If you haven't read part 1, you should before continuing here. I tend to regard cautiously and with some suspicion reports about the damage caused by many of the scientific measures from which mankind has vastly benefited. Nevertheless, any open-minded scientist will readily admit that most of the scientific advances that we have benefited from have a downside. I used to tell my residents that any treatment that has an upside also has a downside and an important part of their role in administering any treatment is to be vigilant to potential for harm.
Now, to get back on topic an article in 'The Ecologist' an on-line lefty magazine that has focused attention on a number of appropriate issues as well as many that have a political rather than scientific basis. With regard to the Zika virus, it speculates on a theory that while lacking an evidence based foundation, nevertheless deserves consideration.
The article speculates that the Zika virus may be responsible for the increase in numbers of microcephaly cases. It goes on to ask how did the virus, which has been around since 1947 and only associated with mild flu-like symptoms learn how to impair the development of human embryos?
It hypothesizes that this may be due to the engineering of the Aedes Aegypti in order to prevent it from reproducing and thus to become largely eliminated. Unfortunately, not all the altered A.Aegypti (OX513A) die out and as many as 15% may survive and reproduce with their genetically altered genome. The question then arises as to whether this genetic modification could have anything to do with Brazil's epidemic of microcephaly.
Now, genetic engineering involves introducing new genes into target organisms. Transposons, (jumping genes) sequences of DNA are used in the genetic engineering process to introduce the new genes into the target organism. There are several DNA techniques in use and one of the most popular is known as 'piggyBac'. It is very active in inserting itself into genes, often beyond those targeted. The theory put forth is that these genes may have crossed the barrier to cause the microcephaly outbreak. To simplify (oversimplify) a DNA sequence can 'jump' into a position where it does not belong and can even replicate itself. It can also jump across species thus the modified A.Aegypti genes could conceivably jump across to disrupt the fetal development.
The evidence doesn't support such a theory, but caution demands vigilance in how we protect ourselves from the very scientific advances that have served us so well in the past century. Genetic engineering may be a risky business!
Mainly events that occur in and around the medical world. Some you need to know about and some you don't. All to either inform or amuse you.
Thursday, 11 February 2016
Monday, 8 February 2016
Zika
After a lifetime in medicine I hadn't even heard of the Zika virus, until just recently. The Director of the United States National institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases pointed out that it was regarded as clinically inconsequential and that it wasn't even on a recent World Health Organization list of pathogens that need urgent research. It was first discovered in 1947 and is carried by the mosquito Aedes Aegypti. It causes a mild flu-like illness in about 25% of the people infected. It occurred almost exclusively in Africa but in recent years has been found in Micronesia and the Polynesia. Then, in the last year it appeared in Brazil and other South American countries, as well as Puerto Rico, A.Aegypti is the vector of Dengue Fever and Yellow Fever the Zika virus was thought to bejust a mild virus that it also sometimes carries.
Last year Brazil was noted to have a very significant increase in the number of cases of microcephaly cases which coincided with the incidence of Zika. Microcephaly is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which the baby is born with a major brain deficit and a small head and severe cognitive and sometimes motor disorders. Seizures are common. The association does not prove that Zika causes the microcephaly. There are also reports of outbreaks of Guillain-Barre syndrome associated with the Zika outbreaks.
Control of the diseases that a mosquito propagates is achieved by eradication of the mosquito. This is very resource dependent particularly in the third world counties most affected.
One of the current research projects is to genetically modify male mosquitoes so that their offspring don't survive. These males don't bite, so they can't transmit disease. The suppression is achieved by a self-limiting gene prevents the offspring from surviving. The modified mosquitoes do not bite or spread disease and their offspring inherit the self-limiting gene and die before reaching adulthood. To produce more of the mosquitoes for control projects the self-limiting gene is switched off using the antibiotic tetracycline. This does not happen in the wild, so the mosquito population is suppressed. The altered mosquitoes are called OX513A.
Now, at first glance, this seems to be a giant step forward in solving the problem. However, a friend of mine brought to my notice speculations about genetic engineering that raise some troubling concerns and I intend to share those concerns with you in a subsequent blog. We'll look at such strange entities as 'promiscuous' transposons and jumping genes and the ominous consequences that could result from genetic meddling. So don't miss next week!
Last year Brazil was noted to have a very significant increase in the number of cases of microcephaly cases which coincided with the incidence of Zika. Microcephaly is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which the baby is born with a major brain deficit and a small head and severe cognitive and sometimes motor disorders. Seizures are common. The association does not prove that Zika causes the microcephaly. There are also reports of outbreaks of Guillain-Barre syndrome associated with the Zika outbreaks.
Control of the diseases that a mosquito propagates is achieved by eradication of the mosquito. This is very resource dependent particularly in the third world counties most affected.
One of the current research projects is to genetically modify male mosquitoes so that their offspring don't survive. These males don't bite, so they can't transmit disease. The suppression is achieved by a self-limiting gene prevents the offspring from surviving. The modified mosquitoes do not bite or spread disease and their offspring inherit the self-limiting gene and die before reaching adulthood. To produce more of the mosquitoes for control projects the self-limiting gene is switched off using the antibiotic tetracycline. This does not happen in the wild, so the mosquito population is suppressed. The altered mosquitoes are called OX513A.
Now, at first glance, this seems to be a giant step forward in solving the problem. However, a friend of mine brought to my notice speculations about genetic engineering that raise some troubling concerns and I intend to share those concerns with you in a subsequent blog. We'll look at such strange entities as 'promiscuous' transposons and jumping genes and the ominous consequences that could result from genetic meddling. So don't miss next week!
Wednesday, 3 February 2016
Euthanasia again!
Euthanasia – again!
At last a group of
physicians have the guts to take an honest and realistic look at a situation
that the supreme court judges, their legal confreres and an army of
administridiots can’t even imagine realistically. Representatives of that group, appropriately
anesthesiologists, wrote extensively on the topic in last month’s Canadian
Journal of Anesthesia. They have
re-iterated what I have frequently written, that the task of terminating people
would be much more appropriately assigned to a group other than physicians
whose purpose has been to ‘preserve life and relieve suffering’ when a cure is
not available. They suggest that this
function should be left to some other group than physicians and suggest the
name ‘euthanists’. I have suggested the
name ‘terminators’, but perhaps that is a little to close to the bone!
The Government has
until June to establish the legal infrastructure the will be implemented for
what now is being described as ‘assisted dying’. (As though we need the government to assist
us in dying’!) Note that the word
suicide is being relegated into the shadows - a typical Orwellian tactic to mould the folks thinking.
The judges sitting on their benches have no idea and don’t seem to care
how the ‘terminators’ will arrive at their conclusions. During fifty years of medical practice, I
have had a significant number of patients who would have opted for termination
had it been available, who subsequently went on to live a meaningful and fulfilling
life. Psychiatrists, as well as other
physicians can be as inaccurate as meteorologists in their
prognostications. That is why the ethos
of medicine has been firmly based on the conservation of life. Change that and it changes the very nature of
medicine. In fact it completes the
transformation of medicine from a humanitarian profession centred on the
physician-patient relationship, to the health care industry, subservient to
politician and their janissaries.
It will only take
one generation for ‘assisted death’ to become an accepted policy of state.
Comment if you have any views on this.
Comment if you have any views on this.
Thursday, 28 January 2016
Misleading Advrtising.
Health Canada recently posted a list of 152 advertising infractions it identified in the past year. Most of these cases are resolved without charges being laid once Health Canada challenges the advertiser. The most common perpetrators are producers of various 'natural' health food type products that cover a spectrum from ginseng to sharks cartilage accompanied by claims that these products can cure many conditions, some of them serious. Homeopathic products, substances so diluted that they have only molecular amounts of the active ingredient not capable of having any therapeutic effect have been widely and falsly advertised. This is sometimes dangerous in that it directs patients away from highly effective and proven treatment. Some generic drug manufacturers were found to be at fault for advertising that their products were exactly the same as the brand drug. Although the active ingredient has to be the same, the non medicinal ingredients are often different. Posting the list is certainly a move in the right direction though much more rigorous vigilance is necessary.
Much more malignant is the advertisements we are subjected to on television where advertisements for very potent drugs are advertised to patients with the objective of generating pressure on the physician to prescribe. Although legally obliged to list the side effects and dangers of the drugs, the ad men manage to put together an attractive montage that misdirects the patient. When patients used to come into my office to ask why they were not on the latest wonder-drug they recently saw advertised, I used to take my smart phone Pharmacopoeia out of my pocket and read the list of side-effects to the patient. That usually solved the problem. This sort of direct to patient advertising is illegal in most countries including Canada. Unfortunately, we are in the direct line of fire as inveterate consumes of American television. Recently medical organizations have raised their voices against this practice. We will have to wait and see if it has any effect.
Much more malignant is the advertisements we are subjected to on television where advertisements for very potent drugs are advertised to patients with the objective of generating pressure on the physician to prescribe. Although legally obliged to list the side effects and dangers of the drugs, the ad men manage to put together an attractive montage that misdirects the patient. When patients used to come into my office to ask why they were not on the latest wonder-drug they recently saw advertised, I used to take my smart phone Pharmacopoeia out of my pocket and read the list of side-effects to the patient. That usually solved the problem. This sort of direct to patient advertising is illegal in most countries including Canada. Unfortunately, we are in the direct line of fire as inveterate consumes of American television. Recently medical organizations have raised their voices against this practice. We will have to wait and see if it has any effect.
Saturday, 23 January 2016
Tests by the dollar!
Blood Testing Lab Locations in Hilton Head Island
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To consult with a medical professional
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LabCorp
8 Hospital Center Blvd Ste 140
Hilton Head Island SC 29926
Hilton Head Island SC 29926
Quest Diagnostics
460 William Hilton Pkwy
Hilton Head Island SC 29926
Hilton Head Island SC 29926
STD Testing Centers in Hilton Head Island
Blood Tests Available in Hilton Head Island
Essential
Health Screening
CBC (w diff), CMP, Urinalysis and Lipid Profile (HDL, LDL + Triglycerides)
$89.00
Cholesterol
Test
Lipid Profile Measures HDL, LDL, Total Cholesterol + Triglycerides
$39.00
Comprehensive
Panel
Our most comprehensive package of blood tests to assess all aspects of your
health.
$1,299.00
Thyroid Function Test Level I
$69.00
Complete Blood Count (CBC), with Differential
$39.00
Thyroid Function Test Level II
$159.00
Metabolic Panel (14), Comprehensive - CMP
$39.00
Liver Function Test
$79.00
PSA (Prostate) Test
$49.00
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)
$49.00
Ferritin, Serum
$39.00
Testosterone, Total - Male Hormone
$49.00
Testosterone, Free & Total
$129.00
Pregnancy Test, Blood
$59.00
Lipase
$39.00
Heavy Metals Profile (Blood Test for Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, and Arsenic)
$299.00
Lyme Disease, Serum, Western Blot
$169.00
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
$79.00
Estrogen, Total
$79.00
Liver Test - ALT (SGPT)
$49.00
Glucose, Serum
$39.00
Thyroid Profile (T3 uptake, T4 and T7)
$39.00
Testing Categories
Lab Testing Overview for Hilton Head Island SC
Better health can lead to a better life, complete with more energy and greater peace of mind. An easy first step on the road to better health is investing in an annual blood test. When you visit your doctor for a checkup it typically includes a panel of blood work that measures your blood levels for key indicators, providing a current status of your health. At Health Testing Centers you can order the lab tests you need to check your health without visiting a doctor, saving you time and money. Life can be hectic with little time to concentrate on the important things, like your health. In the balancing act between work, family, and life it is all to common to put off routine check-ups. Unfortunately this seemingly small sacrifice can lead to serious problems. It is far more common for someone to track the progress of their financial investments than the key indicators of their health. At Health Testing Centers you do not need insurance or even a primary care doctor to order lab tests. Simple and convenient measurements of your cholesterol, glucose, PSA, vitamin D, and others can indicate trends within you body that if addressed early can dramatically improve your health. Early diagnosis of disorders like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, thyroiditis and even HIV can be the key to successful treatment. If you are serious about investing in your health then an annual blood test is a smart strategy that can yield more productive years to your life. Additionally, if you are sexually active, a periodic analysis of your blood should should include testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis. To be safe both you and your sexual partner(s) should be checked to minimize the risk of these potentially deadly diseases.Overview of various blood tests available in Hilton Head Island
Should I get a cholesterol test?
Cholesterol is a vital component present in the lipids of blood. It helps in building cell membranes. Excess cholesterol, however, is highly disadvantageous since it causes building up of fat deposits inside the blood vessels. This results in blockages hindering the way of continuous blood flow. High level of cholesterol may result in a stroke or a heart attack. Fortunately, there are blood tests that can measure the level of cholesterol inside your body. Regular checks enable you to ensure that the cholesterol levels in your body are manageable. One of the most important reasons that make a blood test for cholesterol essential is that there are no visible symptoms of high cholesterol. That is why it is also referred to as the silent disease'.What does a thyroid test do?
The thyroid gland works to form thyroid hormones through combining iodine with an amino acid. Having the thyroid tested can give you insight when it comes to your metabolism and to ensure that the gland is working properly. If the thyroid is underactive it can result in a sluggish metabolism, weight gain, fatigue and constantly feeling cold. If the thyroid is overactive it can result in constantly feeling hot, rapid heart rate and weight loss. The most sensitive test for thyroid function is the thyroid stimulating hormone blood test, but others may also be performed to check total thyroid function, including: - T4 - T3 - Antithyroid antibody test - Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin testWhy get a blood test for Liver Function?
Blood test for liver function is a group of tests done to check a persons liver for injury, infections or disease. It is done also to detect inflammation and damage to the liver. Your overall health can be affected if the liver is not working properly. Hence, that should be a major reason to have a blood test for liver function done. Blood test for liver function helps diagnose viral infection involving the liver. In addition, since the liver plays important roles in the proper functioning of the body, blood test for liver function should be done to look for possible effects of cancer or other disease on the liver.Can I test my complete blood count with a lab test?
Complete blood count tests calculate the concentration of different components of blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, etc. The results of this test help decide whether the person is suffering from blood-related diseases, which may be caused due to abnormal values of the blood components. Anemia, blood pressure, leukemia, polycythemia, Neutropenia, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, various liver diseases, abdominal pain, dizziness etc. are all the diseases which might be diagnosed from the results of this test. This test also helps detect the deficiency of certain elements which are important for growth of blood cells, such as iron. Complete Blood Count Test is a common test that must be performed every six months during regular physical examinations in order to detect the presence of any blood related diseases. Moreover, if the patient is expected to undergo any surgical treatment that may result in blood loss, it is necessary to get tested for blood count.Should I measure my ferritin levels?
Ferritin is a protein in the body that is responsible for the storage of iron. Blood testing for ferritin yields the level of iron found in the bloodstream. If the results of this blood test indicate low levels of ferritin it is likely that there is a risk for anemia, which should be treated medically. If the results of the test indicate that ferritin levels are high, it could mean that the person has hemochromatosis. Hemochromatosis is a genetic disease where iron is stored by the body in excess. This disease can only be detected through blood testing and treatment is necessary as complications arising from this can be deadly.What do labs for HCG level show?
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) levels in your blood can be used to determine if you are pregnant. After conception, the placenta starts producing these hormones as soon as the fertilized egg is implanted in the uterine wall. As a result, you can detect pregnancy with HCG blood tests much earlier than with other methods. You can also use a quantitative hCG blood test to determine how much HCG is present in your blood. Doctors sometimes use these concentration levels to ensure the pregnancy is proceeding normally.Is there a lab test for kidney function?
Blood tests can provide early signs of kidney problems in two ways. First, the tests can measure the levels of creatinine in your blood. Creatinine is produced as your kidneys do their jobs but if levels are above normal then that suggests you may have kidney disease. If those levels continue to rise in future tests, you can get an idea of how the disease is progressing. Second, testing levels of urea nitrogen that is produced as your kidneys break down protein can also provide insight into your kidney functions. High levels in the blood suggest your kidneys may not be working as well. Using these tests to detect problems early gives you more treatment options and improves your prognosis.Why get a blood test for estradiol?
Estradiol, a form of estrogen produced by men and women, levels can help identify the causes of many problems experienced by women. Changes in your menstrual cycle, including excessive bleeding or possible menopause, can be detected by measuring the levels of estradiol in your blood. Additionally, these tests can help rule out low estrogen levels as the cause of infertility. If you're thinking about having a baby, this blood test can make sure prospects are good in terms of hormone levels.Why get a 9 panel drug test?
If you're interested in drug testing, the 9-panel test is one of the most comprehensive since it checks for barbiturates, cocaine, marijuana, PCP, methamphetamines, opiates, and. However, traditional urine tests are not as accurate as blood tests so if you want conclusive results using blood tests is the better choice.Why get a lab test for Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies?
Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies blood tests are performed when a person is suspected of having a thyroid disease. The test it performed to monitor the workings of the thyroid glands to check for irregularities in the functioning which may result in diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease and Goiter etc. When suffering from a disease of the thyroid the levels of TPO antibodies in the blood rises and start attacking healthy tissues in the body. This condition can be treated quite effectively if detected in a early stage through a TPO antibodies test.Health and Disease Statistics for Hilton Head Island SC
Established in South Carolina, the area, Hilton Head Island contains a total of 37,058 residents. Altogether, the state of South Carolina there are 4,635,405 residents. Out of this number of residents, a total of 0.8% of the state's residents lived within the city of Hilton Head Island. Out of the total number of deaths in the city, there were 4 deaths from liver disease. At the same time, kidney disease led to 8 deaths. All forms of cancer accounted for 68 deaths. Strokes were the cause of 18 deaths, while prostate cancer was the cause behind 10 deaths. Prostate cancer was the cause of 14.3% of all cancer deaths. At the same time, there were 40 deaths from coronary heart disease. Diabetes accounted for 8 deaths. On average, 0.11% of the population were likely to die of coronary heart disease during the year and 0.18% of the inhabitants in the area die from some form of cancer each year.|
|
Community Health Data
|
Hilton Head Island SC
|
|
|
|
State
|
South Carolina
|
|
|
|
City Population
|
37,058
|
|
|
|
State Population
|
4,635,405
|
|
|
|
Percentage of State
Population
|
0.79%
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Dealths by Disease
|
|
|
|
Liver Disease
|
3.9
|
|
|
|
Kidney Disease
|
7.5
|
|
|
|
Prostate Cancer
|
9.7
|
|
|
|
Stroke
|
17.7
|
|
|
|
All Cancers
|
68
|
|
|
|
Coronary Heart Disease
|
40
|
|
|
|
Diabetes
|
8.3
|
|
|
|
Total Deaths
|
155.3
|
|
Sources include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Health Statistics, Division of Vital Statistics, National Vital Statistics Report Volume 61. Estimates are based on 2010 US Census data extrapolated to the population.
The other side of sexism!
A young female medical resident in Miami, Florida, tried to take an uber
vehicle that had been requested by another customer. The
driver appropriately pointed out that he was there to pick up another passenger,
whereupon she viciously attacked him. He
nobly shrugged her off without striking her, whereupon she attacked him viciously while he refrained from retaliating. Then she got into and damaged
his car and threw his papers all over the street. Eventually she got out of the car, turned around
and with a toss of her head, snottily yelled back at him, "good
evening!".
Fortunately, this
was all recorded on camera, otherwise the unfortunate driver may well have
been accused of all sorts of inappropriate behaviour, apart from chivalry!
Apparently, this
woman, a medical resident, was not charged criminally which was
unfortunate. I hope she will be fired by
her hospital. I know of no patient who
would want to be treated by a miscreant like her. How did she ever get into medical school.
Just imagine the
consequences if the perpetrator had been male and the driver female.
It would have been quite a different story and his career would have been ruined forever.
There just aint no justice no more!!
Why don't you comment on this, unless you think it's alright for people to get away with this sort of behaviour.
Why don't you comment on this, unless you think it's alright for people to get away with this sort of behaviour.
Wednesday, 20 January 2016
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