TEACHABLE MEDICAL NEWS

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Could the electrical stimulation of the skin help pediatric ADHD sufferers?

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On September 16, 2020

In nervous system

TeachableMedicalNews article 09162020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. nervous system chapter – Na channel opening during nerve impulse
  2. nervous system chapter – neurotransmitters pass excitation from one neuron to another
  3. brain chapter – cranial nerves and their functions

The news item:  Recently a news article described a medical device to treat ADHD in children:

FDA signs off on first medical device for treating ADHD in children

As diagnosis rates of ADHD among children skyrocket, a new medical device for the treatment of ADHD could soon hit the market.

The article states that the device called Monarch eTNS is placed on the forehead to send electrical impulses to the brain through the trigeminal nerve.

So, Why Do I Care??  Over 7 million children and 8 million adults have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).  ADHD can severely disrupt learning, school activities, social interactions, and job performance, among others. While there are existing treatment options for people with ADHD, any new treatment with fewer side effects is welcome news.

Plain English, Please!!!  First, let’s talk about ADHD.  Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a disorder of the nervous system.  Normally, small group of neurons in the brain actively keep behaviors like attention span, interactions with others, and executive function going.  When those groups of neurons have a lower

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What makes some hand sanitizers dangerously toxic?

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On August 28, 2020

In cellular basis of life, chemical basis of life, digestive system, metabolism, nervous system, Uncategorized

TeachableMedicalNews article 08282020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. chemical basis of life chapter – adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
  2. cellular basis of life chapter –sites of detoxification inside the cell
  3. cellular basis of life chapter – mitochondria as site of ATP production
  4. digestive system chapter – absorption through stomach mucosa
  5. metabolism chapter – electron transport chain as most efficient ATP producing process inside mitochondria
  6. special senses chapter – gross anatomy of optic nerve

The news item:  A recent news item described over a hundred hand sanitizer brands are being removed from store shelves because they may be dangerously toxic:

FDA says to avoid these 130 hand sanitizer products that may not work, or are toxic

Regulators say some of the products contain dangerous levels of methanol, which can lead to blindness, hospitalization and even death.

The article mentions that the toxic ingredient is methanol, and that it may cause blindness.

So, Why Do I Care??  Poisoning by methanol, also called wood alcohol, sickens over 20,000 people each year in the US.  These people may become blind in 24 hours, and suffer long-lasting damage to their kidneys and brain. The best prevention is not to consume methanol either by drinking or through contact with skin, such as through hand sanitizers.  So, taking hand sanitizers off the shelf is part of the prevention.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about what methanol is. Methanol is chemically similar to ethanol, the alcohol in adult beverages. Methanol gets into hand sanitizers when the ethanol ingredient is contaminated with methanol. When ethanol is made by distilleries, sometimes inadvertently methanol is distilled into the product, so then it becomes part of the hand sanitizer.

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How can an oral drug successfully treat the genetic disorder cystic fibrosis?

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On August 14, 2020

In cellular basis of life, chemical basis of life, digestive system, respiratory system, Uncategorized

TeachableMedicalNews article 08142020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. chemical basis of life chapter – protein structure and shape is important for proper function
  2. cellular basis of life chapter – ion channel proteins in plasma membrane
  3. cellular basis of life chapter – concept of gene mutation leading to protein malfunction
  4. cellular basis of life chapter – involvement of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum apparatus in protein processing
  1. tissue chapter –function of ciliated epithelium
  2. respiratory system chapter – anatomy of the conduction zone
  3. respiratory system chapter – the lining of bronchi and bronchioles

The news item:  Recently a new treatment was reported for cystic fibrosis:

Studies Yield ‘Impressive’ Results in Fight Against Cystic Fibrosis (Published 2019)

The findings hold promise for a vast majority of those with cystic fibrosis, according to the director of the National Institutes of Health. “This should be a cause for major celebration,” he wrote.

The article mentions that cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder, and it affects the lungs and bowels of the patients.

So, Why Do I Care??  Over 30,000 people in the USA has cystic fibrosis, and 1000 new cases are diagnosed each year.  The mean life expectancy is age 44 for cystic fibrosis patients.  Only symptomatic treatments have been available until now, because gene therapy has been unsuccessful. Any treatment that reverses the root cause of this disorder is a revolutionary achievement that will literally breathe new life into patients.

Plain English, Please!!! First let’s talk about cystic fibrosis. This disorder causes

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Can a self-injected treatment help asthma sufferers?

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On July 26, 2020

In cardiovascular system, cellular basis of life, chemical basis of life, respiratory system, tissues

TeachableMedicalNews article 07262020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. chemical basis of life chapter – protein structure determines biological activity
  2. cellular basis of life chapter – concept of receptor proteins in cell membranes
  3. tissue chapter – locations of smooth muscle
  4. immune system chapter – cytokines as stimulators of immune functions
  5. cardiovascular system chapter – white blood cell types in circulating blood
  6. respiratory system chapter – dilation and constriction of bronchioles

The news item:  Recently a new form of asthma treatment was in the news:

‘Life-changing’ asthma injection will be offered to patients

Around 100,000 patients in the UK whose symptoms are too bad for traditional inhalers or steroids will be eligible for treatment with benralizumab.

The article mentions the disorder eosinophilic asthma, that it is caused by too many white blood cells in the lungs, and that this asthma limits what sufferers may do in their day to day lives.

So, Why Do I Care??  Asthma is a respiratory disorder that afflicts 2.5 million people in the USA. In the age group of 35-50 year olds the eosinophilic asthma is the most frequent. Inhaled pharmaceuticals, common for asthma treatment, come with undesirable side effects after long-term use.  Attacking asthma from a different angle provide a new way to treat patients, and it may help people where inhaled asthma treatments fail.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about asthma. While asthma may be started by different conditions, like allergies, cold temperature, the root cause of asthma is always the unwanted restriction of airflow into the lungs.  An important part of our respiratory system is made up of tubes that channel air deep into our lungs, to the air sacks. A set of those tubes, the bronchioles, are 1/20 of an inch in diameter, and they have the ability to narrow and restrict airflow, because the bronchioles have smooth muscle in their walls. When those smooth muscles contract, the narrowed bronchiole restricts airflow to the air sacks.

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Could a targeted blockage of cell division become a new way to treat breast cancer ?

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On July 16, 2020

In cellular basis of life, chemical basis of life, reproductive system

TeachableMedicalNews article 07162020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. chemical basis of life – tertiary structure of proteins
  2. cellular basis of life chapter – cell cycle
  3. cellular basis of life chapter – stages of mitosis
  4. reproductive system chapter – structures of the mammary gland

The news item:  Recently a new form of cancer treatment was in the news:

Newer drug extends lives of young breast cancer patients, study finds

The drug Kisqali (ribociclib) is already approved by the FDA, and new research shows it helps some breast cancer patients live longer

The article states that the drug Kisquali extended the survival time of breast cancer patients, and that the drug is a CDK4/6 inhibitor.

So, Why Do I Care??  In the USA alone there will be over 270,000 breast cancer cases in 2020, and it is expected that more than 47,000 breast cancer deaths will happen.  Any improvement in the survival rate over the treatment by traditional chemotherapy is good news.  In addition, attacking breast cancer from a new direction may improve the treatment of other cancers as well.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about breast cancer. This cancer is not actually the cancer of the entire breast. Within the breast tissue there is a gland called mammary gland that makes milk in mothers after giving birth. The milk is made in deeper segments of the gland, and several tubes called lactiferous ducts bring the milk to the skin surface. It is the cells of those ducts that develop cancer in most breast cancers.

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Why does the antiviral treatment of AIDS patients lead to bone fractures?

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On June 26, 2020

In cellular basis of life, skeletal system

TeachableMedicalNews article 06262020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – transcription
  2. skeletal system chapter – actions of osteoblasts and osteoclasts
  3. skeletal system chapter– osteoclast form from monocyte
  4. microbiology – reverse transcriptase of HIV
  5. microbiology – lifecycle of retroviruses like HIV

The news item:  A recent news article reminded us the bone fractures suffered by  AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) patients as the result of the side effect of their treatment:

https://www.washingtonblade.com/2019/07/18/gilead-hit-with-more-lawsuits-over-harmful-side-effects-of-aids-drug/

While the report is about lawsuits against the maker of one antiviral drug, the article is a reminder of the substantial bone loss in treated AIDS patients.

So, Why Do I Care??  In the USA there are over 500,000 AIDS patients who receive antiviral treatment to manage the disease. Most of them are in the 20-40 age range, so their bone health will affect them for decades of their lives. In addition, this surprise side effect may become the motivation for new research into osteoporosis, and that knowledge may improve the living conditions of all patients with osteoporosis.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about what is in that antiviral pill. One component stops the reproduction of the virus; this called a reverse transcriptase inhibitor, and chemically it is a nucleotide type of chemical.  The other component stops the release of new virus particles; that is called a protease inhibitor, and chemically it is a small organic molecule.  Neither of these components target bones, so bone loss is an unexpected side effect.

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Could antibodies from plasma of recovered patients defeat the SARS-CoV-2 virus?

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On June 4, 2020

In lymphatic and immune system, respiratory system

TeachableMedicalNews article 06042020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cell chapter – endocytosis and phagocytosis as transport through cell membranes
  2. blood chapter – white blood cell types and their functions
  3. respiratory system chapter – alveoli as the sites of gas exchange
  4. respiratory system chapter – macrophages of alveoli
  5. lymphatic and immune system chapter – antibody structure
  6. lymphatic and immune system chapter – antibodies are made for specific targets

The news item:  Recently reports appeared where blood plasma taken from recovered patients are given to seriously ill COVID-19 patients:

Blood plasma appears safe for COVID-19 patients in early trial results

Researchers report promising results in early safety trials of convalescent plasma therapy, in which the blood of COVID-19 survivors is used to treat patients.

The article mentions that antibodies in the plasma are the active ingredient, and that 5000 patients were evaluated in this trial to determine the safety of such treatment.

So, Why Do I Care??  Have you been living under a rock in the last few months??? The coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the COVID-19 disease has so far infected over 6 million people, and caused over 377,000 deaths worldwide (on the date of this article). The virus attacks the respiratory system, specifically the alveoli, and may cause pneumonia and death by respiratory failure.  The antibodies from the recovered patients hold promise as a possible treatment to lower the lethality of the virus.

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How could the antiproliferative drug Jakafi help us defeat the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus?

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On May 7, 2020

In cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune system, respiratory system

TeachableMedicalNews article 05072020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. blood chapter – white blood cell types and their functions
  2. blood chapter – hematopoiesis in red bone marrow
  3. respiratory system chapter – alveoli as the sites of gas exchange
  4. respiratory system chapter – immune defense cells of alveoli
  5. lymphatic and immune system chapter – events of inflammation

How could the anti-proliferative drug Jakafi help us defeat the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus?

The news item:  Recent articles reported that the anti-proliferative drug will be evaluated as potential treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients:

Incyte drug could be part of COVID-19 treatment

A global biopharmaceutical company based in Delaware is working to get one of its drugs approved to treat the new coronavirus disease. Officials at Incyte…

The news item mentions that the drug may inhibit cytokine storm in coronavirus infected patients.

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How could the drug Opaganib help us defeat the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus?

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On May 2, 2020

In cardiovascular system, cellular basis of life, lymphatic and immune system, respiratory system

TeachableMedicalNews article 05022020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – cell cycle and mitosis
  2. blood chapter – white blood cell types and their functions
  3. respiratory system chapter – alveoli as the sites of gas exchange
  4. respiratory system chapter – immune defense cells of alveoli
  5. lymphatic and immune system chapter – events of inflammation

How could the drug Opaganib help us defeat the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus?

The news item:  Recent articles reported that the investigational drug Opaganib will be evaluated as potential treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients:

https://www.timesofisrael.com/2-israeli-covid-19-patients-improve-in-experimental-drug-trial/

The news item mentions that the drug has an anti-inflammatory effect, and that it is a sphingosine kinase inhibitor.

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How could the leukemia fighter drug Calquence help us defeat the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus?

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On April 24, 2020

In cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune system, respiratory system

TeachableMedicalNews article 04242020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. blood chapter – white blood cell types and their functions
  2. blood chapter – malfunctioning mechanisms in leukemia
  3. respiratory system chapter – alveoli as the sites of gas exchange
  4. respiratory system chapter – immune defense cells of alveoli
  5. lymphatic and immune system chapter – events of inflammation

How could the leukemia fighter drug Calquence help us defeat the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus?

The news item:  Recent articles reported that the anti-cancer drug will be evaluated as potential treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients:

AstraZeneca to test impact of cancer drug Calquence on coronavirus patients

Calquence (acalabrutinib) belongs to a class of drugs called Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors which can suppress autoimmune diseases. The drug, which is currently used to treat certain types of blood cancers, has already been approved for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in the U.S.

The news item mentions cytokine storm in coronavirus infected patients, and that the drug is a BTK inhibitor.

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