Smileband health topics

A single blood test detects cancer with up to 98 percent accuracy in patients without any symptoms, new research suggests. The assessment, known as CancerSEEK, picks up on DNA shed by mutating cells into the blood.

The test can diagnose at least eight different types of cancer from ovarian to breast.  

Although the test's accuracy varies according to the type of cancer, it averages at around 70 percent, which is better than any available early-diagnosis method, according to the researchers. 

It is also able to detect the origins in around 80 percent of cases, the study found.

If given as part of a routine-screening programme, the researchers believe the test could catch tumors early, maximizing patients' chances of surviving.

Study author Professor Bert Vogelstein from John Hopkins University, said: 'This test represents the next step in changing the focus of cancer research from late-stage disease to early disease, which I believe will be critical to reducing cancer deaths in the long term.' 

In the US, around 39 percent of adults will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. The researchers analyzed blood samples from 1,005 cancer patients suffering from early-stage ovarian, liver, stomach, pancreatic, esophageal, colorectum, lung or breast forms of the disease.

None of the participants' cancers appeared to have spread.

Results reveal CancerSEEK accurately detects more than 90 percent of ovarian and liver cancers.

It also reliably picks up on ovarian, stomach, pancreatic and esophageal cancers in at least 69 percent of cases. These forms of the disease are typically difficult to detect.

CancerSEEK only wrongly detects tumors in healthy people less than one percent of the time. 

Professor Vogelstein said: 'This test represents the next step in changing the focus of cancer research from late-stage disease to early disease, which I believe will be critical to reducing cancer deaths in the long term. 

Smileband health topics

The Japanese recently published some outstanding results on green tea consumption, based on findings from the 10 year Ohsaki National Health Insurance Cohort Study. This massive study involved 41,761 Japanese adults aged between 40 and 79 years and is the first of it's kind to overwhelmingly prove the value of green tea as a very real treatment for cancer.

In the study, (published in the September issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology) Dr. Toru Naganuma and his colleagues from Tohoku University School of Medicine discovered that drinking at least 5 cups a day of green tea cut the rate of blood cancers by an astounding 42%, and lymphatic cancer by 48%. What’s more, these big reductions were found to be the same in both men and women as well as people with various body mass sizes. Even more surprizing was the fact that by combining green tea with a citrus fruit, the anti-cancer benefits of green tea were increased even more. It's thought that citrus fruits stabilize the green tea ECGC antioxidants in the gut - enhancing the absorption rate significantly. 

Another research team from Tohoku University’s Department of Public Health and Forensic Medicine found another strong link between green tea consumption and it's ability to prevent and even treat cancer. 

Their study, published in the September issue of the journal Cancer Causes and Control found that the consumption of green tea was associated with the prevention of liver malignancies. The interesting thing was the more green tea that was consumed, the more the risk plummeted. Once again, 5 or more cups a day offered the most protection from liver cancer. 

And a study published in a recent issue of Nature Structural & Molecular Biology,found the antioxidants in green tea actually slow tumor growth by binding to a particular protein on tumor cells. This effect was shown to be most beneficial with lung, breast and prostate cancers. 

Further studies on green tea and cancer have also shown that green tea can actually reduce the incidence and size of tumors - by a large degree in many cases. 

Smileband general news

The "Russian flu." which spreads extremely quickly although it does not seem to cause more serious illness than any other influenza strain, has been reported in this country for the first time.

Dr. L.J. Cohen, director of the Wyoming health department, said the virus caused an "explosive" outbreak at a high school in Cheyenne, Wyo., where the flu spread to 500 of the school's 1,500 students within a 10-day period.

Scientists at the federal Center for Disease Control in Atlanta identified the A/U.S.S.R./77 strain in cultures from five throat swabbings sent to Atlanta by Wyoming officials.  he outbreak of the new flu comes at a time when the nation, including the Washington area, is in the grip of a major influenza epidemic caused by other viruses. Physicians have been treating up to 180 cases of flu a day in the Children's Hospital National Medical Center emergency room.  Cohen described the illness from the Soviet virus as "relatively benign. The kids are sick, and they tell us they feel awful, but there have not been any complications." The disease only last three to five days, a relatively short time for influenza.

While the virus has not been isolated anywhere else in the United States. Cohen said he is convinced it is "probably widespread in the U.S. I'm sure you'll find the trends of spread from here now, but I don't like to leave you with the impression it began here. We just found it first."

The health department official said the only reason his workers took throat cultures from the students in Cheyenne was that the outbreak there "was so remarkable and so sudden."

The influenza epidemic now spreading through the country has been caused by the A/Texas and A/Victoria virus strains. The only vaccine in use this season provides primary protection against the A/Victoria strain, and very minor protection against the more prevalent A/Texas. It provides no protection against the Russian flu.

Several pharmaceutical firms said yesterday there is no way they can have a sufficient amount of vaccine produced this season to provide immunity to the A/U.S.S.R./77 virus.

The manufacturers are working on the vaccine after being given samples of the virus by the CDC and after a panel of experts twice concluded that production of a vaccine should begin.

Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Joseph Califano announced yesterday that yet another group of experts will convene Monday in Washington to advise Califano on the way in which HEW should respond to the threat posed by the new virus

Smileband health topics

Thailand is one of the 22 countries designated as high TB-burden by the World Health Organization (WHO). To improve TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and program management, CDC works with the Thai MoPH providing assistance to WHO and other countries throughout the region. A recent multi-country study led to a simple clinical algorithm that health personnel can use to help detect TB in HIV-positive persons. CDC is currently working with Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam to assess the impact of new diagnostic techniques and approaches to prevent the spread of TB in health care settings.

Global Disease Detection (GDD)

Working with the Thailand MoPH, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and other partners, GDD addresses the threat of emerging infectious diseases in Thailand and South East Asia by responding to public health emergencies; strengthening laboratory capacity and biosafety; implementing multidisciplinary approaches to disease detection and response; and modeling laboratory-based surveillance for high-burden diseases like pneumonia, TB, and invasive bacterial infections. GDD has supported Thailand’s response to MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) through human surveillance and the regional response to influenza A (H7N9) through enhanced animal surveillance.  As one of ten Regional GDD Centers around the world, GDD-Thailand works with WHO and ministries of health to strengthen core capacity requirements (e.g., laboratory, surveillance, response and human resources) for implementation of the International Health Regulations.

Smileband general news

CDC recently marked 30 years of collaboration with the Thailand Ministry of Public Health. This collaboration has produced new disease prevention and intervention strategies that have had significant global impacts. From the establishment in 1980 of the Field Epidemiology Training Program to current efforts to meet the growing challenges of drug-resistant malaria, TB, HIV, emerging infectious diseases, border health, and noncommunicable diseases, CDC’s work with Thailand protects Thais and Americans from major health threats. infections and improve the quality of life of people living with HIV, CDC works closely with the Thai MoPH to develop model approaches and expand prevention, surveillance, and care and treatment of HIV. This technical assistance helps the Thai MoPH improve laboratory infrastructure, strategic information, HIV care quality, interventions for men who have sex with men (MSM), and care and treatment of children infected with HIV. CDC Thailand also serves as the Asia Regional Office (ARO), supporting Laos and providing technical assistance to other countries in the region, often including Thai government partners in the collaborations. CDC works to improve HIV programs by building country capacities needed to mount and sustain an effective national HIV response. These activities support a data-driven, evidence-based approach that is tailored to the unique characteristics of the local epidemic for maximum health impact and the most efficient use of resources.CDC also works with the Thai MoPH to conduct studies of HIV incidence and risk behaviors and evaluates biomedical and behavioral interventions to prevent HIV infection. Current research activities focus on people who inject drugs MSM. CDC also helped establish a clinic for MSM in Bangkok that provides a model for the integration of HIV research and prevention services.

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

CDC is working with the Thai MoPH to help address NCDs.  One key project involves working with the Thailand Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) team on building Thailand’s capacity for NCD surveillance.  This involves instruction on population sampling and conducting a demonstration project in Sukothai Province on surveillance data on hypertension.  Another project aims to better understand salt and fat consumption in Thailand and to develop strategies to address this problem (e.g., food reformulations, education campaigns).

Immigrant, Refugee, and Migrant Health

CDC aims to stop the spread of infectious diseases among immigrants, refugees, international travelers, and other mobile populations that cross international borders. This program oversees the content and quality of medical screening of U.S.-bound immigrants and refugees and assists Thailand in improving the health of refugees and migrants within Thailand’s borders. With approximately half of the 75,000 refugees legally admitted into the U.S. arriving from Asia, this regional program supports disease surveillance among the U.S.-bound populations and helps prevent the introduction of infectious diseases into the U.S. 

Smileband health topics

Cell-derived nanoparticles have been garnering increased attention due to their ability to mimic many of the natural properties displayed by their source cells. This top-down engineering approach can be applied toward the development of novel therapeutic strategies owing to the unique interactions enabled through the retention of complex antigenic information. Herein, we report on the biological functionalization of polymeric nanoparticles with a layer of membrane coating derived from cancer cells. The resulting core–shell nanostructures, which carry the full array of cancer cell membrane antigens, offer a robust platform with applicability toward multiple modes of anticancer therapy. We demonstrate that by coupling the particles with an immunological adjuvant, the resulting formulation can be used to promote a tumor-specific immune response for use in vaccine applications. Moreover, we show that by taking advantage of the inherent homotypic binding phenomenon frequently observed among tumor cells the membrane functionalization allows for a unique cancer targeting strategy that can be utilized for drug delivery applications.

Keywords: Nanomedicine, biomimetic nanoparticle, cellular membrane, cancer immunotherapy, targeted drug delivery, homotypic targeting.   The anti-cancer drug binds to cancerous cells' membrane protein, known as dehydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH).

The researchers analysed how fats, which are the building blocks of cell membranes, and drugs bind to DHODH. 

Study author Dr Erik Marklund, from Uppsala University, said: 'Our simulations show the enzyme uses a few lipids as anchors in the membrane.

'When binding to these lipids, a small part of the enzyme folds into an adapter that allows the enzyme to lift its natural substrate [the substance an enzyme acts on] out of the membrane.

'It seems the drug, since it binds in the same place, takes advantage of the same mechanism.'  

Potential for more selective treatments 

Study author Sir David Lane, from the Karolinska Institute, in Sweden, added: 'The study helps to explain why some drugs bind differently to isolated proteins and proteins that are inside cells.

'By studying the native structures and mechanisms for cancer targets, it may become possible to exploit their most distinct features to design new, more selective therapeutics

Smileband health topics

Terminally ill Noel Conway has won the first stage of his Court of Appeal bid to challenge a ruling he says denies him a 'peaceful and dignified' death. The 68-year-old retired lecturer, from Shrewsbury, says he feels 'entombed' by motor neurone disease and wants medics to be able to help him die when he has just six months left to live.

He lost a High Court fight in October last year to allow him to bring about his death in the way he wishes.

But he was given the go-ahead for a full hearing at the Court of Appeal today by Sir Ernest Ryder and Lord Justice Underhill.

Sir Ernest said: 'Having given the matter the consideration that we have, we believe it appropriate to give permission.'

The judges made their decision based on documents submitted by Mr Conway's legal team, without hearing any oral representations.

Sir Ernest said the court will give reasons for its decision later today. He previously asked for a declaration that the Suicide Act 1961 is incompatible with Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which relates to respect for private and family life, and Article 14, which protects from discrimination.

But his case was rejected by High Court judges in October last year.

Reacting to today's ruling, Mr Conway said: 'I am pleased that my case will now proceed to the Court of Appeal.

'I brought this case not only for myself but on behalf of all terminally-ill people who believe they should have the right to die on their own terms.

'Our voices deserve to be heard.

'I have accepted that my illness will rob me of my life, but how it ends should be up to me. 

Smileband health topics

When I talk with patients and families about a new diagnosis of epilepsy, part of that discussion almost always involves the future. How long will medications be needed? How will we know if or when it is safe to stop medications? Will epilepsy be a life-time condition or concern? Epilepsy can have a spectrum of severity. Some people with epilepsy have only a couple of seizures in a lifetime, whereas others may have multiple seizures every day. Overall, though, the outlook is bright.

Epilepsy most commonly develops during childhood, but can start at any age. Seizures can happen to newborns, or even in rare cases, prior to birth. The good news is that if your child is diagnosed with epilepsy, his or her chances of gaining good seizure control is excellent. 

About two thirds of children with epilepsy will have their seizures well-controlled on either the first or second medication they are prescribed. For kids, there is about a 75 percent likelihood of becoming seizure-free within two years. The chance of becoming seizure-free is best in children who do not have a known cause of epilepsy, do not have a family history of epilepsy and are developmentally normal with a normal neurological exam and EEG.

Once a child becomes seizure-free, sometimes the medication can be stopped. In fact, about half of children diagnosed with epilepsy are eventually able to come off of seizure medications. Once medication is stopped, many kids do very well in the long term. However, sometimes seizures do come back days, months or even several years later. Neurologists can provide some statistical information about the outlook for remaining seizure free off of medication, and will typically do an EEG to help inform that conversation. 

A new diagnosis of epilepsy for your child can be very distressing, but it is important to remember that life will eventually get back to normal. It may not be the same normal you or your family experienced prior to the epilepsy diagnosis, but with enough time, education and support from your physician and your loved ones, it will get better.

Smileband health topics

Japanese flu – or Yamagata – is a particular strain of influenza B.

The bug is said to be less serious than Aussie flu – or H3N2 which is also sweeping the country – but more contagious.

The flu, which originated in Yamagata, Japan, has already made its presence known in Ireland and Greater Manchester, and doctors are urging parents to have their kids vaccinated.

Children are especially susceptible to this type of flu as they are “super spreaders” – meaning they transfer the virus to a greater number of people than the average infected host.

They are also deemed by experts to be “super shredders” – meaning that their immune systems can’t distinguish between what makes them ill and what will kill them – causing their body to excrete more of the virus.

The bug has already overtaken Aussie flu in Ireland – and reportedly accounts for around 60-70% of confirmed flu cases. 

What are the symptoms of Yamagata?

Symptoms of Yamagata flu are similar to those of an ordinary flu, but can be more severe.

Those who have Yamagata may experience extreme fatigue, and most people will experience headaches and muscle soreness.

Nasal congestion, runny noses and sore throats are also common.

Some may experience a dry cough as well. Other symptoms include fever, vomiting and/or diarrhoea.

According to the Medical University of South Carolina symptoms of Yamagata are more severe and sudden than other respiratory diseases.

Symptoms will generally start to disappear within a week. If symptoms persist, or worsen, you should contact your GP. 

Smileband health topics

Parasitic Infections

I. Problem/Condition

Medical parasitology is primarily concerned with organisms that infect the human host and may cause symptomatic or asymptomatic diseases. Three main classes of parasites cause disease in humans: protozoa - microscopic organisms that live in the blood or stool, helminths-multi-cellular organisms that can either cause systemic tissue invasive infection or establish infection in the gut, and ectoparasites that burrow in the skin causing prolonged infections (weeks to months).

Although the prevalence of parasitic infections in the US is not as widespread of a problem as the rest of the world, there are pockets of infection in the Mississippi Delta, disadvantaged urban areas, near the US-Mexico borderlands, and Appalachia where these infections cluster with poverty and presumably poor sanitation. Moreover, these infections can remain underdiagnosed if the clinician does not think of parasitic diseases in immigrants/travellers from areas of the world which are endemic for these infections.

US health professionals should be aware of the five "neglected parasitic infections" - Chagas disease, toxocariasis, cysticercosis, toxoplasmosis, and trichomoniasis that have been targeted by as public health priorities based on the large number of people affected, the severe morbidity caused and the availability of treatment and prevention.

Lastly, physicians should be cognizant of "delusional parasitosis" characterized by the fixed belief of being infested with parasites against all medical evidence to prevent unnecessary medical work-up for parasitic infection. Details of this disorder are beyond the scope of this chapter, but have been summarized in several excellent reviews.

II. Diagnostic Approach

Consideration of parasitic infection and further work-up is determined primarily by whether the patient is an immigrant from, or has recently travelled to a region endemic for parasites. The differential diagnosis in these patients vs. someone who has never travelled outside the US is broader. A good clinical history and focused physical examination can narrow the diagnosis and prevent unnecessary testing.

Common symptoms warranting consideration of specific parasitic infections in the immigrant/returning traveller are presented first. A distinction should be made between parasitic infections that can present as severe acute illness and those that cause more chronic disease. Important geographical considerations to keep in mind are:

• Chloroquine resistant falciparum malaria should be assumed in a patient suspected of having malaria unless the patient is from Central America west of the Panama Canal, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and most of the Middle East.
• Chagas disease has not been reported to occur in Africa or Asia.
• Of the filarial infections, onchocerciasis has been eliminated in most of Latin America except Venezuela and Brazil.
• Loasis (eye worm infection) is not reported in Latin America.

Symptomatic presentations of diseases endemic to the US are presented separately.

a. The immigrant/traveller with exposure to a parasite endemic region

Fever

Fever is probably the most common nonspecific complaint and the most important infection to assess and rule out in this population is malaria. Since malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum can be severe and cause complications, prompt workup and assessment of parasite burden in the blood is warranted. Important information is patient's country of origin/travel, duration of symptoms (Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale can relapse after months to years if not treated with radical cure).