Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Do Genes influence shopping styles of men and women?
Just went through an article slated for publication in the December issue of the Journal of Social, Evolutionary and Cultural Psychology. The researchers claim that the "reason women love to spend hours browsing in shops while men prefer to be in and out of the high street in minutes is because of their hunter-gathering past". According to the article, "from an evolutionary perspective, it all goes back to the skills that women used for gathering plant foods and the skills that men used for hunting meat. The study examines shopping through the framework of evolutionary psychology to understand why so many more women enjoy spending a day picking through racks of clothes with friends, while most men can't get out of the mall fast enough." For details see 'Genes influence shopping styles of men and women'
Well, I feel the argument is flawed. A person's behavior does not influence his or her genes. It is the other way round. So if primitive women gathered food, it would in no way influence their genes to make their offsprings gather food or search racks. Also even if they did develop such genes, they will be transferred to both their male as well as female children. The same argument can be put forward for men. Why don't we simply say that God put different traits in men and women to make them suitable for different types of activities?
Well, I feel the argument is flawed. A person's behavior does not influence his or her genes. It is the other way round. So if primitive women gathered food, it would in no way influence their genes to make their offsprings gather food or search racks. Also even if they did develop such genes, they will be transferred to both their male as well as female children. The same argument can be put forward for men. Why don't we simply say that God put different traits in men and women to make them suitable for different types of activities?
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Medpedia
The Medpedia Project is a long-term, worldwide project to evolve a new model for sharing and advancing knowledge about health, medicine and the body among medical professionals and the general public. This
model is founded on providing a free online technology platform that is collaborative, interdisciplinary and transparent. Read more about the model.
Users of the platform include physicians, consumers, medical and scientific journals, medical schools, research institutes, medical associations, hospitals, for-profit and non-profit organizations, expert patients, policy makers, students, non-professionals taking care of loved ones, individual medical professionals, scientists, etc.
As Medpedia grows over the next few years, it will become a repository of up-to-date unbiased medical information, contributed and maintained by health experts around the world, and freely available to everyone. The information in this clearinghouse will be easy to discover and navigate, and the technology platform will expand as the community invents more uses for it.
In association with Harvard Medical School, Stanford School of Medicine, Berkeley School of Public Health, University of Michigan Medical School and other leading global health organizations, Medpedia will be a commons for the gathering of the information and people critical to health care. Many organizations have united to support The Medpedia Project.
Visit: http://www.medpedia.com/
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Atherosclerosis in Mummies 3500 Years Old: need to look beyond traditional risk factors.
Checking in on some very old patients with cutting-edge computed tomographic (CT) technology reveals that atherosclerosis might not necessarily be a disease caused by a modern lifestyle. Imaging scans of Egyptian mummies, including some 3500 years old, reveals evidence of atherosclerosis, report researchers.
"There were parts of the cardiovascular system [amazingly] intact," said researcher Dr Randall Thompson(University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine). "We found that on CT scan, atherosclerosis, the disease that we deal so much with, looks surprisingly like it does in our modern-day patients."
Presenting their findings here at the American Heart Association 2009 Scientific Sessions last week, Thompson, along with coinvestigator Dr Sam Wann (Wisconsin Heart Hospital, Milwaukee), said the mummies included in the study all had high social status and many served in the court of the Pharaoh or as priests or priestesses. He added that the group had not expected to see any signs of cardiovascular disease because atherosclerosis is traditionally thought of as a disease caused by an unhealthy fast-food diet, smoking, and lack of exercise. This study, however, suggests the need to look beyond traditional risk factors.
"It looks like people 3000 years ago had the propensity, at least under the circumstances of living in the King's court, to develop this disease," said Wann.
The Mummy and the Skeptical Cardiologist
During a media briefing at the AHA last week, researchers said that the study began when Dr Gregory Thomas(University of California, Irvine), another member of the team, was touring the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo last year and came upon Pharaoh Merenptah (c. 1213-1203 BCE). Information on the Pharaoh's nameplate stated that he died at approximately age 60 and was afflicted with atherosclerosis. Skeptical that someone who lived so long ago would have atherosclerosis, American and Egyptian researchers initiated the study to determine if the diagnosis was correct and, if it was, to determine how common atherosclerosis was in a small sample of ancient Egyptians.
Working with Dr Adel Allam (Al Azhar Medical School, Cairo, Egypt) and Dr Michael Miyamoto (University of California, San Diego), as well as with archeologists and mummy experts, in February 2009, the researchers scanned 22 mummies, the oldest of which was 3500 years old. The coronary, aortic, and peripheral vasculature was identified in 16 of the specimens. Definite or probable atherosclerosis was present in nine of the 16 mummies, but among those who were 45 years or older when they died, atherosclerosis was present in 87%.
The most ancient mummy with evidence of atherosclerosis was Lady Rai, a nursemaid to Queen Amrose Nefertari. Lady Rai died in 1530 BCE at an estimated age of 30 to 40 years; she had definite disease in her aortic arch.
At the AHA last week, Thompson and Wann noted that members of the Egyptian upper classes were meat eaters, and their diets would have included cattle, geese, and ducks. Lack of refrigeration, however, meant that many of these meats would have been heavily salted to prevent spoiling, and this might have led some individuals to develop high blood pressure. Although the exact reasons for the calcified build-up in the arteries is unknown, researchers said the results challenge the view that atherosclerosis is a disease of modern humans.
"This disease has been around since the time of Moses; it's as old as the Pyramids," said Thompson.
Source: November 18, 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Method of Fish Preparation Affects Cardiac Benefits
The cardioprotective effects of omega-3 fatty acids from fish consumption vary by ethnicity and method of preparation, a new study suggests. This is likely because of the types of fish consumed and the preparation methods used by different cultures, say the researchers.
Although the amount of fish consumed was key--along with whether it was high in omega-3 fatty acids, as is wild salmon and tuna--the results also indicate an important role for the method of cooking.
Those consuming adequate amounts of baked or boiled fish had lower rates of coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality during follow-up than those eating little fish. But those eating deep fried fish every day actually had higher mortality, as did those consuming salted or dried fish, she noted. The only method of frying fish that seemed protective was stir-frying, used primarily by the Japanese.
"Our findings suggest the method of preparation of fish may modify the protective effect of omega-3 fatty acids. The results can help educate people on how much fish to eat and how to cook it to prevent heart disease," Meng said. "If you want to eat fried fish, do it occasionally, but try to avoid it. Or eat it the Japanese way and stir fry it."
23% Reduction in Heart Disease Among Men Who Ate the Most Fish
Meng said that CHD mortality is known to differ by ethnicity in Hawaii, and that the disparities are not fully accounted for by known risk factors. She and her colleagues examined the source, type, amount, and frequency of dietary omega-3 consumption among participants in the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) Study living in Los Angeles, CA and Hawaii. The cohort consisted of more than 80 000 men and 100 000 women of African American, Caucasian, Japanese, Native Hawaiian, and Latino descent, aged 45-75 years at recruitment, which occurred from 1993 to 1996; those with a history of myocardial infarction or angina were excluded. Food frequency questionnaires were used to examine fish consumption and omega-3 intake from other sources, such as plant materials like soy sauce.
The fact that the different ethnic groups in the MEC study have different sources of omega-3 provides a unique opportunity to look at this issue, and also to examine ethnic-specific data on methods of fish preparation, she said.
During an average of almost 12 years of follow-up, there were 2604 male and 1912 female deaths due to CHD.
Among men, those in the highest quintile (consuming a median of 3.3 g of dietary omega-3 fatty acids per day) had a 23% lower CHD mortality than those in the lowest quintile (median, 0.8 g per day), Meng said.
The benefits of omega-3 were more apparent in white, Japanese, and Latino men than in African Americans and native Hawaiians, she noted.
12%-15% Increase in CHD Death With Deep Fried, Salted, and Dried Fish
But these benefits were confined to raw fish or fish prepared by boiling or baking, she noted. Among both men and women, consumption of more than 6.2 g of deep fried fish per day (excluding stir-fried fish) led to a 12% increase in CHD mortality, Meng stressed, and even smaller amounts of salted or dried fish daily upped mortality by 15%. This latter effect could be due to the amount of sodium found in fish prepared in this way, she said.
Among men, Japanese ate the most fried fish, but they tended to prepare it by stir-frying, which does not seem to have the same risk as deep frying, Meng said. Second in consumption of fried fish were native Hawaiians, who also ate the most salted and dried fish, followed by African Americans.
Among women in general, the relation between fish consumption and mortality was "all in a protective direction," Meng said, but there was not as strong a dose-response as for men. Plant sources of omega-3, such as soy sauce and tofu, were particularly protective for women, she said, stressing that low-sodium products are best.
Source: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/713037
Although the amount of fish consumed was key--along with whether it was high in omega-3 fatty acids, as is wild salmon and tuna--the results also indicate an important role for the method of cooking.
Those consuming adequate amounts of baked or boiled fish had lower rates of coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality during follow-up than those eating little fish. But those eating deep fried fish every day actually had higher mortality, as did those consuming salted or dried fish, she noted. The only method of frying fish that seemed protective was stir-frying, used primarily by the Japanese.
"Our findings suggest the method of preparation of fish may modify the protective effect of omega-3 fatty acids. The results can help educate people on how much fish to eat and how to cook it to prevent heart disease," Meng said. "If you want to eat fried fish, do it occasionally, but try to avoid it. Or eat it the Japanese way and stir fry it."
23% Reduction in Heart Disease Among Men Who Ate the Most Fish
Meng said that CHD mortality is known to differ by ethnicity in Hawaii, and that the disparities are not fully accounted for by known risk factors. She and her colleagues examined the source, type, amount, and frequency of dietary omega-3 consumption among participants in the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) Study living in Los Angeles, CA and Hawaii. The cohort consisted of more than 80 000 men and 100 000 women of African American, Caucasian, Japanese, Native Hawaiian, and Latino descent, aged 45-75 years at recruitment, which occurred from 1993 to 1996; those with a history of myocardial infarction or angina were excluded. Food frequency questionnaires were used to examine fish consumption and omega-3 intake from other sources, such as plant materials like soy sauce.
The fact that the different ethnic groups in the MEC study have different sources of omega-3 provides a unique opportunity to look at this issue, and also to examine ethnic-specific data on methods of fish preparation, she said.
During an average of almost 12 years of follow-up, there were 2604 male and 1912 female deaths due to CHD.
Among men, those in the highest quintile (consuming a median of 3.3 g of dietary omega-3 fatty acids per day) had a 23% lower CHD mortality than those in the lowest quintile (median, 0.8 g per day), Meng said.
The benefits of omega-3 were more apparent in white, Japanese, and Latino men than in African Americans and native Hawaiians, she noted.
12%-15% Increase in CHD Death With Deep Fried, Salted, and Dried Fish
But these benefits were confined to raw fish or fish prepared by boiling or baking, she noted. Among both men and women, consumption of more than 6.2 g of deep fried fish per day (excluding stir-fried fish) led to a 12% increase in CHD mortality, Meng stressed, and even smaller amounts of salted or dried fish daily upped mortality by 15%. This latter effect could be due to the amount of sodium found in fish prepared in this way, she said.
Among men, Japanese ate the most fried fish, but they tended to prepare it by stir-frying, which does not seem to have the same risk as deep frying, Meng said. Second in consumption of fried fish were native Hawaiians, who also ate the most salted and dried fish, followed by African Americans.
Among women in general, the relation between fish consumption and mortality was "all in a protective direction," Meng said, but there was not as strong a dose-response as for men. Plant sources of omega-3, such as soy sauce and tofu, were particularly protective for women, she said, stressing that low-sodium products are best.
Source: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/713037
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Mediterranean Diet Delays the Need for Drug Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes
Effects of a Mediterranean-Style Diet on the Need for Antihyperglycemic Drug Therapy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Trial
Esposito K, Maiorino MI, Ciotola M, et al
Ann Intern Med. 2009;151:306-314
Ann Intern Med. 2009;151:306-314
Study Summary
In this randomized controlled trial, 108 subjects with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes were assigned to a Mediterranean-style diet (MED) while 107 were assigned to a low-fat diet based on American Heart Association guidelines. The MED diet was rich in vegetables and whole grains, low in red meat, had a goal of no more than 50% of calories from complex carbohydrates, and no less than 30% of calories from fat (mainly olive oil). The low-fat diet was rich in whole grains with the goal of no more than 30% of calories from fat and no more than 10% of calories from saturated fat. Both diets restricted energy intake to 1800 calories per day for men and 1500 for women, and each group received equal guidance on increasing physical activity. Subjects were followed for up to 4 years to assess the primary outcome of time to introduction of antihyperglycemic drug therapy. Per protocol, drug therapy was initiated when HbA1c exceeded 7% at 2 consecutive 3-month intervals. Secondary outcome measures included changes in weight, glycemic control, lipid levels, and blood pressure.
Typical of newly diagnosed patients, the study participants averaged 52 years of age, half were men, mean body mass index was about 30 kg/m2, and HbA1c was 7.7%. None of these characteristics differed between groups. At the end of the trial, 44% of MED subjects required antihyperglycemic drugs compared with 70% of low-fat diet subjects. The hazard ratio for time to drug therapy was 0.63 (95% confidence interval, 0.51-0.86), a finding that was essentially unchanged after adjustment for change in body weight. Both groups lost weight, and though the MED group lost significantly more in the first year, there was not a statistically significant difference between groups at the end of the trial. Other measures of glycemic control (changes in level of HbA1c, plasma glucose, serum insulin, HOMA insulin sensitivity, and adiponectin) all favored the MED participants. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased and triglycerides decreased significantly more in the MED group.
Source: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/711007?src=mp&spon=22&uac=82830HJ
Friday, October 30, 2009
LDL cholesterol levels
The latest ATP III guidelines now recommend that LDL cholesterol levels be brought below 100 mg/dL in high-risk and moderate risk patients and that consideration should be given to lowering it to < 70 mg/dL in high risk individuals. To assess your cardiac risk see http://heartdisease.about.com/od/assessyourrisk/a/assessrisk.htm .
Friday, September 25, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Oral Insulin
1) The FDA has approved Oral-lyn, an insulin spray treatment for type I and type II diabetes, for its Investigational New Drug program.
The spray delivers prandial insulin orally through a device similar to an asthma inhaler, which sprays it on the inside of the cheek, rather than via injection.
Researchers have spent much time looking for alternative means of dispensing insulin to diabetics, and the IND program allows patients with serious or life-threatening conditions, and without suitable alternative treatment, to access drugs otherwise available only to those in a clinical trial.
2) Oramed has developed a tablet form of insulin in which the hormone's protein structure is supposedly protected by special adjuvants from destruction by gastric juice. The firm just reported positive results from a Phase 2A clinical trial with Type I diabetics.
The spray delivers prandial insulin orally through a device similar to an asthma inhaler, which sprays it on the inside of the cheek, rather than via injection.
Researchers have spent much time looking for alternative means of dispensing insulin to diabetics, and the IND program allows patients with serious or life-threatening conditions, and without suitable alternative treatment, to access drugs otherwise available only to those in a clinical trial.
2) Oramed has developed a tablet form of insulin in which the hormone's protein structure is supposedly protected by special adjuvants from destruction by gastric juice. The firm just reported positive results from a Phase 2A clinical trial with Type I diabetics.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Depression in Teens
Source: mentalhealthamerica.net
New antioxidants extracted from cellwalls of fruits
Check out this link for detailed information on Drugs.com: http://www.drugs.com/news/fruit-even-healthier-than-thought-study-19704.html
The website is http://www.drugs.com/, which has a database of over 24,000 drugs, plus a Drug Interactions checker and a pictorial Pill Identifier.
The website is http://www.drugs.com/, which has a database of over 24,000 drugs, plus a Drug Interactions checker and a pictorial Pill Identifier.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Medscape: Antisense Molecule Shows Promise in Duchenne
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Saturday, August 29, 2009
USEFUL MEDICAL WEBSITES
mediconet.blogspot.com is a web directory which guides you to find out
websites related with all medical needs, like journals,lectures, e
books,videos,images,references,forums,medical advice...etc.
websites related with all medical needs, like journals,lectures, e
books,videos,images,references,forums,medical advice...etc.
E BOOKS
PG ENTRANCE
MCQS
VIDEOS
USMLE
REFERENCE
CLINICAL SKILL
SOFTWARES
MEDIA
SUGGEST A SITE
www.medicalppt. blogspot. com contains more than thousand
Presentations and lecture notes in most fields of medicine.
If you are going to prepare a seminar you can compare with
multiplesimilar presentations given here, some times if you are busy
you canuse these slides as such without any modification or with
slightmodification.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
NYTimes.com: Tests Begin on Drugs That May Slow Aging
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Fwd: US FDA Approves Extavia - the First in a New Portfolio of Planned MS Therapies from Novartis to Help Patients with This Devastating Disease
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Drugs.com <sender@list.drugs.com>
Date: 2009/8/18
Subject: US FDA Approves Extavia - the First in a New Portfolio of
Planned MS Therapies from Novartis to Help Patients with This
Devastating Disease
To: mtariqsalman@gmail.com
From: Drugs.com <sender@list.drugs.com>
Date: 2009/8/18
Subject: US FDA Approves Extavia - the First in a New Portfolio of
Planned MS Therapies from Novartis to Help Patients with This
Devastating Disease
To: mtariqsalman@gmail.com
Sent to you from Drugs.com
New Drug Approval
US FDA Approves Extavia - the First in a New Portfolio of Planned MS
Therapies from Novartis to Help Patients with This Devastating Disease
August 17, 2009
Basel, August 17, 2009 - The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has
approved Extavia (interferon beta-1b), the first in a new planned
portfolio of multiple sclerosis (MS) medicines from Novartis to help
patients manage this devastating disease. Extavia is approved by the
FDA for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS to reduce the frequency
of clinical exacerbations. The therapy is also indicated for patients
who have experienced a first clinical episode of MS...
Read more...
Copyright © 2009 Drugs.com. All rights reserved.
Friday, August 14, 2009
New screening method for Anticancer drugs
Many researchers believe tumour growth is driven by cancerous stem cells that, for reasons not yet understood, are highly resistant to standard treatments. Chemotherapeutic agents may kill off 99 percent of the cells in a tumor, but the stem cells that remain can make the cancer recur or spread to other tissues in the body to cause new cancers.
Stem cells, unlike mature cells, can constantly renew themselves and are thought to be the source of cancers when, through mutations in their DNA, they throw off their natural restraints.a team at the Broad Institute devised a way of screening for drugs that attack cancer stem cells but leave ordinary cells unharmed.
Cancer stem cells are hard to maintain in sufficient numbers, but the Broad Institute team devised a genetic manipulation to keep breast cancer stem cells trapped in the stem cell state.
The team, led by Piyush B. Gupta, screened some 16,000 chemicals, including all known chemotherapeutic agents approved by the FDA. The team reported in the Cell that 32 of the chemicals selectively went after cancer stem cells. The screening system proves for the first time that it is possible to single out cancer stem cells with drugs that leave ordinary cells alone. Only one of the 32 chemicals is approved as a drug for cancer.
Another approach to concentrating on cancer stem cells, based on the use of antibodies, was reported this month by OncoMed Pharmaceuticals.The cancer stem cell theory has been thrust into the spotlight in the last five years with the discovery of stem cells in many types of solid tumors, including those of the breast, brain, prostate, colon, bladder and pancreas.
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/14/health/research/14cancer.html?_r=1&8au&emc=au
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Newer drugs for Epilepsy
Lacosamide
Lacosamide is an amino acid-related compound that has been studied in both pain syndromes and partial seizures.
Mechanism of Action: Lacosamide enhances slow inactivation of voltage-gated Na+ channels. It also binds to the collapsin-response mediator protein, CRMP-2, thereby blocking the effect of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF and NT3 on axonal and dendritic growth.
Rufinamide
Rufinamide is a new triazole derivative with little similarity to other antiseizure drugs. It is approved for use in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and preliminary evidence suggests that it may also be useful in other difficult-to-treat epilepsy syndromes.
Lacosamide is an amino acid-related compound that has been studied in both pain syndromes and partial seizures.
Mechanism of Action: Lacosamide enhances slow inactivation of voltage-gated Na+ channels. It also binds to the collapsin-response mediator protein, CRMP-2, thereby blocking the effect of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF and NT3 on axonal and dendritic growth.
Rufinamide
Rufinamide is a new triazole derivative with little similarity to other antiseizure drugs. It is approved for use in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and preliminary evidence suggests that it may also be useful in other difficult-to-treat epilepsy syndromes.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
A Guide to the Alternatives to Animal Experimentation
Authors: Dr Syed Ziaur Rahman, MD, Dr Mohd Tariq Salman, MD
Publisher: Ibn Sina Academy of Medieval Medicine and Sciences
1st Edition: 2009, ISBN 978-81-906070-8-7
Publisher: Ibn Sina Academy of Medieval Medicine and Sciences
1st Edition: 2009, ISBN 978-81-906070-8-7
We teach animal experimentation in all science disciplines. However, since it is now not possible to sacrifice and demonstrate the effects of drugs on animals in large numbers due to ethical considerations; we in medical colleges in India are either shifting or planning to move to alternatives of these experiments. Simulations of many conventional experiments through CAL are now available. "A Guide to the Alternatives to Animal Experimentation” helps students to handle these softwares and see the effects of drugs. This is a remarkable achievement as there is still no such specific guide available in India as far as I know. In the guide, softwares including ExPharm have all been explained very well.While the book by InterNICHE entitled "From guinea pig to computer mouse" is an excellent one meant for faculty and research scientists, this particular guide by Dr Rahman (and myself as co-author) is basically aimed at undergraduate students in pharmacology to help them use the freely available downloadable softwares such as ExPharm, Ep_Dog, Organ Bath Simulation and ReMe independently and learn the effects of drugs. When the students are themselves able handle the softwares (with an instructor nearby to troubleshoot), learning becomes so easy and interesting.
To get a copy please contact me.
To get a copy please contact me.
'Good Clinical Practices' HelpDesk
The GCP HelpDesk is a support service provided to respond to queries raised by Investigators/Physicians on Good Clinical Practice in Clinical Research. It provides a central point of contact on global GCP issues and ensures that consistent replies are provided to questions. The HelpDesk also allows the users to give their feedback, which will be continuously reviewed in order to improve its services and helps in regularly updating the list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) published on its website. In this website you will find Good Clinical Practice (GCP) related information for the Clinical Research Industry professionals on request.
The GCP HelpDesk is designed to provide information for clinical research professionals with questions regarding handling, conducting and managing clinical research as per GCP, FDA and other Regulations. This HelpDesk is aimed to provide transparency from resources and expertise in the field of Clinical Research with the recent developments and changes in the guidelines for clinical research professionals.The GCP HelpDesk is a searchable website that will match the question with solution by industry experts and other dedicated sites to a specific area. Both simple and complicated questions are welcomed.
To create an account and start using the services go to: http://www.gcphelpdesk.com/index.php/component/user/?task=register
The GCP HelpDesk is designed to provide information for clinical research professionals with questions regarding handling, conducting and managing clinical research as per GCP, FDA and other Regulations. This HelpDesk is aimed to provide transparency from resources and expertise in the field of Clinical Research with the recent developments and changes in the guidelines for clinical research professionals.The GCP HelpDesk is a searchable website that will match the question with solution by industry experts and other dedicated sites to a specific area. Both simple and complicated questions are welcomed.
To create an account and start using the services go to: http://www.gcphelpdesk.com/index.php/component/user/?task=register
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Single daily poly-pill for HIV
In a prospective, randomized trial, a single daily tablet containing efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir (Atripla; Bristol Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences LLC) maintained viral suppression in HIV-1 infected patients as well as the standard multiple-pill regimen.
The report of the study, published in the Journal of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, notes that at baseline, all 300 participants were on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens, with viral loads of less than 200 copies/mL for at least 3 months. Their mean CD4 count was 540 cells/�L, and 96% of subjects had HIV-1 RNA <50>
On randomization, 203 were assigned to the Atripla regimen while 97 remained on their baseline regimen. The entire 48-week study was completed by 266 patients.
In the intent-to-treat analysis, it was found that at 48 weeks, the primary endpoint -- HIV-1 RNA below 200 copies/mL -- had been achieved by 89% of the patients in the single-tablet group versus 88% of those on unmodified antiretroviral regimens, "indicating noninferiority" of the newer approach.
Similarly, there was no significant difference between groups in maintenance of viral load below 50 copies/mL and no significant changes in CD4 cell counts within or between the two arms of the study.
Discontinuation rates were similar between the groups, but more patients in the single-tablet group discontinued due to adverse events, "most commonly for nervous system symptoms," according to the investigators.
Three patients in the single-tablet group and one in the control group had virologic failure.
"In summary," the researchers conclude, "patients who were stable and virologically suppressed while receiving a wide array of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor- and protease inhibitor-based antiretroviral regimens and had their treatment simplified to a single-tablet regimen of efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir maintained high rates of virologic suppression compared to those who continued their regimen unmodified."
Source: J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2009;51:163-174.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Web 2.0 tools for Teaching
For teachers who are net-savvy, want to be on the cuttiong edge of new teaching methodologies and collaborative learning and are enthisiastic about developing their teaching skills in a new and dramatic way, this blog gines a description of Web 2.0 websites and webtools which have potential for use college and university teaching.
http://web20teach.blogspot.com/
http://web20teach.blogspot.com/
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Ceftobiprole: first cephalosporin with activity against MRSA
Ceftobiprole is the first member of a new series of advanced cephalosporins with activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The drug received a letter of approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2008 for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections including diabetic foot infections. Ceftobiprole exerts its antibacterial activity by inhibiting the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) involved in cell wall synthesis. It is stable against hydrolysis by many gram-positive beta-lactamases and a has higher affinity for various PBPs (such as PBP2a of MRSA or PBP2x of Streptococcus pneumoniae), which leads to a wider spectrum of activity compared with older beta-lactams. Ceftobiprole activity does not cover extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae and some other pathogens, including Enterococcus faecium or Acinetobacter baumanii.
Generally well tolerated, with nausea and taste disturbance being the most common adverse events, ceftobiprole appeared noninferior to empiric therapy in several clinical trials. Several precautions regarding hypersensitivity and drug incompatibility are reported.
Ceftobiprole is available only for i.v. administration. Dosage recommendations are 500 mg as a 1-hour intravenous infusion every 12 hours for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by certain gram-positive pathogens, and 500 mg as a 2-hour infusion every 8 hours when susceptible gram-negative or both gram-positive and susceptible gram-negative pathogens are involved. Dosage adjustments are indicated for patients with moderate or severe renal impairment, and dosage recommendations are expected to be 500 or 250 mg, respectively, as a 2-hour infusion every 12 hours.
Ceftobiprole represents a promising option for the treatment of mono- and polymicrobial infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-positive and susceptible gram-negative pathogens, but further toxicity and safety studies are warranted.
Generally well tolerated, with nausea and taste disturbance being the most common adverse events, ceftobiprole appeared noninferior to empiric therapy in several clinical trials. Several precautions regarding hypersensitivity and drug incompatibility are reported.
Ceftobiprole is available only for i.v. administration. Dosage recommendations are 500 mg as a 1-hour intravenous infusion every 12 hours for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by certain gram-positive pathogens, and 500 mg as a 2-hour infusion every 8 hours when susceptible gram-negative or both gram-positive and susceptible gram-negative pathogens are involved. Dosage adjustments are indicated for patients with moderate or severe renal impairment, and dosage recommendations are expected to be 500 or 250 mg, respectively, as a 2-hour infusion every 12 hours.
Ceftobiprole represents a promising option for the treatment of mono- and polymicrobial infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-positive and susceptible gram-negative pathogens, but further toxicity and safety studies are warranted.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Database of Receptors and Channels
The following two sites give updated and detailed description of all known Receptors and ion Channels.:
1) IUPHAR Database of G Protein-Coupled Receptors and the IUPHAR Database of Voltage-Gated and Ligand-Gated Ion Channels.
2) Guide to Receptors and Channels (GRAC), 3rd edition published by British Pharmacological society.
1) IUPHAR Database of G Protein-Coupled Receptors and the IUPHAR Database of Voltage-Gated and Ligand-Gated Ion Channels.
2) Guide to Receptors and Channels (GRAC), 3rd edition published by British Pharmacological society.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
A Study of Nigella sativa Linn. seeds for antimicrobial activity against multidrug resistant clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
A Study of Nigella sativa Linn. seeds for antimicrobial activity against multidrug resistant clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Hippocratic Journal of Unani Medicine. 4(4). 2009. 95-104.
Authors: Mohd T Salman(1),*, Rahat A Khan(1), Indu Shukla(2)
Address: (1)Department of Pharmacology, (2)Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India. 202002.
*Corresponding Author: Present address- Department of Pharmacology, Era’s Lucknow Medical College, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow. India. 202003.
Abstract
Nigella sativa (black cumin) seed oil and extracts were tested in varying dilutions against strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to a number of clinically used antibiotics isolated from patients attending JN Medical College Hospital, Aligarh, using disc agar diffusion technique on inoculated Muellar Hinton agar plates under standard laboratory conditions. Both the oil and Methanolic extract showed remarkable dose dependant antibacterial activity against the tested strains upto a dilution of 1:50 as evident from the zones of inhibition. No cross resistance was noticed with any of the tested antibiotics.
Free full text
Authors: Mohd T Salman(1),*, Rahat A Khan(1), Indu Shukla(2)
Address: (1)Department of Pharmacology, (2)Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India. 202002.
*Corresponding Author: Present address- Department of Pharmacology, Era’s Lucknow Medical College, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow. India. 202003.
Abstract
Nigella sativa (black cumin) seed oil and extracts were tested in varying dilutions against strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to a number of clinically used antibiotics isolated from patients attending JN Medical College Hospital, Aligarh, using disc agar diffusion technique on inoculated Muellar Hinton agar plates under standard laboratory conditions. Both the oil and Methanolic extract showed remarkable dose dependant antibacterial activity against the tested strains upto a dilution of 1:50 as evident from the zones of inhibition. No cross resistance was noticed with any of the tested antibiotics.
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Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Circumcision
Published Online First: 15 December 2008. doi:10.1136/sti.2008.032334
Sexually Transmitted Infections 2009;85:116-120
Sexually Transmitted Infections 2009;85:116-120
Copyright © 2009 by the BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
Male circumcision and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis: observations after a randomised controlled trial for HIV prevention
1 INSERM U687, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France
2 Progressus, Johannesburg, South Africa
3 National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
4 INSERM U687, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, University of Versailles, France
Correspondence to:
Dr Bertran Auvert, INSERM U687, 12 avenue Paul Vaillant-Couturier, 94804 Villejuif Cedex, France; bertran.auvert@uvsq.fr
Objective: To assess the association between male circumcision and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis using data from a male circumcision randomised controlled trial.
Methods: We used data collected during the male circumcision trial conducted in Orange Farm (South Africa) among men aged 18–24 years. Altogether, 1767 urine samples collected during the final follow-up visit were analysed using PCR. Prevalence of N gonorrhoeae, C trachomatis and T vaginalis was assessed as a function of male circumcision using odds ratios (OR) given by univariate and multivariate logistic regression.
Results: In an intention-to-treat analysis, prevalence of N gonorrhoeae, C trachomatis and T vaginalis among intervention and control groups were 10.0% versus 10.3% (OR 0.97; p = 0.84), 2.1% versus 3.6% (OR 0.58; p = 0.065) and 1.7% versus 3.1% (OR 0.54; p = 0.062), respectively. The association between T vaginalis and male circumcision remained borderline when controlling for age, ethnic group, number of lifetime partners, marital status, condom use and HIV status (AOR 0.48; p = 0.069). In the as-treated analysis, this association became significant (OR 0.49, p = 0.030; AOR 0.41, p = 0.030).
Conclusions: This study demonstrates for the first time that male circumcision reduces T vaginalis infection among men. This finding explains why women with circumcised partners are less at risk for T vaginalis infection than other women. The protective effect on T vaginalis is an additional argument to recommend male circumcision in Africa where it is acceptable.
Trial registration number: NCT00122525.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Some new drug approvals in June 2009
Simponi
Pharmacological class: TNF blocker.
Active Ingredient: Golimumab 50mg/0.5mL; soln for SC inj; preservative-free.
Indication: Moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in combination with methotrexate (MTX). Active psoriatic arthritis (PsA), alone or with MTX. Active ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
Company: Centocor Ortho Biotech, Inc.
Axert approved for migraine treatment in adolescents
The FDA has approved Axert (almotriptan malate tablets, from Ortho-McNeil Janssen), a selective 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist, for the acute treatment of migraine headache in adolescents 12-17 years of age with a history of migraine attacks lasting ≥4 hours.
Reclast approved for biennial dosing regimen to prevent female osteoporosis
The FDA has approved Reclast (zoledronic acid, from Novartis) injection for the prevention of osteoporosis in women for two years with a single dose.
Lamictal XR approved for treatment of epilepsy
GlaxoSmithKline announced that the FDA has approved Lamictal XR (lamotrigine extended-release tablets) as a once-a-day add-on therapy for epilepsy patients ≥13 years of age with partial onset seizures.
Nuvigil launched for excessive sleepiness
Nuvigil (armodafinil tablets) is now available from Cephalon in 50mg, 150mg, and 250mg dosage strengths.
Vyvanse approved for pediatric ADHD control 13 hours post-dose
Shire Pharmaceuticals has received FDA approval for a labeling change for its once-daily Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) treatment Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsules).
Pharmacological class: TNF blocker.
Active Ingredient: Golimumab 50mg/0.5mL; soln for SC inj; preservative-free.
Indication: Moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in combination with methotrexate (MTX). Active psoriatic arthritis (PsA), alone or with MTX. Active ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
Company: Centocor Ortho Biotech, Inc.
Axert approved for migraine treatment in adolescents
The FDA has approved Axert (almotriptan malate tablets, from Ortho-McNeil Janssen), a selective 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist, for the acute treatment of migraine headache in adolescents 12-17 years of age with a history of migraine attacks lasting ≥4 hours.
Reclast approved for biennial dosing regimen to prevent female osteoporosis
The FDA has approved Reclast (zoledronic acid, from Novartis) injection for the prevention of osteoporosis in women for two years with a single dose.
Lamictal XR approved for treatment of epilepsy
GlaxoSmithKline announced that the FDA has approved Lamictal XR (lamotrigine extended-release tablets) as a once-a-day add-on therapy for epilepsy patients ≥13 years of age with partial onset seizures.
Nuvigil launched for excessive sleepiness
Nuvigil (armodafinil tablets) is now available from Cephalon in 50mg, 150mg, and 250mg dosage strengths.
Vyvanse approved for pediatric ADHD control 13 hours post-dose
Shire Pharmaceuticals has received FDA approval for a labeling change for its once-daily Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) treatment Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsules).
Cycloset -a new antidiabetic
The U.S. FDA approved Cycloset, a new quick-release oral formulation of bromocriptine mesylateis, which is the first therapy directly targeting the body’s dopamine activity to improve glycemic control. It is also the only drug to be approved subsequent to the FDA's guidelines that require studies demonstrating that diabetes drugs do not increase cardiovascular risk.
Mechanism: Bromocriptine mesylate, an ergot derivative, is a sympatholytic dopamine D2 agonist that exerts inhibitory effects on serotonin turnover in the central nervous system. It has been proposed that bromocriptine can reverse many of the metabolic alterations associated with obesity by resetting central (hypothalamic) circadian organization of monoamine neuronal activitties. Indeed, bromocriptine, if administered systemically or into the cerebral ventricle during the early hours of the light cycle, prevents or reverses seasonal fattening, insulin resistance, and decreased endogenous (hepatic) glucose production in mammals. Moreover, timed bromocriptine treatment decreased body weight and improved glucose tolerance in obese individuals who were instructed to follow a hypocaloric diet . Bromocriptine has also been shown to reduce mean daylong plasma glucose, triglyceride, and free fatty acid (FFA) levels in the absence of a change in body weight in obese nondiabetic women.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Drugs Modifying The Epigenetic Status
Several chemical entities that affect the DNA methylation landscape of the genome are now being used.
- The earliest of these, 5-azacytidine and azacytidine, are chemical analogs of the nucleoside cytidine and its deoxy derivative, decitabine. Through incorporation into DNA (during replication) and RNA (during transcription), they inhibit methyltransferases and thereby cause demethylation of the sequence. Their lack of specificity, has also been deemed to potentiate the carcinogenic process, given the impending effect on genomic stability.
- Zebularine is a cytidine analog that inhibits DNA methylation;
- MG98, an antisense oligonucleotide targets the 3′-untranslated region of the maintenance methyltransferase DNMT1, thereby inhibiting it.
- RG108 effectively blocks DNMTs, particularly DNMT1, and inhibits their activity.
- Psammaplins, a natural product derived from the sea sponge Pseudoceratina purpurea inhibits DNMTs as well as histone deacetylases.
- Histone deacetylase inhibitors have been objects of attention in anticancer drug development as they are seen as presenting a potential strategy to reverse aberrant epigenetic changes associated with cancer
Saturday, May 23, 2009
s-metoprolol for hypertension and heart failure
Although theoretically 3rd generation beta blockers such as nebivolol are supposed to be more advantagious over cardioselective ones due to their additional vasodilating property because of action on alpha receptors, Randomized Controlled trials have failed to show their additional benefits. Since s-metoprolol has more benefits compared to r isomer, it can be predicted that it would be advantagious over both cardioselective as well as 3rd generation beta blockers. As per my knowledge, this hypothesis is still to be tested in clinical trials and is a potential area of research.
Reference: http://heart.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/79/1/86
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VRS-4W4CMKG-1&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=df55a75133229d114817e3a9d61ec2c2
Reference: http://heart.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/79/1/86
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VRS-4W4CMKG-1&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=df55a75133229d114817e3a9d61ec2c2
Saturday, May 9, 2009
New drug target for epilepsy
Scientists have identified a specific molecular target whose increased activity is linked with seizure disorders- a potassium channel known as the BK channel.
A new anticonvulsant compound that eliminates seizures in a model of epilepsy. The drug works by inhibiting ion channels whose role in epilepsy was only recently discovered. Understanding how these channels work in seizure disorders, and being able to target them with a simple treatment, represents a significant advance in our ability to understand and treat epilepsy. Researchers have found that after a first seizure, BK channel function was markedly enhanced.
Thus, the neurons became overly excitable and were firing with more speed, intensity and spontaneity, which led the researchers to believe that the abnormal increase in the activity of the channels might play a role in causing subsequent seizures and the emergence of epilepsy. In a recent study the researchers tested this theory by blocking the ion channels using a BK-channel antagonist called paxilline.
Using an experimental model for epilepsy, Barth tested whether paxilline could reduce or prevent experimentally induced seizures, as it could normalize aberrant brain activity induced by previous seizures.
And to their surprise, the researchers discovered that the compound was effective at completely blocking subsequent seizures. The drug is orally available, and works in the low nanomolar range.
As the drug is effective in low concentrations and can be taken as a pill, it could turn out to be an especially promising compound for treatment in epilepsy patients.
The findings have been published in the current issue of the journal Epilepsia.
A new anticonvulsant compound that eliminates seizures in a model of epilepsy. The drug works by inhibiting ion channels whose role in epilepsy was only recently discovered. Understanding how these channels work in seizure disorders, and being able to target them with a simple treatment, represents a significant advance in our ability to understand and treat epilepsy. Researchers have found that after a first seizure, BK channel function was markedly enhanced.
Thus, the neurons became overly excitable and were firing with more speed, intensity and spontaneity, which led the researchers to believe that the abnormal increase in the activity of the channels might play a role in causing subsequent seizures and the emergence of epilepsy. In a recent study the researchers tested this theory by blocking the ion channels using a BK-channel antagonist called paxilline.
Using an experimental model for epilepsy, Barth tested whether paxilline could reduce or prevent experimentally induced seizures, as it could normalize aberrant brain activity induced by previous seizures.
And to their surprise, the researchers discovered that the compound was effective at completely blocking subsequent seizures. The drug is orally available, and works in the low nanomolar range.
As the drug is effective in low concentrations and can be taken as a pill, it could turn out to be an especially promising compound for treatment in epilepsy patients.
The findings have been published in the current issue of the journal Epilepsia.
New Target for treatment of epilepsy
scientists have identified a specific molecular target whose increased activity is linked with seizure disorders- a potassium channel known as the BK channel. works by inhibiting ion channels whose role in epilepsy was only recently discovered. Understanding how these channels work in seizure disorders, and being able to target them with a simple treatment, represents a significant advance in our ability to understand and treat epilepsy." he researchers found that after a first seizure, BK channel function was markedly enhanced.
Thus, the neurons became overly excitable and were firing with more speed, intensity and spontaneity, which led the researchers to believe that the abnormal increase in the activity of the channels might play a role in causing subsequent seizures and the emergence of epilepsy. n the current study, the researchers tested this theory by blocking the ion channels using a BK-channel antagonist called paxilline.
As the drug is effective in low concentrations and can be taken as a pill, it could turn out to be an especially promising compound for treatment in epilepsy patients.
Thus, the neurons became overly excitable and were firing with more speed, intensity and spontaneity, which led the researchers to believe that the abnormal increase in the activity of the channels might play a role in causing subsequent seizures and the emergence of epilepsy. n the current study, the researchers tested this theory by blocking the ion channels using a BK-channel antagonist called paxilline.
Using an experimental model for epilepsy, Barth tested whether paxilline could reduce or prevent experimentally induced seizures, as it could normalize aberrant brain activity induced by previous seizures.
And to their surprise, the researchers discovered that the compound was effective at completely blocking subsequent seizures. The drug is orally available, and works in the low nanomolar range," said Barth.
And to their surprise, the researchers discovered that the compound was effective at completely blocking subsequent seizures. The drug is orally available, and works in the low nanomolar range," said Barth.
As the drug is effective in low concentrations and can be taken as a pill, it could turn out to be an especially promising compound for treatment in epilepsy patients.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Collection of online pharmacology lectures, videos, animations, questions, and pharmacology news
Pharmamotion offers a collection of online lectures, videos, animations, questions, and pharmacology news intended to serve as a resource for the current and future physician.
This amazingly detailed resource is put together by Flavio Guzman, MD, working as teaching assistant at the Department of Pharmacology, University of Mendoza, Argentina. He also calls for others to contribute to online medical education resources.
The aim of this website is to gather educational resources targeted to health professionals that are freely available on the web, for a better understanding of pharmacology. These resources include:
- Animations and videos that illustrate mechanism of action of drugs (some of them developed by me).
- Definitions and concepts from reliable sources about the general principles of pharmacology.
- Press releases and drug reviews from official agencies (FDA, EMEA, NHS, and many others).
Treatment of Swine flu Influenza
Antiviral Treatment:
Antiviral Chemoprophylaxis:
- Should be considered for confirmed, probable, or suspected cases of swine flu virus infection.
- Oseltamivir and zanamivir should be initiated as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms.
- Recommended duration of treatment is five days.
- Doses recommended for treatment are the same as those recommended for seasonal influenza.
- Oseltamivir use in children <1 year old was recently approved by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
- Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for:
- Household close contacts who are at high-risk for complications of influenza (eg, certain medical conditions, persons ≥65 years old, children <5>
- School children who are at high-risk for complications of influenza and who had close contact with a confirmed, probable, or suspected case.
- Travelers to Mexico who are at high-risk for complications of influenza.
- Healthcare workers and public health workers who were not using appropriate protective equipment during close contact with an ill confirmed, probable, or suspected case during the infectious period.
- Chemoprophylaxis (pre-exposure) may be considered for:
- Healthcare workers at high-risk for complications of influenza and who are working in areas that contain patients with confirmed illness or who are caring for patients with acute febrile respiratory illness.
- Non-high risk persons who are travelers to Mexico, first responders, or border workers who are in areas with confirmed cases.
- Oseltamivir or zanamivir may be used.
- Post-exposure: duration of chemoprophylaxis is 10 days after last known exposure to ill confirmed case.
- Pre-exposure: chemoprophylaxis should be given during potential exposure period and for 10 days after last known exposure.
- Oseltamivir may be used for chemoprophylaxis in children <1>
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
level of swine influenza pandemic alert raised from phase 3 to phase 4
Human cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 virus infection also have been confirmed internationally: US has reported 40, Canada has reported 6 confirmed human cases of infection; Spain has reported 1 case; Scotland has reported 2 cases. Mexico has reported 26 cases of infection, including 7 deaths.
On the advice of the Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization, the Director-General has raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 3 to phase 4. The change to a higher phase of pandemic alert indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased, but not that a pandemic is inevitable.
On the advice of the Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization, the Director-General has raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 3 to phase 4. The change to a higher phase of pandemic alert indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased, but not that a pandemic is inevitable.
The Emergency Committee's recommendation is based on the available data on confirmed outbreaks of A/H1N1 swine influenza in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The Committee also considered reports of possible spread to additional countries.
The decision was based primarily on epidemiological data demonstrating human-to-human transmission and the ability of the virus to cause community-level outbreaks.
Given the widespread presence of the virus, the Director-General considered that containment of the outbreak is not feasible. The current focus should be on mitigation measures.
In Mexico, the suspected number of cases is reportedly as high as 1,600, and the suspected number of deaths in Mexico is up to 80. Potential new cases also have been reported in France, Hong Kong, and New Zealand. These numbers and reports are not yet confirmed.
Laboratory testing has found the swine influenza A/H1N1 virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir.
Given the widespread presence of the virus, the Director-General considered that containment of the outbreak is not feasible. The current focus should be on mitigation measures.
In Mexico, the suspected number of cases is reportedly as high as 1,600, and the suspected number of deaths in Mexico is up to 80. Potential new cases also have been reported in France, Hong Kong, and New Zealand. These numbers and reports are not yet confirmed.
Laboratory testing has found the swine influenza A/H1N1 virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir.
Monday, April 27, 2009
New subtype of influenza virus - Swine influenza
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report laboratory-confirmed human cases of swine influenza A/H1N1. Human cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 virus infection also have been identified internationally.
Based on preliminary testing, the virus is being described as a new subtype of A/H1N1 not previously detected in swine or humans.
Laboratory testing has found the swine influenza A/H1N1 virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. According to Anne Schuchat, MD, the CDC's Interim Deputy Director for Science and Public Health Program, treatment should begin within 48 hours of onset. Vaccine development is in process, but it will take several months to prepare a vaccine.
CDC has issued interim recommendations for diagnostic testing and antiviral use, but local and state circumstances may vary and individual protocols may be put in place.
The CDC also has prepared interim guidance on how to care for people who are sick and interim guidance on the use of face masks in a community setting where spread of this swine flu virus has been detected. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide new information as it becomes available.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the government of Mexico also has reported several laboratory-confirmed cases of swine influenza A/H1N1. In a media briefing today, the CDC confirmed several swine influenza-related deaths as well. Investigation is continuing to clarify the spread and severity of the disease in Mexico. Suspect clinical cases have been reported in 19 of the country's 32 states.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and whether additional people have been infected with swine influenza viruses.
CDC is working very closely with officials in states where human cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 have been identified, as well as with health officials in Mexico, Canada, and WHO. This includes deploying staff domestically and internationally to provide guidance and technical support. CDC has activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate this investigation.
WHO and the Global Alert and Response Network (GOARN) are sending experts to Mexico to work with health authorities. WHO and its partners are actively investigating reports of suspect cases in other Member States as they occur and are supporting field epidemiology activities, laboratory diagnosis and clinical management.
Based on preliminary testing, the virus is being described as a new subtype of A/H1N1 not previously detected in swine or humans.
Laboratory testing has found the swine influenza A/H1N1 virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. According to Anne Schuchat, MD, the CDC's Interim Deputy Director for Science and Public Health Program, treatment should begin within 48 hours of onset. Vaccine development is in process, but it will take several months to prepare a vaccine.
CDC has issued interim recommendations for diagnostic testing and antiviral use, but local and state circumstances may vary and individual protocols may be put in place.
The CDC also has prepared interim guidance on how to care for people who are sick and interim guidance on the use of face masks in a community setting where spread of this swine flu virus has been detected. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide new information as it becomes available.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the government of Mexico also has reported several laboratory-confirmed cases of swine influenza A/H1N1. In a media briefing today, the CDC confirmed several swine influenza-related deaths as well. Investigation is continuing to clarify the spread and severity of the disease in Mexico. Suspect clinical cases have been reported in 19 of the country's 32 states.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and whether additional people have been infected with swine influenza viruses.
CDC is working very closely with officials in states where human cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 have been identified, as well as with health officials in Mexico, Canada, and WHO. This includes deploying staff domestically and internationally to provide guidance and technical support. CDC has activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate this investigation.
WHO and the Global Alert and Response Network (GOARN) are sending experts to Mexico to work with health authorities. WHO and its partners are actively investigating reports of suspect cases in other Member States as they occur and are supporting field epidemiology activities, laboratory diagnosis and clinical management.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Effective teaching: Make your teaching more interesting and enjoyable
Students usually learn best when they're motivated. Although you can't make someone learn, you can create an environment that supports and encourages learning success. Use an effective teaching style that allows people to participate in their learning. Find ways to emphasize the benefits of learning new skills, and make learning relevant to people's jobs. Encourage them to take control of their own learning, and allow them to set their own objectives. The more you develop motivation to learn, the more successful you'll probably be. Start today to recognize the value of learning, and see the many learning opportunities around you!
As well as increasing the motivation to learn, there are many ways to make your teaching sessions more interesting and enjoyable. These ideas can be used for formal lessons, or for spontaneous learning opportunities that present themselves.
You can help the learning process by doing the following:
As well as increasing the motivation to learn, there are many ways to make your teaching sessions more interesting and enjoyable. These ideas can be used for formal lessons, or for spontaneous learning opportunities that present themselves.
You can help the learning process by doing the following:
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Use pre-instruction questions - These can get students to think about why they should be learning this new skill, as well as to appreciate the benefits of learning.
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Use conceptual models - These are often a useful way for helping students to store and retrieve information. Mental models (which can be in the form of diagrams and charts) are often helpful for learning the details of a lesson.
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Vary the learning material - This will help you deal with the different ways in which people learn. You can vary your material for different learning styles as follows:
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Visual Learners - Charts, graphs, or images are useful for representing the information being conveyed, as well as information in books or reports.
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Auditory Learners - Lectures, presentations, and group discussions help auditory learners 'talk through' what's being presented.
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Kinesthetic Learners - These learners like hands-on practice that's either real or simulated.
We all have our own preferred learning styles. If you provide as many different learning experiences as sensibly possible, you'll be more likely to connect with each learner.
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Group students together - Encourage learning and understanding by having students work together while learning the same skills. By helping one another, they can all reinforce what they're learning. Everyone in the group will then benefit from the strengths of the individual members.
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Provide opportunities for reflection and thinking - Learning journals are a popular and effective way for people to write down their thoughts about how the learning process itself has been helpful to their overall development.
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Actively review the lesson at the end - What progress did the students make, and what difficulties did they encounter? By revisiting the lesson, you have an opportunity to learn from the experience yourself - and hopefully figure out how to improve the content or approach next time. Reviews also give students opportunities to analyze their performance, and increase their commitment to continuous learning.
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Use all of your emotional intelligence and communication skills - This means establishing a connection with students, listening actively, using empathy where appropriate, being patient, and showing genuine interest in the students and in your teaching. Your attitude toward learning has a huge impact on the learners' attitudes, so make sure you're a good role model for continuous, active learning.
Effective teaching: Motivating students to learn
A useful model for motivating students is ARCS, which stands for 'Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction.' This was developed by John Keller in 1983, and it's been used and validated by teachers and trainers across a wide range of learning environments - from universities to the military.
Here are the basic components of the ARCS model:
Here are the basic components of the ARCS model:
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Attention - Capture learners' attention at the start of the session, and maintain it throughout.
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Ask learners questions to make them think about why they should learn the skill.
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Use role-playing or other activities to show the importance of learning the skill.
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Use specific examples, and ask learners to offer their own solutions, to stimulate their interest further.
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Relevance - Explain to learners how important the lesson is, and how it could benefit them.
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Describe the benefits.
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Relate the lesson to their current jobs and experiences. The learning materials, assignments, and projects should be applicable to their work, and to specific situations they face in their daily jobs.
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Develop a connection between learning the skill and developing their careers. Discuss issues like increased satisfaction, better job, and increased patient satisfaction.
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Confidence - Tell learners what is expected of them.
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Set clear objectives for the session, and check in regularly with learners to make sure they're not falling behind.
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Design projects and lessons so that learners experience small successes along the way, before they completely master the skill.
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Give learners enough time to practice skills, so that they'll be successful when they apply these skills to the job.
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Make sure you're teaching at the right level. Learners can lack motivation if something is too difficult - or too easy.
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Allow learners to have input into their learning by helping them create their own learning goals.
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Satisfaction - Reinforce successes and motivation.
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Give lots of feedback. Make sure it's specific, timely, and relates to how learners can put the skill into practice on the job.
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Recognize learners' successes. Appreciate often, and find ways to reward achievements.
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Look at ways to increase motivation. Find out what learners are interested in and passionate about. And find ways to get learners to motivate one another as well.
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Thursday, April 16, 2009
Drug Prescribing Pattern in Dental Teaching Hospital
MT Salman, FA Khan, SZ Rahman, M Makhdoom. JK Science, Vol. 11 No. 2. 107, April-June 2009
Objective: To study drug prescribing pattern in the Dental OPD.
Methods: 50 prescriptions were collected from Ziauddin Ahmad Dental College, AMU, Aligarh, and analyzed for percentage of drugs prescribed as per VEN Method. We also looked into the percentage of drugs prescribed with generic name, groups of drugs commonly prescribed, antibiotics’ prescription pattern, number of injections and cost per prescription as per WHO basic drug indicators.
Results: The percentage of drugs from Essential Medicines List (EML) was 25%, while percentage of drugs prescribed by Generic Name was only 4%. Most common groups of drugs prescribed by Dental Physicians were Antiseptics (40%), NSAIDs (34%), Antibiotics (30%) and Vitamins (4%). The most extensively prescribed drug from each group was Betadine Gargle, Tablets Voveron, Novaclox and Basiton Forte respectively. The average number of drugs prescribed, number antibiotics prescribed and cost per day per prescription were 3, 1 and Rs. 24.2 respectively.. Average number of antibiotics prescribed per prescription was 1.0. No injection was prescribed to any patient.
Discussion: After reviewing the above prescriptions, the pattern of drug prescribing is not based on WHO criteria for rational use of drugs. The system is not at all evidence based. It is thus necessary to make physicians of Dental College aware about the use of drugs from EMLs, importance of prescribing drugs with generic names and, for patients’ point of view, the factor of cost-effectiveness. There is need of CMEs based on GCP and Standard Treatment Guidelines. Every institution must have Drugs and Therapeutic Committees.
Methods: 50 prescriptions were collected from Ziauddin Ahmad Dental College, AMU, Aligarh, and analyzed for percentage of drugs prescribed as per VEN Method. We also looked into the percentage of drugs prescribed with generic name, groups of drugs commonly prescribed, antibiotics’ prescription pattern, number of injections and cost per prescription as per WHO basic drug indicators.
Results: The percentage of drugs from Essential Medicines List (EML) was 25%, while percentage of drugs prescribed by Generic Name was only 4%. Most common groups of drugs prescribed by Dental Physicians were Antiseptics (40%), NSAIDs (34%), Antibiotics (30%) and Vitamins (4%). The most extensively prescribed drug from each group was Betadine Gargle, Tablets Voveron, Novaclox and Basiton Forte respectively. The average number of drugs prescribed, number antibiotics prescribed and cost per day per prescription were 3, 1 and Rs. 24.2 respectively.. Average number of antibiotics prescribed per prescription was 1.0. No injection was prescribed to any patient.
Discussion: After reviewing the above prescriptions, the pattern of drug prescribing is not based on WHO criteria for rational use of drugs. The system is not at all evidence based. It is thus necessary to make physicians of Dental College aware about the use of drugs from EMLs, importance of prescribing drugs with generic names and, for patients’ point of view, the factor of cost-effectiveness. There is need of CMEs based on GCP and Standard Treatment Guidelines. Every institution must have Drugs and Therapeutic Committees.
Conclusion: For rational prescribing of drugs, there is a need of mass awareness amongst surgeons about good prescribing habit by following five steps of WHO Program on Rational Use of Drugs (RUD).
Low Sodium Cooking
Low Sodium Cooking lists a number of Recipies which are low on sodium. It includes:
Appetizers
Meat and Main Dishes
Breakfast
Side Dishes and Salads
Sauces, Marinades and Dressings
Condiments, Spice Mixes and Mixes
Breads
Desserts, Snacks and Sweets
you can access the site at http://www.lowsodiumcooking.com/free/Archive.htm
Appetizers
Meat and Main Dishes
Breakfast
Side Dishes and Salads
Sauces, Marinades and Dressings
Condiments, Spice Mixes and Mixes
Breads
Desserts, Snacks and Sweets
you can access the site at http://www.lowsodiumcooking.com/free/Archive.htm
Sources for funding and grants for Biomedical researchers
The Foundation Center has an extensive subscription database (http://fconline.fdncenter.org), with information on nearly 100,000 foundations, not-forprofit, and corporate giving programs. If your library doesn't subscribe to their services, you can use them for free at any one of their 400 locations nationwide. The site offers guidance on finding and utilizing 990 forms which list an organization's mission, programs, and finances, from smaller grantmakers.
Community of Science (COS) lists over 25,000 funding sources, including international, public, and private funders (www.cos.com). In addition to the typical search activities (free for registered users), COS posts a weekly list of new grants in Health Sciences.
GrantsNet A free compilation site from the American Association of the Advancement of Science (AAAS), this list is especially quick and easy to explore. Users can choose from GrantsNet's thorough list of selection criteria, encompassing 12 experience levels and 38 broad research areas. A quick search for 2009 grants in molecular biology for initial postdocs yielded 50 listings.
University funding pages Some large research universities offer nonrestricted grant information on their Web sites. For example, the funding database from Duke University's medical center is fully accessible to the public at www.researchfunding.mc.duke.edu. Users searching a particular discipline can sort by order of grant amount, or deadline. The Advanced Search function brings up a small, more select list of granters and is simple to specify.
The Medical Foundation (TMF) has advised clients interested in funding outstanding medical researchers for 50 years. They represent a varying number of foundations (currently 11). Several support basic research areas. Grants from most of TMF's funders start at $40,000 per year (www.tmfnet.org).
Source: Finding New Money by Carol Milano. The Scientist.com 23 (4). 70
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Novel agents and approaches for breast cancer
Cytotoxic chemotherapy remains an important part of the treatment paradigm for breast cancer. Anthracyclines and taxanes are the most active agents; however, limitations with their use include a maximum lifetime dose and tumor resistance with anthracycline, hypersensitivity reactions and cumulative toxicity with taxanes.
- Therefore, to meet these challenges, the development of new cytotoxics and novel taxane formulations is an important area of active research. Several recent advances have been made. Epothilones represent a novel group of cytotoxic agents, with proven activity in breast cancer.
- Nanoparticle drug delivery systems have led to the development of ABI-007, which has demonstrated superior response rates than 3-weekly paclitaxel, with a lower risk of hypersensitivity reactions.
- To circumvent the problem of taxane resistance, larotaxel, a semisynthetic taxoid, and vinflunine, a synthetic vinca alkaloid, have been developed with encouraging clinical results to date.
- Eribulin, a synthetic derivative of halichondrin has recently entered Phase III trials based on encouraging activity in heavily pretreated patients.
- A further novel approach is the conjugation of cytotoxic agents to targeted agents, such as with trastuzumab-MCC-DM1.
"High Alert" Medications
High Alert Medications are those drugs which bear aheightened risk of significant patient harm if used in error, according to The Institute for Safe Medication Practices. To access the list of 'high alert medications' click here.
"High-Alert" Medications
According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, US, high-alert medications are those that bear a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Adverse metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of not maintaining circadian rythm
The following studies signify the importance of maintaining a regular routine of sleeping, eating and other daily activities.
In a recent study, Ciprian and colleagues found increased pathological remodeling and vascular injury in mice with aberrant circadian rhythms, Bmal1-knockout and Clock mutant. In addition, naive aortas from Bmal1-knockout and Clock mutant mice exhibit endothelial dysfunction. Akt and subsequent nitric oxide signaling, a pathway critical to vascular function, was significantly attenuated in arteries from Bmal1-knockout mice. The authors concluded that their data reveal a new role for the circadian clock during chronic vascular responses that may be of significance in the progression of vascular disease.
In another study by Scheer et at, Ten adults (5 female) underwent a 10-day laboratory protocol, wherein subjects ate and slept at all phases of the circadian cycle—achieved by scheduling a recurring 28-h “day.” Subjects ate 4 isocaloric meals each 28-h “day.” For 8 days, plasma leptin, insulin, glucose, and cortisol were measured hourly, urinary catecholamines 2 hourly (totaling ≈1,000 assays/subject), and blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac vagal modulation, oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange ratio, and polysomnographic sleep daily. Core body temperature was recorded continuously for 10 days to assess circadian phase. Circadian misalignment, when subjects ate and slept ≈12 h out of phase from their habitual times, systematically decreased leptin (−17%, P <>P <>P = 0.006), completely reversed the daily cortisol rhythm (P <>P = 0.001), and reduced sleep efficiency (−20%, P <0.002).>
Sources:
Vascular Disease in Mice With a Dysfunctional Circadian Clock
Ciprian B. Anea, MD; Maoxiang Zhang, PhD; David W. Stepp, PhD; G. Bryan Simkins, BS; Guy Reed, MD; David J. Fulton, PhD; R. Daniel Rudic, PhD
From the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (C.B.A., M.Z., G.B.S., D.J.F., R.D.R.), Department of Physiology (D.W.S.), Vascular Biology Center (D.W.S., D.J.F.), and Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine (G.R.), Medical College of Georgia, Augusta.
Circulation. 2009;119:1510-1517
Published online before print March 9, 2009, doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.827477
Adverse metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of circadian misalignment
Frank A. J. L. Scheer, Michael F. Hilton, Christos S. Mantzoros, and Steven A Shea
Division of Sleep Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115; and
Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215
Published online before print March 2, 2009, doi: 10.1073/pnas.0808180106
PNAS March 17, 2009 vol. 106 no. 11 4453-4458
In a recent study, Ciprian and colleagues found increased pathological remodeling and vascular injury in mice with aberrant circadian rhythms, Bmal1-knockout and Clock mutant. In addition, naive aortas from Bmal1-knockout and Clock mutant mice exhibit endothelial dysfunction. Akt and subsequent nitric oxide signaling, a pathway critical to vascular function, was significantly attenuated in arteries from Bmal1-knockout mice. The authors concluded that their data reveal a new role for the circadian clock during chronic vascular responses that may be of significance in the progression of vascular disease.
In another study by Scheer et at, Ten adults (5 female) underwent a 10-day laboratory protocol, wherein subjects ate and slept at all phases of the circadian cycle—achieved by scheduling a recurring 28-h “day.” Subjects ate 4 isocaloric meals each 28-h “day.” For 8 days, plasma leptin, insulin, glucose, and cortisol were measured hourly, urinary catecholamines 2 hourly (totaling ≈1,000 assays/subject), and blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac vagal modulation, oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange ratio, and polysomnographic sleep daily. Core body temperature was recorded continuously for 10 days to assess circadian phase. Circadian misalignment, when subjects ate and slept ≈12 h out of phase from their habitual times, systematically decreased leptin (−17%, P <>P <>P = 0.006), completely reversed the daily cortisol rhythm (P <>P = 0.001), and reduced sleep efficiency (−20%, P <0.002).>
Sources:
Vascular Disease in Mice With a Dysfunctional Circadian Clock
Ciprian B. Anea, MD; Maoxiang Zhang, PhD; David W. Stepp, PhD; G. Bryan Simkins, BS; Guy Reed, MD; David J. Fulton, PhD; R. Daniel Rudic, PhD
From the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (C.B.A., M.Z., G.B.S., D.J.F., R.D.R.), Department of Physiology (D.W.S.), Vascular Biology Center (D.W.S., D.J.F.), and Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine (G.R.), Medical College of Georgia, Augusta.
Circulation. 2009;119:1510-1517
Published online before print March 9, 2009, doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.827477
Adverse metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of circadian misalignment
Frank A. J. L. Scheer, Michael F. Hilton, Christos S. Mantzoros, and Steven A Shea
Division of Sleep Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115; and
Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215
Published online before print March 2, 2009, doi: 10.1073/pnas.0808180106
PNAS March 17, 2009 vol. 106 no. 11 4453-4458
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