Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/p6cyIpN1eVE   Obese persons are 7 times more likely to require intubation and mechanical ventilation for a CoVid infection.  French researchers now report these results following their study of 124 CoVid patients admitted to intensive care.   More than three-quarters of these patients were overweight or obese.  Their disease severity increased with increasing weight from 150 lbs for a 5.5 foot person up to and beyond 210 lbs for a person of the same height.     The CoVid threat will be with us awhile so get to a healthy weight.  You’ll feel a whole lot better knowing you’re protecting yourself against not only the virus but also against heart attack and stroke.   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32271993   #covid #coronavirus #overweight #obesity #ventilator  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/V0dacU6ES1I   The FDA and DSD Merchandisers Inc. of Livermore CA is recalling Roasted-Salted Deluxe Mixed Nuts 10 oz. size.  This product may contain undeclared peanuts, a risk for peanut-allergic individuals.  If you have this product, return it to the point of purchase.  For more info, reach the company at 1-925-449-2044.   https://bit.ly/3aaPVIA   #recall #nuts #peanut #dsdmerchanisers  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/0FUbP57rlco   The FDA announces 3 more Korean Enoki Mushroom recalls.  The producers involved: Sun Hong Foods of Montebello, CA;  Guan’s Mushroom Co. of Commerce, CA; H&C Food Inc. Of Brooklyn, NY.   Recall reason: contamination with Listeria.  Ingesting this organism triggers high fevers, severe headaches, stiffness, nauseas, abdominal pain and diarrhea.  Pregnant women may miscarry or have a stillborn baby.   Do not eat these mushrooms.  Throw them away and sanitize all surfaces they have touched.   Sun Hong: CA, TX, OR, WA, TX, IL, FL.  Company: 1-323-597-1112. Guan’s: CA, NY, PA.  Company: 1-323-223-1188. H&C Food Inc.   Company: 1-718-821-5188.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sun-hong-foods-inc-recalls-enoki-mushroom-because-possible-health-risk   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/guans-mushroom-co-recalls-enoki-because-possible-health-risk   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawal

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/RtDaP6MJ-xU Shells that engulf influenza viruses preventing their infectivity may someday prevent the seasonal flu without vaccines.  German researchers report successful use of this strategy in pre-clinical trials.   The researchers take phages, viruses that ordinarily attack bacteria, and empty out their genetic material.  They adapt these empty nanoshells for attachment to flu virus like Velcro® thereby preventing the virus from attacking human respiratory cells.  The non-infective phage nanoshell may also trigger a more vigorous immune elimination response against the inactivated flu viruses.   This approach isn’t ready for prime time yet, but it may also prove useful for controlling coronaviruses including our current CoVid19.  Let’s hope we don;’t have to wait till 2525.   https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-020-0660-2   #phage #influenza #coronavirus #nanotechnology

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/b-pkrxQmsPY   Can’t believe how fast your hair is greying during the CoVid crisis?  It isn’t the cheap hair dye your stylist uses to keep you coming back often.   Turns out that relentless stress grays your hair at record speeds.  Just ask Marie Antoinette. Legend has it that her locks whitened overnight before her trip to the guillotine.   Extreme stress ramps up the sympathetic nervous system for a danger response.  The neurotransmitter norepinephrine gushes from nerve endings throughout the body including around our hair follicles.  The excess nor-ep recruits stem cells that ordinarily would become pigment producing factories.  They don’t, no pigment, no hair color.   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31969699   #stress #coronavirus #grayhair #norepinephrine

  Vidcast: https://youtu.be/APXe9NaJ-B8   Those with O positive blood are 20% less likely to test positive for the coronavirus and AB blood 44% less likely.  Those with A positive blood are 38% more likely to be positive.  The Biomedical Informatics unit at Columbia has just pre-published this data after their analysis of over 1500 patients seen at two New York City hospitals.   Various blood groups only only had statistical associations with viral positivity and not with disease severity, need for intubation, or risk of death from CoVid19 disease.   These findings are generally consistent with those I reported from Chinese studies.  The exception: Chinese with the rare AB blood had a greater risk of CoVid positivity.     https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.08.20058073v1.full.pdf   #covid19 #coronavirus #abogroup #bloodgroup  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/J0XoqkE547U   ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blocking medications appear to help hypertensive patients fightCoVid19 infections.  Chinese investigators now report a series of 564 hospitalized CoVid19 patients and British researchers a series of 205.   Those Chinese on the angiotensin-related medications were 5 times less likely to develop a severe case of pneumonia. The Brits on ACE inhibitors were half as likely to require critical care support or to die of their CoVid disease.   The investigators conclude that those hypertensive patients with CoVid19 infections should not be switched off angiotensin drugs.  On the other hand, they stop short of recommending their use as therapeutic agents for infected patients with treatable high blood pressure.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.08.20057539v1   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.07.20056788v1.full.pdf   #covid19 #coronavirus #hypertension #angiotensin #aceinhibitor #angiotensinreceptorblocke

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/LdtmtKWujfc   The viral RNA, polymerase blocker remdesivir drives better oxygenation for two-thirds of patients with life-threatening CoVid19 infections.  The drug improves survival of ventilator-dependent patients by anywhere from 40 to 84%   A global collaborative study, led by researchers at LA’s Cedar-Sinai Hospital, followed 53 patients though to completion of a 10 day iv remdesivir course at the outset of a 4 week observation period.  The drug permitted 57% of those on ventilators to be extubated and 75% of those on ECMO to come off it.  Overall, 84% of patients improved on the drug.   This preliminary study provides hope that severe CoVid19 disease may be managed to a successful outcome.   https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2007016?query=C19&cid=DM89880_NEJM_COVID-19_Newsletter&bid=181982010   #covid19 #coronavirus #remdesivir  

x Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/IbrJaVthGac   Just how well do face masks work to block the spread of virus.  Researchers from Case-Western U and Ohio State University studied the dispersion of artificially-created droplets through cloth masks of various designs mimicking an infected sneeze.   A single layered mask constructed of various fabric types reduce the droplet spread to less than 1 foot.  A double layered mask cut the droplet dispersion by a factor of two-thirds down to 4 inches.   Problem is, viruses spread in aerosols that travel further than droplets and through masks.  Multiple cloth layers offer more but not complete protection.  You must depend on physical distancing and an abundance of caution to fill the void.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.07.20045617v1   #covid19 #coronavirus #mask #fabric #aerosol  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/O52Z-1S5OUg   CoVid19 aerosols from an unknowingly infected neighbor can easily infect you as you shop or walk.  Finnish researchers, studying the production and spread of virus-laden microdroplets, show that a single cough generates a cloud of virus aerosol that can waft for minutes over several aisles in a grocery store.  The cough also sprinkles nearly shelves and the floor with live virus.   In other reports, I’ve told you that simple cotton masks or even surgical masks do not block virus from an infected person.   Distance as far as you can, and use a multilayered mask.  When the PPE supply for first responders eventually improves, go for N95 or KN95 masks.   https://www.aalto.fi/en/news/researchers-modelling-the-spread-of-the-coronavirus-emphasise-the-importance-of-avoiding-busy   #covid19 #coronavirus #aerosol #mask  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/jF0jPtpU66E   The FDA and Whole Foods announce a recall on Whole Foods Minestrone Soup.  This product may have undeclared milk.  If ingested by a milk-allergic individual, the soup could trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction.  This soup was sold in 32 states in plastic deli containers and in plastic bags.  If you purchased this soup, do not consume it.  Return it to the store with your receipt for a complete refund.  For more info, call Whole Foods at 1-844-936-8255.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/allergy-alert-issued-undeclared-milk-minestrone-soup-sold-whole-foods-market-stores-32-states-and   #recall #wholefoods #minestrone  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/vKPWzGbe0IQ   The US Consumer Product Safety Commission and Pass and Seymour of Syracuse, NY announce a recall on their Commercial-Grade Tamper Resistant Duplex Receptacles.  This receptacle has a manufacturing defect that forces the consumer to force a plug into the slots thereby leading to plug blade overheating and fire risk.  If you have one of these installed, stop using it and contact the firm for a free replacement, a full refund, or a refund credit.  Since you will likely require an electrician to change out the receptacle, the company should absorb that cost as well.  Contact the company at 1-833-552-0388.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/pass-and-seymour-recalls-commercial-grade-electrical-receptacles-due-to-burn-hazard   #recall #receptacle #firehazard #passandseymour  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/uIh27s9PobY   The USDA announces that Jowett Farms Corporation of Canada is recalling more than 42,000 pounds of raw port imported into the US.  This material has been used to create multiple Jewel-Oslo products including Sheboygan Brand Bratwurst, Mild Italian Sausage, and Hot Italian Sausage.  This pork has not been properly inspected.  The recalled product bears the label EST. 7779 inside the USDA inspection mark.  If you have a package of these products, return them to the store.  More information from the company by calling 1-204-326-3252.   https://bit.ly/2VmxM57   #recall #pork #jewelosco x

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/z-pWpYW7TlA   In a USDA alert, ConAgra of Russellville, AK is recalling its Healthy Choice POWER BOWLS Chicken Feta & Farro.  The bowl is contaminated with small rocks.  The Lot involved is 5006002320.  If you have this product, throw it away after contacting ConAgra Consumer Care at 1-800-672-8240.   https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2020/recall-007-2020-release   #recall #healthychoice #powerbowl x

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/6B6hRwUK_sM   The Manhattan Toy Co. is recalling its Musical Lili Llama Toy.  The screws that attach the spinning flowers to the sides of the toy may become loose, fall off, and pose a choking hazard for young children.  These toys were sold nationwide and in Canada through Amazon, the company’s website, and at independent toy stores.  Take the toy away from your children and contact Manhattan Toy Co. for a free repair kit.  Reach Manhattan Toy at 1-800-541-1345.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/Manhattan-Toy-Recalls-Musical-Lili-Llama-Due-to-Choking-Hazard   #recall #llamatoy #manhattantoy #choking  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/12ZhSOTERWE   Stelpro Design of Quebec, Canada is recalling is Sonoma Wall Fan Heaters.  An internal part fails to meet flammability standards and the unit is a fire hazard.  If you have this heater installed, stop using it and call Stelpro at 1-844-783-5776 to arrange for a replacement.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/Stelpro-Design-Recalls-Sonoma-Wall-Fan-Heaters-Due-to-Fire-Hazard   #recall #stelpro #fan #heater #firehazard  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/YVv8KkB7Q6o   The Continuum Sales and Marketing Co. of Port Washington, NY has recalled its Lenox 2.5 QT Whistling Stainless Steel Tea Kettle.  These kettles are defective and can expel hot water while heating posing a burn hazard to consumers.   These tea kettles have been sold at Burlington, HomeGoods, Home Sense, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, Tuesday Morning, and Winners stores nationwide from September 2013 through November 2017 for between $30 and $50.  If you have this product, immediately stop using it and contact Continuum at 1-800-669-6385 for a full refund if you have a proof of purchase.  If you don’t have that proof, you’ll be eligible for a $30 refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/Continuum-Recalls-Lenox-Tea-Kettles-Due-to-Burn-Hazard   #recall #continuum #lenoxteakettle #burn  

  Vidcast:   https://youtu.be/H1zXuFDjnOY   Allergy sufferers!  Coating nasal linings with a gel could reduce your seasonal misery without using stronger drugs.  German researchers report this finding after studying 18 adults with known allergies.   The subjects were randomized to receive either gel or no treatment during 4 hour sessions in a pollen chamber.  Nasal gel significantly squelched allergic nasal congestion and postnasal drip.   The study used Nascum-Plus, an oil-based solution with bio-adhesive properties, that’s not available in the US.  Saline nasal gels by NeilMed, Ayr, and NasalGuard ARE available online.  The effects may be less dramatic and the spray will require re-application, but nasal saline gel could reduce your symptoms and medication needs.   https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/506129   #allergy #pollen #allergicrhinitis #nasalgel  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/iQk7i516CCE   A medical crystal ball suggests that CoVid19, like common influenza, may return each winter to test our resolve.  Dutch and Michigan epidemiologists analyzed data covering over 13,0000 persons infected by multiple coronaviruses over 3-8 years.   Four of the seven coronaviruses implicated in these infections tend to reappear seasonally between December and May with a peak in January to February.  Most cases were mild with the severe infections occurring in those under 5 years or over 50.    CoVid19, though, appears to be more vicious than these previous coronaviruses.  We’d better be prepared for a long, seasonally-recurrent fight and pray for effective testing, vaccines, and therapy.   https://jcm.asm.org/content/48/8/2940   https://academic.oup.com/jid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/infdis/jiaa161/5815743   #covid19 #coronavirus #seasonal #influenza

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/1YsBXJhgE4w   Cotton and even surgical masks can’t filter live virus from a CoVid-laden cough.  A small South Korean study had 4 CoVid patients cough into a petri dish wearing a 3 layer surgical mask, a 2 layer cotton mask, or no mask at all.   Ninety-five percent of the virus went through the surgical mask and 72% went through the cotton mask.  The outer surfaces of both types of mask were flush with live virus.   Masks will not keep an infected person’s virus from the air you breathe and from settling on the surfaces you touch.  Wear your own mask and stay far away from everyone not in your family.    https://annals.org/aim/fullarticle/2764367/effectiveness-surgical-cotton-masks-blocking-sars-cov-2-controlled-comparison   #covid19 #coronavirus #mask