Plus 1.25 mg.  This prescription drug contains undeclared minoxidil at higher than approved levels.  This product is a prescription drug compounded to treat hair loss.  The contaminant minoxidil, besides helping with hair loss, is a drug used to treat high blood pressure.  It can cause unexpected low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and salt+water retention.  The company has been notifying its customers.  If you have this product, stop using it and call the company at (866) 630-5600 to arrange for self-addressed packaging to facilitate product return.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/masterpharm-llc-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-finasteride-plus-125mg-due-presence-undeclared   #recall #finasteride #minoxidil  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/30K5_cPif6c   United Natural Foods, Inc. and the FDA announce a voluntary recall on Wild Harvest Organic Fresh Basil.  The product is contaminated with Cyclospora cayetanensis.  This microscopic parasite can cause a gastroenteritis with watery diarrhea, appetite loss, weight loss, cramping, bloating, nausea, and fatigue.  The affected product, mainly distributed in Minnesota, is labeled “Product of Colombia” and “112.”  If you have this product, return it to the point of purchase for a refund.  Contact the company at 1-888-256-2800.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/unfi-voluntarily-recalls-wild-harvestr-organic-basil-due-possible-health-risk   #recall #basil #cyclospora

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/OleVDokCqcU   Ideal Foods, Inc. of North Los Vegas and the USDA are recalling Culinevo Artisan Style Flatbreads.  There are over 3300 pounds of meat and poultry pizza products that were produced, packed, and distributed without proper inspection.  These include the following artisan pizzas: carne asada; chicken spinach artichoke, sizzlin’ jalapeño, and meat lover’s.  The products have the following labels inside the USDA mark of inspection: EXTRA STRENGTH TYLENOL 45351A or P-45351A.  If you have these products in your freezer, do not consume them.  Return them to the point of purchase for a refund.  For more information, call Ideal Foods at 1-888-674-6854.   https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2020/recall-009-2020-release   #recall #culinevo #pizza #noinspection  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/dkHn_fpPuPQ   The non-drowsy allergy drugs Clarinex and Claritin improve survival after treatments for melanoma and may reduce the risk of developing new melanomas.  Sweden’s Lund University analyzed 1253 melanoma patients who were anti-histamine users.   Survival was 46-50% better for those patients using Clarinex, Claritin, or generics particularly in those 65 years and older.  Use of these drugs was also associated with a 20% lower risk of a secondary melanoma though the limited numbers of cases prevented statistical significance.   If you’re in an older age group and have melanoma, regular use of prescription Clarinex or over-the-counter Claritin and their generics should be discussed with your own doctor.   https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/all.14273   #melanoma #claritin #desloratidine #loratidine    

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/MC3KKDhciQ0   The FDA announces that Zilk’s Plus Resources LLC is voluntarily recalling its Pluckers World Famous Wing Sauces.  This product, available in a variety of flavors, contains the undeclared allergens soy, milk, and wheat.  If you purchased these sauces, either dispose of the product or return it to any Pluckers location for a full refund or exchange.  For more information, contact Zilks at 1-817-618-6298.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/zilks-plus-resources-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-soy-and-wheat-select-12-oz-bottled-sauces   #recall #wingsauce #milk #soy #wheat  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/kHLOAkBgnTk   The Consumer Product Safety Commission announces that Sobeauty, Inc. is voluntarily recalling it Mag Cube magnetic ball sets.  This toy contains extremely strong magnets that violate the federal child toy safety standards.  If two or more of these tiny balls are swallowed, they can link together and clamp tissues causing intestinal perforations, obstructions, sepsis, and death.  The tiny 3 mm balls are also a choking hazard.  These toys have been sold at Walmart.   If you have this toy in your home, do not permit your child to play with it.  Contact Sobeauty at 1-844-946-7437 to obtain instructions for return and refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/sobeauty-recalls-mag-cube-magnetic-ball-sets-due-to-risk-of-ingestion-by-children-that   #recall #magnet #choking #gastrointestinal  

Vidcast: https://youtu.be/VTzUP8sHGJs   An NSAID that selectively and safely blocks inflammation may be another weapon in the fight against the novel coronavirus.   A preliminary Chinese study of 44 CoVid patients included 37 receiving Celebrex and a very small 7 patient control group receiving conventional therapy only.   Data showed that treatment with Celebrex was associated with recovery of all 29 CoVid patients with moderate disease and 82% of those with severe disease.  In contrast, only 57% of the control group recovered.   Celebrex is a powerful drugs with significant side effects including skin reactions, liver issues, potential kidney toxicity, gi upset, and elevated blood pressure.  We’ll see if more studies confirm its usefulness for CoVid.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.05.20077610v1.full.pdf   #covid #pandemic #celebrex #cox2inhibitors #nsaids  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/RxyARQYsrkA   Personal physical distancing strongly correlates with decreased CoVid19 case growth rates in the 25 most affected counties in the United States.  This the conclusion of a Johns Hopkins study that quantitates the degree of distancing using cell phone data on a county-wide basis.   The investigators were able to calculate a social distancing ratio for each US county by dividing the number representing average cell phone travel over a 3 month period during the CoVid pandemic with historic data. This ratio was then compared with CoVid infection prevalence.   With initiation of local and state lock-downs over time, the social distancing ratio as well as the incidence of new CoVid cases has dropped significantly.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.07.20092353v1.full.pdf   #covid #pandemic #distancing  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/dWYCdfb3wrk   If you live in a CoVid hot spot like New York City or LA, assume nearly every public surface has live virus.  Brazilian microbiologists tested for live virus at 30 locations in Belo Horizonte, a metro area some 6 million people.    CoVid in ample quantities was found in 6/15 bus stations particularly those near hospitals.  Virus was also found in 3 public squares.  Nearly 20% of the sampled sites were virus-positive.     As you begin to venture out, protect yourself.  Assume your hands and clothes are contaminated once you leave home.  Accordingly, don’t touch your face before you scrub your hands having disrobed after your return home.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.07.20094631v1.full.pdf   #pandemic #covid #reopening  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/GFs0TET3ANw   That traditional weekend visit to the grandfolks could infect them with CoVid.  A just pre-published study from Tel Aviv University reveals a significant 5 day post weekend peak in new CoVid cases after analysis of data from 7 of 12 countries around the world.   New CoVid  cases tick up on Thursday to Friday as one would expect from a 5 day lag between an elder’s contact with an infected weekend visitor and manifestation of symptoms,  Furthermore, deaths also bumped up but 12-14 days after inter-generational weekend visits.   The safest way to visit Grams and Gramps is via FaceTime, Zoom, or an open first floor window.    https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.03.20089508v1.full.pdf   #pandemic #covid #grandparents #weekendvisits  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/mHatAUw52vo   A Remdesivir, ritonivir, and lopinavir drug cocktail may be the most potent CoVid killer.  This conclusion from a Singapore artificial intelligence study just pre-published on the medrixiv.org.   Researchers used their IDentif.ai platform and known CoVid killing abilities of 12 anti-viral drugs to predict and test a half million possible drug combinations.  The result: adding to remdesivir the antiviral ritonivir/lopinavir combo drug, marketed as Kaletra for HIV PreP use, would drive a 6.5 fold greater therapeutic effect compared with remdesivir alone.   This model correlates with clinical findings in that remdesivir  alone is only 16% effective and hydroxychloroquine, even with Zithromax, is only 3-4% effective.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.04.20088104v1.full.pdf   #pandemic #covid #remdesivir #kaletra #ritonivir #lopinavir #hydroxychloroquine  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/kvkFU8vkyyw   The stomach acid suppressing drug famotidine reduces the risk of death from CoVid in hospitalized patients by 70%.  Clinicians at Columbia, New York Presbyterian Hospital, and Northwell Health studied 340 patients with severe CoVid19 infections.   Famotidine was used at home prior to admission by 15% who were also given it in-hospital.  Only 1% of controls had used the drug before admission.  The drug was administered orally in 72% of patients and IV in 28% for a median period of nearly 6 days.  Those receiving the drug showed a 16% reduction in their blood ferritin levels suggesting famotidine reduces the cytokine storm.   The researchers are planning studies giving the drug prophylactically.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.01.20086694v1.full.pdf   #covid #pandemic #famotidine  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/8Pkww_NybWU   Wearing a weighted vest for just 3 weeks could help you lose 5 times more weight.  A new study from Sweden’s University of Gothenberg studied weight loss in 69 mildly obese subjects.   The experimental group wore 24 pound vests while the control group wore 2 lb vests over the study period.  The weigh-in at the end clocked a 3.5 pound average weight loss for the heavy vest group versus a .7 pound loss for controls.  The weight lost was in fat and not muscle.   The investigators attribute the effect to a natural “gravitostat.”  Animal experiments suggest it controls appetite.  Of course, moving about with a weighted vest does expend more energy.   https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/eclinm/PIIS2589-5370(20)30082-1.pdf   #obesity #dieting #weightedvest #fat