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Breast Milk Antibodies Linked to Protection Against Rotavirus in Infants

The AHA! Team — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 06:40:26 +0000

University of Rochester Medical Center via News-Medical – Babies whose mothers had high levels of specific antibodies in their breast milk were able to fend off the infection for a longer period than infants whose mothers had lower levels. A study led by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that breast milk provides protection against rotavirus, a common gastrointestinal disease that causes diarrhea, vomiting and fever in infants. Babies whose mothers had high levels of specific antibodies in their breast milk were able to fend off the infection for a longer period than infants whose mothers had lower levels. The findings are expected to drive future research to improve infant health through optimized breastfeeding practices. Published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the study also found significant differences in antibody profiles in breast milk between mothers in high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Researchers analyzed human milk samples from 695 women in Finland, the U.S., Pakistan, Peru, and Bangladesh, and measured specific IgA and IgG antibodies, which are common antibodies produced in breast milk, against 1,607 proteins from 30 pathogens. Researchers analyzed human milk samples from 695 women in Finland, the U.S., Pakistan, Peru, and Bangladesh The research, led by Dr. Kirsi Jarvinen-Seppo, MD, PhD, professor in the Division of Allergy and Immunology at UR Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital (GCH), tracked antibody levels and kinetics over time to analyze antibody responses to a wide range of respiratory, diarrheal and sepsis pathogens in human milk. The study’s primary aim was to understand the protective properties of these antibodies and how they vary across different geographic and economic regions. “We would expect to find differences in antibody levels in different countries, due to different diseases circulating among areas of the world, but this is one of the first times that there’s been a head-to-head comparison for dozens of pathogens across several continents. It was encouraging to see such a clear link between higher antibody levels and a delay to rotavirus infection, and this was consistently observed among an independent validation cohort.” Dr. Kirsi Jarvinen-Seppo, MD, PhD, Professor in the Division of Allergy and Immunology at UR Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital (GCH) Other notable findings from the study: Milk from women in LMICs had higher levels of IgA and IgG antibodies against various intestinal and respiratory pathogens compared to milk from HICs. This difference was particularly notable for pathogens such as Shigella and pneumococcus, which are major contributors to morbidity and mortality in young children. Higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with lower antibody levels, which went against expectations. “The variation in antibody profiles between regions highlights the impact of economic and environmental factors on maternal immunity,” said Jarvinen-Seppo. In addition to Rotavirus findings, the discovery that a higher BMI was associated with lower antibody counts in breast milk was also unexpected. “We had anticipated that underweight mothers might have lower antibody levels due to poorer nutritional status,” said Jarvinen-Seppo. “Due to rising obesity rates worldwide, this could be a significant finding, but this is preliminary and additional research is needed since this is the first time this has been measured.” “While the data on rotavirus protection is compelling, the geographical and BMI-related variations highlight areas where further research is essential. The study sets the stage for additional investigations that could lead to better understanding and interventions for improving infant health globally,” said Jarvinen-Seppo. Source: University of Rochester Medical Center Journal reference: Campo, J. J., et al. (2024). Human milk antibodies to global pathogens reveal geographic and interindividual variations in IgA and IgG. Journal of Clinical Investigation. doi.org/10.1172/jci168789. To read the original article click here.

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New Study: Nine Out of Ten US Infants Experience Gut Microbiome Deficiency

AHA Publisher — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 08:00:22 +0000

Evolve Biosystems, Inc. via EurekAlert – DAVIS, Calif., January 21, 2020 – A new peer-reviewed study reveals that the vast majority of U.S. infants may be suffering from a substantial deficiency in an important bacterium key to breast milk utilization and immune system development, as well as protection against gut pathogens linked to common newborn conditions such as colic and diaper rash. According to the study published today in Scientific Reports, approximately nine out of ten infants are missing Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis (B. infantis) in their gut microbiome, a type of bacteria that plays a critical role in infant health and development. This specific type of gut bacteria has been widely documented as providing the most beneficial impact to infant gut health and possessing the ability to fully unlock the nutritional benefits of breast milk. The study is the largest to date to benchmark the widespread deficiency in gut bacteria among U.S. infants, and the resulting diminished function of their gut microbiomes. “The vast majority of infants are deficient in this key gut bacterium from the earliest weeks of life, and this is completely off the radar for most parents and pediatricians, alike” said study co-author Karl Sylvester, MD, Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics and Associate Dean of Maternal Child Health Research, Stanford University. “This study provides the clearest picture to date of just how widespread this issue is and highlights the need to address B. infantis deficiency in the infant gut right from the start.” B. infantis had been widely considered one of the most prevalent bacteria in the GI tracts of infants, accordingly its absence from such a wide swath of outwardly healthy infants is surprising. When present, B. infantis breaks down carbohydrates in human breast milk called human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) which are otherwise inaccessible to the infant. In fact, B. infantis differs from other Bifidobacteria species in its unique adaptation to human breastmilk and specifically in its ability to break down HMOs into usable nutrients. Perhaps more importantly, B. infantis is increasingly linked to the development of the infant immune system, protecting the infant intestinal tract from potentially dangerous bacteria as well as lower incidence of common childhood conditions like colic and diaper rash. Researchers also discovered that potentially dangerous bacteria comprised, on average, 93 percent of all bacteria in the infant gut microbiome, with the most prevalent bacteria being Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and Clostridium difficile (C. diff). Many of these bacteria are known to harbor genes related to antibiotic resistance. In fact, a total of 325 antibiotic resistant genes were found in the gut bacteria, with more than half (54 percent) of those genes being those that confer bacterial resistance to multiple antibiotics. “The infant gut is essentially a blank slate at birth, and rapidly acquires bacteria from mom and the environment. We were surprised not only by the extensive lack of good bacteria, but the incredibly high presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria and an environment of antibiotic resistance that appears to be so widespread,” said Dr. Sylvester. “The infant gut microbiome in the U.S. is clearly dysfunctional, and we believe this is a critical factor underpinning many of the infant and childhood ailments we see today across the country.” Study Methodology Researchers collected fecal samples from 227 infants under 6 months of age during pediatrician office visits in five different states (CA, GA, OR, PA, SC). The samples were analyzed for bacterial type and amount present, which represents the bacterial composition in the infants’ guts. The fecal samples were assessed for bacterial ability to fully use human breast milk — a hallmark of the presence of health-promoting bacteria, as well as for the presence of antibiotic resistant genes in the bacteria. The researchers did not include samples from infants with jaundice, those who were actively undergoing antibiotic treatment, or those diagnosed with problems with absorbing carbohydrates in their intestine, due to the impact such conditions may have on the ability of the infant gut to carry out normal processes. Newborn Gut and the Impact on Newborn Health The infant gut requires the presence of thousands of different bacteria to perform different functions – from biological processes to the development of biological structures and systems. Infant gut dysbiosis is marked by a substantial imbalance between beneficial and potentially pathogenic bacteria in the GI tracts of newborn babies. There has been a strong evidence characterizing a substantial loss of Bifidobacteria in the infant gut over the past 100 years, with research pointing to numerous factors including increased C section delivery, increased use of antibiotics and increased use of infant formula. As a result of the loss of B. infantis, the infant gut is at greater risk for negative consequences including suboptimal access to the full value of human breast milk, compromised immune system development, an increase in harmful gut pathogens due to increased gut pH, and negative impact on the infant’s intestinal wall. To read the original article click here.

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Novel Cannabis Plant Extracts Could Protect Against COVID-19

AHA Publisher — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 08:00:43 +0000

Sally Robertson, B.Sc. via News-Medical Net – Researchers in Canada have conducted a study suggesting that novel Cannabis sativa extracts may decrease levels of the host cell receptor that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) uses to gain viral entry to target tissues. SARS-CoV-2 is the agent responsible for the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that continues to sweep the globe threatening public health and the worldwide economy. The team – from the University of Lethbridge and Pathway Rx Inc., Lethbridge – developed hundreds of new C. sativa cultivars and tested 23 extracts in artificial 3D human models of the oral, airway and intestinal tissues. As recently reported in the journal Aging, 13 of the extracts downregulated expression of the SARS-CoV-2 host cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). “The observed down-regulation of ACE2 gene expression by several tested extracts of new C. sativa cultivars is a novel and crucial finding,” say the researchers. “While our most effective extracts require further large-scale validation, our study is important for future analyses of the effects of medical cannabis on COVID-19,” write Olga Kovalchuk and colleagues. “Down-regulation of ACE2 levels in gateway tissues may be a plausible strategy” The ACE2 receptor that SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses use to access host cells is expressed in a range of tissues, including the lung, nasal mucosa, kidney and gastrointestinal tract. One recent study reported high levels of ACE2 expression in oral epithelial tissues and suggested that the oral cavity could be an important target for prevention strategies. Numerous studies have also reported high levels of ACE2 expression in the lower respiratory tract of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This patient group is associated with increased susceptibility to COVID-19 and more severe disease. “The down-regulation of ACE2 levels in gateway tissues may thus be a plausible strategy for decreasing disease susceptibility,” said Kovalchuk and colleagues. Where does Cannabis sativacome in? C. sativa, particularly cultivars rich in cannabidiol (CBD), have previously been shown to alter gene expression and to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. However, the effects of C. sativa on ACE2 expression are not known, says the team. Working under a Health Canada research license, the researchers developed more than 800 new C. sativa cultivars and extracts. They then used artificial 3D human models to test whether 23 of the extracts that were high in CBD would alter ACE2 expression in target COVID-19 tissues. Given that inflammation is a significant component of viral disease, the researchers also examined the effect of the extracts on ACE2 expression in inflammation-stimulated 3D tissue models. Using artificial 3D human models of oral, airway and intestinal tissues, the researchers identified 13 high-CBD C. sativa extracts that significantly downregulated the expression of ACE2. The effects on tissues not stimulated by inflammation In a model of airway tissues that had not been stimulated by inflammation, Western blot analysis identified six extracts that significantly downregulated the expression of ACE2 and two extracts that slightly upregulated its expression. In a model of unstimulated oral tissue, two extracts downregulated ACE2 expression, while three other extracts upregulated its expression. The effects on inflammation-stimulated tissues Next, the team examined a model of oral tissue that had been stimulated by treatment with the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFNγ). Analysis by RNA sequencing showed that TNFα and IFNγ had upregulated mRNA levels of ACE2 in the oral tissue. However, all C. sativa extracts but one downregulated the expression of this altered ACE2 mRNA level. Furthermore, in a model of inflammation-stimulated 3D intestinal tissues, two extracts significantly downregulated ACE2 mRNA levels, and in a model of stimulated airway tissues, all of the extracts attenuated the TNFα- and IFNγ-induced ACE2 expression. “Using artificial 3D human models of oral, airway and intestinal tissues, we identified 13 high-CBD C. sativa extracts that decrease ACE2 protein levels,” writes the team. What are the implications of the study? The researchers say the findings provide a foundation for further analyses of the effects C. sativa may have on the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and other viral diseases where the ACE2 receptor is used as a molecular gateway. “If these results are further confirmed, these high-CBD cannabis extracts can be used to develop prevention strategies directed at lowering ACE2 levels in high-risk gateway tissues,” they write. “The extracts of our most successful novel high-CBD C. sativa lines, pending further investigation, may become a useful and safe addition to the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 as an adjunct therapy,” concludes the team. Journal reference: Kovalchuk O, et al. In search of preventive strategies: novel high-CBD Cannabis sativa extracts modulate ACE2 expression in COVID-19 gateway tissues. Aging,2020. https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.202225 [Epub ahead of print], https://www.aging-us.com/article/202225/text To read the original article click here.

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Glyphosate Toxicity Alert: How America’s #1 Weedkiller Tricks Your Body Into Absorbing It

AHA Publisher — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 07:00:32 +0000

Isaac Eliaz, MD, MS, LAc via Dr. Axe – When you’re creating a meal or spraying a stray dandelion in your yard, you probably don’t think about glyphosate toxicity. Still, glyphosate is the most commonly used agricultural in the world — and a go-to weedkiller in lawns and gardens across America. And although you would never purposely add it to your food or drinking water … you’re still probably consuming it every day. (It’s used so heavily, it’s now detected in rain samples, too.) The unfortunate truth is, glyphosate is virtually impossible to avoid, so you and your loved ones are probably at risk from its toxic effects right now — unless you take active steps to defend yourself. The Inside Track on Glyphosate Glyphosate’s primary use involves killing weeds, but it was first patented as a metal chelator (remover) because it binds to minerals (like calcium) to clear them out of pipes. That’s great for pipes, but not for people who need essential minerals to stay strong and healthy. The herbicide also causes a devastating impact on our internal ecosystem. It kills off beneficial bacteria (probiotics) while giving dangerous pathogens a competitive edge. Research indicates that glyphosate creates and speeds up antibiotic resistance in disease-causing bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. In its central role, glyphosate is the most widely used agricultural pesticide in the world, but it’s often combined with other toxic herbicides including: Atrazine 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) Dicamba Neonicotinoid insecticides That’s why the vast majority of our conventional food supply is contaminated with glyphosate, almost always along with other toxins. And as we’re finding, these dangerous combinations spell disaster for our personal and planetary health. Glyphosate Toxicity: The Many Dangers Glyphosate poses an enormous health risk because of our constant exposure. And though each instance of contact with glyphosate may seem small, they all add up — especially since this everyday toxin “tricks” your body into storing it, by mimicking other essential nutrients. That puts you at higher risk for many troubling health issues, including: Deficiencies in essential minerals such as manganese and iron that can lead to diabetes, dementia, and anemia symptoms Overgrowth of pathogens in the gut (dysbiosis or “leaky gut”), which disrupts immune function and increases inflammation, putting you at risk for dozens of chronic diseases Disruption of vital biochemical processes (like detox methylation), which can lead to toxin overload, autoimmune disease and cancer Reduced neurotransmitter production, which can cause depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline Since glyphosate contamination is extremely difficult to avoid, you need to defend yourself against it every day. Pesticides Taint Most Foods Most plant foods sold in the U.S. come bathed in pesticides. According to the USDA, more than 225 different pesticides can be found on fruits, vegetables, and grains commonly consumed in the U.S. (See the Dirty Dozen list for more details.) Even organic foods are not always spared, since pesticides like glyphosate and others can find their way into organic farms via wind drift or other means. Glyphosate itself contaminates hundreds of the most common foods. Even though each food may contain only trace amounts of glyphosate, those traces add up to an oversized daily dose. Here’s just a small taste of foods that contain glyphosate in popular brands: Granola bars Bottled orange juice Rolled oats 100% whole grain pasta Hummus While it may seem impossible to avoid glyphosate and other pesticides, there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family from the harm these toxins can cause. Emphasizing organic foods and products is an important first step. Even though organic produce may still contain some pesticide or toxin residues, levels will be far lower than conventionally-grown items. There’s also a new, independent certification that manufacturers can obtain to verify products as glyphosate-free. While still in the early stages, this new certification may be something to keep an eye out for, as awareness about the dangers of glyphosate continues to climb. Protect Yourself from Glyphosate Toxicity There are several things you can do to minimize — and even eliminate — glyphosate contamination, but the most important is to protect your body with natural defenders. That way, as we are chronically exposed to glyphosate, our bodies can safely deal with it before long-term damage is done. The most effective glyphosate defense team includes: Citrus pectin: A soluble fiber known to detoxify heavy metals and clear cholesterol through its superior binding powers Alginates (purified from kelp): Proven to protect against pesticide toxicity and effectively remove heavy metals and toxins Glycine: An amino acid needed to create glutathione — a powerful detoxifier and antioxidant that also protects the liver against toxicity. Interestingly, the body can mistake glyphosate for glycine during protein synthesis, tricking it into storing toxic glyphosate in tissues and organs. By supplementing with extra glycine, we can prevent glyphosate from being stored, enhance glutathione activity, and help support healthy protein production. The top glycine-rich sources include collagen and bone broth, but it’s also found in legumes, meat, dairy, poultry, eggs and fish. Even some fruits and vegetables contain glycine, like spinach, cabbage, kale, bananas and cauliflower. Gingko biloba: An ancient herb found to be a powerful protector against glyphosate toxicity Organic Iceland kelp: A rich source of protective minerals including iodine, which prevents the absorption of radioactive ions and toxic pesticide halogens like fluoride, bromide, and chlorine Probiotics and prebiotics: Needed to restore beneficial gut bacteria killed off by glyphosate In my practice, I recommend a targeted detox formula with these detox binders, to safely remove glyphosate and other agricultural toxins, prevent them from being stored in the body, and support thyroid, GI health, and other areas. Pesticides and environmental toxins represent a daily problem that require daily solutions—especially since our levels of exposure are on the rise. Supporting your body with safe, natural detoxifiers offers the best defense against glyphosate along with other pesticides and toxins, with additional protective benefits for long-term health and wellness. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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Ozone Disinfection Could Allow Safe Reuse of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

AHA Publisher — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 07:00:29 +0000

Georgia Institute of Technology via Newswise– ‘A new study shows that ozone gas, a highly reactive chemical composed of three oxygen atoms, could provide a safe means for disinfecting certain types of personal protective equipment that are in high demand for shielding health care personnel from Covid-19. Conducted by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology using two pathogens similar to the novel coronavirus, the study found that ozone can inactivate viruses on items such as Tyvek gowns, polycarbonate face shields, goggles, and respirator masks without damaging them – as long as they don’t include stapled-on elastic straps. The study found that the consistency and effectiveness of the ozone treatment depended on maintaining relative humidity of at least 50% in chambers used for disinfection. “Ozone is one of the friendliest and cleanest ways of deactivating viruses and killing most any pathogen,” said M.G. Finn, chair of Georgia Tech’s School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, who led the study. “It does not leave a residue; it’s easy to generate from atmospheric air, and it’s easy to use from an equipment perspective.” Findings of the research are described in a paper posted to the medRxiv preprint server and will be submitted to a journal for peer review and publication. Ozone can be produced with inexpensive equipment by exposing oxygen in the atmosphere to ultraviolet light, or through an electrical discharge such as a spark. During local and regional peaks in coronavirus infection, shortages of PPE can force hospitals and other health care facilities to reuse PPE that was intended for a single use. Health care facilities have used ultraviolet light, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, heat, alcohol and other techniques to disinfect these items, but until recently, there had not been much interest in ozone disinfection for PPE, said Finn, who also holds the James A. Carlos Family Chair for Pediatric Technology. Ozone is widely used for disinfecting wastewater, purifying drinking water, sanitizing food items, and disinfecting certain types of equipment – even clothing. Ozone disinfection cabinets are commercially available, taking advantage of the oxidizing effects of the gas to kill bacteria and inactivate viruses. “There was no reason to think it wouldn’t work, but we could find no examples of testing done on a variety of personal protective equipment,” Finn said. “We wanted to contribute to meeting the needs of hospitals and other healthcare organizations to show that this technique could work against pathogens similar to the coronavirus.” Phil Santangelo, a virologist in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, recommended two respiratory viruses – influenza A and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – as surrogates for coronavirus. The two are known as “enveloped” viruses because, like coronavirus, they are surrounded by a lipid outer membrane. Influenza and RSV are less dangerous than the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, allowing the Georgia Tech researchers to study them without high-containment laboratory facilities. Santangelo, Finn, and their team devised a test procedure in which solutions containing the two viruses were placed onto samples of the PPE materials under study. The solutions were allowed to dry before the samples were placed in a chamber into which ozone was introduced at varying concentrations as low as 20 parts-per-million. After treatment for different lengths of time, the researchers tested the PPE samples to determine whether or not any of the viruses on the treated surfaces could infect cells grown in the laboratory. The entire test procedure required about a day and a half. “The protocol we set up reports very sensitively on whether or not the virus could reproduce, and we found that the ozone was very successful in rendering them harmless,” Finn said. “Oxidizing biological samples to a significant extent is enough to inactivate a virus. Either the genetic material or the outer shell of the virus would be damaged enough that it could no longer infect a host cell.” Loren Williams, a professor in School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, introduced the research team to a manufacturer of ozone disinfection chambers, which allowed evaluation of the equipment using the test protocol. During the test, the researchers learned that having sufficient relative humidity in the chamber – at least 50% — was essential for rapidly inactivating the viruses in a consistent manner. After subjecting face masks and respirators to ozone disinfection, the team worked with Associate Professor Ng Lee (Sally) Ng from the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering to evaluate the filtration capabilities of the items. The ozone treatment didn’t appear to negatively affect the N-95 filtration material. While they ozone didn’t harm the filtration ability of the masks, it did damage the elastic materials used to hold the masks on. While the elastic headbands could be removed from the masks during ozone disinfection, removing and replacing them on a large scale may make the ozone treatment technique impractical. Otherwise, however, ozone may offer be an alternative technique for disinfecting other types of PPE. “Ozone would be a viable method for hospitals and other organizations to disinfect garments, goggles, and gloves,” Finn added. “It is inexpensive to produce, and we hope that by sharing information about what we’ve found, healthcare facilities will be able to consider it as an option, particularly in low-resource areas of the world.” To read the original article click here.

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Viruses Can Steal Our Genetic Code to Create New Human-Virus Genes

AHA Publisher — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 07:00:58 +0000

Mount Sinai Health System via Newswise – Like a scene out of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” a virus infects a host and converts it into a factory for making more copies of itself. Now researchers have shown that a large group of viruses, including the influenza viruses and other serious pathogens, steal genetic signals from their hosts to expand their own genomes. This finding is presented in a study published online today and in print June 25 in Cell. The cross-disciplinary collaborative study was led by researchers at the Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, and at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research in the UK. The cross-disciplinary team of virologists looked at a large group of viruses known as segmented negative-strand RNA viruses (sNSVs), which include widespread and serious pathogens of humans, domesticated animals and plants, including the influenza viruses and Lassa virus (the cause of Lassa fever). They showed that, by stealing genetic signals from their hosts, viruses can produce a wealth of previously undetected proteins. The researchers labeled them as UFO (Upstream Frankenstein Open reading frame) proteins, as they are encoded by stitching together the host and viral sequences. There was no knowledge of the existence of these kinds of proteins prior to this study. These UFO proteins can alter the course of viral infection and could be exploited for vaccine purposes. “The capacity of a pathogen to overcome host barriers and establish infection is based on the expression of pathogen-derived proteins,” said Ivan Marazzi, PhD, Associate Professor of Microbiology at Icahn School of Medicine and corresponding author on the study. “To understand how a pathogen antagonizes the host and establishes infection, we need to have a clear understanding of what proteins a pathogen encodes, how they function, and the manner in which they contribute to virulence.” Viruses cannot build their own proteins, so they need to feed suitable instructions to the machinery that builds proteins in their host’s cells. Viruses are known to do this through a process called “cap-snatching,” in which they cut the end from one of the cell’s own protein-encoding messages (a messenger RNA, or mRNA) and then extend that sequence with a copy of one of their own genes. This gives a hybrid message to be read. “For decades we thought that by the time the body encounters the signal to start translating that message into protein (a ‘start codon’) it is reading a message provided to it solely by the virus. Our work shows that the host sequence is not silent,” said Dr. Marazzi. The researchers show that, because they make hybrids of host mRNAs with their own genes, viruses (sNSVs) can produce messages with extra, host-derived start codons, a process they called “start snatching.” This makes it possible to translate previously unsuspected proteins from the hybrid host-virus sequences. They further show that these novel genes are expressed by influenza viruses and potentially a vast number of other viruses. The product of these hybrid genes can be visible to the immune system, and they can modulate virulence. Further studies are needed to understand this new class of proteins and what the implications are of their pervasive expression by many of the RNA viruses that cause epidemics and pandemics. Ed Hutchinson, PhD, corresponding author and a research fellow at MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, said, “Viruses take over their host at the molecular level, and this work identifies a new way in which some viruses can wring every last bit of potential out of the molecular machinery they are exploiting. While the work done here focusses on influenza viruses, it implies that a huge number of viral species can make previously unsuspected genes.” Researchers say the next part of their work is to understand the distinct roles the unsuspected genes play. “Now we know they exist, we can study them and use the knowledge to help disease eradication,” said Dr. Marazzi. “A large global effort is required to stop viral epidemics and pandemics, and these new insights may lead to identifying novel ways to stop infection.” This study was supported by funders including the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the UK Medical Research Council. To read the original article click here.

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New Smart Fabrics From Bioactive Inks Monitor Body and Environment by Changing Color

AHA Publisher — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 07:00:24 +0000

Tufts University via EurekAlert – Researchers at Tufts University’s School of Engineering have developed biomaterial-based inks that respond to and quantify chemicals released from the body (e.g. in sweat and potentially other biofluids) or in the surrounding environment by changing color. The inks can be screen printed onto textiles such as clothes, shoes, or even face masks in complex patterns and at high resolution, providing a detailed map of human response or exposure. The advance in wearable sensing, reported in Advanced Materials, could simultaneously detect and quantify a wide range of biological conditions, molecules and, possibly, pathogens over the surface of the body using conventional garments and uniforms. “The use of novel bioactive inks with the very common method of screen printing opens up promising opportunities for the mass-production of soft, wearable fabrics with large numbers of sensors that could be applied to detect a range of conditions,” said Fiorenzo Omenetto, corresponding author and the Frank C. Doble Professor of Engineering at Tufts’ School of Engineering. “The fabrics can end up in uniforms for the workplace, sports clothing, or even on furniture and architectural structures.” Wearable sensing devices have attracted considerable interest in monitoring human performance and health. Many such devices have been invented incorporating electronics in wearable patches, wristbands, and other configurations that monitor either localized or overall physiological information such as heart rate or blood glucose. The research presented by the Tufts team takes a different, complementary approach – non-electronic, colorimetric detection of a theoretically very large number of analytes using sensing garments that can be distributed to cover very large areas: anything from a patch to the entire body, and beyond. The components that make the sensing garments possible are biologically activated silk-based inks. The soluble silk substrate in these ink formulations can be modified by embedding various “reporter” molecules – such as pH sensitive indicators, or enzymes like lactate oxidase to indicate levels of lactate in sweat. The former could be an indicator of skin health or dehydration, while the latter could indicate levels of fatigue of the wearer. Many other derivatives of the inks can be created due to the versatility of the silk fibroin protein by modifying it with active molecules such as chemically sensitive dyes, enzymes, antibodies and more. While the reporter molecules could be unstable on their own, they can become shelf-stable when embedded within the silk fibroin in the ink formulation. The inks are formulated for screen printing applications by combining with a thickener (sodium alginate) and a plasticizer (glycerol). The screen printable bio-inks can be used like any ink developed for screen printing, and so can be applied not just to clothing but also to various surfaces such as wood, plastics and paper to generate patterns ranging from hundreds of microns to tens of meters. While the changes in color presented by the inks can provide a visual cue to the presence or absence of an analyte, use of camera imaging analysis scanning the garments or other material can gather more precise information on both quantity and high resolution, sub-millimeter mapping. The technology builds upon earlier work by the same researchers developing bioactive silk inks formulated for inkjet-printing to create petri dishes, paper sensors, and laboratory gloves that can indicate bacterial contamination by changing colors. “The screen printing approach provides the equivalent of having a large, multiplexed arrangement of sensors covering extensive areas of the body, if worn as a garment, or even on large surfaces such as room interiors,” said Giusy Matzeu, research assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Tufts School of Engineering and first author of the paper. “Coupled with image analysis, we can obtain a high resolution mapof color reactions over a large area and gain more insight on overall physiological or environmental state. In theory, we could extend this method to track air quality, or support environmental monitoring for epidemiology.” The fact that the method uses common printing techniques also opens up avenues in creative applications – something explored by Laia Mogas-Soldevila, architect and recent PhD graduate at Tufts in Omenetto’s SilkLab. Mogas-Soldevila has helped to create beautiful tapestries, displaying them in museums across the United States and Europe. The displays are interactive, allowing visitors to spray different, non-toxic chemicals onto the fabric and watch the patterns transform. “This is really a great example of how art and engineering can gain from and inspire each other,” said Mogas-Soldevila. “The engineered inks open up a new dimension in responsive, interactive tapestries and surfaces, while the 1,000-year old art of screen printing has provided a foundation well suited to the need for a modern high resolution, wearable sensing surface.” To read the original article click here.

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What Exactly Does It Mean to Be Immunocompromised?

AHA Publisher — Fri, 22 May 2020 07:00:21 +0000

Christine Ruggeri, CHHC via Dr. Axe – You’ve probably heard the word “immunocompromised” being used a lot lately and may have a general idea of what the term means. But what else should you know about having a compromised immune system? Your immune system acts as your body’s armed forces, protecting it from harmful invaders. A well-functioning immune system is absolutely critical for survival, but when it’s not functioning properly, you’re more vulnerable to infections and disease. The good news is that we are largely in control of our immune health. There are so many natural (and pretty easy) ways to boost the immune system and take control of your health. What Does Immunocompromised Mean? Immunocompromised means that the body’s immune defenses are weakened and don’t function properly. The immune system is an interactive network of organs, white blood cells and proteins that protects us from viruses, bacteria and dangerous foreign invaders. We rely on our immune systems to neutralize and remove pathogens from the body and to fight against our own cells that have changed due to illness. When immune function is compromised, we are at a greater risk of facing serious infections and illnesses. The vulnerability to infection and illness depends on each person’s degree of immune suppression, which can vary greatly from person to person. It’s possible to have partial or full impairment of the immune system. Some people are more susceptible to infections because of their weakened immunity, while others have severe reactions to infections and are at risk of life-threatening circumstances. This depends on the severity of immunosuppression. Primary vs. Secondary Immunodeficiency Immunodeficiency disorders can be primary or secondary. Primary immunodeficiencies are inherited immune disorders that result from genetic mutations. There are over 300 types of primary deficiencies, but they are considered rare. Although people are born with these types of immunodeficiency, some aren’t diagnosed until later in life. Secondary immunodeficiencies are more common and result from disease, malnutrition, environmental factors and certain drug therapies. Throughout life, we build our adaptive immunity, which is the part of our immune systems that learn to respond to certain antigens. This is a normal, healthy way to build up immunity, but the process can be compromised for people with immunodeficiency disorders. Causes A compromised immune system is caused by: Chronic diseases, including diabetes, hepatitis and kidney disease Cancer, especially blood cancers (like leukemia) AIDS Chemotherapy Autoimmune diseases (or overactive immune system), such as lupus, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis Congenital disorders, such as cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis and Down syndrome Certain medications, including corticosteroids and TNF inhibitors Antibiotic use Poor nutrition Sedentary lifestyle Obesity Pregnancy Lack of sun exposure Smoking Excessive alcohol consumption Isolation and loneliness Aging Fortunately, many of the causes of immunosuppression are controllable and can be corrected with dietary and lifestyle changes. Research shows that many infections of immunocompromised patients originate from the gut, with the alternation of intestinal bacteria. We know that the presence of good bacteria helps with microbial stability and boosts immune function. This is exactly why frequent antibiotic use, certain medications and poor diet contribute so largely to immunity. We also know that lifestyle and dietary factors play a major role in immune function. Obesity is strongly linked to chronic inflammation and diseases that impact immunity, including cardiovascular disease, type diabetes and chronic liver disease. Research also indicates that nutrients impact immune cells and cause changes in their function. Poor nutrition and nutrient deficiencies play a role in systemic inflammation and greatly increase the risk of immunosuppression. This includes deficiencies in zinc, selenium, vitamin D and glutamine. Aging is associated with increased inflammation, even in the absence of infection. We also know that T-cell function declines with age. This is why elderly people are more vulnerable to infection and sickness. Symptoms To put it simply, people who are immunocompromised typically get sick more often and their duration of sickness is longer. In general, symptoms of a weakened immune system may include: Vulnerability to infections Increased frequency and duration of sickness (like the common cold) Repeated infections Fatigue Digestive issues Headaches Muscle and joint pain Autoimmune disorders Inflammation Dangers/Risks The biggest danger of being immunocompromised is the risk of getting infections and having very bad reactions to these infections. Unlike people with healthy immune systems, those who are immunosuppressed have trouble fighting off the pathogens, which is why the sickness can accelerate into a much more serious condition. For the immunosuppressed, it’s important to protect yourself from infections by washing hands often, avoiding touching your face (especially when out in public), safely disinfecting surfaces of your home and seeking medical attention early if you’re not feeling well. How to Boost the Immune System 1. Rethink Your Diet To support immune function, start by removing inflammatory, unhealthy foods. Avoid processed foods, sugary foods and starchy carbs. Microbes love sugar, and the immune system reacts very poorly to sugar consumption. Then bring immune-enhancing foods and essential nutrients into your diet. These include a range of vegetables, especially yellow- and orange-colored ones, fermented foods, leafy greens, healthy fats, and green tea. 2. Manage Stress Chronic stress has a major impact on the body, causing reduced immune function, increased inflammation and more. Even in stressful times, focusing on self-care and peace of mind can make a big difference. Try breathing exercises, daily yoga (even if it’s only for a few minutes), reading inspiring books or articles, cooking, listening to music and spending relaxing time with loved ones. 3. Get Enough Sleep A lack of sleep suppresses immune function and triggers inflammation. It’s so important to get at least seven hours of sleep per night. If you can’t sleep for that amount of time, consider making lifestyle and dietary changes that will help. Skip late-night sugar and carbs, avoid using electronics before bed, and reduce stress so your mind can settle down in the evening. 4. Move Your Body Daily exercise reduces systemic inflammation and boosts immune function. On the other hand, living a sedentary lifestyle is extremely problematic, as it increases your risk of conditions that can lead to immunodeficiency, like heart disease and diabetes. 5. Get Outdoors Studies have proven that vitamin D performs several roles within the immune system. Of course, we need to protect our skin from too much direct sun, but spending some time outdoors is important for supporting immune function. Plus, time outdoors can be relaxing and help us to destress, which is another way to reduce inflammation and boost immunity. 6. Use Immune-Boosting Herbs and Supplements Certain antiviral herbs and supplements serve as powerful tools for supporting the immune system. The very best ones include: Echinacea Elderberry Andrographis Probiotics Vitamin C Vitamin D Zinc Conclusion A weakened, low immune system can be scary and frustrating. It makes you more vulnerable to infection and serious, sometimes life-threatening symptoms. The causes of compromised immune system vary, with some beginning at birth and others developing as a result of poor diet and lifestyle factors. The good news is that for many causes of poor immunity, there are natural approaches the immunosuppressed can take to improve their health. Rethinking your diet, getting enough sleep and exercise, reducing stress, and using immune-boosting herbs and supplements can have seriously positive impacts. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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