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Wednesday, 05 July
01:07
Top 10 Gross American Foods That Foreigners Think is Nasty! Healthy Holistic Living
When it comes to food, every culture has its own unique delicacies and preferences. The United States is no exception, and while Americans take pride in their diverse culinary traditions, there are certain dishes that foreigners find perplexing or even repulsive. The internet provides a platform for individuals from around the world to express their opinions on American cuisine, and weve gathered some fascinating insights from Redditors and Quora users regarding the foods they find appalling. In this article, well delve into these ten American foods and explore why foreigners might find them disgusting. Whether you agree or not, its interesting to discover the stark contrasts in food preferences across different cultures.
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Root Beer: An Unusual Flavor Combination
Root beer, a popular carbonated soft drink in the United States, is
an acquired taste that often divides opinions, especially among
foreigners. Many Redditors and Quora users from other countries
find the flavor of root beer unusual and even off-putting. Some
describe it as a mix of licorice and wintergreen, which can be
jarring to those accustomed to different taste profiles. For
instance, a Redditor shared their cousins perspective from the
U.K., where root beer is not commonly consumed, explaining that the
combination of flavors in root beer seemed strange and unfamiliar.
This stark contrast in taste preferences highlights the diversity
of the global beverage landscape.
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Chicken and Waffles: A Surprising Culinary Fusion
...
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Tuesday, 04 July
23:12
Navigating Emotional Manipulation: Understanding and Combating Gaslighting in Relationships Healthy Holistic Living
Creating and maintaining a strong, healthy romantic relationship requires a tremendous amount of work, patience, and mutual understanding. It involves continuously building trust and ensuring both partners are respected. Nevertheless, there are instances when these relationships can transform into toxic environments, often due to manipulative tactics such as gaslighting.
Gaslighting, a troubling psychological phenomenon, typically involves one or both partners using deceptive phrases during everyday conversations or disagreements, gradually turning the relationship toxic. As gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse, awareness is paramount.
Understanding the Many Facets of Abuse
Abuse is not only physical harm. It can take several forms, including emotional, verbal, mental, and financial. Recognizing the different forms of abuse is crucial, especially since gaslighting falls under the umbrella of emotional abuse. Gaslighting can deeply affect an individuals mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being, leading to long-lasting negative impacts. Its therefore crucial to understand the signs of gaslighting in order to protect your mental well-being.
Gaslighting: The Insidious Art of Psychological Manipulation
Gaslighting is an emotional abuse tactic where the abuser deliberately causes the victim to question their own sanity or perception of events. The manipulator often accomplishes this through denial, shifting blame, or making the victim feel responsible for the manipulators actions. This systematic dismantling of a victims self-confidence can result in significant emotional and psychological damage.
Methods of Gaslighting
Gaslighting can wreak havoc in a relationship, causing severe emotional turmoil. The manipulator uses gaslighting phrases to alter the narrative, casting themselves as harmless or blameless. These phrases are often wielded as tools to exert control, with the abuser using various manipulation techniques, such as countering, stonewalling, diverting/blocking, denial/intentional forgetting, and trivializing.
Identifying Gaslighting in Relationships
...
20:00
Pharma CEO, Others Attempt Contradictory Critiques of Serotonin-Debunking Study Mad In America
Last summer, a thorough analysis struck what Psychology Today called a decisive blow to the chemical imbalance myth of depression. That outdated theorythat a lack of serotonin causes depressionhas been debunked many times over the past few decades, but it clings to the public consciousness, perhaps largely due to pharmaceutical industry propaganda and media oversimplification. Indeed, prominent psychiatrists have even claimed that the serotonin theory is promoted by an anti-psychiatry conspiracy.
Given that position, one might think that psychiatry would welcome a large review of the evidence on the topicthe largest and most comprehensive ever conductedputting the supposed anti-psychiatry propaganda to rest. Instead, the reaction from psychiatry has been vitriolic against the authors.
Now, researchers who have staked their financial future on the serotonin theory have joined together to attempt a debunking of that study. The only problem? Their concerns are extremely technical, contradictory, and in some cases, outright false, according to the original study authors. None of them provide solid or consistent evidence for serotonins role in depression.
Indeed, the minor, paradoxical gripes by various critics, including a pharma CEO, illuminate a picture of industry-funded researchers clinging to a poorly supported, controversial, and outdated theory that is nevertheless likely to help their marketing of new drugs.
Responding to the criticism, the authors of the original study write of the serotonin theory, No one believes it, but no one wants to let it go, either.
The critics, and a response by the original authors of the serotonin-debunking study, were published in Molecular Psychiatry.
The authors of the original paper were Joanna Moncrieff, Ruth E. Cooper, Tom Stockmann, Simone Amendola, Michael P. Hengartner, Martin Plderl, and Mark A. Horowitz.
...
20:00
17:59
When Doctors Have Different Standards of Evidence for the Virus and the Vaccine Science-Based Medicine
817,000 thousand Americans had already died of COVID by December 23, 2021, and 244,000 more would die the next year. Millions more survived, but were injured. These numbers could have been lower if doctors not become defense attorneys for SARSCoV2 and prosecutors against the vaccine, and instead applied similar standards of evidence to both.
The post When Doctors Have Different Standards of Evidence for the Virus and the Vaccine first appeared on Science-Based Medicine.10:00
Deforesting the Amazon for Green Energy Windmills? Articles
Balsa, a tree thats native to South America, is a coveted resource. Growing up to 98 feet (30 meters) and ready for harvesting in just three to four years from planting, balsa holds the promise for high profits for those who grow them.1
Adding to its value, balsa wood is flexible and light yet very strong, making it an ideal material for manufacturing bridges, skis, boats and wind turbine propellers.2
In an ironic tragedy, however, the rapid expansion of wind energy has led to increasing demand for windmills and balsa wood to build them. Now, the tropical tree is facing exploitation and being cleared from Amazon forests, causing potentially more environmental problems than the windmills it creates can solve.
Rush for Balsa Wood Causes Devastating Deforestation
Wind turbine blades can be up to 328 feet (100 meters) long. Each blade requires 150 cubic meters of balsa wood, which is several tons. With demand on the rise from Europe and China, "balsa fever" set in, particularly in Ecuador, the No. 1 exporter of balsa wood, which produces 75% of the global market.3
Prices of balsa wood have also skyrocketed, rising 30% from 2015 to 2019, when balsa wood worth $219 million was exported from Ecuador.4 China is a major consumer of balsa wood, purchasing 85% of Ecuadors exports in 2020.5 In the Open Democracy video above, you can see how the rush for balsa wood to create "green" wind energy has destroyed local indigenous communities and decimated ecosystems.6
In June 2023, the Achuar Nationality of Ecuador (NAE) declared that it would not allow deforestation to obtain balsa wood in its territory. In a social media post, they wrote, "Don't make any investment, even if you cut down balsa you wont be able to extract it, it wont be sold."7 However, indigenous leaders bowed to pressure in some communities nonetheless, allowing loggers to retrieve the wood. According to Open Democracy:8
"Its a decision that has caused pain, rejection and division among families...
Editor's Note: This article is a reprint. It was originally published March 17, 2018.
While genetically modified organisms (GMOS), and the pesticides that go along with them, are touted as the solution to feed the world, the reality is a far cry from this industry-spread ideal. In reality, 86% of the value of U.S. agricultural exports in 2015 went to 20 destinations with low numbers of hungry people and high rates of human development scores.1 The top recipient? Canada.
In 2013 as well, U.S. farms contributed only 2.3% of the food supply to the countries with the most starving people.2 Such countries, unbeknownst to many Americans, actually produce most of their own food already. What they need is not for the U.S. to step up its production of genetically engineered (GE) corn and soy, but to be given resources to distribute and increase access to food while helping local farmers to earn a good living.
If we took GMOs off the market today, we would still be feeding the world with the same inefficacy that we are today. We have starvation. We have the biggest famine in human history happening over in sub-Saharan Africa right now. However, the problem with GMOs is one much larger than failed promises or misguided expectations.
Instead, it's a form of technology that threatens human health, the environment and the very food supply we depend on. At the foundation, "GMOs Revealed" seeks to answer a question that's relevant to all of us:
"What if the desire to use technology to enhance our world and save lives has evolved into a lust that, when paired with corporate greed and politics, becomes a catastrophic mass experiment that harms you and your family? Genetically modified foods, also known as GMOs, represent one of the most controversial issues in the world today. What is more vital to humanity, to each of us, than our food supply?"
The Not-so-Green Revolution
As Zach Bush explains, many of the problems with industrialized agriculture began with the Green Revolution, which is not at all "green" as its name suggests. It's easy to forget that at one point, not so long ago, all food was organically grown in a way that supported the ecosystem and environment as a whole. This all changed in the 1940s when the Green Revolution took hold and industrial, chemical-dependent farming techniques quickly spread to become the norm.
When WWII ended, there was a glut of petroleum, and in pet...
It Is Time to Declare Our Independence From the Vaccinators Articles
On July 4, 2023, it will have been 247 years since the Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson and signed by delegates of 13 American colonies formally declaring independence from political control by the King of England.1
Light and liberty go together said Jefferson2 and, in his final letter to John Adams before he and Adams both died on July 4, 1826, Jefferson predicted that no despot or tyrannical empire in the future would be able to crush the human spirit of resistance that guards liberty.
A fierce proponent of individual rights,3 Jefferson said, The flames kindled on the 4th of July 1776 have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism. On the contrary, they will consume these engines, and all who work them.4,5
Was Jeffersons prediction right? Or, as one of the earliest and most influential proponents of smallpox inoculation,6 could he never have imagined that the scientific and medical professions he loved so well7 would one day forge lucrative global business partnerships with industry and government and create a public health empire that has become a much greater threat to liberty than the monarchy he and his fellow revolutionaries rebelled against in 1776?8,9,10
After my son was injured in 1980 by the crude, toxic whole cell pertussis vaccine in DPT shots,11 I joined with other parents of DPT vaccine injured children in 1982 to establish the charity known today as the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) with the mission of preventing vaccine injuries and deaths through public education.12,13 We have defended the legal right to make voluntary decisions about vaccination for 41 years.14,15
Since then, I have watched the public health empire grow and use no exceptions vaccination laws...
08:34
Wyoming Law Expands Food Freedom Act, Opens Market to Small Egg and Dairy Producers Medical Kidnap
by Mike Maharrey
Tenth Amendment Center
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (July 2, 2023) Yesterday, a Wyoming law went into effect that will further increase food freedom in the state, and potentially alleviate some of the recent price inflation on eggs and dairy.
Sen. Tim Salazar and 10 fellow cosponsors introduced Senate Bill 102 (SF102) on Jan. 12. The new law expands the Wyoming Food Freedom Act to allow a designated agent to facilitate sales transactions in the marketing, transport, storage, or delivery of food and beverage products. Under previous law, producers could only sell directly to consumers.
The new law will also add eggs and dairy products to the foods that can be sold at farmers markets, farms, ranches, producers homes or offices, and the retail location of the third-party sellers.
The House passed SF102 by a 62-0 vote. The Senate approved the measure by a 30-1 vote. With Gov. Mark Gordons signature, the law went into effect on July 1.
Expanding the market for eggs and dairy could provide some relief for Wyoming residents struggling to deal with price inflation. The price of both eggs and milk has increased precipitously over the last year. Opening up the market to more producers and sellers could help the people of Wyoming to get some relief from the money-printing frenzy of recent years.
WYOMING LEADS THE WAY
Wyoming was the first state to enact a comprehensive Food Freedom Act back in 2015. The law allows the sale of many foods and food products direct from the producer to the consumer without adhering to onerous state regulatory and licensing requirements.
The expansive law even allows poultry farmers with fewer than 1,000 birds to sell chicken and turkey, along with products made from their birds outside of the regulatory system.
It also authorizes the sale of raw milk, rabbit meat and most farm-raised fish.
In 2020, ...
08:34
Wyoming Law Expands Food Freedom Act, Opens Market to Small Egg and Dairy Producers Vaccine Impact
by Mike Maharrey
Tenth Amendment Center
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (July 2, 2023) Yesterday, a Wyoming law went into effect that will further increase food freedom in the state, and potentially alleviate some of the recent price inflation on eggs and dairy.
Sen. Tim Salazar and 10 fellow cosponsors introduced Senate Bill 102 (SF102) on Jan. 12. The new law expands the Wyoming Food Freedom Act to allow a designated agent to facilitate sales transactions in the marketing, transport, storage, or delivery of food and beverage products. Under previous law, producers could only sell directly to consumers.
The new law will also add eggs and dairy products to the foods that can be sold at farmers markets, farms, ranches, producers homes or offices, and the retail location of the third-party sellers.
The House passed SF102 by a 62-0 vote. The Senate approved the measure by a 30-1 vote. With Gov. Mark Gordons signature, the law went into effect on July 1.
Expanding the market for eggs and dairy could provide some relief for Wyoming residents struggling to deal with price inflation. The price of both eggs and milk has increased precipitously over the last year. Opening up the market to more producers and sellers could help the people of Wyoming to get some relief from the money-printing frenzy of recent years.
WYOMING LEADS THE WAY
Wyoming was the first state to enact a comprehensive Food Freedom Act back in 2015. The law allows the sale of many foods and food products direct from the producer to the consumer without adhering to onerous state regulatory and licensing requirements.
The expansive law even allows poultry farmers with fewer than 1,000 birds to sell chicken and turkey, along with products made from their birds outside of the regulatory system.
It also authorizes the sale of raw milk, rabbit meat and most farm-raised fish.
In 2020, ...
08:27
Wyoming Law Expands Food Freedom Act, Opens Market to Small Egg and Dairy Producers Health Impact News
by Mike Maharrey
Tenth Amendment Center
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (July 2, 2023) Yesterday, a Wyoming law went into effect that will further increase food freedom in the state, and potentially alleviate some of the recent price inflation on eggs and dairy.
Sen. Tim Salazar and 10 fellow cosponsors introduced Senate Bill 102 (SF102) on Jan. 12. The new law expands the Wyoming Food Freedom Act to allow a designated agent to facilitate sales transactions in the marketing, transport, storage, or delivery of food and beverage products. Under previous law, producers could only sell directly to consumers.
The new law will also add eggs and dairy products to the foods that can be sold at farmers markets, farms, ranches, producers homes or offices, and the retail location of the third-party sellers.
The House passed SF102 by a 62-0 vote. The Senate approved the measure by a 30-1 vote. With Gov. Mark Gordons signature, the law went into effect on July 1.
Expanding the market for eggs and dairy could provide some relief for Wyoming residents struggling to deal with price inflation. The price of both eggs and milk has increased precipitously over the last year. Opening up the market to more producers and sellers could help the people of Wyoming to get some relief from the money-printing frenzy of recent years.
WYOMING LEADS THE WAY
Wyoming was the first state to enact a comprehensive Food Freedom Act back in 2015. The law allows the sale of many foods and food products direct from the producer to the consumer without adhering to onerous state regulatory and licensing requirements.
The expansive law even allows poultry farmers with fewer than 1,000 birds to sell chicken and turkey, along with products made from their birds outside of the regulatory system.
It also authorizes the sale of raw milk, rabbit meat and most farm-rais...
07:15
UK Mental Health Review Must Address Lack of Compassion Towards Patients, Watchdog Says Mad In America
From The Independent: The governments national review of mental health hospitals must urgently address the lack of sympathy and compassion towards patients if safety is to improve, the health ombudsman has said.
Rob Berhens said the investigation, prompted by The Independents reporting on deaths and abuse of vulnerable patients, must look at three key issues, including a lack of empathy for those with mental health challenges, a lack of resources and poor working conditions for staff.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay announced on Wednesday that a new safety body, the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSIB), would look into the care of young people, examine staffing levels and scrutinise the quality of care within mental health units.
The review comes after The Independent exposed systemic abuse of children within private mental health hospitals run by the former Huntercombe Group, with more than 50 patients speaking out about treatment spanning a decade.
Mr Berhens said: I trust [HSIB] to be able to understand what are the key issues, theyre about the lack of sympathy and compassion for people who have mental health challenges, which to me is a human rights issue.
Theyre about the issue of resources available to the mental health sector. And theyre about the working conditions that staff in those organisations have to deal with. Those are three of the biggest issues where there may be more.'
***
Back to Around the Web
The post UK Mental Health Review Must Address Lack of Compassion’...
06:35
Whistleblower: Ukraine is Harvesting the Organs of Children in Laboratories New Films on Child Sex Trafficking Medical Kidnap
A poster from an awareness-raising campaign against human trafficking supported by OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine from 2013, showing that the human trafficking problem in Ukraine has existed for decades, and is not part of Russian Disinformation today. (Source.)
Comments by Brian Shilhavy
Editor, Health Impact News
A whistleblower from OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) has recently gone public describing laboratories found in buildings in Ukraine bombed by Russians where children are being kept in basements where their organs are being harvested.
A whistleblower who worked with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) revealed in a video interview that Ukrainian Nazi groups are harvesting the organs of children in basement adrenochrome labs that are being discovered after the buildings are destroyed by Russian strikes.
Vera Vayiman, who is a member of OSCE and worked in Ukraine as part of an international monitoring mission, made the horrifying revelations in a video interview that corroborates earlier reports from the Russian military and even from the Ukrainian military themselves, who have openly bragged that they harvest organs of children and body parts for cash.
According to Vera Vayiman, who shared her testimony about what she personally witnessed during her time in Ukraine, the children are shipped out of the country under a grain export code.
Warning: this is very disturbing information. (Source.)
&
06:35
Whistleblower: Ukraine is Harvesting the Organs of Children in Laboratories New Films on Child Sex Trafficking Vaccine Impact
A poster from an awareness-raising campaign against human trafficking supported by OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine from 2013, showing that the human trafficking problem in Ukraine has existed for decades, and is not part of Russian Disinformation today. (Source.)
Comments by Brian Shilhavy
Editor, Health Impact News
A whistleblower from OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) has recently gone public describing laboratories found in buildings in Ukraine bombed by Russians where children are being kept in basements where their organs are being harvested.
A whistleblower who worked with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) revealed in a video interview that Ukrainian Nazi groups are harvesting the organs of children in basement adrenochrome labs that are being discovered after the buildings are destroyed by Russian strikes.
Vera Vayiman, who is a member of OSCE and worked in Ukraine as part of an international monitoring mission, made the horrifying revelations in a video interview that corroborates earlier reports from the Russian military and even from the Ukrainian military themselves, who have openly bragged that they harvest organs of children and body parts for cash.
According to Vera Vayiman, who shared her testimony about what she personally witnessed during her time in Ukraine, the children are shipped out of the country under a grain export code.
Warning: this is very disturbing information. (Source.)
&
06:09
Whistleblower: Ukraine is Harvesting the Organs of Children in Laboratories New Films on Child Sex Trafficking Health Impact News
A poster from an awareness-raising campaign against human trafficking supported by OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine from 2013, showing that the human trafficking problem in Ukraine has existed for decades, and is not part of Russian Disinformation today. (Source.)
Comments by Brian Shilhavy
Editor, Health Impact News
A whistleblower from OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) has recently gone public describing laboratories found in buildings in Ukraine bombed by Russians where children are being kept in basements where their organs are being harvested.
A whistleblower who worked with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) revealed in a video interview that Ukrainian Nazi groups are harvesting the organs of children in basement adrenochrome labs that are being discovered after the buildings are destroyed by Russian strikes.
Vera Vayiman, who is a member of OSCE and worked in Ukraine as part of an international monitoring mission, made the horrifying revelations in a video interview that corroborates earlier reports from the Russian military and even from the Ukrainian military themselves, who have openly bragged that they harvest organs of children and body parts for cash.
According to Vera Vayiman, who shared her testimony about what she personally witnessed during her time in Ukraine, the children are shipped out of the country under a grain export code.
Warning: this is very disturbing information. (Source.)
06:08
Do vitamin D supplements prevent heart disease? Skeptical Raptor
The Skeptical Raptor, stalking pseudoscience in the internet jungle.
New research shows that high doses of vitamin D do not support improved heart health, although it may help a select subset of patients.
05:48
The isolation of anthocyanin monomers from blueberry pomace and their radical-scavenging mechanisms in DFT study. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Food Chem. 2023 Aug 30 ;418:135872. Epub 2023 Mar 6. PMID: 37001355 Abstract Title: The isolation of anthocyanin monomers from blueberry pomace and their radical-scavenging mechanisms in DFT study. Abstract: This study explored the isolation of anthocyanin monomers using a medium- and high-pressure separation technique as a means to increase the added value of a by-product of the blueberry juice industry. Six anthocyanin monomers were isolated with a purity of 95% and identified as mono-galactoside, glucoside, and isomers of delphinidin, malvidin, and even malvidin-3-O-arabinoside, malvidin-3-(6-acetyl)-O-glucoside by LC-MS andH NMR. Following the conformation search, the computer calculation manifested the active sites of six anthocyanins (C-OH) and their stabilities based on the structural and energy parameters. The DPPH tests demonstrated that delphinidin glycoside's free radical scavenging ability (89.93 2.03 % and 86.50 3.16 %) was significantly higher than that of malvidin (80.39 1.30 % and 81.02 0.45 %), and that malvidin's capacity was improved by conjugation arabinoside (87.48 2.39 %) and acetylated glucoside (88.39 1.37 %), which was compatible with the computer calculation.
05:41
Effect of maqui-berry extract in dry eye disease - A clinical and molecular analysis. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Indian J Ophthalmol. 2023 Apr ;71(4):1613-1618. PMID: 37026311 Abstract Title: Effect of maqui-berry extract in dry eye disease - A clinical and molecular analysis. Abstract: PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the effects of maqui-berry extract (MBE) in improving signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) along with ocular surface inflammation in patients with DED.METHODS: Twenty patients were randomly assigned to a MBE or a placebo group (PLC). DED parameters including Schirmer's test 1 (ST1), tear film break-up time (TBUT), ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and corneal staining were assessed before treatment and 2 months post-treatment. Tear fluid samples before and after treatment from a subset of these patients were collected from the study subjects using sterile Schirmer's strips, and the levels of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-10, IL-6, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor-(TNF), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM1), and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) were measured using a microfluidic cartridge-based multiplex ELISA.RESULTS: The MBE group demonstrated a significant (p
05:28
CISA Was Behind the Attempt to Control Your Thoughts, Speech, and Life GreenMedInfo
The House Judiciary Committee released a report on how the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) "colluded with Big Tech and 'disinformation' partners to censor Americans
05:25
04:31
Joe Rogan Interview With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. GreenMedInfo
In this interview with Joe Rogan, Kennedy shares how he first got into vaccine safety and how he's now become the 2024 'anti-vaxxer' presidential candidate.
04:29
Joe Rogan Interview With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. GreenMedInfo
Originally published on www.mercola.com
In this interview with Joe Rogan, Kennedy shares how he first got into vaccine safety and how he's now become the 2024 'anti-vaxxer' presidential candidate.
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
03:00
Former UPenn prof faked more than 50 figures, says government watchdog Retraction Watch
A pharmacy researcher who left the University of Pennsylvania sometime last year has been found guilty of research misconduct in multiple federal grant applications and five published papers, four of which have already been retracted.
As we have reported, William Armstead, who is retired from Penn, was working among other things on the effects of brain injury on piglets experiments in which the animals were slaughtered. He has had seven papers retracted, and The Philadelphia Inquirer reported in September that he had left the university. Penn did not respond to several requests for comment when we attempted to reach officials there about Armsteads work.
According to the U.S. Office of Research Integrity, much of that work appears to have been suspect:
ORI found that Respondent engaged in research misconduct by knowingly and intentionally falsifying and/or fabricating fifty-one (51) figures and the methods, data, results, and conclusions reporting on the effects of various vasoactive agents on the neurologic response to traumatic brain injury in piglets of different ages and genders in the following five (5) published papers, one (1) unpublished manuscript, one (1) review article, three (3) posters, three (3) grant applications submitted for PHS funds, and four (4) NIH grant progress reports
Armstead, who has been part of NIH grants totaling $7.7 million during his career according to NIH records, has agreed to a seven-year ban on U.S. federal funding, as well as from serving as an advisor or consultant to the Public Health Service, which includes NIH peer review committees.
The notice states he also agreed to retraction of a fifth paper, Translational approach towards determining the role of cerebral autoregulation in outcome after traumatic brain injury, which appeared in...
03:00
Critical Psychiatry Textbook, Chapter 8: Depression and Mania (Affective Disorders) (Part Ten) Mad In America
Editors Note: Over the next several months, Mad in Gtzsches book, Critical Psychiatry Textbook. In this blog, he discusses the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, including in children, and the lack of evidence for any benefit from lithium. Each Monday, a new section of the book is published, and all chapters are archived here.
Bipolar disorder
The hospital-based psychiatry center in one of the five regions in Denmark mentions on its homepage that Drugs for bipolar disordermood stabilising drugscan prevent and cure depression, mania and mixed conditions in most people.416
This is very misleading. Psychiatric drugs only have symptomatic effects. They are not disease-modifying and they cannot cure people; they can only lessen some of the symptoms of the emotional pain. Similarly, aspirin cannot cure a broken leg, only lessen the physical pain. Psychiatric drugs cannot prevent psychiatric disorders either.
About bipolar in children, a textbook said that the
risk is increased if the children have had hypomanic or manic
symptoms after treatment with a depression pill, and that there is
a family relation between ADHD and bipolar.19:216 It is
not clear what the authors meant by this, e.g. if it is a genetic
or environmental issue they describe. They did not mention that the
harms of ADHD drugs are much the same as the diagnostic criteria
for bipolar, and that many children will therefore get a false
diagnosis of bipolar that will harm them, as it will be treated
with lithium, psychosis pills, and antiepileptics.
These are serious omissions. In US, Joseph Biederman in particular has pushed the diagnosis of bipolar in children, which was virtual...
02:53
6 Common Causes of Hearing Loss in Adults Waking Science
No matter how our days look like, hearing what goes on around us is as natural as walking. In fact, all of your five senses are pivotal to the healthy functioning of your daily life. From the bustling noises of the city around you, to the serene sounds of a forest, hearing is critical. Sometimes, we may lose this ability to hear as we grow older.
While it may seem discomforting to know that your sense of hearing is decreasing, try to pinpoint the cause. Generally speaking, most adult causes of hearing loss have some sort of foundation that could be acted upon. Some sources may be hereditary, while others could be externally-located.
Here are the six common causes of hearing loss in adults:
Cause #1: Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis is one of the most common causes of
hearing loss in adults. As we age, our bodies begin to lose their
optimal functioning. It is a natural means of growing older, and
should be expected at some point in our lives. One of the most
unfortunate side effects of this ageing is that, sometimes, disease
may be associated with it. When it comes to hearing loss,
otosclerosis is one of the biggest factors to be aware of.
Our ears are made of tiny bones in and around the lobe, as well as deep inside the body part too. The middle part of the ear, which is comprised of the eardrum, may be susceptible to this diseases. Once it is acquired, the tiny bones located here are harder to move, resulting in some form of hearing loss.
Cause #2: Menieres Disease
As mentioned previously, our ears are comprised of
different sets of tiny bones. While the middle part of the ear may
be vulnerable to otosclerosis, the inner area can also be targeted.
Usually, this part may be susceptible to what is known as Menieres
disease. Located in the inner ear, you may begin to hear a
consistent ringing in the ear if you are in your thirties.
Menieres disease can lead you to also being sensitive to loud noises in general. For those who suffer from the worst parts of the disease, you may experience dizziness at some poi...
01:44
How to Safely Mark a Queen Bee The Healthy Home Economist
How to safely mark a queen bee so that you know how old she is and to more easily identify her during periodic hive wellness checks. My beehive adventure continues following the requeening of my beehive and the untimely retirement of her predecessor, Aurora. It was time to mark the new queen, which I aptly
The post How to Safely Mark a Queen Bee appeared first on The Healthy Home Economist.
01:37
5 Essential Nutrients for Strong Bones Healthy Holistic Living
Everyone is cognizant of the importance of maintaining bone health. Yet, most people still associate this with consuming dairy products such as milk or cheese. While calcium is crucial, it is only one of the myriad nutrients needed for bone health. In fact, plant-based foods are comprehensive powerhouses, providing all the vitamins and minerals required for healthy bones.
Contrary to the widespread belief propagated by the dairy
industry that milk is indispensable for bone health, its not
entirely accurate. Ultra-pasteurized foods may even have adverse
effects, and its estimated that up to 65% of the global population
have some form of lactose intolerance 1. Moreover, depending on calcium
supplements isnt always the best option. A noteworthy study found
that calcium in supplement form augments the risk of heart disease,
whereas dietary calcium lowered this risk 2.
Given these findings, its imperative to source your calcium and other nutrients from plant-based foods. Lets delve into the key vitamins and minerals necessary for bone health, the plant-based sources to obtain them from, and the health benefits they provide.
Vital Vitamins and Minerals for Bone Health
1. Calcium
Calcium, in conjunction with collagen, forms about 99% of your bone tissue 3. Its thus essential to include calcium-rich foods in your diet.
Broccoli is a plant-based food thats abundant in calcium, with one cup con...
00:49
Ep. 71: The Real Truth About Vaccines Voices For Vaccines
Lately, Twitter has become a cesspool of the worst humans spreading the worst misinformation. Except for one bright spot: The Real Truther. We invited The Real Truther to our podcast to discuss his noble pursuit of The Real Truth and to talk with RFK Jr. (or a proxy for RFK Jr.) See what we are talking about...
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Monday, 03 July
23:31
With the Launch of Mad in Denmark, a Global Network for Radical Change Grows Stronger Mad In America
When we started Mad in America more than a decade ago, we never envisioned that our webzine would one day bloom into a global network of Mad sites. Mad in Denmark, which is newly launched, is the 11th affiliate in that network, and three others are expected to launch later this year.
Personally, I have been waiting for a Mad in Denmark for a number of years. Olga Runciman is a long-time board member of Mad in America, and so it makes for a particularly happy moment that she and her Danish colleagues have launched this site.
I can no longer remember when I first met Olga, but we have been fellow travelers now for at least a decade, spending time together at conferences held in countries that now have a Mad site. I mention this because our friendship is emblematic of the spirit that unites the growing network of global Mad sitesthere is a commonality of purpose and a shared joy at pursuing radical change together.
Here is Mad in Americas mission statement:
Mad in Americas mission is to serve as a catalyst for rethinking psychiatric care in the United States (and abroad). We believe that the current drug-based paradigm of care has failed our society, and that scientific research, as well...
23:20
Community Shares | July 3rd 2023 SafeMinds
- A recent review reveals that gut microbiota and its metabolites are implicated in pesticide-induced symptoms of autism. However, the role of specific microbiota strains and mechanisms in pesticide-related autism still needs to be studied. The authors suggest upcoming epidemiological studies on this subject should be based on actual exposure patterns and dosage.
- Traditional methods of tracking sleep via polysomnography can be uncomfortable and anxiety-provoking for those on the spectrum who may already have sensory, communication, or behavioral difficulties. A new article showcases how multiple labs are working on developing minimally invasive sleep-tracking devices, such as the Dreem headband, smartwatches like the EmbracePlus, and the Emerald sleep tracker. These devices can track sleep stages and specific aspects of a sleepers physiology and brain activity, offering a more ecologically valid way to observe sleep oscillations of people sleeping in their own beds. Researchers hope these devices will help increase the number of patients with autism in sleep studies and potentially lead to new interventions to improve sleep and ease other spectrum-linked traits.
- Arbaclofen, a drug that dampens neuronal activity, has been found to alleviate atypical behaviors in multiple mouse models of an autism-linked genetic condition (16p11.2 deletion), according to a new ...
23:10
An Early Autism Diagnosis Does Not Necessarily Mean a Better Quality of Life SafeMinds
Research Finds the Number of Autistic Traits Is the Strongest Predictor of Better Life Outcomes
British researchers recently set out to examine whether learning about an individuals autism diagnosis earlier in childhood predicts a better quality of life and well-being in adulthood. Unlike previous research, their study did not find evidence for this relationship, suggesting that the age one receives an autism diagnosis is not a robust, independent predictor of adult life outcomes. Instead, the authors discovered that having more autistic traits was the strongest predictor of all quality of life and well-being outcomes. At the same time, they discovered that other variables, such as sex and additional mental health conditions, emerged as unique predictors of several outcomes. This new research highlights the need for more concrete, objective terminology to measure the different components of the process of coming to know about ones autism diagnosis in future research. It also advocates for a heightened focus on how a diagnosis is disclosed and the social-emotional support the individual receives during and following the recognition process. Additionally, the authors revealed several other factors that were significant predictors of quality of life and well-being, including being male, having additional mental health conditions, and having more autistic traits. It is important to point out that this study makes clear that getting a timely diagnosis remains critical for individuals with autism and their families to access appropriate support.
The post An Early Autism Diagnosis Does Not Necessarily Mean a Better Quality of Life appeared first on SafeMinds.
23:00
Only 41% of Teens with Autism Have an IEP Goal Related to Post-High School Housing SafeMinds
92% had a Transition Plan in their IEP by Age 16, Less than Half Included Adult Living Arrangments
A new longitudinal population-based surveillance study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that while the vast majority of teens with autism (92%) have transition plans in their individualized education programs (IEPs), these plans often neglect to include goals related to post-high school living arrangements. The authors came to this finding by reviewing health and education records for 322 teens, ages 1516 years, with autism. They discovered that only 41% had a goal related to post-high school living arrangements. The researchers noted that although these goals are not required components of transition planning, they are essential as only a minority of young adults with autism live independently without support. The study used data collected through the CDCs Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network from 2002 to 2018 in 3 catchment areas throughout the country. The authors determined that working with education partners, families, and the adolescents themselves is essential to identify what challenges contribute to these findings and what supports are needed to improve the transition planning process for individuals with autism to have an appropriate living arrangement placement prepared for adulthood.
The post Only 41% of Teens with Autism Have an IEP Goal Related to Post-High School Housing appeared first on SafeMinds.
22:11
Empowering Your Child: 15 Crucial Conversations for Boosting Self-Esteem Healthy Holistic Living
Becoming a parent is an enriching and exhilarating journey, filled with innumerable rewards. Its an occupation thats challenging, but every bit of effort invested in it offers a multitude of returns. Children possess an unconditional affection for their parents; however, there are specific phrases they yearn to hear, which often go unsaid.
Childhood and adolescence are critical phases of life when individuals develop their sense of self-esteem. Recent statistics reveal some alarming trends, underscoring the urgent need for proactive measures.
According to a study by
Dove, 52% of girls globally feel societal pressures
significantly impact their self-esteem. A Common Sense Media report
indicates that by the age of 13, approximately 80% of girls have
had concerns about their body image.
Boys are not immune either; the Journal of Adolescent Health found that nearly 18% of boys are highly concerned about their weight and physique. These concerns can result in reduced self-esteem and increased susceptibility to mental health disorders.
In terms of mental health, the numbers are startling. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately 1 in 6 U.S. youth (ages 6-17) experience a mental health disorder each year. The World Health Organization reports that half of all mental health conditions start by 14 years of age, but most cases are undetected and untreated.
The Crucial Role of a Strong Foundation at Home
Given these alarming statistics, the importance of fostering strong self-esteem at home cannot be o...
14:05
RFK Jr. resurrects an old antivax half-truth about saline placebos in randomized controlled trials of vaccines Science-Based Medicine
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has resurrected the antivax claim that the childhood vaccine schedule has never been tested in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a saline placebo controls (and therefore the vaccine schedule is unsafe). This is an old and deceptive antivax half-truth that ignores both what constitutes a scientifically valid placebo and the ethical requirements for RCTs.
The post RFK Jr. resurrects an old antivax half-truth about saline placebos in randomized controlled trials of vaccines first appeared on Science-Based Medicine.10:43
Fable of Fauxtism Age of Autism The Rebel Alliance!
Since Elon Musk took over Twitter, our account Twitter.com/AgeofAutism has been
opened up to a larger audience. As you can see by the Tweet above,
I make a LOT of friends every day. LOL! We have less
censorship. We see a lot more Tweets. The "autism" in our
name directs Tweets our way via some magic algorithm. We've been
questioning self-diagnosis and identity neurodiversity for more
than a decade. But today, there is a new twist. Autism has been
merged with trans issues. The puzzle piece is considered offensive,
replaced with a rainbow infinity symbol. If you search "autism
trans" on Twitter you come up with a whole lot of accounts and
Tweets from folks who claim to be both. I'm not denying anyone's
real experience and the problems they face. I have to ask though,
how did a DSM IV and V diagnosis become an identity to covet?
Of course, by questioning the autransm, some will brand me a
bigot, or anti-trans. I have a trans person in my life. I have
known him for 8 years. He is important to my daughters' safety and
success. I am fond of him, and grateful for him, as I am for
everyone who blesses my girls with kindness and care. I only found
out he is trans last year. It did not phase me a bit. I respect and
admire him without question. When I first moved to Connecticut in
2006, I frequented a tiny natural food store. There was a sweet
young man named Omar who used to help me. He was gentle, tall,
lithe and I thought he was gay. He was always kind to my girls as
we lumbered through the small aisles. He disappeared, then one day,
there he was! Except he was dressed as a woman, with full makeup.
What did I know? I said to him, "Omar! It's so nice to see you! I
have missed you!" He quietly responded, "My name is Jasmine."
And I said without skipping a beat, "Hi, Jasmine, I'm happy to meet
you." She beamed as I pushed my cart away.
If someone is truly autistic and trans, mazel tov. I'm still going
to ask WHY this sudden emergence. My daughters, maybe YOUR kids,
have 10000000000000000000 needs, right? Funding is scarce. Good
schools are crumbling. Adult services are non-existent. Support for
those who can work and attend college is spotty. And let's face it,
we parent caretakers are getting older and tired. Who benefits from
FAUXtism?
...
10:24
Grieving: The Key to Healing Trauma Mad In America
From Daniel Mackler: One of the main goals in healing from trauma is grieving: to grieve our losses, [the] things that we have been through, [the] parts of us that are broken, that were hurt, that were split off. To bring back into consciousness our feelings, our pain, our anger, our frustration and our sense of betrayal and abandonment. But how do we do that? How do we go through that process?
[In] my experience, the first part is setting the stage for grieving to happen. And that is doing the exploratory work to make sense of what our story is. And part of that is an intellectual process, and part of that is an emotional process. I think part of that can also be a social process . . . Its really, exploring our own biography, our history, the history of our childhood, especially the time in our life that really formed us into who we are.
. . . [Pre-kindergarten teachers used to tell me] By the time someone is four or five years old, you can already see by that point what kind of person theyre going to become. Because a lot of their traumas have already fixed in their personality; their personalities have already crystallized around their strengths and their weaknesses: the strengths being the true Self, who they really are, and a lot of their weaknesses being their traumas that have gotten locked in place.
Well, the process of grieving is the process of unlocking those frozen traumas. And they are what really give us a chance to change.
But how do we do it? How do we dig into that stuff?
I think part of the reason why its so hard to dig into that stuff is because its so incredibly painful. Really early childhood traumas are devastatingly painful. And I think the reason that a lot of people dont realize this in our modern world, in our modern societies, is that theyve never done it. They dont really believe that its even possible. Its too hard for most people, I think, to really get into that stuff . . .
One of the easiest ways to avoid getting into it at all, is to not even be aware that it ever happened. And I think thats one of the basic coping strategies that people use to not deal with their traumas, is to dissociate from them, to split off from them, to not even emotionally relate to the child that they were; basically, to disconnect from their history and forget that it even happened to block it out. And by extension, to also block out the experience of other children to not relate to children, to not emotionally, intuitively take the side of children in their conflicts in the world, their conflicts in their relationship to their parents; instead, to more intuitively side with the parents, to emotionally take the side of the parents. I think thats very common in society, to the point that its even ubiquitous . . .
But because of this, its very, very hard for people to heal their own traumas, to get into their own gri...
10:08
Probiotics of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei SD1 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SD11 attenuate inflammation and -cell death in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes. GreenMedInfo
PMID: PLoS One. 2023 ;18(4):e0284303. Epub 2023 Apr 11. PMID: 37040355 Abstract Title: Probiotics of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei SD1 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SD11 attenuate inflammation and-cell death in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic mice. Abstract: Probiotics provide health benefits in various aspects and are believed to modulate the immune system by balancing gut microbiota homeostasis, termed the "microbiota-immune axis". Recent evidence supports that several Lactobacillus strains possess glucose-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects in an animal model of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Although probiotics of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei SD1 (SD1) and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SD11 (SD11) exert human oral health benefits by reducing harmful bacterial populations, their clinical application regarding hypoglycemic-related traits as well as the underlying mechanisms are still lacking. In this report, we used multiple low doses of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic BALB/c mice to explore the effects of SD1 and SD11 supplementation on the regulation of markers related to T1D. Experimental mice were randomly assigned into five groups, non-STZ + V, STZ + V, STZ + SD1, STZ + SD11, and STZ + SDM (mixture of SD1 and SD11), and physiological data were measured every week. Blood and pancreas samples were collected at 4- and 8-weeks. Our results indicate that supplementation with SD1, SD11, or SDM for 8 weeks significantly improved body weights, glycemic levels, glucose tolerance, insulin levels, and lipid profiles. Probiotic administration also preserved islet integrity and increased-cell mass in STZ-injected mice, as well as prevented infiltration of macrophages, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells into the islets. Significantly, SD1 and SD11 suppressed the levels of IL1-, TNF-and IFN-and increased IL-10, which is concomitant with the inhibition of cleaved caspase 3, caspase 9, caspase 8, proapoptotic Bax, NF-Bp65, pSTAT1, and iNOS. Additionally, the survival ability of-cells was mediated by upregulated anti-apoptotic Bcl2. We conclude that SD1 and SD11 attenuate STZ-induced diabetic mice by stabilizing glycemic levels and reducing inflammation, thereby protecting-cells. Among the probiotic treatment groups, SD11 revealed the best results in almost all parameters, indicating its potential use for alleviating hyperglycemia-associated symptoms.
10:05
In-vitro and in-vivo antibacterial activity of potential probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Heliyon. 2023 Apr ;9(4):e14641. Epub 2023 Mar 20. PMID: 37035350 Abstract Title: andantibacterial activity of potential probioticagainstand. Abstract: Previous studies documented thathas obviouscholesterol-lowering abilities. In this study, initially,was tested in terms of antibacterial properties as well as antibiogram profile. Then, the safety of the mentioned strain was evaluated in rats. Evaluation of antibiotic susceptibility revealed that thestrain had high antibiotic resistance to several antibiotics as well as a great ability to autoaggregation. After identification of the probiotic aptitude, six groups of six rats from both sexes were used (three groups of each sex).was administered to the experimental groups via drinking water for 28 days (1 108 and 1 109, respectively). The negative control group received only tap water during this period. Hematological indicators, serum liver enzyme activity including (alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and aspartate transaminase (AST)) as well as serum creatinine and urea were evaluated at the end of 28 days. The blood and serum factors were not changed significantly during the 28 days. The only noticeable difference was the increase of blood urea in both sexes which was in a normal range. Furthermore, the evaluation of antagonistic properties revealed thathad antibacterial aptitude againstand. In conclusion, this strain has good cholesterol-lowering and antibacterial properties and is a safe supplement in Wistar rats.
10:03
Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I-5220-derived postbiotic protects from the leaky-gut. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Front Microbiol. 2023 ;14:1157164. Epub 2023 Mar 20. PMID: 37020718 Abstract Title: CNCM I-5220-derived postbiotic protects from the leaky-gut. Abstract: The maintenance of intestinal barrier function is essential for preventing different pathologies, such as the leaky gut syndrome (LGS), which is characterized by the passage of harmful agents, like bacteria, toxins, and viruses, into the bloodstream. Intestinal barrier integrity is controlled by several players, including the gut microbiota. Various molecules, called postbiotics, are released during the natural metabolic activity of the microbiota. Postbiotics can regulate host-microbe interactions, epithelial homeostasis, and have overall benefits for our health. In this work, we usedandsystems to demonstrate the role ofCNCM I-5220-derived postbiotic (LP-PBF) in preserving intestinal barrier integrity. We demonstratedthat LP-PBF restored the morphology of tight junctions (TJs) that were altered uponexposure., LP-PBF protected the gut vascular barrier and blockeddissemination into the bloodstream. Interestingly, we found that LP-PBF interacts not only with the host cells, but also directly withblocking its biofilm formation, partially due to the presence of biosurfactants. This study highlights that LP-PBF is beneficial in maintaining gut homeostasis due to the synergistic effect of its different components. These results suggest that LP-PBF could be utilized in managing several pathologies displaying an impaired intestinal barrier function.
10:01
These findings indicate that green tea can improve glucose metabolism. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Arch Microbiol. 2023 Apr 14 ;205(5):191. Epub 2023 Apr 14. PMID: 37059897 Abstract Title: Gut microbiota-mediated associations of green tea and catechin intakes with glucose metabolism in individuals without type 2 diabetes mellitus: a four-season observational study with mediation analysis. Abstract: This four-season observational study aimed to examine the mediating role of the gut microbiota in the associations between green tea and catechin intakes and glucose metabolism in individuals without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In each of the 4 seasons, 85 individuals without T2DM (56 male [65.9%]; mean [standard deviation] age: 43.3 [9.4] years) provided blood samples, stool samples, 3-day weighed dietary records, and green tea samples. Catechin intake was estimated by analyzing the tea samples. Linear mixed-effects model analysis showed that green tea intake was negatively associated with fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, even after considering the seasonal variations. Of the gut microbial species associated with green tea intake, the mediation analysis revealed that Phocaeicola vulgatus mediated the association between green tea intake and fasting blood glucose levels. These findings indicate that green tea can improve glucose metabolism by decreasing the abundance of P. vulgatus that is associated with elevated blood glucose levels in individuals without T2DM.
10:00
While many are under the impression that e-cigarettes or vaping is safer than smoking traditional combustible cigarettes, evidence is heavily stacked against this notion. Unfortunately, this information isnt reaching the masses, and teens are becoming addicted to vaping in droves. As reported by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF):1
When the FDA [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] first asserted the authority to regulate e-cigarettes in 2016, many people assumed the agency would quickly get rid of vapes with flavors like cotton candy, gummy bears, and Froot Loops that appeal to kids.
Instead, the FDA allowed all e-cigarettes already on the market to stay while their manufacturers applied for the OK to market them. Seven years later, vaping has ballooned into an $8.2 billion industry, and manufacturers are flooding the market with thousands of products most sold illegally and without FDA permission that can be far more addictive ...
[T]odays vapes have become bigger, badder, and cheaper than older models, said Robin Koval, CEO of the Truth Initiative, a tobacco control advocacy group. The enormous amount of nicotine in e-cigarettes up 76% over five years can addict kids in a matter of days, Koval said.
E-cigarettes in the U.S. now contain nicotine concentrations that are, on average, more than twice the level allowed in Canada and Europe. The U.S. sets no limits on the nicotine content of any tobacco product.
Weve never delivered this level of nicotine before, said Matthew Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, which opposes youth vaping. We really dont know the long-term health implications.
Vaping Has Skyrocketed Among Youth
According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data,2 more than 2.5 million youth used vaping products in 2022, including 14.1% of high school students and 3.3% of middle school students. Most of these children (84.9%) reported using flavored e-cigarettes, with fruit flavors being the most popular at 69.1%, followed by candy and dessert flavors at 38.3%.
Disturbingly, flavored e-cigarettes appear to be the most harmful, so in addition to appealing to children, they may also cause the most harm to health.
For example, research3 published in April 2022 found that vaping with mango- or mint-flavored pods increases the inflammatory process in multiple organ systems, with the most striking changes happening in the brain, which may contribute to behavior changes and mood disorders. They...
Quick Technique Lowers Blood Pressure in Minutes Articles
Editor's Note: This article is a reprint. It was originally published April 25, 2019.
The way you breathe has a significant impact on your health, and various breathing exercises have been shown to improve your health and well-being in a number of ways.
Researchers have found inspiratory muscle strength training a technique that strengthens your respiratory musculature can improve cardiovascular health, as well as cognitive and physical performance.
Inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) involves inhaling through a hand-held device that restricts air flow. By making you work harder to breathe in, you strengthen the muscles used for inhalation. The inspiratory muscle trainer device was originally developed for people with respiratory conditions, and to help wean patients off mechanical ventilation.
As you might expect, your breathing muscles, including your diaphragm, will lose strength and atrophy from lack of use, just as other muscles in your body, and research1 shows that strengthening the breathing muscles improves weaning outcome in patients that have become too weak to breathe on their own after being on a ventilator.
How Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training Benefits Your Health
In the featured study, the preliminary results of which were presented at the annual Experimental Biology conference2 in Orlando, Florida, the researchers investigated how IMST might affect vascular, cognitive and physical health in middle-aged adults.
A previous study3 had shown patients with obstructive sleep apnea who used the device to perform 30 inhalations per day for six weeks lowered their systolic blood pressure by an average of 12 millimeters of mercury (mm/Hg).
As reported by Medical News Today,4 "Exercising for the same amount of time usually only lowers blood pressure by half that amount, and the benefits seem to exceed those normally achieved with hypertension medication."
Intrigued by these findings, the researchers, led by Daniel Craighead, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Colorado Boulder's Integrative Physiology of Aging Laboratory, decided to investigate whether IMST might be useful for middle-aged adults who resist exercise.5,...
Why The New York Times Advises Complete Avoidance of Sunshine Articles
The New York Times published an article advising readers, "How to Get Absolutely No Sun This Summer."1 Id like to say this is a joke, but its disturbingly real. It begins by stating theres "no such thing as a safe tan," warning that should you avail yourself of a bit of daily sun, youre setting yourself up for sunspots, skin discoloration, premature aging and skin cancer.
While too much sun can, indeed, harm your skin, the article completely neglects to tell readers that too little sun can be equally detrimental to your health and likely more so.
New York Times Recommends Full Face Masks, Staying Indoors
This summer, The New York Times recommends you only venture out into the sun if youre prepared to fully block its rays. In addition to applying sunscreen every two hours "across every exposed bit of skin, including your hands and the tips of your ears," they suggest using a hat, long-sleeved clothing and an umbrella.
But thats not all. A full face mask that covers your face up to your eyes or one that goes completely over your head is also recommended, along with sun capes, gloves, sunglasses and visors. Or, you could simply avoid going outside altogether. Dr. Maressa C. Criscito, an assistant professor of dermatology at New York University Langone Health, told the Times:2
"Coupling your sunscreen with a hat, or UPF clothing, or sitting under an umbrella, or going indoors for lunch during the high, peak UV index those are all things that you could do in addition to your sunscreen application."
The Times even worked in what appears to be a cheap shot at yours truly, noting that a dermatologist they spoke to, Dr. Shereene Idriss from New York City, "bristled at the mention of the anti-sunscreen posts that occasionally pop up on social media, shared by self-proclaimed health experts who believe seed oils to be at the root of all modern ailments."3
Yet seed oils are part of the equation when it comes to the sun and your health Ill explain why below. The fear-based article, unfortunately, is doing an extreme disservice to anyone who reads it and comes away believing they must shun the sun entirely.
What Does the Science Say About Sun Exposure and Cancer?
The biggest fear many have about the sun is that it may increase the risk of skin cancer. The Times certainly played on this fear, writing:4
"In the 1700s, the average life expectancy was 30 to 40. The median age at which melanoma is diagnosed is 65," she [Idriss] said. "If people seemed to get less skin cancer b...
09:58
The impact of Emblica officinalis on lipid profile, glucose, and C-reactive protein. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2023 Mar ;17(3):102729. Epub 2023 Mar 11. PMID: 36934568 Abstract Title: The impact of Emblica Officinalis (Amla) on lipid profile, glucose, and C-reactive protein: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Emblica Officinalis (Amla) is a plant often utilized in traditional medicine due to its purported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic properties. However, current evidence regarding its potential for preventing and treating metabolic abnormalities associated with chronic diseases remains unclear.METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of Amla supplementation on lipid profile, glucose, and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in adults. We completed a systematic search (current as of December 2022) of all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the database including ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Any effect's mean difference (MD) was calculated using a random-effects model. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated also calculated using a random-effects model.RESULTS: Five RTCs were included in the meta-analysis. Following Amla supplementation, pooled results showed a significant reduction in CRP (p = 0.002), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (p
09:56
Emblica officinalis mitigates intestinal toxicity of mice by modulating gut microbiota in lead exposure. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2023 Mar 15 ;253:114648. Epub 2023 Feb 20. PMID: 36812873 Abstract Title: Emblica officinalis mitigates intestinal toxicity of mice by modulating gut microbiota in lead exposure. Abstract: Lead (Pb) contamination has been affecting public health for decades. As a plant-derived medicine, the safety and effectiveness of Emblica officinalis (E. officinalis) fruit extract has been emphasized. The current study focused on mitigating the adverse effects of lead (Pb) exposure in reducing its toxicity worldwide. According to our findings, E. officinalis significantly improved weight loss and colon length shortening (p
09:53
This study shows the usefulness of combining iodine with Amla in mitigating radiation-induced mucositis. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2022 Dec ;74(Suppl 3):6330-6338. Epub 2022 Jan 11. PMID: 36742808 Abstract Title: Aqueous Extract ofLinn (Indian gooseberry) in Combination with Iodine is More Efficacious than Iodine Alone in Mitigating Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Curative Radiotherapy: Retrospective Observations. Abstract: Mucositis is a very painful unavoidable and common side effect in head and neck cancer patients undergoing curative radiotherapy and can affect the planned treatment. In this study, attempt is made at understanding the efficacy ofLinn (amla) when combined with providone iodine in mitigating radiation-induced mucositis, weight loss and tumor control. This was a retrospective chart based study and was carried out by extracting the data from the files of patients with cancer of head and neck who used amla in combination with iodine or iodine alone during the course of the curative radiotherapy (>60 Gy). The data was entered in to Microsoft excel and subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS 17 software. The results indicate that when compared with iodine alone, the group where iodine and amla gargling were used was very effective in delaying mucositis, reduced incidence of intolerable mucositis (=0.027), quantitative grade of weight loss (=0.016), incidence of severe weight loss (=0.03) without affecting tumor response. The results suggest that when compared with iodine alone, amla when combined with iodine was more effective in mitigating radiation mucositis and by not interfering with the tumor cell kill. As far as the authors are aware of this is the first study that shows the usefulness of combining iodine with Amla in mitigating radiation-induced mucositis.
09:50
Preventive effect of Indian gooseberry fruit extract on cognitive decline. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Mol Nutr Food Res. 2023 Apr ;67(7):e2200791. Epub 2023 Feb 21. PMID: 36738163 Abstract Title: Preventive Effect of Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica L.) Fruit Extract on Cognitive Decline in High-Fat Diet (HFD)-Fed Rats. Abstract: SCOPE: Methylglyoxal (MG)-derived advanced glycation end products (AGEs) directly bind to the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), subsequently exacerbating obesity and obesity-induced cognitive decline. Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica L.) fruit has antiobesity properties. However, the underlying mechanism by which Indian gooseberry fruit prevents obesity-induced cognitive decline remains unclear.METHODS AND RESULTS: This study aims to investigate the preventive effect of a water extract of Indian gooseberry fruit (WEIG) and its bioactive compound gallic acid (GA) on the obesity-induced cognitive decline through MG suppression and gut microbiota modulation in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats. Trapping MG, WEIG, and GA significantly ameliorate fat accumulation in adipose tissue and learning and memory deficits. Mechanistically, WEIG and GA administration effectively reduces brain MG and AGE levels and subsequently reduces insulin resistance, inflammatory cytokines, MDA production, and Alzheimer's disease-related proteins, but increases both antioxidant enzyme activities and anti-inflammatory cytokine with inhibiting RAGE, MAPK, and NF-B levels in HFD-fed rats. Additionally, WEIG and GA supplementation increases the relative abundances of Bacteroidetes, Gammaproteobacteria, and Parasutterella, which negatively correlate with MG, inflammatory cytokine, and Alzheimer's disease-related protein expressions.CONCLUSION: This novel finding provides a possible mechanism by which WEIG prevents obesity-induced cognitive decline through the gut-brain axis.
09:44
Attenuation of hyperlipidemia by medicinal formulations of Emblica officinalis. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Bioengineering (Basel). 2023 Jan 4 ;10(1). Epub 2023 Jan 4. PMID: 36671636 Abstract Title: Attenuation of Hyperlipidemia by Medicinal Formulations ofSynergized with Nanotechnological Approaches. Abstract: The ayurvedic herb() is a gift to mankind to acquire a healthy lifestyle. It has great therapeutic and nutritional importance., also known as Indian gooseberry or Amla, is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family. Amla is beneficial for treating illnesses in all its forms. The most crucial component is a fruit, which is also the most common. It is used frequently in Indian medicine as a restorative, diuretic, liver tonic, refrigerant, stomachic, laxative, antipyretic, hair tonic, ulcer preventive, and for the common cold and fever. Hyperlipidemia is also known as high cholesterol or an increase in one or more lipid-containing blood proteins. Various phytocompounds, including polyphenols, vitamins, amino acids, fixed oils, and flavonoids, are present in the various parts of.has been linked to a variety of pharmacological effects in earlier studies, including hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, radioprotective, and hyperlipidemic effects. The amla-derived active ingredients and food products nevertheless encounter challenges such as instability and interactions with other food matrices. Considering the issue from this perspective, food component nanoencapsulation is a young and cutting-edge field for controlled and targeted delivery with a range of preventative activities. The nanoformulation offacilitates the release of active components or food ingredients, increased bioaccessibility, enhanced therapeutic activities, and digestion in the human body. Accordingly, the current review provides a summary of the phytoconstituents of, pharmacological actions detailing the plant's traditional uses, and especially hyperlipidemic activity. Correspondingly, the article describes the uses of nanotechnology in amla therapeutics and functional ingredients.
09:41
Catechins: Protective mechanism of antioxidant stress in atherosclerosis. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Front Pharmacol. 2023 ;14:1144878. Epub 2023 Mar 24. PMID: 37033663 Abstract Title: Catechins: Protective mechanism of antioxidant stress in atherosclerosis. Abstract: Tea has long been valued for its health benefits, especially its potential to prevent and treat atherosclerosis (AS). Abnormal lipid metabolism and oxidative stress are major factors that contribute to the development of AS. Tea, which originated in China, is believed to help prevent AS. Research has shown that tea is rich in catechins, which is considered a potential source of natural antioxidants. Catechins are the most abundant antioxidants in green tea, and are considered to be the main compound responsible for tea's antioxidant activity. The antioxidant properties of catechins are largely dependent on the structure of molecules, and the number and location of hydroxyl groups or their substituents. As an exogenous antioxidant, catechins can effectively eliminate lipid peroxidation products. They can also play an antioxidant role indirectly by activating the endogenous antioxidant system by regulating enzyme activity and signaling pathways. In this review, we summarized the preventive effect of catechin in AS, and emphasized that improving the antioxidant effect and lipid metabolism disorders of catechins is the key to managing AS.
09:40
Moringa oleifera ameliorates antiretroviral drug-induced hepatotoxicity by scavenging oxidants. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Plants (Basel). 2023 Apr 3 ;12(7). Epub 2023 Apr 3. PMID: 37050167 Abstract Title: Lam Leaf Extract Stimulates NRF2 and Attenuates ARV-Induced Toxicity in Human Liver Cells (HepG2). Abstract: The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that there are 37 million individuals living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) worldwide, with the majority in South Africa. This chronic disease is managed by the effective use of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. However, with prolonged use, ARV drug-induced toxicity remains a clinically complex problem. This study investigated the toxicity of ARV drugs on mitochondria and the NRF2 antioxidant pathway and its possible amelioration usingLam (MO) leaf extracts. This medicinal plant has a range of functional bioactive compounds. Liver (HepG2) cells were treated with individual ARV drugs: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), Emtricitabine (FTC), and Lamivudine (3TC) for 96 h, followed by MO leaf extracts for 24 h. Intracellular ROS, cytotoxicity, lipid peroxidation, total and reduced glutathione (GSH), ATP, and mitochondrial polarisation were determined. Finally, protein (pNRF2, NRF2, SOD2, CAT, and Sirt3) and mRNA (,,,, and) expression were measured using Western blot and qPCR, respectively. TDF, FTC, and 3TC significantly increased intracellular ROS and extracellular levels of both MDA and LDH. ARVs also reduced the GSH and ATP levels and altered the mitochondrial polarization. Further, ARVs reduced the expression of,,,,andmRNA and consequently pNRF2, NRF2, SOD2, Sirt3 and CAT protein. In contrast, there was a significant reduction in the extracellular MDA and LDH levels post-MO treatment. MO significantly reduced intracellular ROS while significantly increasing GSH, ATP, and mitochondrial membrane polarization. The addition of MO to ARV-treated cells significantly upregulated the expression of,,,,,, andmRNA and pNRF2, NRF2, SOD2, Sirt3 proteins. Thus, MO ameliorates ARV-induced hepatotoxicity by scavenging oxidants by inducing the NRF2 antioxidant pathway. MO shows great therapeutic potential and may be considered a potential supplement to ameliorate ARV drug toxicity.
09:36
Apoptotic potential of glucomoringin isothiocyanate isolated from Moringa oleifera seeds on human prostate cancer cells. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Molecules. 2023 Apr 4 ;28(7). Epub 2023 Apr 4. PMID: 37049977 Abstract Title: Apoptotic Potential of Glucomoringin Isothiocyanate (GMG-ITC) Isolated fromLam Seeds on Human Prostate Cancer Cells (PC-3). Abstract: Inhibition of several protein pathways involved in cancer cell regulation is a necessary key in the discovery of cancer chemotherapy.Lam is often used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various illnesses. The plant contains glucomoringin isothiocyanate (GMG-ITC) with therapeutic potential against various cancer cells. Therefore, GMG-ITC was evaluated for its cytotoxicity against the PC-3 prostate cancer cell line and its potential to induce apoptosis. GMG-ITC inhibited cell proliferation in the PC-3 cell line with IC50 value 3.5g/mL. Morphological changes as a result of GMG-ITC-induced apoptosis showed chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, and membrane blebbing. Additionally, Annexin V assay showed proportion of cells in early and late apoptosis upon exposure to GMG-ITC in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, GMG-ITC induced a time-dependent G2/M phase arrest, with reduction of 39.1% in the PC-3 cell line. GMG-ITC also activates apoptotic genes including caspase, tumor suppressor gene (p53), Akt/MAPK, and Bax of the proapoptotic Bcl family. Early apoptosis proteins (JNK, Bad, Bcl2, and p53) were significantly upregulated upon GMG-ITC treatment. It is concluded that apoptosis induction was observed in PC-3 cells treated with GMG-ITC. These phenomena suggest that GMG-ITC fromseeds could be useful as a future cytotoxic agent against prostate cancer.
09:32
Synergistic effects of benzyl isothiocyanate and resveratrol against Listeria monocytogenes and their application in chicken meat preservation. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Food Chem. 2023 Sep 1 ;419:135984. Epub 2023 Mar 23. PMID: 37044056 Abstract Title: Synergistic effects of benzyl isothiocyanate and resveratrol against Listeria monocytogenes and their application in chicken meat preservation. Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) and resveratrol (RS) on Listeria monocytogenes and their application in chicken meat preservation. BITC combined with RS (BR) significantly enhanced the antimicrobial activity and inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes within 24 h compared to individual treatment, as well as suppressing bacterial swimming and swarming motility, reducing biofilm formation by 56.4%, increasing cell membrane disruption, and inducing intracellular ROS surges. Synergistic effects were associated with the inhibition of biofilm formation, cell membrane destruction, and ROS production. Biofilm removal facilitated the direct antimicrobial action of BR. RS disrupted cell membrane permeability, allowing more BITC into the cells, resulting in increased intracellular antibacterial levels, cell membrane hyperpolarization, and rapid ROS accumulation. Furthermore, BR visibly slowed the microbial growth in chicken flesh stored at 25 C and 4 C. Therefore, BR is expected to be a new strategy for food preservation.
09:31
Benzyl isothiocyanate attenuates activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in Kupffer cells and improves diet-induced steatohepatitis. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2023 Mar 1 ;462:116424. Epub 2023 Feb 10. PMID: 36775252 Abstract Title: Benzyl isothiocyanate attenuates activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in Kupffer cells and improves diet-induced steatohepatitis. Abstract: The NLRP3 inflammasome plays an important role in the pathogenesis of numerous inflammation-related diseases. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is rich in cruciferous vegetables and possesses potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-obesogenic properties. In this study, we investigated the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the protection by BITC against steatohepatitis and insulin resistance. A mouse model of high-fat/cholesterol/cholic acid diet (HFCCD)-induced steatohepatitis, LPS/nigericin-stimulated primary Kupffer cells, and IL-1treated primary hepatocytes were used. BITC attenuated LPS/nigericin-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by enhancing protein kinase A-dependent NLRP3 ubiquitination, which increased the degradation of NLRP3 and reduced IL-1secretion in Kupffer cells. In hepatocytes, BITC pretreatment reversed the IL-1-induced decrease in the phosphorylation of IR, AKT, and GSK3in response to insulin. After 12 weeks of HFCCD feeding, increases in blood alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and glucose levels were ameliorated by BITC. Hepatic IL-1production, macrophage infiltration, and collagen expression induced by HFCCD were also mitigated by BITC. BITC suppresses activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in Kupffer cells by enhancing the PKA-dependent ubiquitination of NLRP3, which leads to suppression of IL-1production and subsequently ameliorates hepatic inflammation and insulin resistance.
09:27
Cauliflower and radish inhibited metabolic activity and induced ROS in selected human HCT116 and HT-29 colorectal cancer cells. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Nov 13 ;19(22). Epub 2022 Nov 13. PMID: 36429638 Abstract Title: Isothiocyanate-Rich Extracts from Cauliflower (Var. Botrytis) and Radish () Inhibited Metabolic Activity and Induced ROS in Selected Human HCT116 and HT-29 Colorectal Cancer Cells. Abstract: Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and radish contain isothiocyanates exhibiting chemoprotective effects in vitro and in vivo. This research aimed to assess the impact of cauliflower (CIE) and radish (RIE) isothiocyanate extracts on the metabolic activity, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and LDH production of selected human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HCT116 and HT-29 for early and late colon cancer development, respectively). Non-cancerous colon cells (CCD-33Co) were used as a cytotoxicity control. The CIE samples displayed the highest allyl isothiocyanate (AITC: 12.55g/g) contents, whereas RIE was the most abundant in benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC: 15.35g/g). Both extracts effectively inhibited HCT116 and HT-29 metabolic activity, but the CIE impact was higher than that of RIE on HCT116 (IC: 0.56 mg/mL). Assays using the half-inhibitory concentrations (IC) of all treatments, including AITC and BITC, displayed increased (
09:22
The anti-inflammatory activity of GABA-enriched Moringa oleifera leaves produced by fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum LK-1. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Front Nutr. 2023 ;10:1093036. Epub 2023 Mar 9. PMID: 36969807 Abstract Title: The anti-inflammatory activity of GABA-enrichedleaves produced by fermentation with. Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), one of the main active components inleaves, can be widely used to treat multiple diseases including inflammation.METHODS: In this study, the anti-inflammatory activity and the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanism of the GABA-enrichedleaves fermentation broth (MLFB) were investigated on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells model. The key active components changes like total flavonoids, total polyphenols and organic acid in the fermentation broth after fermentation was also analyzed.RESULTS: ELISA, RT-qPCR and Western blot results indicated that MLFB could dose-dependently inhibit the secretions and intracellular expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like 1(IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-(TNF-). Furthermore, MLFB also suppressed the expressions of prostaglandin E(PGE) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Moreover, the mRNA expressions of the key molecules like Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) and nuclear factor (NF)-B in the NF-B signaling pathway were also restrained by MLFB in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, the key active components analysis result showed that the GABA, total polyphenols, and most organic acids like pyruvic acid, lactic acid as well as acetic acid were increased obviously after fermentation. The total flavonoids content in MLFB was still remained to be 32 mg/L though a downtrend was presented after fermentation.DISCUSSION: Our results indicated that the MLFB could effectively alleviate LPS-induced inflammatory response by inhibiting the secretions of pro-inflammatory cytokines and its underlying mechanism might be associated with the inhibition of TLR-4/NF-B inflammatory signaling pathway activation. The anti-inflammatory activity of MLFB might related to the relative high contents of GABA as well as other active constituents such as flavonoids, phenolics and organic acids in MLFB. Our study provides the theoretical basis for applying GABA-enrichedleaves as a functional food ingredient in the precaution and treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.
09:18
The administration of a food supplement (Gasteel Plus) was shown to be a protective factor in the group of patients with severe COVID-19. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Nutrients. 2023 Apr 1 ;15(7). Epub 2023 Apr 1. PMID: 37049576 Abstract Title: Effect of an Immune-Boosting, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Food Supplement in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Randomized Pilot Study. Abstract: BACKGROUND: COVID-19 disease is a serious global health problem. Few treatments have been shown to reduce mortality and accelerate time to recovery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effect of a food supplement (probiotics, prebiotics, vitamin D, zinc and selenium) in patients admitted with COVID-19.METHODS: A prospective randomized non-blinded clinical trial was conducted in a sample of 162 hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 recruited over eight months. All patients received standard treatment, but the intervention group (= 67) was given one food supplement stick daily during their admission. After collecting the study variables, a statistical analysis was performed comparing the intervention and control groups and a multivariate analysis controlling for variables that could act as confounding factors.RESULTS: ROC curve analysis with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.840 (
09:13
Effects of l-arginine plus vitamin C supplementation on l-arginine metabolism in adults with long COVID. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Mar 7 ;24(6). Epub 2023 Mar 7. PMID: 36982151 Abstract Title: Effects of l-Arginine Plus Vitamin C Supplementation on l-Arginine Metabolism in Adults with Long COVID: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial. Abstract: Altered l-arginine metabolism has been described in patients with COVID-19 and has been associated with immune and vascular dysfunction. In the present investigation, we determined the serum concentrations of l-arginine, citrulline, ornithine, monomethyl-l-arginine (MMA), and symmetric and asymmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA, ADMA) in adults with long COVID at baseline and after 28-days of l-arginine plus vitamin C or placebo supplementation enrolled in a randomized clinical trial, compared with a group of adults without previous history of SARS-CoV-2-infection. l-arginine-derived markers of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability (i.e., l-arginine/ADMA, l-arginine/citrulline+ornithine, and l-arginine/ornithine) were also assayed. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models were built to characterize systemic l-arginine metabolism and assess the effects of the supplementation. PLS-DA allowed discrimination of participants with long COVID from healthy controls with 80.23.0% accuracy. Lower markers of NO bioavailability were found in participants with long COVID. After 28 days of l-arginine plus vitamin C supplementation, serum l-arginine concentrations and l-arginine/ADMA increased significantly compared with placebo. This supplement may therefore be proposed as a remedy to increase NO bioavailability in people with long COVID.
09:10
The effect of vitamin D on the severity of dysmenorrhea and menstrual blood loss. GreenMedInfo
PMID: BMC Womens Health. 2023 Mar 27 ;23(1):138. Epub 2023 Mar 27. PMID: 36973702 Abstract Title: The effect of vitamin D on the severity of dysmenorrhea and menstrual blood loss: a randomized clinical trial. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Primary dysmenorrhea is considered as one of the women's main problems during reproductive age. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D on the severity of dysmenorrhea and menstrual blood loss.METHODS: This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, was performed on 84 single female college students between 18 and 25 years old who living in dormitories. Students with primary dysmenorrhea and vitamin D deficiency were divided into experimental (n=42) and control (n=42) groups. Five days before the putative beginning of their next menstrual cycle, the experimental group received 300,000 IU vitamin D (50,000 IU, two tablets every 8 h), and the control group received a placebo (oral paraffin). The effects of the supplement on the severity of dysmenorrhea and menstrual blood loss were evaluated one cycle before and during two successive cycles. Using the visual analog scale (VAS), verbal multidimensional scoring system (VMS), and pictorial blood assessment chart (PBLAC) questionnaires. Fisher's exact, Chi-square, independent sample t-test and repeated measurements were used.RESULTS: In total, 78 of the 84 students completed the study (39 students per group). The intervention resulted in a significant reduction in the mean scores of both the VAS and VMS in the experimental group, in the first and second menstrual cycles (p
09:08
Berberine induces SOCS1 pathway to reprogram the M1 polarization of macrophages via miR-155-5p in colitis-associated colorectal cancer. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Eur J Pharmacol. 2023 Jun 15 ;949:175724. Epub 2023 Apr 13. PMID: 37059377 Abstract Title: Berberine induces SOCS1 pathway to reprogram the M1 polarization of macrophages via miR-155-5p in colitis-associated colorectal cancer. Abstract: Berberine is approved for the treatment of intestinal infections and diarrhea and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects in pathological intestinal tissues. However, it is unclear whether the anti-inflammatory effect of berberine contributes to its anti-tumor effect on colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). In this study, we found that berberine effectively inhibited tumorigenesis and protected against colon shortening in CAC mouse model. Immunohistochemistry results showed a reduction in the number of macrophage infiltrations in the colon following berberine treatment. Further analysis revealed that most of the infiltrated macrophages were pro-inflammatory M1 type, which berberine effectively limited. However, in another CRC model without chronic colitis, berberine had no significant effect on tumor number or colon length. In vitro studies demonstrated that berberine treatment significantly reduced the percentage of M1 type and levels of Interleukin-1(IL-1), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-(TNF-). Additionally, miR-155-5p level was down-regulated, and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) expression was up-regulated in berberine-treated cells. Notably, the miR-155-5p inhibitor attenuated the regulatory effects of berberine on SOCS1 signaling and macrophage polarization. Altogether, our findings suggest that the inhibitory effect of berberine on CAC development is dependent on its anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, miR-155-5p may be involved in the pathogenesis of CAC by regulating M1 macrophage polarization, and berberine could be a promising protective agent against miR-155-5p-mediated CAC. This study provides new insights into pharmacologic mechanisms of berberine and supports the possibility that other anti-miR-155-5p drugs may be beneficial in the treatment of CAC.
09:06
Berberine induces combined cell death in gastrointestinal cell lines. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Apr 1 ;24(7). Epub 2023 Apr 1. PMID: 37047563 Abstract Title: Berberine Induces Combined Cell Death in Gastrointestinal Cell Lines. Abstract: Berberine (BBR) is a plant alkaloid that has various biological activities. The effects of BBR on gastrointestinal cancer (GIC) have also been investigated and anti-tumor effects such as induction of cell death have been reported. However, the mechanism of BBR-induced cell death has not been fully elucidated. To this end, we investigated the effects of BBR using three GIC cell lines. Our analyses revealed that BBR inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, sphere formation, and anticancer drug resistance in all of the cell lines. BBR also induced an increase in mitochondrial superoxide, lipid peroxide and Felevels, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and respiration, decreased glutathione peroxidase 4 expression and glutathione and induced Parkin/PINK1-associated mitophagy. BBR, as well as rotenone, inhibited mitochondrial complex I and enhanced complex II, which were associated with autophagy, reactive oxidative species production, and cell death. Inhibition of complex II by malonate abrogated these changes. BBR-induced cell death was partially rescued by ferrostatin-1, deferoxamine, Z-VAD-FMK, and ATG5 knockdown. Furthermore, oral administration of BBR significantly reduced tumor weight and ascites in a syngeneic mouse peritoneal metastasis model using CT26 GIC cells. These findings suggest that BBR induced a combined type of cell death via complex I inhibition and autophagy. The marked anti-tumor and anti-stemness effects are expected to be useful as a new cell death-inducing agent for the treatment of GIC.
08:53
Berberine enhances intestinal mucosal barrier function. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Chin J Integr Med. 2023 Apr 12. Epub 2023 Apr 12. PMID: 37046128 Abstract Title: Berberine Enhances Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function by Promoting Vitamin D Receptor Activity. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if berberine can act on vitamin D receptors (VDR) and thereby regulate the expression of tight junction proteins (TJPs) in irritable bowel syndrame-diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D) rats.METHODS: The newborn rats were induced into IBS-D rat model via neonatal maternal separation combined with acetic acid chemical stimulation. After modeling, the model was evaluated and rats were divided into the control group and berberine treatment groups (0.85, 1.7 and 3.4 mg/kg, once a day for 2 weeks). The distal colon was obtained and colonic epithelial cells (CECs) were isolated and cultured after IBS-D model evaluation. The vitamin D receptor response element (VDRE) reporter gene was determined in the CECs of IBS-D rats to analyze the effect of berberine on the VDRE promoter. VDR overexpression or silencing technology was used to analyze whether VDR plays a role in promoting intestinal barrier repair, and to determine which region of VDR plays a role in berberine-regulated intestinal TJPs.RESULTS: The IBS-D rat model was successfully constructed and the symptoms were improved by berberine in a dose-dependent manner (P
08:42
Berberine mitigates intracerebral hemorrhage-induced neuroinflammation in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Aging (Albany NY). 2023 Apr 7 ;15(7):2705-2720. Epub 2023 Apr 7. PMID: 37036515 Abstract Title: Berberine mitigates intracerebral hemorrhage-induced neuroinflammation in a gut microbiota-dependent manner in mice. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Neuroinflammation is a frequent cause of brain damage after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Gut microbiota are reported to regulate neuroinflammation. Berberine has been found to have anti-inflammatory actions, including in the central nervous system. However, it is not known whether berberine regulates neuroinflammation after ICH, nor is the relationship between the antineuroinflammatory actions of berberine and the gut microbiota after ICH understood.METHODS: ICH was induced in male mice by collagenase injection. Immunofluorescent staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed to detect microglia/macrophage phenotypes. Immunofluorescent staining, ELISA, and FITC-dextran were conducted to determine gut function. 16S rRNA sequencing of the fecal material was conducted to determine alterations in the gut microbiota. Antibiotic cocktail treatment and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) were used to deplete or restore the gut microbiota, respectively. Cylinder, forelimb placement and wire hanging tests were conducted to evaluate neurobehavioral function.RESULTS: Berberine significantly reduced neuroinflammation and alleviated neurological dysfunction by preventing microglial/macrophage proinflammatory polarization in ICH mice. Berberine also enhanced the function of the intestinal barrier, as shown by reductions in the levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein. Neuroinflammation in ICH mice was markedly reduced after transplantation of microbiota from berberine-treated mice, similar to treatment with oral berberine. In addition, a reduction in the microbiota reversed the neuroprotective effect of berberine.CONCLUSIONS: Berberine is a potential treatment for ICH-induced neuroinflammation, and its effects are at least partially dependent on the gut microbiota.
08:35
Higher intake of dietary flavonols, specifically dietary quercetin, is associated with lower odds of frailty onset over 12 years of follow-up. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Am J Clin Nutr. 2023 Apr 13. Epub 2023 Apr 13. PMID: 37061164 Abstract Title: Higher intake of dietary flavonols, specifically dietary quercetin, is associated with lower odds of frailty onset over 12 years of follow-up among adults in the Framingham Heart Study. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Polyphenolic antioxidants derived from plant foods may reduce oxidative stress and frailty, but the effect of the polyphenol subclass of dietary flavonoids and their subclasses on frailty is uncertain.OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between dietary flavonoids, their subclasses, quercetin (a specific flavonol), and frailty onset in adults.METHODS: This prospective cohort study included individuals from the Framingham Heart Study with no frailty at baseline. Intake of total flavonoids, subclasses of flavonoids (flavonols, flavan-3-ols, flavonones, flavones, anthocyanins, and polymeric flavonoids), and quercetin were estimated via semi-quantitative FFQ along with frailty (Fried phenotype), and covariates at baseline (1998-2001). Frailty was re-evaluated in 2011-2014. Logistic regression estimated OR and 95% CIs for each flavonoid variable and frailty onset.RESULTS: Mean age was 58.4 y (SD8.3, n = 1701; 55.5% women). The mean total flavonoid intake was 309 mg/d (SD266). After 12.4 (SD0.8) y, 224 (13.2%) individuals developed frailty. Although total flavonoid intake was not statistically associated with frailty onset (adjusted OR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.99-1.01), each 10 mg/d of higher flavonol intake was linked with 20% lower odds of frailty onset (OR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.67-0.96). Other subclasses showed no association (P values range: 0.12-0.99), but every 10 mg/d of higher quercetin intake was associated with 35% lower odds of frailty onset (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.48-0.88).CONCLUSIONS: Although no association was observed between total flavonoid intake and frailty onset in adults, a higher intake of flavonols was associated with lower odds of frailty onset, with a particularly strong association for quercetin. This hypothesis-generating study highlights the importance of assessing specific subclasses of flavonoids and the potential of dietary flavonols and quercetin as a strategy to prevent the development of frailty.
08:32
Inhibition mechanism of -glucosidase inhibitors screened from Tartary buckwheat and synergistic effect with acarbose. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Food Chem. 2023 Sep 15 ;420:136102. Epub 2023 Apr 7. PMID: 37060666 Abstract Title: Inhibition mechanism of-glucosidase inhibitors screened from Tartary buckwheat and synergistic effect with acarbose. Abstract: Tartary buckwheat has been shown to provide a good antihyperglycemic effect. However, it is unclear which active compounds play a key role in attenuating postprandial hyperglycemia. Presently, acetone extract from the hull of Tartary buckwheat had the best effect for-glucosidase inhibition (IC = 0.02 mg/mL). Twelve potential-glucosidase inhibitors from Tartary buckwheat were screened and identified by the combination of ultrafiltration and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Myricetin and quercetin exhibited the highest anti--glucosidase activity with ICvalues of 0.02 and 0.06 mg/mL, respectively. These inhibitors manifested different types of inhibition manners against-glucosidase via direct interaction with the amino acid residues. The results of structure-activity relationships indicated that an increase in the number of -OH on the B-ring greatly strengthened-glucosidase inhibitory activity, but glucoside and rutinoside replacement on the C-ring obviously weakened this influence. Furthermore, a synergistic effect was observed between inhibitors with different inhibition manners.
08:30
Myricetin attenuates hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neonatal rats. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Front Pharmacol. 2023 ;14:1134464. Epub 2023 Mar 8. PMID: 36969871 Abstract Title: Myricetin attenuates hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neonatal ratsNRF2 signaling pathway. Abstract: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a crucial cause of neonatal death and neurological sequelae, but currently there is no effective therapy drug for HIE. Both oxidative stress and apoptosis play critical roles in the pathological development of HIE. Myricetin, a naturally extracted flavonol compound, exerts remarkable effects against oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation. However, the role and underlying molecular mechanism of myricetin on HIE remain unclear.In this study, we established the neonatal rats hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain damage modeland CoClinduced PC1cell modelto explore the neuroprotective effects of myricetin on HI injury, and illuminate the potential mechanism.Our results showed that myricetin intervention could significantly reduce brain infarction volume, glia activation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress marker levels through activating NRF2 (Nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2) and increase the expressions of NRF2 downstream proteins NQO-1 and HO-1. In addition, the NRF2 inhibitor ML385 could significantly reverse the effects of myricetin.This study found that myricetin might alleviate oxidative stress and apoptosis through NRF2 signaling pathway to exert the protective role for HI injury, which suggested that myricetin might be a promising therapeutic agent for HIE.
08:26
The potential benefits of quercetin for brain health. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Mar 28 ;24(7). Epub 2023 Mar 28. PMID: 37047299 Abstract Title: The Potential Benefits of Quercetin for Brain Health: A Review of Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Mechanisms. Abstract: Neuroinflammation is a critical factor in developing and progressing numerous brain diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. Chronic or excessive neuroinflammation can lead to neurotoxicity, causing brain damage and contributing to the onset and progression of various brain diseases. Therefore, understanding neuroinflammation mechanisms and developing strategies to control them is crucial for treating brain diseases. Studies have shown that neuroinflammation plays a vital role in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD), and stroke. Additionally, the effects of PMpollution on the brain, including neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity, are well-documented. Quercetin is a flavonoid, a plant pigment in many fruits, vegetables, and grains. Quercetin has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. Quercetin may also have a positive impact on immune function and allergy symptoms. In addition, quercetin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties and can activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a cellular energy sensor that modulates inflammation and oxidative stress. By reducing inflammation and protecting against neuroinflammatory toxicity, quercetin holds promise as a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for treating neurodegenerative diseases and other brain disorders. Understanding and controlling the mechanisms of NF-B and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways are crucial for preventing and treating conditions, and quercetin may be a promising tool in this effort. This review article aims to discuss the role of neuroinflammation in the development and progression of various brain disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases and stroke, and the impact of PMpollution on the brain. The paper also highlights quercetin's potential health benefits and anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
08:24
Quercetin ameliorates diabetic kidney injury. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Am J Chin Med. 2023 ;51(4):997-1018. Epub 2023 Apr 10. PMID: 37046368 Abstract Title: Quercetin Ameliorates Diabetic Kidney Injury by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Activating Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway. Abstract: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is thought to be the major cause of end-stage renal disease. Due to its complicated pathogenesis and the low efficacy of DN treatment, a deep understanding of new etiological factors may be useful. Ferroptosis, a nonapoptotic form of cell death, is characterized by the accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides to lethal levels. Ferroptosis-triggered renal tubular injury is reported to participate in the development of DN, and blocking ferroptosis might be an effective strategy to prevent the development of DN. Quercetin (QCT), a natural flavonoid that is present in a variety of fruits and vegetables, has been reported to ameliorate DN. However, its underlying nephroprotective mechanism is unclear. Herein, we explored the antiferroptosic effect of QCT and verified its nephroprotective effect using DN mice and high glucose (HG)-incubated renal tubular epithelial cell models. We found HG-induced abnormal activation of ferroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells, and QCT treatment inhibited ferroptosis by downregulating the expression of transferrin receptor 1 (TFR-1) and upregulating the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH-1), and the cystine/glutamate reverse antiporter solute carrier family 7 member (SLC7A11) in DN mice and HG-incubated HK-2 cells. Subsequently, bothandresults confirmed that QCT activated the NFE2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) signaling pathway by increasing the levels of Nrf2 and HO-1. Therefore, this study supports that QCT inhibits the ferroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, providing a novel insight into the protective mechanism of QCT in DN treatment.
08:21
Anti-inflammatory and gut microbiota modulating effects of probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Nutrients. 2023 Mar 13 ;15(6). Epub 2023 Mar 13. PMID: 36986118 Abstract Title: Anti-Inflammatory and Gut Microbiota Modulating Effects of ProbioticMSMC39-1 on Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Rats. Abstract: Probiotics have been shown to possess several properties, depending on the strain. Some probiotics have important roles in preventing infection and balancing the immune system due to the interaction between the intestinal mucosa and cells in the immune system. This study aimed to examine the properties of three probiotic strains using the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-) inhibition test in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2 cells). It was revealed that the viable cells and heat-killed cells of the probiotic.strain MSMC39-1 dramatically suppressed TNF-secretion in Caco-2 cells. The strongest strains were then chosen to treat rats with colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Viable cells of the probiotic.strain MSMC39-1 reduced aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase in the serum and significantly inhibited TNF-secretion in the colon and liver tissues. Treatment with the probiotic.strain MSMC39-1 alleviated the colon and liver histopathology in DSS-induced colitis rats. Furthermore, supplementation with probiotic.strain MSMC39-1 increased the genusand boosted the other beneficial bacteria in the gut. Thus, the probiotic.strain MSMC39-1 exhibited an anti-inflammation effect in the colon and modulated the gut microbiota.
08:19
Paraprobiotics strains accelerate wound repair by stimulating re-epithelialization of NIH-3T3 cells, decreasing inflammatory response and oxidative stress. GreenMedInfo
PMID: Arch Microbiol. 2023 Mar 24 ;205(4):134. Epub 2023 Mar 24. PMID: 36959516 Abstract Title: Paraprobiotics strains accelerate wound repair by stimulating re-epithelialization of NIH-3T3 cells, decreasing inflammatory response and oxidative stress. Abstract: The present study aimed to evaluate the potential and specificity of the inflammatory and antioxidant response of Microbe-Associated Molecular Patterns (MAMPs) in NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells, as well as in the healing process of skin wounds. Cells (NIH-3T3) were cultivated in supplemented specific medium. NIH-3T3 cells were treated with MAMPs (Bifidobacterium lactis or Lactobacillus casei or Lactobacillus gasseri or Lactobacillus paracasei or Streptococcus thermophilus), at two concentrations and insulted with LPS or HO. Cell viability, myeloperoxidase activity, nitrite/nitrate, oxidative damage and inflammatory parameters were measured. In addition, scratch assay was performed. Significant scratch closure was observed after 24 h and 48 h, and the effect of 0.1 g/mL MAMPs on wound healing was found to be highly statistically significant. In the viability cellular assay, Lactobacillus showed better response in 0.1 g/mL dose, whereas B. lactis and S. thermophilus showed better response in 0.01 g/mL dose. There was reduction in IL-6 and IL-1levels in all treatments insulted with LPS. MAMP's showed preventive efficacy in reducing the effects caused by LPS. The MAMP's action in decreasing the production of ROS, inflammatory activity and increasing cell viability, besides significant cell proliferation during wound healing processes suggests remodeling mechanisms and new possibilities for wound healing.
05:53
Statins protect your cardiovascular health systematic reviews Skeptical Raptor
The Skeptical Raptor, stalking pseudoscience in the internet jungle.
Statins have been controversial and are used by alternative medicine (not medicine) lovers as an example of all kinds of malfeasance from Big Pharma. However, real studies show quite the opposite they protect cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of death. So lets take a look at the best systematic reviews and try to Read More Statins protect your cardiovascular health systematic reviews
05:06
Cancer is not a modern disease even dinosaurs got it Skeptical Raptor
The Skeptical Raptor, stalking pseudoscience in the internet jungle.
Some people like to claim that cancer is a modern disease. It is not, since we can find cancer in Egyptian mummies and dinosaurs.
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Saturday, 01 July
21:32
The Trauma of RSV Voices For Vaccines
by Leslie Cook When my four year old daughter came home from preschool with a high fever and a brutal cough last October, I braced myself for our whole house to quickly fall sick as well. I had just had a baby three months prior, and I was especially nervous for him to be sick so young. I worked hard to keep the two kids as far apart as possible and constantly sanitized common areas...
Friday, 09 June
08:14
Seasonal Allergies Are Solvable! Dr. Tenpenny
Did you know that allergies are now the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in America? Allergy incidence is skyrocketing, so eliminating the causes and discovering new treatments is the []