TEACHABLE MEDICAL NEWS

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How can the injection of a non-insulin medication help type 2 diabetes patients?

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On January 17, 2021

In endocrine system, metabolism

TeachableMedicalNews article 01172021

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. endocrine system chapter – insulin production by beta cells
  2. endocrine system chapter – action of hormones through receptors
  3. endocrine system chapter – action of hormones inside target cells
  4. metabolism chapter – effect of insulin on glucose utilization by body cells

The news item:  Recently a new report appeared about the diabetes treatment drug Trulicity:

FDA approves Eli Lilly’s Trulicity to reduce cardiovascular risks in type 2 diabetic patients

Eli Lilly and Co said on Friday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Trulicity for reducing cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients. The approval makes Trulicity the first and only type 2 diabetes drug approved to reduce heart related risks in adults with and without established cardiovascular disease, the company said in a statement.

The article states that the type 2 diabetes treatment drug was approved for reducing heart disease risk as well.

So, Why Do I Care??  About 30 million people in the US has type 2 diabetes. The disorder causes about 80,000 deaths yearly. In addition, there is a yearly $327 billion cost from lost productivity and medical cost that includes treatment for diabetic vision loss and diabetic nephropathy. Diabetes also causes heart damage. New treatments have a chance to reduce deaths and lost working hours.

Plain English, Please!!!

First, let’s talk about type 2 diabetes. Diabetes, in general, is a disorder where blood sugar (glucose) level is higher than normal for long periods of time. The continuous high blood glucose level damages small

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How can an anti-wrinkle treatment help patients suffering from an overactive bladder?

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On December 26, 2020

In microbiology, muscular system, nervous system, urinary system

TeachableMedicalNews article 12262020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. muscular tissue chapter – neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction
  2. autonomic nervous system chapter –  parasympathetic division and its neurotransmitters
  3. urinary system chapter – role of detrusor muscle in emptying of the bladder
  4. microbiology – Clostridium botulinum and its toxin

The news item:  Recently an unusual report appeared about the anti-wrinkle treatment, Botox:

https://westnewsmagazine.com/2019/11/13/117802/beyond-wrinkles-botox-offers-effective-treatment-for-common-bladder-condition

The article states that people suffering from an overactive bladder may find help for their symptoms from twice-a-year Botox injection.

So, Why Do I Care??  There are about 50 million people in the US suffering from overactive bladder symptoms. While this affliction is not life threatening, everyday life, ability to hold down a job are disrupted by it. There are several medical interventions to help patients, so Botox is the latest to join the remedies.

Plain English, Please!!!  First, let’s talk about the mechanics of urination. For urination to happen the muscle (called detrusor) inside the wall of the urinary

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How could gene editing fight cancers?

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On December 8, 2020

In cellular basis of life, lymphatic and immune system

TeachableMedicalNews article 12082020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – chromosomes contain many genes
  2. cellular basis of life chapter – a gene is a specific stretch of DNA that encodes one protein
  3. cellular basis of life chapter – concept of gene mutation leading to protein

malfunction

  1. immune system chapter – function of T lymphocytes (T cells)

The news item: Recently the gene editing approach to cancer fighting was in the news:

Doctors try CRISPR gene editing for cancer, a 1st in the US

The first attempt in the U.S. to use the gene editing tool CRISPR against cancer seems safe, but it’s too soon to know if it will improve survival.

The report described an experimental treatment of one sarcoma patient and two multiple myeloma patients with the Crispr technology. The article states that this approach deletes 3 genes and adds one gene to the T cells of the patients, and the gene-edited T cells are infused back into the body of the patients.

So, Why Do I Care??

The thing to care about is the potential of the technology of gene editing.  While experimental in humans, and the targets of the technology are relatively rare diseases, if proven useful there are many human genetic disorders that may be managed or cured by it. Any disorder that is caused by mutated genes and malfunctioning proteins may be the future target of gene editing.

Plain English, Please!!!

First, let’s talk about multiple myeloma and sarcoma. Myeloma is a cancer that forms in the red bone marrow. Sarcoma is a cancer that starts from connective

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How could a new non-pacing electronic device help chronic heart failure patients?

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On November 25, 2020

In cardiovascular system, cellular basis of life, muscular system

TeachableMedicalNews article 11252020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – protein synthesis in cells can be changed by stimulus
  2. muscle tissue chapter – thick and thin filaments in the sliding filament muscle contraction model
  3. muscle tissue chapter – the role of calcium in muscle contraction model
  4. heart chapter – relationship of stroke volume to cardiac output

The news item:  Recently a new electronic device, Optimizer Smart, was in the news:

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/25/fda-approves-new-device-for-patients-with-chronic-heart-failure.html

The article states that this device is not a pacemaker; it sends non-excitatory signals, and this way it improves the squeezing ability of the heart which, in turn, improves the physical abilities of the heart failure patients.

So, Why Do I Care??  In the USA there are about 5 million people living with congestive heart failure. There are over 500,000 new cases every year, and 280,000 deaths. The people who live with congestive heart failure have a diminished quality of life because their physical activities are limited. Any new approach to help those patients is welcome news.

Plain English, Please!!!  First, let’s talk about what heart failure is. Contrary to popular belief “heart failure” doesn’t mean that the heart stops beating. Heart failure means that the cardiac output (the blood volume pumped out each minute)

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Why breast implants can become life threatening?

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On November 7, 2020

In cellular basis of life, integumentary system, lymphatic and immune system

TeachableMedicalNews article 11072020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – gene mutation leading to malfunctioning protein
  2. cellular basis of life chapter – mitosis or somatic cell division
  3. integumentary system chapter – scar tissue formation during dermal wound healing
  4. immune system chapter – lymph nodes as location of lymphocytes
  5. immune system chapter – cell division as part of immune response in lymph nodes.

The news item:  Recently a recall of breast implants was in the news:

Breast implants tied to rare form of cancer recalled at FDA request

Allergan Inc. announces a worldwide recall of implants with a textured surface

The report described how one type of breast implant made by Allergan is associated with the development of a rare cancer, called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).

So, Why Do I Care??  Altogether close to 600 anaplastic large cell lymphoma cases have been reported in women with breast implants. Even such a relatively slow number of cancers is a concern, because most of those cases occurred in women with one type of implant. Add to this that breast implants have been considered as a cosmetic alteration that presents little danger, but now a specific disorder is associated with them. That is a substantial change in how we view the risks of this procedure

Plain English, Please!!!

First, let’s talk about how a breast implant affects the body. This cosmetic implant is made of plastic, and it is surgically inserted under the skin. The normal wound

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Why eating Listeria-contaminated food can be life threatening?

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On October 22, 2020

In cellular basis of life, digestive system, lymphatic and immune system, nervous system, reproductive system

TeachableMedicalNews article 10222020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – cytosol
  2. nervous system chapter – location of meninges
  3. immune system chapter – vasodilation during inflammation
  4. immune system chapter – emigration by white blood cells
  5. microbiology – Listeria monocytogenes biology

The news item:  Recently a Listeria outbreak was reported to have started from contaminated mushrooms:

Enoki mushrooms tied to listeria outbreak that killed four people and hospitalized 31, CDC says | CNN

Enoki mushrooms are linked to four deaths and 31 hospitalizations in what the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says was a multistate listeria outbreak that is now presumed to be over.

The article stated that Listeria outbreak is caused by a bacterium, and that the symptoms of infection are stiff neck, loss of balance, miscarriage, confusion and fever.

So, Why Do I Care??

Infection by Listeria bacterium is the third leading cause of food borne illness, and it is the most lethal food borne illness by killing about 15 – 20% of the infected individuals.  In the US each year about 1600 people get infected, and 260 die. The victims are the most vulnerable of society: elderly, pregnant women, and immunosuppressed people.

Plain English, Please!!!

First, let’s talk about what Listeria is. Listeria is a type of bacterium that infects human beings when they consume Listeria-contaminated food. The bacterium lives

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How does a new antibiotic called Xenleta fight bacterial infections?

By

On October 9, 2020

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

TeachableMedicalNews article 10092020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. chemical basis of life chapter – proteins are made of amino acids linked by peptide bonds
  2. cellular basis of life chapter – protein synthesis on ribosome
  3. respiratory system chapter – alveoli location and function
  4. immune system chapter – events during inflammation
  5. microbiology – bacterial resistance against antibiotics

The news item:  Recently the news of a novel antibiotic was reported:

FDA approves new antibiotic for bacterial pneumonia

A new antibiotic has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It’s called Xenleta and the FDA says it’s another treatment option to fight a common type of pneumonia.

The article states that the new antibiotic, Xenleta, is a pleuromutilin, and it fights community acquired bacterial pneumonia.

So, Why Do I Care??

Pneumonia is the reason for 1 million hospitalizations and 50,000 deaths each year in the US. Most pneumonia cases are caused by bacterial infections. Because this disease can get worse quickly, efficient treatment must include the killing of the bacteria that cause the disease. Any new antibiotic that can treat people whose pneumonia resists the regular antibiotics likely to save thousands of lives each year.

Plain English, Please!!!

First, let’s talk about what bacterial pneumonia is. When the deepest portion of our respiratory system, the alveoli (air sacks), are attacked by bacteria, the result is local

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

By

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?

By

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?

By

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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