eveningstandard--2019-05-03--Drug combination that could cure super-gonorrhoea identified by scientists

A drug combination which could cure treatment-resistant super-gonorrhoea has been identified by scientists.  Researchers believe antibiotic gentamicin could act as back-up option to treat the sexually-transmitted infection amid rising concern that resistance to treatment might become widespread.  The drug, taken with azithromycin, worked almost as well as the current first-line treatment, ceftriaxone and azithromycin, according to a study published in The Lancet journal.  However, gentamicin was less effective against throat or rectal gonorrhoea.  Professor Jonathan Ross, chief investigator from the University of Birmingham, warned the existing treatment "is beginning to fail".  Public Health England (PHE) said in January that two women had been infected with super-gonorrhoea, which was resistant to the first-choice treatment, while other cases have previously been reported.  Gonorrhoea does not usually lead to complications, but if left untreated can cause serious health issues including pelvic inflammatory disease among women.  In a trial at 14 sexual health clinics in England, funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), 720 patients were given either the current antibiotic treatment of ceftriaxone or gentamicin.  Both groups were also given an oral dose of azithromycin.  A total of 98 per cent of those given ceftriaxone had their gonorrhoea cured after two weeks, compared to 91 per cent of those treated with gentamicin.  The findings suggest gentamicin could offer an alternative for patients, if they do not respond to the first-choice treatment.  "Our current antibiotic treatment for gonorrhoea is beginning to fail and experience with previous drugs strongly suggests that this could become a widespread problem," Prof Ross said.  "Our trial has found that gentamicin combined with azithromycin works almost as well as ceftriaxone with azithromycin for genital gonorrhoea, but did not clear throat or rectal gonorrhoea as effectively.  "We believe ceftriaxone should remain the first-line treatment for gonorrhoea, with gentamicin as an alternative, particularly for patients with genital infection and those who are allergic or intolerant to ceftriaxone."  The researchers said further work is needed to find alternative treatments, with antibiotic resistance a growing problem.  Professor Hywel Williams, director of the NIHR's health technology assessment programme, said: "It's very worrying that cases of treatment-resistant gonorrhoea are now appearing across the globe.  "This research provides important new evidence that suggests that gentamicin with azithromycin could become a second-line treatment for patients who are resistant to ceftriaxone with this infectious disease.”


eveningstandard--2019-06-28--Scientists discover aposcritical breakthroughapos in cure for baldness

Scientists discover 'critical breakthrough' in cure for baldness

Scientists have discovered a "critical breakthrough" in the search for a cure for baldness.  Researchers found they could create natural-looking hair using stem cells, meaning a cure for hair loss could be within sight.  The American scientists said they had refined a method which allowed them to grow hair through the skin of mice using dermal papilla cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells.  The experts presented the results at the annual meeting of the International Society for Stem Cell Research in Los Angeles.  The study involved the human stem cells being combined with mice cells before they were attached to a 3D biodegradable scaffold made from the same material as dissolvable stitches.  The scaffold helped control the direction of hair growth and helped the stem cells integrate into the skin.  "Our new protocol... overcomes key technological challenges that kept our discovery from real-world use," said Alexey Terskik, of Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute in California.  "Now we have a robust, highly controlled method for generating natural-looking hair that grows through the skin using an unlimited source of human iPSC-derived dermal papilla cells.  "This is a critical breakthrough in the development of cell-based hair-loss therapies and the regenerative medicine field."  The scientists are now looking at applying the same process in humans, and say there is an "unlimited" supply of stem cells which can be derived from a simple blood draw.  Male pattern baldness affects about 50% of men over the age of 50, according to the British Association of Dermatologists, with many men suffering hair loss from puberty.  Current treatments include the drugs minoxidil or finasteride, while hair transplants can cost anywhere between £1,000 and £30,000.


naturalnews--2019-01-14--The CURE for Alzheimers Disease can be found in our synapses

The CURE for Alzheimer's Disease can be found in our synapses

(Natural News) Americans walk, run, and march “for the cure” for all kinds of different diseases, helping to raise awareness and funds for research, but what if you found out right now there’s a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, would you “take care of business” starting now or keep wishing someone else might come along to possibly save you later?  Sure, right about now you’re hoping the cure will come in some magical pill or prolific injection, and do the job “overnight,” so you won’t have to do any work or garner long-term diligence – well, there’s good news and bad news – and they’re both the same. Scientists have figured out what causes Alzheimer’s Disease and what cures it, but it’s not some chemical pill or experimental vaccine, so let’s get to work.  The point of connection of neurons is called a synapse, and that’s where neurotransmitters are released and communication happens in the brain. This is where we experiences all of our senses and engage in thought processes, including critical thinking and memory. This is also exactly where dementia happens.  The synapse is where neurons release hormones, glutamates, and small peptides called amyloid beta. The amyloid beta are the brain’s “trash” and a prime factor involved in Alzheimer’s disease, functioning as the main component of plaques that cling to each other and clog up the neural pathway. These are the plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.  The power of the elements: Discover Colloidal Silver Mouthwash with quality, natural ingredients like Sangre de Drago sap, black walnut hulls, menthol crystals and more. Zero artificial sweeteners, colors or alcohol. Learn more at the Health Ranger Store and help support this news site.  Normally, these amyloid plaques are swept out of the neural pathway (like trash) by the “custodians of the brain” called microglea. These amazing microglea are the brain’s own immune cells and are the answer to beating brain diseases. Scientists recently discovered through sophisticated experiments that these cells constantly search for brain damage, like a perpetually-running computer virus scan, running surveillance for different levels of damage. The microglea are literally capable of eating infected and damaged cells before infection spreads, while clearing out “debris” from dying cells.  Diseases of dementia therefore begin when amyloid beta begins to accumulate, because too much is released, overwhelming the microglea, and leaving waste in the neural pathways, blocking communication. The synapse piles up with plaques (trash and waste) that become sticky and bind to themselves (think of animal fat clogging your sink drain).  At a certain tipping point, when the body and brain have created too much “trash” for too long, creating massive inflammation and tangles, the microglea become overwhelmed and enter a hyper-mode, where they actually begin attacking healthy cells. Scientists believe the microglea may even, at the tipping point, begin clearing away the synapses themselves. Get it? The cure lives in keeping amyloid plaques from reaching the “tipping point.” Here’s how you do that.  Amyloid plaque accumulation may never be “cured” with a chemical drug or vaccine, but that doesn’t matter, because you can cure the problem yourself. Are you ready to start taking your preventative medicine? It’s not very difficult you know. Let’s break it down to its simplest form, then you decide if you can “pull it off.”  You wouldn’t pick up a poisonous snake just to see if it bites you, and then start searching the internet for the anecdote, would you? You wouldn’t pick some poison ivy and rub it on your skin on purpose, would you? If you were severely allergic to peanuts, you certainly wouldn’t eat a handful just to see what happens. That’s just common sense.  So what if you knew what caused dementia, would you stop eating it? Guess what. Now is the time to stop marching for the cure and start living it, because knowledge is power. Now get this.  White foods are known to cause excess plaque build-up in the brain, leading to dementia. These white foods include white bread, white flour, white rice (except basmati, which is naturally white), white pasta, and white sugar. Stop eating bleached food.  Processed foods and meats cause excess plaque in the synapses, fueling dementia. Avoid processed cheeses (think American cheese especially here), and processed meats, like sausages, bacon, hot dogs, and cold cuts (especially smoked deli meats), and even beer. Nitrosamines in smoked meats cause the liver to produce fats that are toxic to the brain.  Stop eating foods that contain diacetyl, a chemical commonly found in microwave popcorn. Diacetyl increases amyloid plaques in the brain.  You’ll hear it time and time again, that a plant-based diet cures almost every preventable disease and disorder known to humans. It’s true. If you’re a heavy meat eater, your body is struggling to process all that animal fat, creating heart and brain “trash” that your body’s “janitors” just can’t sweep away fast enough.  If you think organic or “expeller pressed” canola oil means that the oil doesn’t coagulate in your body, you’d be dead wrong. After about six weeks, any canola oil that your body hasn’t cleared out looks like a sticky glue you could use to bond cement. Think of all that “trash” blocking your synapses and causing dementia, because that’s exactly what happens.  Did you know that in the U.S. alone, Alzheimer’s care already costs $2 billion a year (one out of every five Medicare dollars)? Dementia kills more people than cancer. Did you know that? Sure, Big Pharma will tell you Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are not preventable, but both are, and the cure lives in prevention. You may begin now.


newyorkpost--2019-01-29--Well have a cure for cancer within a year scientists claim

We’ll have a cure for cancer within a year, scientists claim

A team of Israeli scientists claim they will likely develop a cure for cancer in the next year, The Jerusalem Post reported on Monday.  The new treatment is being developed by Accelerated Evolution Biotechnologies under the leadership of CEO Dr. Ilan Morad, according to the report.  “We believe we will offer in a year’s time a complete cure for cancer,” said Dan Aridor, chairman of the company’s board. “Our cancer cure will be effective from day one, will last a duration of a few weeks and will have no or minimal side-effects at a much lower cost than most other treatments on the market.”  The treatment, called MuTaTo, will use a combination of cancer-targeting peptides and a toxin that will specifically kill cancer cells.  The treatment will eventually be personalized and a specific cocktail of the drugs will be given to patients based on their type of cancer, Morad told the newspaper.


pinknewsuk--2019-11-08--Researchers believe they’ve found the cure for HIV/AIDS

A technician extracts blood from a patient for an HIV test. (Getty)  Within a document that is 1,000 pages long, American researches have outlined what they say could be the cure to HIV/AIDS.  Yesterday, the American Gene Technologies (AGT) submitted their study for Phase I retail of its autologous cell therapy for HIV, reported BioBuzz.  The therapy involves an individual’s cells – cultured and expanded outside the body – being then reintroduced back into the donor.  Researchers, based in Maryland, said their aim with the study is to break those living with HIV “out of jail and back to normal life”.  Researchers suspect they ‘may be able to’ come up with HIV cure.  By using immunotherapy, AGT staff aim to eliminate the possibility of the AIDS virus progressing and to build immunity from HIV encounters.  The approach differs from other techniques in its focus on strengthening immunity to the virus and protecting the cells to stymie HIV.  If successful, researchers said, the body’s natural immunity to HIV can be restored. As a result, people’s immune systems will counter the disease like any other.  In a statement, AGT CEO Jeff Galvin said: “We want to get these people out of jail and back to normal life.  “We see this as critically important. We need to move these people from anti-retroviral control to permanent immunity and we think our project may be able to do that.”  What’s the next step with the research?  Scientists submitted the proposed plan, called an international new drug application, to the Food and Drug Administration – the federal body that deals with public health – to commence the clinic trials.  They can expect to hear back from the FDA by the end of the year or early January to confirm whether the project can move forward with clinical trials or not.  According to its application, AGT aim to recruit patients in the early new year.  Around 37.9 million people across the world are living with HIV, according to statistics, while nearly 20 million have access and are taking antiretroviral treatment.  However, as much as acquisition rates of HIV continue to plunge in certain patches of the world, access to the necessary treatments continues to be snarled by governments and pharmaceutical companies.  In the US, the makers of PrEP – a crucial preventative pill – Gilead Sciences empties the pockets of those needing it, activists warn, as a year’s supply can cost an American around $20,000 a year.  While researchers are in tireless pursuit of a cure to the disease, activists have warned that more needs to be done to slash treatment prices and increase education around the disease.


prisonplanet--2019-01-29--A cure for cancer Israeli scientists say they think they found one

A cure for cancer? Israeli scientists say they think they found one

A small team of Israeli scientists think they might have found the first complete cure for cancer.  “We believe we will offer in a year’s time a complete cure for cancer,” said Dan Aridor, of a new treatment being developed by his company, Accelerated Evolution Biotechnologies Ltd. (AEBi), which was founded in 2000 in the ITEK incubator in the Weizmann Science Park. AEBi developed the SoAP platform, which provides functional leads to very difficult targets.  “Our cancer cure will be effective from day one, will last a duration of a few weeks and will have no or minimal side-effects at a much lower cost than most other treatments on the market,” Aridor said. “Our solution will be both generic and personal.”  It sounds fantastical, especially considering that an estimated 18.1 million new cancer cases are diagnosed worldwide each year, according to reports by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Further, every sixth death in the world is due to cancer, making it the second leading cause of death (second only to cardiovascular disease).  This article was posted: Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 7:28 am


skynewsus--2019-06-28--Critical breakthrough in cure for baldness

'Critical breakthrough' in cure for baldness

A cure for baldness could be within sight  Scientists have discovered a "critical breakthrough" in the cure for baldness after creating natural-looking hair from stem cells.  US researchers said they have refined a method which allowed them to grow hair through the skin of mice using dermal papilla cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells.  The study involved the human stem cells being combined with mice cells before they were attached to a 3D biodegradable scaffold made from the same material as dissolvable stitches.  It helped control the direction of hair growth and aided the stem cells to integrate into the skin.  The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the International Society for Stem Cell Research in Los Angeles.  "Our new protocol... overcomes key technological challenges that kept our discovery from real-world use," said Alexey Terskik, of Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute in California.  "Now we have a robust, highly controlled method for generating natural-looking hair that grows through the skin using an unlimited source of human iPSC-derived dermal papilla cells.  "This is a critical breakthrough in the development of cell-based hair-loss therapies and the regenerative medicine field."  Scientists are now looking at applying the same process in humans as a treatment for hair loss, claiming there is an "unlimited" supply of stem cells which can be derived from a simple blood draw.  Male pattern baldness affects around 50% of men over the age of 50, and is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors, according to the British Association of Dermatologists.  Current treatments include finasteride and minoxidil, which do not work for everyone and only work for as long as they are used.  Other treatments include steroid injections and creams applied to bald patches and hair transplants, which can cost anywhere between £1,000 and £30,000.


sputnik--2019-04-18--Doctors Cure Bubble Boy Disease Using Edited HIV Genes

Doctors Cure ‘Bubble Boy’ Disease Using Edited HIV Genes

The revolutionary new gene therapy was developed in tandem between St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Benioff Children's Hospital, and the results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine on Thursday. Second Ever Patient May Have Been Cured of HIV - Reports  Based on a study of eight children that began when they were infants, the doctors found that by editing a portion of the patients' blood stem cells and adding a genetically modified HIV virus, seven of them were able to develop normal immune systems that could fight infections and even receive vaccines, something they hadn't been able to do previously. The procedure took between six and 24 months to be fully effective.  The children were all born with severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome (SCID), a genetic defect in which the bone marrow, which is the body's blood cell factory, fails to produce functional immune system cells able to combat infections. It affects 1 in 200,000 newborns, almost exclusively males. Most infants born with SCID will die within a year or two of their birth.  "This therapy has cured the patients," Ewelina Mamcarz, of the St. Jude Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, said in a Wednesday press release. She noted that more observation is necessary, though.  "These patients are toddlers now, who are responding to vaccinations and have immune systems to make all immune cells they need for protection from infections as they explore the world and live normal lives." Mamcarz noted. "This is a first for patients with SCID-X1." Changed Man With 'Space Genes': Alterations in US Astronaut's Body Startled NASA  "While longer follow-up is needed to assess any late effects of treatment, these results suggest most patients treated with this gene therapy will develop a complete durable immune response without side effects," co-author Mort Cowan, a UCSF professor of pediatrics and principal investigator of the trial at the university, noted in the statement.  The nickname "bubble boy" comes from one 1970s Texas family's solution to the disease: keep their son in a protective plastic bubble to protect him from coming into contact with things that might infect him. The boy died at the age of 12 during a bone marrow transplant — then a risky procedure, AP reported.  Doctors had long believed that gene editing held the solution for the problem, but early attempts had a dangerous side-effect: because destroying part of the defective bone marrow is necessary, patients tended to develop leukemia, a cancer of the bone marrow. New Antibody Therapy an ‘Important, Early Step’ Toward Twice-Yearly HIV Treatment  It's deeply ironic, then, that salvation from this illness should come in the form of HIV, the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a disease that kills by weakening the body's immune system so that once-minor infections become deadly.  When news of the medical triumph hit Wall Street, stocks in the tiny biotechnology company that's licensed the treatment, Mustang Bio Inc., spiked by 360 percent. Having closed the previous day at $2.66 per share, by 9:40 a.m. shares were selling at $9.74 each. However, when this article went to publication, that enthusiasm had somewhat worn off, declining to about $5.64 per share.  "The data are extraordinary for every single patient," Chief Executive Officer Manny Litchman told the Washington Post Thursday. "It's that compelling nature of the data, in particular for those who don't have a matched sibling donor, that we believe will convince the FDA to do this [approve the treatment]. There is precedent in other rare diseases. We don't think it's crazy at all… We need to be bold, we think it's important to be bold for these kids who need this therapy."


sputnik--2019-05-03--Experimental Drug Cocktail Tipped to Cure Sexually Transmitted Super Gonorrhoea

A light in the end of the tunnel has emerged for patients suffering from the drug-resistant sexually transmitted infection that has been on the rise and become one of the major worries for scientists and medics.  Strains of gonorrhoea that have developed a resistance against the antibiotic azithromycin — normally used to treat the infection — have been dubbed by scientists as "super-gonorrhoea."  "Everyone can significantly reduce their risk by using condoms with all new and casual partners," explained the UK National Health Service.  The concern in the medical community is largely caused by the fact that the superbug develops resistant to drugs used to treat it, leaving patients unprotected.  "We know that the bacterium that causes gonorrhoea can rapidly develop resistance to other antibiotics that are used for treatment, so we cannot afford to be complacent. If strains of gonorrhoea emerge that are resistant to both azithromycin and ceftriaxone, treatment options would be limited as there is currently no new antibiotic available to treat the infection," said Dr Gwenda Hughes, consultant scientist and head of the STI section at Public Health England.  The newly found combination of drugs by University Hospitals Birmingham could pave the way for a sought-after treatment.  The first case of ‘super gonorrhoea' was recorded in 2018, when a British man contracted the disease after returning from South East Asia.


thesun--2019-01-03--Drug used to treat Lady Gagas fibromyalgia could cure agonising sex condition for millions

Drug used to treat Lady Gaga’s fibromyalgia ‘could cure agonising sex condition for millions’

A DRUG used to treat the chronic pain condition fibromyalgia could cure painful sex for millions of women.  Experts tested the medicine, Gabapentin, on 230 women who had suffered pain during sex for more than five years.  All of the women experience less pain and discomfort during sex, as well as an increase in their libido.  The drug is often used to treat fibromyalgia, the chronic pain condition that forced Lady Gaga to postpone her European world tour in 2017, and has also been used to treat pain in patients who have previously had herpes and to help manage epilepsy.  Experts from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School wanted to see if it would help women who suffer from dyspareunia.  The umbrella term is used to describe a number of reasons why sex might be uncomfortable, even agony, for women.  According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists some 75 per cent of women experience painful sex at some point in their lives.  For some women it causes a burning, stinging sensation, for others it's excruciating.  The women in the study were diagnosed with provoked vulvodynia, a chronic pain syndrome characterised by symptoms such as stinging, burning, irritation or itching at the entry to the vagina.  The pain usually occurs with contact, such as from tampon insertion or intercourse, which can lead to sexual dysfunction.  Lead author Gloria Bachmann, director of the Women's Health Institute at the school, said: "Previous studies have suggested Gabapentin reduces the pain of fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that includes widespread pain in various parts of the body.  "Our theory was that reducing pelvic floor muscle pain might reduce vulvodynia pain overall and thus improve sexual function.  "We found that women with greater muscle pain responded better in terms of pain and improved arousal than those with less pain, which suggests that Gabapentin be considered for treatment in women who have significant muscle tightness and spasm in the pelvic region."  The study, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, opens the door for potential new treatments for millions of women.  We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours


thesun--2019-06-17--Scientists may be close to finding asthma cure after creating the first map of every cell in human l

Scientists may be close to finding asthma cure after creating the first map of every cell in human lungs

SCIENTISTS hope they are closer to an asthma cure after creating the first human lung map.  The “atlas” charting every cell in the organ has already transformed knowledge of the disease.  It includes the building blocks of the respiratory systems in both patients and healthy people - offering hope for the development of new drug treatments for 350million sufferers.  It was used to discover which cells cause mucus production in asthmatics, whose lungs were compared with healthy ones.  Senior author Dr Sarah Teichmann, of the Wellcome Sanger Institute and co-chair of the Human Cell Atlas Organising Committee, said: "As part of the Human Cell Atlas initiative, we have created the first comprehensive cellular map of the lungs.  "Our large-scale, open access data reveals the activity of different cells, their communication pathways and locations.  "The lung cell atlas will provide a great resource for further lung research and we hope that it will enable the identification of potential new therapeutic targets for asthma relief."  Now they plan to map every body cell in a vast project called the Human Cell Atlas Initiative.  It's hoped the global initiative will eventually boost research into illnesses ranging from asthma to dementia, heart disease and cancer.


thesun--2019-07-03--HIV cure closer than ever as scientists wipe out virus for first time in living animals

HIV cure ‘closer than ever’ as scientists wipe out virus for first time in living animals

SCIENTISTS are "closer than ever" to finding a cure for HIV after discovering a way to wipe out the virus in living animals for the first time.  Researchers say it marks a critical step towards a possible cure for humans - and clinical trials could begin as early as next year.  Current treatment focuses on the use of antiretroviral therapy, known as ART, which suppresses HIV replication, but does not eliminate the virus from the body.  It's not seen as a cure and requires life-long use because if the treatment is stopped, the virus can renew replication and fuel the development of AIDS.  But researchers at Temple University in Philadelphia and the University of Nebraska say they have come up with a revolutionary gene-editing tool.  The team injected mice with human bone barrow to mimic the immune system and say they were able to eliminate HIV in nine of the 21 animals.  Senior investigator Professor Kamel Khalili, an AIDS expert at Temple University, said: "Our study shows treatment to suppress HIV replication and gene editing therapy, when given sequentially, can eliminate HIV from cells and organs of infected animals."  His team used a technique called CRISPR-Cas9 that can snip faulty DNA with a harmless virus and has been likened to a pair of "molecular scissors".  It combines this with a recently developed therapeutic strategy known as LASER (long-acting slow-effective release) ART.  The technique targets viral "sanctuaries" - maintaining HIV replication at low levels for extended periods of time.  This also reduces the frequency of treatments.  The long-lasting medications were made possible by pharmacological changes in the chemical structure of antiretroviral drugs.  HIV rebound is directly attributed to the ability of the virus to integrate its DNA sequence into the genomes of cells of the immune system, where it lies dormant and beyond the reach of antiretroviral drugs.  In the study, published in Nature Communications, the modified drug was packaged into nanocrystals, which readily distribute to tissues where HIV is likely to be lying dormant.  From there, the nanocrystals, stored within cells for weeks, slowly release the drug.  Dr Khalili explained: "We wanted to see whether LASER ART could suppress HIV replication long enough for CRISPR-Cas9 to completely rid cells of viral DNA."  To test their idea, the researchers used mice engineered to produce human T cells susceptible to HIV infection.  Once infection was established, mice were treated with LASER ART and subsequently with CRISPR-Cas9.  At the end of the treatment period, mice were examined and analyses revealed complete elimination of HIV DNA in about one-third of HIV-infected mice.  Dr Khalili said: "The big message of this work is that it takes both CRISPR-Cas9 and virus suppression through a method such as LASER ART, administered together, to produce a cure for HIV infection.  "We now have a clear path to move ahead to trials in non-human primates and possibly clinical trials in human patients within the year."  Just over a generation ago the world was in the grip of AIDS hysteria, but thanks to modern drugs the picture has transformed.  Today it's more akin to a long-term condition than a certain death sentence and the number of new infections are declining in most parts of the world.  Earlier this year health secretary Matt Hancock promised by 2030 there would be no new cases of HIV in England.  Co senior investigator Dr Howard Gendelman, of Nebraska University, who developed LASER ART, said: "This achievement could not have been possible without an extraordinary team effort that included virologists, immunologists, molecular biologists, pharmacologists, and pharmaceutical experts.  "Only by pooling our resources together were we able to make this groundbreaking discovery."  In previous work, Dr Khalili's team used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to develop a novel gene editing and gene therapy delivery system aimed at removing HIV DNA from genomes harbouring the virus.  In rats and mice, they showed that the gene editing system could effectively excise large fragments of HIV DNA from infected cells, significantly impacting viral gene expression.  Similar to ART, however, gene editing cannot completely eliminate HIV on its own. The researchers now believed they have solved the problem.  We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.


thesun--2019-12-19--Scientists CURE alcoholic by drilling into his head and zapping his brain with electricity while he’

Scientists CURE alcoholic by drilling into his head and zapping his brain with electricity while he’s still awake

SCIENTISTS have cured an alcoholic by zapping his brain with electricity via probes in his head.  Dr Frank Plummer, 67, was on the verge of drinking himself to death before the experimental surgery.  He drank almost a bottle of whisky a night but was in denial until his liver failed in 2012. Dr Plummer received a transplant in 2014 but continued boozing until that also began to give up.  The infectious diseases expert turned to the trial in Toronto, Canada, as a last resort. Medics drilled holes into his head and implanted two electrodes in his brain while he was still awake.  The electrodes are connected to a battery pack fitted under his collar bone. The £11,000 treatment sends electrical pulses into the area of the brain linked to addiction and reward.  It is said to regulate or reset the faulty brain activity that makes addicts crave alcohol.  One year after the surgery, his stimulator is on 24 hours a day and he no longer constantly craves alcohol.  He is even able to have the odd tipple like a non-problem drinker. Dr Plummer said: “The treatment has changed my life. It has saved my life.  “I don’t think about alcohol all the time like I used to. I drink occasionally but I don’t crave it.”  His wife Jo Kennelly, 53, said: “He not only committed his life to science, he actually committed his brain to it, literally.”  Alcohol killed more than 7,500 Brits last year. • GOT a story? Ring The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or email exclusive@the-sun.co.uk


vaxxter--2019-02-09--Mayo Clinic Research Shows Measles May Cure Cancer

Scientists working at the Mayo Clinic discovered that measles may act as an unlikely ally in the fight against cancer.  This isn’t the first time that the measles cancer cure link has made headlines. Back in 2014, a study involving the use of the measles virus for cancer therapy showed similar promise. A CNN article highlighted a woman’s cancer going into remission after a measles therapy treatment. The subject of the CNN story, 49-year-old Stacy Erholtz, suffered from an incurable form of blood cancer. Erholtz was subjected to several rounds of chemotherapy and various other cancer treatments before being cured by the measles virus therapy.  “The idea here is that a virus can be trained to specifically damage a cancer and to leave other tissues in the body unharmed,” said the lead study author, Dr. Stephen Russell.  The concept of treating cancer with measles falls under virotherapy. The Mayo Clinic says that thousands of people have been treated using live viruses, such as measles.  “I think we succeeded because we pushed the dose higher than others have pushed it,” Russell said. “And I think that is critical. The amount of virus that’s in the bloodstream really is the driver of how much gets into the tumors.”  In 2016, researchers unveiled similar results with ovarian cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and breast cancer, in a paper titled, “Measles to the rescue.”  Most mainstream media outlets ran the story, including Reuters, the Washington Post, Daily Telegraph, and Daily Mail. There is a great divide regarding what this could mean for both measles and cancer. Some believe this means measles isn’t the enemy.  While the evidence of measles therapy helping fight cancer is compelling, government and public funded cancer research programs, such as Cancer Research UK, were quick to condemn the findings.  “The researchers used a genetically modified virus, and there’s no evidence that the regular measles or MMR jab can cure, prevent or cause any type of cancer,” they state.  But could this mean that the media’s assault on measles is unfair? One thing is certain, the “outrage” narratives over measles in the media are far from over even if the virus cures cancer entirely.


naturalnews--2019-12-19--The top 10 best natural cures and healing remedies of 2019

(Natural News) This year saw a lot of promising headlines related to natural cures, although you wouldn’t know that by taking a look at the mainstream media. Here’s a look at the top stories we reported on in 2019 related to healing remedies.  Is nutritional psychiatry the future of mental health treatments??  One reason so many people aren’t successful when it comes to managing mental health issues like depression and anxiety could be their diet. Nutrient deficiencies are increasingly being identified as culprits behind a host of mental problems like bipolar disorder and ADHD, and the field of nutritional psychiatry could well hold the key to dealing with these issues. It’s very exciting to think that eating the right foods could keep countless people away from taking risky antidepressants and antipsychotics.  Did you know that turmeric is just as effective as 14 pharmaceutical drugs??  If you’ve been wondering why so many people make such a big deal about turmeric, the answers are in this article by Lance D Johnson. More than 5,000 studies have illustrated the health benefits of this ancient spice, and it can even replace more than a dozen different medications that countless people regularly take in many cases. Cholesterol meds, diabetes drugs, and antidepressants are just a few of the drugs on the list that could be avoided with the help of turmeric.  Ditch the aspirin! Ginger works just as well … with NONE of the side effects?  If you’re taking an aspirin a day to prevent heart disease, listen up: You may be able to get all the benefits without the risks of excessive bleeding and organ failure by switching to ginger instead. Not only is it anti-inflammatory, but it works in the same way as aspirin when it comes to blocking COX-2, an enzyme that promotes the inflammation that can lead to heart disease and chronic illness. Like aspirin, it can also thin your blood to prevent clots from forming.  100% organic essential oil sets now available for your home and personal care, including Rosemary, Oregano, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Clary Sage and more, all 100% organic and laboratory tested for safety. A multitude of uses, from stress reduction to topical first aid. See the complete listing here, and help support this news site.  Herbal remedies that increase blood circulation in the feet  Poor circulation and swelling in the feet are all too common, and many people don’t realize that certain natural remedies can take care of this problem quite nicely. Ginkgo biloba, garlic, and hawthorn berries can all improve blood circulation in your feet without the side effects of prescription medication.  Coconut oil better than DEET at repelling insects, compelling new research shows?  DEET is great at repelling insects, but its effects on your health are enough to turn most people off from using it. An exciting study revealed that the fatty acids in coconut oil are a strong repellent that can last for a long time against disease-transmitting insects like ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies and bed bugs. Scientists are now developing formulas that use the compounds in the oil that have this effect.  These healthy foods are proven to lower blood pressure better than drugs?  It seems like almost everyone above a certain age is on blood pressure drugs these days, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Plenty of foods can work just as well as many popular blood pressure drugs, if not better. For example, beets, garlic and dark chocolate have all been shown to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.  What are the benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar before bedtime??  Apple cider vinegar is one of those wonder foods that has a lot of health benefits, but it’s particularly helpful when taken before bed. Easing acid reflux, preventing indigestion, stabilizing blood sugar, and relieving a sore throat are just a few of the accomplishments on its resume.  For anyone who believes that Western medicine is failing us greatly when it comes to cancer treatment, the seven-part documentary called Eastern Medicine – Journey Through Asia is a must-see series. It looks at natural cancer treatments in places like Japan, Thailand, India, Taiwan, and the Philippines, reminding everyone that chemotherapy isn’t the only option.  Probiotics reduce the need for antibiotics, new review concludes?  A recent review of 12 studies found that children and infants who took probiotics daily had a 29 percent lower likelihood of needing antibiotics, and when just the highest-quality studies were included, the percentage was an impressive 53 percent. This could be a valuable approach for reducing the problem of antibiotic resistance.  Candida overgrowth is a surprisingly common problem, and following the right diet can go a long way toward stemming the issue. However, there are some natural remedies you can try to enhance healing, such as grapefruit seed extract, coconut oil, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and clove oil.  You can count on Natural News to keep you informed about all the latest developments in natural cures throughout 2020 and beyond.


naturalnews--2019-07-02--Herbal remedies from traditional Chinese medicine found to effectively treat Alzheimers disease

Herbal remedies from traditional Chinese medicine found to effectively treat Alzheimer's disease

![Image: Herbal remedies from traditional Chinese medicine found to effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease](wp-content/uploads/sites/91/2019/07 /Herbal-Medicine-Chinese-Medical-Ginger-Licorice-Traditional.jpg)  * * *  ([Natural News](https://www.naturalnews.com)) In a review published in _The American Journal of Chinese Medicine_ , researchers from China looked at the potential of Chinese herbal medicines on the treatment of Alzheimerâs disease and dementia. They found that certain components from Chinese herbal medicines may be used as a [natural, safe, cost-effective treatment for Alzheimerâs disease](https://science.news/2019-06-18-therapeutic-effects-of- chinese-herbal-medicine-alzheimers-disease-dementia.html).  [Alzheimer’s disease](https://naturalpedia.com/alzheimers-disease-causes-side- effects-and-treatments-at-naturalpedia-com.html) is the most common form of dementia known to destroy memory and other cognitive functions. This condition not only severely reduces the quality of life for its victims but also brings a heavy economic burden to the family and society. Conventional treatments for the condition are often ineffective and have serious side effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new strategies to be developed for Alzheimer’s disease treatment.  In the review, the researchers examined studies on the active components of Chinese herbal medicines and their therapeutic effects on Alzheimerâs disease.  One of the active compounds reviewed was ginsenoside Rg1, which is extracted from [ginseng root](https://naturalpedia.com/panax-ginseng-sources-health- risks.html) ( _Radix Ginseng_ ). It helps treat Alzheimerâs disease by exerting a gamma-secretase inhibitor effect that reduces amyloid-beta aggregation, which plays a role in Alzheimerâs disease development. It can also inhibit the programmed cell death of nerve cells. A compound derived from the red sage root ( _Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae_ ) called tanshinone IIA, and baicalin, which is extracted from the root of the Chinese skullcap ( _Radix Scutellariae_ ), were found to inhibit the oxidative stress injury in nerve cells.   _ **The power of the elements** : Discover Colloidal Silver Mouthwash with quality, natural ingredients like Sangre de Drago sap, black walnut hulls, menthol crystals and more. Zero artificial sweeteners, colors or alcohol. [Learn more at the Health Ranger Store](https://colloidalsilvermouthwash.healthrangerstore.com/colloidal- silver-mouthwash.html) and help support this news site._  Researchers also found that icariin, which is extracted from barrenwort ( _Epimedium brevicornum_ ), can reduce amyloid beta levels and the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. It can also inhibit oxidative stress and programmed cell death. In addition, a compound derived from toothed clubmoss ( _Huperzia serrata_ ) called huperzine A was found to exhibit a cholinesterase- inhibitor effect. Active components evodiamine, extracted from evodia fruit ( _Fructus_ _Evodiae_ ), and curcumin, extracted from the dried rhizome of [turmeric](https://naturalpedia.com/turmeric-sources-health-benefits- nutrients-uses-and-constituents-at-naturalpedia-com.html) ( _Rhizoma Curcumae Longae_ ), exhibit anti-inflammatory actions.  Overall, these findings suggested that active components from these Chinese herbal medicines may help in the treatment of Alzheimerâs disease, especially because they have multi-target effects and fewer side effects.  ## More natural ways to treat Alzheimerâs disease  Treatment for Alzheimerâs disease focuses on improving the quality of life of people with the condition. Here are [other alternative treatments for Alzheimerâs](https://www.healthline.com/health/alzheimers-disease /alternative-treatments)Â in addition to the Chinese herbal medicines mentioned above:    * **Acupuncture:**[Acupuncture](https://naturalpedia.com/acupuncture-sources-health-benefits-at-naturalpedia-com.html)Â is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that uses fine, sterile needles to promote healing. This type of therapy is said to stimulate the body and improve the flow of energy called “qi.” A review of studies on acupuncture published in the _International Review of Neurobiology_ has reported that acupuncture may boost the mood and cognitive function of people with Alzheimerâs. Another study, which was published in the _Neurobiology of Aging_ , has shown that acupuncture may treat anxiety and depression, boost energy, and relieve pain in people with Alzheimer’s disease.   * **Aromatherapy:**[Aromatherapy](https://naturalpedia.com/aromatherapy-sources-health-benefits-at-naturalpedia-com.html) is a form of therapy that uses essential oils to improve the well-being of a person. Essential oils, such as rosemary, lemon, lavender, and orange essential oils, are believed to help improve the thinking abilities of older adults with Alzheimerâs.   * **Omega-3 fatty acids:** Regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce cognitive impairment, according to a study published in the _Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease_. Fatty fish and nuts are some of the best sources of these healthy fats.  Prevention is still better than cure. Experts suggest to [keep the body and brain working](https://www.naturalnews.com/2017-09-22-healthy-lifestyle- proven-to-help-prevent-dementia-four-tips-work-best.html) to preserve cognitive function and prevent Alzheimerâs disease and other forms of dementia.  For more articles on other Chinese herbal medicines that help in the treatment of Alzheimerâs disease, visit [ChineseMedicine.news](ChineseMedicine.news).  **Sources include:**  [Science.news](https://science.news/2019-06-18-therapeutic-effects-of-chinese- herbal-medicine-alzheimers-disease-dementia.html)  [Healthline.com](https://www.healthline.com/health/alzheimers-disease /alternative-treatments)


naturalnews--2019-07-31--The potential of mulberry for managing symptoms of diabetes mellitus

# The potential of mulberry for managing symptoms of diabetes mellitus  Wednesday, July 31, 2019 by: [Evangelyn Rodriguez](author/dominguez "Posts by Evangelyn Rodriguez")   _Tags:[alternative medicine](tag/alternative-medicine), [anti-diabetes](tag /anti-diabetes), [anti-inflammatory](tag/anti-inflammatory), [antioxidant](tag/antioxidant), [Chinese medicine](tag/chinese-medicine), [clean food](tag/clean-food), [diabetes mellitus](tag/diabetes-mellitus), [Diabetes treatment](tag/diabetes-treatment), [disease treatments](tag /disease-treatments), [food cures](tag/food-cures), [food is medicine](tag /food-is-medicine), [functional food](tag/functional-food), [glucose absorption](tag/glucose-absorption), [goodfood](tag/goodfood), [goodhealth](tag/goodhealth), [goodmedicine](tag/goodmedicine), [goodscience](tag/goodscience), [herbal medicine](tag/herbal-medicine-tags), [herbal medicines](tag/herbal-medicines), [Herbs](tag/herbs), [inflammation](tag/inflammation), [insulin production](tag/insulin- production), [medicinal plants](tag/medicinal-plants), [metabolic disorder](tag/metabolic-disorder), [metabolic health](tag/metabolic-health), [Mulberry](tag/mulberry), [natural cures](tag/natural-cures), [natural medicine](tag/natural-medicine), [phytonutrients](tag/phytonutrients), [prevention](tag/prevention), [remedies](tag/remedies), [research](tag/research), [superfoods](tag/superfoods), [TCM](tag/tcm)_    ![Image: The potential of mulberry for managing symptoms of diabetes mellitus ](wp-content/uploads/sites/91/2019/07/Leaf-Mulberry-Background-Berry-Black- Closeup-Delicious.jpg)  * * *  ([Natural News](https://www.naturalnews.com)) In this review, researchers from different universities in China systematically summarized the chemical composition of mulberry from the genusÂ  _Morus_ and the pharmacological effects of each of its medicinal parts on diabetes mellitus. This article was published in _The American Journal of Chinese Medicine_.    * Diabetes mellitus is a serious metabolic disorder that is now considered a global epidemic.   * Despite new advancements in modern medicine, traditional medicine is still used to prevent and treat diabetes in many countries. For instance, traditional herbal medicines are still commonly used in Asian countries.   * Mulberry has been used for thousands of years in China and is still widely usedÂ today for the treatment of diabetes.   * According to numerous preclinical findings, mulberry is a promising [alternative medicine forÂ diabetes mellitus](http://diabetessciencenews.com). Researchers have identified polyhydroxylated alkaloids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides as the possible active components of mulberry.   * Different medicinal parts of mulberry exert therapeutic effects on diabetes mellitus. These effects include improved glucose absorption, enhanced insulin production/secretion, anti-oxidation, and anti-inflammation.  The researchers believe that while there are still many challenges to be overcome, there are plenty of opportunities at present to do research that could one day spur the development of mulberry into a clinically approved drug for the widespread treatment of diabetes mellitus.  **Journal Reference:**  Wei H, Liu S, Liao Y, Ma C, Wang D, Tong J, Feng J, Yi T, Zhu L. A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE MEDICINAL POTENTIAL OF MULBERRY IN TREATING DIABETES MELLITUS. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. 2018;46(08):1743â1770. DOI: [10.1142/s0192415x1850088x](https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X1850088X)  Receive Our Free Email Newsletter  Get independent news alerts on natural cures, food lab tests, cannabis medicine, science, robotics, drones, privacy and more.  ### Take Action: Support Natural News by linking to this article from your website  **Permalink to this article:**    **Embed article link:** (copy HTML code below):    **Reprinting this article:**  Non-commercial use OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link.  **Follow Natural News** on [Steemit](https://steemit.com/@healthranger), [MeWe](https://mewe.com/i/health.ranger), and [GAB](https://gab.ai/naturalnews)


naturalnews--2019-07-30--Review looks at efficacy of herbal medicines against influenza virus

# Review looks at efficacy of herbal medicines against influenza virus  Tuesday, July 30, 2019 by: [Evangelyn Rodriguez](author/dominguez "Posts by Evangelyn Rodriguez")   _Tags:[alternative medicine](tag/alternative-medicine), [antiviral](tag/antiviral), [disease treatments](tag/disease-treatments), [drug-resistant virus](tag/drug-resistant-virus), [Flu](tag/flu), [goodhealth](tag/goodhealth), [goodmedicine](tag/goodmedicine), [herbal medicine](tag/herbal-medicine-tags), [Herbs](tag/herbs), [immune system](tag /immune-system), [influenza](tag/influenza), [influenza virus](tag/influenza- virus), [medicinal plants](tag/medicinal-plants), [natural cures](tag/natural- cures), [natural medicine](tag/natural-medicine), [oseltamivir](tag/oseltamivir), [plant compounds](tag/plant-compounds), [remedies](tag/remedies), [research](tag/research), [virus](tag/virus)_    ![Image: Review looks at efficacy of herbal medicines against influenza virus ](wp-content/uploads/sites/91/2019/07/Herbal-Mortar-Medical-Medicine-Ayurveda- Organic-Pestle.jpg)  * * *  ([Natural News](https://www.naturalnews.com)) In this article, researchers from _The Ohio State University_ systematically reviewed various herbal extracts which, according to numerous studies, exhibit anti-viral activities against the influenza virus. This review was published in _The American Journal of Chinese Medicine_.    * The researchers noted that the influenza virus has remained a consistent threat to the well-being of a variety of species on the planet.   * Due to its high mutation rate, the influenza virus has rapidly and continuously evolved. It has now generated new strains that prove resistant to antiviral medications commercially availableÂ today.   * This increased resistance has compelled the scientific community to explore other compounds that have antiviral effects against the influenza virus.   * Numerous herbal extracts have shown antiviral activity against viruses, including influenza.   * These herbal extracts target viral proteins like hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, and matrix 2 proteins.   * Some studies have also reported that certain herbal extracts can inhibit the replication of oseltamivir-resistant strains. In particular, herbal extracts that contain pentacyclic triterpenes have exhibited higher anti-viral activity than oseltamivir, an antiviral drug.   * The researchers discussed the possibility of targeting various host-cell signaling pathways used by the influenza virus during replication.   * According to studies, infected host cell pathways are hijacked by intracellular signaling cascades, such as the NF- _k_ B signaling, the PI3K/Akt pathway, the MAPK pathway, and the PKC/PKR signaling cascade.   * Herbal antivirals can target these pathways by suppressing the nuclear export of influenza vRNP. This inhibits the phosphorylation signaling cascade.  Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that [herbal antivirals can effectively inhibit the influenza virus](http://plantmedicine.news) and have the potential to be developed into modern antiviral medicines.  **Journal Reference:**  Lee JY, Abundo MEC, Lee CW.Â HERBAL MEDICINES WITH ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITY AGAINST THE INFLUENZA VIRUS, A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. 2018;46(08):1663â1700. DOI: [10.1142/s0192415x18500854](https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X18500854)  Receive Our Free Email Newsletter  Get independent news alerts on natural cures, food lab tests, cannabis medicine, science, robotics, drones, privacy and more.  ### Take Action: Support Natural News by linking to this article from your website  **Permalink to this article:**    **Embed article link:** (copy HTML code below):    **Reprinting this article:**  Non-commercial use OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link.  **Follow Natural News** on [Steemit](https://steemit.com/@healthranger), [MeWe](https://mewe.com/i/health.ranger), and [GAB](https://gab.ai/naturalnews)


birminghammail--2019-03-12--Paramedics performing life-saving surgery on knife victims on streets of Birmingham

Paramedics 'performing life-saving surgery' on knife victims on streets of Birmingham

Paramedics are performing lifesaving surgery and stitching up stab victims on the roadside.  The 999 medics - who are first on the scene - are having to open up chests and resuscitate patients as the region is gripped by a spiralling knife epidemic which has claimed the lives of three teenagers and maimed countless others.  Paramedics from the West Midlands Ambulance Service told the BBC’S Victoria Derbyshire how horrific wounds -such as severed body parts- have become the norm compared to five years ago.  Critical care paramedic Kerry Penn-Hasman, said: “It (the knife) might go into their heart, they might be stabbed in their tummy, they might be stabbed in the back, they might have defensive wounds.  “I’ve seen people with partial amputations of their fingers, defending themselves from attackers trying to stab them.”  Another paramedic said: “So increasingly we are going out to people who have stabbed to life threatening areas, up to and including opening their chest on the roadside to try to stem bleeding, get a grip of bleeding and resuscitate them.  “For the first five years in this role, I hadn’t opened a chest but now unfortunately I have got some experience of at least one a year for the last three years.”  West Midlands Police has introduced unprecedented stop and search powers across the region as they try to bring knife crime under control and restore a sense of law and order.  Three teenagers have been murdered and as of the end of February, there have been 269 knife crimes recorded in the city since Jan 1.  Chief Constable Dave Thompson said at the introduction of Section 60 powers:“Immediate and intensive action is needed to prevent this current crisis from continuing.  “My officers have been given extensive powers to search people without the need to suspect they are carrying weapons.  “I recognise this will upset some innocent young people, but I fear the carriage of weapons in the current environment is growing, often through fear, and we can take no chances.  “For our young people, their families and communities we need to stop this emergency quickly.  “Without specific areas or people to target that means blunt action to prevent violence.”


birminghammail--2019-09-07--This is Birminghams top GP surgery - and why patients rate it the best

This is Birmingham's top GP surgery - and why patients rate it the best

Keynell Court surgery in Kings Norton has been confirmed as the city's best GP practice.  The top doctors surgeries in Birmingham have been revealed in a brand-new survey with Keynell Court emerging as the best rated.  The surgery has beaten scores of other practices in the city to claim the number one spot as the patients’ choice.  The new league table is based on the latest findings from the GP Patient Survey - a huge ongoing poll involving more than a million people a year.  Patients at Keynell Court ranked it best for a variety of factors - and we have identified them below.  Nearly 95 per cent of patients at Keynell Court felt their doctor listened to them properly, while more than 97 per cent said they were treated with care and concern.  One hundred per cent said reception staff were helpful, and 98 per cent said their overall experience of the surgery was good.  In its latest Care Quality Commission report, which was conducted in 2015, the GP surgery was rated 'good' in every category.  The CQC rated the practice 'good' for its safety, care, effectiveness and leadership.  It rated its services 'good' in the following categories: people with long term conditions, families and children, older people, working age, people experiencing poor mental health and people whose circumstances may make them vulnerable.  The CQC added: "We found evidence that practice staff worked together and were enthusiastic to make on-going improvements for the benefit of patients.  "The practice was visibly clean. The standards of hygiene were regularly monitored to protect patients from unnecessary infections.  "There was a register of all vulnerable patients who were reviewed regularly. Patients we spoke with told us they were satisfied with the care they received and their medicines were regularly reviewed."  It continued: "Practice staff had identified carers and entered them on a register. GPs offered them advice and support. There was a dedicated area in the waiting room that offered information about support systems and groups."  And the report added: "The practice was able to demonstrate a good track record for safety. Effective systems were in place for reporting safety incidents. Untoward incidents were investigated and where possible improvements made to prevent similar occurrences.  "We found that patients were treated with respect and their privacy was maintained.  "Patients informed us they were very satisfied with the care they received and their ability to book an appointment when they felt they needed to."  Keynell Court says: "We welcome new patients. To register, please ask at reception for a form, or telephone us so we can post one out to you. We’ll then ask you to present the completed forms at the surgery. If you have a Medical Card, please bring this with you. We will ask you attend a new patient health check so that we can complete your registration."  "We are open to patients living within a 3 mile radius of our post code B30 3QT," it continued.  To make an appointment you can ring 0121 458 2619, visit reception during our normal opening times or book online anytime via EMIS access (please ask reception for more information). Wherever possible you will be given an appointment with the doctor of your choice.  You may book up to one month in advance.


cnn--2019-01-15--Rand Paul to travel to Canada for hernia surgery

Sergio Gor, the senator's communications director, confirmed that Paul sought specialized surgery for a hernia issue at Shouldice Hernia Hospital in Ontario, Canada.  "This is a private, world-renowned hospital separate from any system and people come from around the world to pay cash for their services," Gor said.  The website for the hospital touts itself as "the global leader in non-mesh hernia repair" that has been operating for more than 70 years.  The Shouldice Hernia Hospital is a private hospital administered by regional authorities. Canada has a publicly funded, universal health care system. Paul, a respected eye surgeon, has been a vocal critic of socialized medicine. At the height of the Trump administration's most recent effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act in July 2017, Paul said on Sean Hannity's radio show: "This is about freedom. This is about whether we as Americans should be free to buy what kind of insurance we want. What's best for us and our families. And it's about whether the individual knows best or government knows best. Are we too stupid that President Obama has to tell us what kind of insurance? Does he think Americans are too dumb to make their own decisions?" The senator was attacked as he mowed the yard at his home in Bowling Green, Kentucky in November 2017. Rene Boucher, the man who pleaded guilty to attacking Paul, his neighbor, was sentenced in June to 30 days along with a year of supervised release, according to a case manager with Kentucky Western District federal court. Paul told CNN in January last year that "I still have pain every day, all day. I don't have -- I had the pain of 1,000 knives for about six weeks. I could barely move and barely breathe. I couldn't sleep. And so I am better than I was, but I won't say I'm back to normal yet. But I am getting better."


drudgereport--2019-03-18--Worlds first remote brain surgery performed

World's first remote brain surgery performed...

A Chinese surgeon has performed the world’s first remote brain surgery using 5G technology, with the patient 3,000km away from the operating doctor.  Dr. Ling Zhipei remotely implanted a neurostimulator into his patient’s brain on Saturday, Chinese state-run media reports. The surgeon manipulated the instruments in the Beijing-based PLAGH hospital from a clinic subsidiary on the southern Hainan island, located 3,000km away. The surgery is said to have lasted three hours and ended successfully. The patient, suffering from Parkinson’s disease, is said to be feeling well after the pioneering operation.  The doctor used a computer connected to the next-generation 5G network developed by Chinese tech giant Huawei. The new device enabled a near real-time connection, according to Dr. Ling. “You barely feel that the patient is 3,000 kilometers away,” he said.  Conventional 4G networks do not allow surgical operations to be performed due to video lag and remote control delays. The new technology seems to have resolved these issues, the surgeon says.  Medical institutions worldwide have made an array of experiments with robotic “telesurgery,” the most striking example being American da Vinci Surgical System. But the technology has yet to make a significant commercial impact, as existing gadgets are criticized for having a number of performance issues.  Remote surgery could allow people from far-away or poor regions, as well as war zones, to receive immediate help from top doctors around the globe. Due to its large bandwidth and low latency, 5G enables “extremely low operational delay” during surgery, the manufacturer says.  5G made its debut in remote surgery in January when a Chinese doctor successfully performed an operation on an animal’s liver at Fujian Medical University on the southeastern coast of China. In mid-March, Huawei’s solutions were used in the first-ever human 5G remote surgery – also on a liver – in a hospital in Shenzhen 2,000 km away from the doctor’s workplace in Beijing.  Huawei’s efforts in 5G have become an eyesore for Washington after the US-China trade war unfolded last year. The Trump administration has been particularly persistent in trying to blacklist Huawei worldwide over spying allegations. Tensions escalated even further as the company’s chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, was detained in Canada on a US warrant in December 2018.  Along with Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, Washington has barred Huawei from helping to build 5G networks. It also prohibited US government agencies from using Huawei products for “security reasons.” Huawei filed a lawsuit challenging the decision.  If you like this story, share it with a friend!


birminghammail--2019-01-10--Hundreds of Brummies with mental illnesses arent taking prescribed medication

Hundreds of Brummies with mental illnesses aren’t taking prescribed medication

Hundreds of people in Birmingham with mental health illnesses aren’t taking their prescribed medication.  NHS figures reveal that 4,080 people who began treatment for their mental health illnesses in 2017/18 were prescribed medication to help treat their condition.  This is the first time that figures on the number of people given medication has been published so it is not known if that figure has risen or fallen from previous years.  Of the 4,080 people prescribed medication in Birmingham, 335 people admitted they were not taking it at the start of their treatment - the same as one in every 12 patients.  A further 3,925 people in Birmingham were not prescribed any medication at all at the start of their treatment.  There were also 2,150 people known to be having treatment for mental health conditions, but for whom it was not recorded whether they were prescribed medication.  The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme is run by the NHS, and offers therapies for treating people with illnesses that include OCD, PTSD, panic disorders, and anxiety and depression.  Across all CCGs in England, 286,090 people were prescribed medication at the start of their mental health treatment, but 25,045 patients admitted they were not taking it - a rate of one in every 11.  Most people receiving care under the IAPT programme who are on medication will be receiving some other form of treatment, too, such as self-help guides and talking therapies.  The NHS has rounded the figures to the nearest five.  Stephen Buckley, head of information at the mental health charity Mind, said: “Ultimately it’s down to the individual whether they want to take medication or not, and there will be lots of factors to consider.  “Medication such as antidepressants and antipsychotics can be effective for some people to manage the symptoms of their mental health problem, but aren’t the answer for everyone.  “Medication often comes with side effects that can be very difficult to cope with.  “It’s really important everyone given a prescription is aware of potential side effects, and is offered a chance to regularly review their medicines and be offered other treatments such as talking therapies, exercise and arts therapies.  “There also needs to be much better support and awareness about coming off medication to ensure people who no longer want to take a medicine can do so safely.  “People can and do recover from mental health problems with the right support, but there is no quick fix and mental health problems can resurface at any time.  “As well as medication, we also need to look at people’s broader experiences, their lives and other challenges they face, which medication rarely can help with.”


naturalnews--2019-02-06--These highly effective alternatives to toxic medication help beat depression

(Natural News) Dealing with depression is tough under the best of circumstances, but if you’re someone who wants to avoid the risks of medication, it can be even more challenging. If you’re depressed, the last thing you need is a medication that will raise your risk of suicide and illness, so what can you do to find some relief?  Thankfully, some natural alternatives have made a huge difference for many depression sufferers. If you thought that natural remedies could never work as well as prescription meds, the results people have been getting with these solutions may surprise you.  You’ve probably been hearing quite a lot about how miraculous curcumin, a compound in turmeric, is when it comes to problems like inflammation and dementia, but it’s also showing value in treating depression. One study showed that taking 500 milligrams of a bioavailable curcumin extract two times a day was an effective treatment for major depressive disorder; consuming it alongside healthy fats like coconut oil, olive oil or avocado enhances its absorption.  It is believed to work by inhibiting the depression enzyme known as monoamine oxidase while boosting depression-slashing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Needless to say, curcumin does not put you at risk of the side effects seen with medication like Prozac, such as suicidal ideation, anxiety, and sleep problems.  When you’re looking for a “fix” for a problem like depression, it’s easy to overlook bigger-picture solutions like diet, but by simply making healthy choices when it comes to food, you can see your depression diminish.  100% organic essential oil sets now available for your home and personal care, including Rosemary, Oregano, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Clary Sage and more, all 100% organic and laboratory tested for safety. A multitude of uses, from stress reduction to topical first aid. See the complete listing here, and help support this news site.  If you want to start with an easy change that will have a big impact, try upping your intake of foods that are high in polyphenols as these compounds improve your brain’s synaptic plasticity while reducing oxidative stress. Studies show they improve depression as well as psychiatric disorders, so look for foods like blueberries, dark chocolate, blackberries, hazelnuts, and flax seeds. You should also increase your intake of omega 3s by opting for foods such as nuts, oily fish, and flaxseed oil.  What you don’t eat can be just as important as what you do eat when it comes to fighting depression. Avoid foods that contain artificial ingredients, sugar, and other types of processed food to keep your mood even.  If you’re not very active, this might not be what you want to hear, but exercise is a powerful depression fighter. As hard as it may be to find the motivation to work out when you’re depressed, you’ll likely notice an improvement pretty quickly once you get moving, and regular exercise can help keep depression at bay over the long term.  A review that was published in the Depression and Anxiety journal showed that aerobic exercise in particular has significant antidepressant effects in those who suffer from clinical depression. In fact, just three sessions of 45 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week is enough to relieve clinical depression. The findings were based on the results of 11 studies with more than 400 participants.  Saffron has been shown in studies to help fight depression and anxiety. In a study published in the Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, researchers found that depression and anxiety sufferers who took 50 milligram supplements of saffron twice per day over the course of 12 weeks noted improvements in measures from the standard Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Other studies have shown that it can be just as effective as antidepressant medications like Prozac but without the side effects.  When it comes to dealing with depression, you have a lot more options than your doctor may have led you to believe – although many of the best ones aren’t exactly profitable to the medical industry. Given all the toxic effects of prescription medications for depression, you owe it to yourself to give these alternatives a try and see if they can make a difference for you, too.


naturalnews--2019-11-14--Another depression medication proves riskier than the disease itself: Researchers recommend an "imme

Another depression medication proves riskier than the disease itself: Researchers recommend an "immense amount of caution" due to side effects

(Natural News) When you’re in the throes of depression, you might be willing to try anything to make the feelings stop. Many sufferers turn to medication while waiting for longer-term solutions like therapy to have an effect, and while this may indeed take the edge off temporarily, it could come at a very steep price when it comes to your health.  The latest example is esketamine, a drug that is currently being tested to help treat severe depression quickly. A form of ketamine, which is used as an anesthetic, esketamine has been shown to reduce severe depression symptoms like suicidal ideation quickly in some patients – which might even mean the difference between life and death in some cases.  Although a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study found that a nasal spray of esketamine worked well where traditional antidepressants had failed, the authors cautioned that unwanted side effects like psychosis and depersonalization could occur without a proper risk assessment.  The study involved more than 200 adults suffering from moderate to severe depression who had failed to respond to at least two antidepressants. The participants were from 39 different outpatient referral centers in the U.S., Spain, Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. They were followed for the course of approximately two years.  The researchers divided the patients into two groups, one of which was given twice weekly doses of esketamine, while the other group was given a placebo nasal spray. All participants were also given an antidepressant they had not previously taken, such as sertraline, escitalopram, duloxetine, or extended-release venlafaxine.  After four weeks, those who had taken the esketamine spray had significantly higher improvements in their depression than those in the placebo group. This supports the idea that the treatment is effective.  However, the people in the esketamine group also suffered from symptoms of dissociation and effects on perception. These effects were noted shortly after the drug was administered and peaked around 40 minutes later. Although the symptoms resolved after around an hour and a half and occurred less frequently as the treatment continued, it’s still a major cause for concern.  Other side effects commonly experienced by participants taking the esketamine included vertigo, dizziness, nausea, and changes in their sense of taste. The adverse effects were strong enough to prompt 7 percent of participants taking esketamine to drop out of the trial entirely.  That’s why many researchers are calling for caution with this drug. The FDA has already given an esketamine nasal spray its nod of approval for treating severe depression alongside orally administered antidepressants, albeit only in adults who haven’t had success with other forms of treatment. However, some experts disagree with this decision.  One scientist who was not involved in the study, Stanford University School of Medicine’s Dr. Alan Schatzberg, wrote in a commentary accompanying the study paper that the drug has the potential for misuse and abuse, adding that there are still a lot of things we don’t know about it.  Although he conceded that a nasal spray is an easier way of giving people ketamine than intravenous delivery, he said its efficacy was only mild and we don’t have a clear sense of how long and how often it should be prescribed. He urged caution in using the drug and said that we have more questions than answers here.  Kaiser Health News recently reported that the manufacturer of nasal esketamine spray Spravato, Janssen, did not provide the FDA with any information on the drug’s safety in long-term use past 60 weeks. Moreover, they pointed out that three patients who were given the drug in clinical trials died by suicide, versus none in the control group, and the pharmaceutical firm and the FDA both ignored this huge red flag.  Despite initial hope, it’s becoming increasingly clear that this is yet another depression medication that is riskier than the disease itself. Everyone’s depression is different, but it’s worth trying non-medical interventions like talk therapy, exercise, dietary improvements and meditation before taking on the potentially life-threatening risks of depression medication.


npr--2019-09-23--In Tiny Doses An Addiction Medication Moonlights As A Treatment For Chronic Pain

In Tiny Doses, An Addiction Medication Moonlights As A Treatment For Chronic Pain

Lori Pinkley of Kansas City, Mo., has struggled with chronic pain since she was a teenager. She has found relief from low doses of naltrexone, a drug that at higher doses is used to treat addiction. **Alex Smith/KCUR** ****hide caption****  ****toggle caption****  Alex Smith/KCUR  Lori Pinkley of Kansas City, Mo., has struggled with chronic pain since she was a teenager. She has found relief from low doses of naltrexone, a drug that at higher doses is used to treat addiction.  Alex Smith/KCUR  Lori Pinkley, a 50-year-old from Kansas City, Mo., has struggled with puzzling chronic pain since she was 15.  She's had endless disappointing visits with doctors. Some said they couldn't help her. Others diagnosed her with everything from [fibromyalgia](https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/fibromyalgia) to [lipedema](https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/10542/lipedema) to the rare [Ehlers-Danlos syndrome](https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/ehlers-danlos- syndrome#).  Pinkley has taken opioids a few times after surgeries but says they never helped her underlying pain.  "I hate opioids with a passion," Pinkley says. "An absolute passion."  Recently, she joined a growing group of patients using an outside-the-box remedy: naltrexone. It is usually used to treat addiction, **** in a pill form for alcohol and as a pill or a monthly shot for opioids. ****  As the medical establishment tries to do a huge U-turn after two disastrous decades of pushing long-term opioid use for chronic pain, scientists have been struggling to develop safe, effective alternatives.  When naltrexone is used to treat addiction in pill form, it's prescribed at 50 mg, but chronic-pain patients say it helps their pain at doses of less than a tenth of that.  Low-dose naltrexone has lurked for years on the fringes of medicine, but its zealous advocates worry that it may be stuck there. Naltrexone, which can be produced generically, **** is not even manufactured at the low doses that seem to be best for pain patients.  Instead, patients go to compounding pharmacies or resort to DIY methods — YouTube videos and online support groups show people how to turn 50 mg pills into a low liquid dose.  Some doctors prescribe it off-label even though it's not FDA-approved for pain.  University of Kansas pain specialist [Dr. Andrea Nicol](http://www.kumc.edu /school-of-medicine/anesthesiology/faculty/andrea-nicol-md.html) has recently started prescribing it to her patients, including Pinkley. Nicol explains that for addiction patients, it works by blocking opioid receptors — some of the brain's most important feel-good regions. So it prevents patients from feeling high and can help patients resist cravings.  At low doses of about 4.5 mgs, however, naltrexone seems to work completely differently.  "What it's felt to do is not shut down the system, but restore some balance to the opioid system," Nicol says.  Some of the hype over low-dose naltrexone has included some pretty extreme claims with limited research to back them, like using it to treat [multiple sclerosis](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29377216) and neuropathic pain or even using it as a weight-loss drug.  In the past two years, however, there's been a big increase in [new studies](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30917675) published on low-dose naltrexone, many strengthening its claims as a treatment for chronic pain, though most of these were still small pilot studies.  [Dr. Bruce Vrooman](https://geiselmed.dartmouth.edu/faculty/facultydb/view.php/?uid=6784), an associate professor at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine, was **** an author of a [recent review](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30248938) of low-dose naltrexone research. Vrooman says that when it comes to treating some patients with complex chronic pain, low-dose naltrexone appears to be more effective and well-tolerated than the big-name opioids that dominated pain management for decades.  "Those patients may report that this is indeed a game changer," Vrooman says. "It may truly help them with their activities, help them feel better."  Patients often turn to a compounding pharmacy to obtain naltrexone in the low doses (like Pinkley's daily dose of 4.5 mg, shown here) to treat chronic pain. Other patients try to cut up the more widely available 50 mg pills on their own and swap DIY advice online. **Alex Smith/KCUR** ****hide caption****  ****toggle caption****  Alex Smith/KCUR  Patients often turn to a compounding pharmacy to obtain naltrexone in the low doses (like Pinkley's daily dose of 4.5 mg, shown here) to treat chronic pain. Other patients try to cut up the more widely available 50 mg pills on their own and swap DIY advice online.  Alex Smith/KCUR  So how does it work? Scientists think that for many chronic pain patients, the central nervous system gets overworked and agitated. Pain signals fire in an out-of-control feedback loop that drowns out the body's natural pain-relieving systems.  They suspect that low doses of naltrexone dampen that inflammation and kick- start the body's production of pain-killing endorphins — all with relatively minor side effects.  Despite the promise of low-dose naltrexone, its advocates say few doctors know about it.  The low-dose version is generally not covered by insurance, so patients typically have to pay out of pocket to have it specially made at compounding pharmacies.  Advocates worry that the treatment is doomed to be stuck on the periphery of medicine because, as a 50-year-old drug, naltrexone can be made generically.  [Patricia Danzon](https://hcmg.wharton.upenn.edu/profile/danzon/), a professor of health care management at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, explains that drug companies don't have much interest in producing a new drug unless they can be the only maker of it.  "Bringing a new drug to market requires getting FDA approval and that requires doing clinical trials," Danzon says. "That's a significant investment, and companies — unsurprisingly — are not willing to do that unless they can get a patent and be the sole supplier of that drug for at least some period of time."  And without a drug company's backing, a treatment like low-dose naltrexone is unlikely to get the big promotional push out to doctors and TV advertisements that have turned drugs like Humira or Chantix into household names.  "It's absolutely true that once a product becomes generic, you don't see promotion happening, because it never pays a generic company to promote something if there are multiple versions of it available and they can't be sure that they'll capture the reward on that promotion," Danzon says.  The drugmaker [Alkermes](https://www.alkermes.com/) has had huge success with its exclusive rights to the extended-release version of naltrexone, called Vivitrol. In a statement for this story, the company says it hasn't seen enough evidence to support the use of low-dose naltrexone to treat chronic pain and therefore is remaining focused on opioid addiction treatment.  Pinkley says she is frustrated that there are so many missing pieces in the puzzle of understanding and treating chronic pain, but she, too, has become a believer in naltrexone.  She has been taking it for about a year now, at first paying $50 a month out of pocket to have the prescription filled at a compounding pharmacy. In July, her insurance started covering it.  "I can go from having days that I really don't want to get out of bed because I hurt so bad," she says, "to within a half-hour of taking it, I'm up and running, moving around, on the computer, able to do stuff."  * * *  _This story is part of NPR's reporting project with KCUR and Kaiser Health News._


tass--2019-06-20--Putin Russia doubles purchases of medications to fight cancer

Putin: Russia doubles purchases of medications to fight cancer

Russia accepts China’s invitation to pool efforts in finding cure for cancer and AIDS  MOSCOW, June 20. /TASS/. Russia has boosted the purchases of cancer treatment medications, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at his annual televised Q&A session on Thursday.  "Speaking about financing and, most importantly, oncology, a significant increase has been reported," Putin said. "We have doubled financing for the purchases of oncology treatment medications. The figure for the chemotherapy stood at 80 billion rubles and now it equals 150 billion rubles."  The president reiterated that Russia is paying particular attention to the fight against oncology and the government has singled out this issue as a special program under the Healthcare National Project.


theepochtimes--2019-11-18--Schumer Warns of Chinese-Made Over-the-Counter Medications

Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) speaks at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Sept. 10, 2019. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)  Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) warned consumers over the weekend that some over-the-counter medications are made in China and said stores should stop selling Chinese-made medications.  Schumer said the products, which don’t require a subscription, such as skin creams and cosmetics, can cause infections and nausea, among other ailments.  “You figure if you’re buying something without a prescription, it’s safe and it’s good. That is not necessarily the case when it comes to some of these products,” Schumer told reporters outside a Dollar Tree in New York City, according to the New York Post.  “What makes it even more serious is we don’t exactly know which ones might be dangerous because China has such poor labeling, you don’t know what they put into each of these drugs.”  Schumer said that federal officials should take action, holding up a letter that he recently sent to acting Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Mark Morgan.  Schumer wrote to Morgan requesting the agency “begin a targeted crackdown” on the made-in-China drugs, reported Newsday.  “CBP and FDA should double their efforts to work hand-in-glove to ensure these products are turned away and American companies who might receive them are held accountable,” the letter reads.  Schumer said retailers should throw out any “bad” products.  “The feds cannot pass the buck and allow ‘dollar’ type stores across our area to receive bad or even dangerous over-the-counter drugs in the first place, and the retailers in question need to toss any bad product right now,” he said, reported the New York Daily News.  He said all stores operated by Dollar Tree’s parent company, Greenbrier International Inc., are stocking made-in-China products and that Chinese manufacturers “don’t have the kind of safety structure that we would have in place if something were made here in the U.S., so when they’re imported, they can be very dangerous.”  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a warning letter to Greenbrier earlier this month, saying FDA inspections showed adulterated drugs from Chinese manufacturers, including Shanghai Weierya Daily Chemicals Factory and Hangzhou Zhongbo Industrial Company.  Both companies failed to test each batch of drug prior to release and were placed on import alerts.  “We note that during the inspection of your corporate headquarters, you stated that if you were made aware that a warning letter was issued to one of your suppliers or contract manufacturers, you would not purchase over-the-counter (OTC) drug products from that contract manufacturer any longer,” the agency stated.  “Additionally, in your Feb. 5, 2019 response you state, ‘If a drug product is placed on Import Alert 66-40 (appearing not to comply with drug manufacturing CGMPs), Greenbrier ceases importing drug products from that establishment.’ The import data detailed above demonstrate this is not always the case.”  CGMP is an acronym for Current Good Manufacturing Practice.  The letter later added: “Considering that FDA has found a pattern of drug manufacturers with serious CGMP violations in your supply chain, in response to this letter, provide a detailed plan to ensure you do not receive or deliver adulterated drugs in interstate commerce, in violation of section 301 (c) of the FD&C Act, 21 U.S.C. 331(c).”


theindependent--2019-11-11--Cannabis-derived medications approved for NHS use for the first time

Two cannabis-derived medicines have been approved for use on the NHS for the first time to help treat severe forms of childhood epilepsy and complications from multiple sclerosis.  Medicines watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has rubber-stamped the use of two drugs developed by British-based GW Pharmaceuticals in a move that offers new hope to parents whose children don’t respond to existing treatments.  Epidyolex, or cannabidiol, is an oral solution to help treat seizures in children with epilepsy, while Sativex will help treat spasms and sudden stiffening of muscles in multiple sclerosis patients. They do not have the “high” linked with recreational use of cannabis.  The decision to approve the drugs for the NHS is a significant step in the use of cannabis-derived medication, for which pressure has grown after the case of eight-year-old Alfie Dingley, who was granted a special licence to use cannabis oil as he was experiencing up to 150 seizures a day.  But despite new rules allowing the use of cannabis-related drugs, none has been fully licensed for routine use by the NHS until now.  Dr Rhys Thomas, consultant neurologist at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Newcastle, said: “This is a significant moment for adults and children with the most difficult to treat epilepsies.  “Nice’s recommendation of cannabidiol oral solution follows a period of great anticipation and enthusiasm for patients and their clinicians. The European Medicines Agency licence and availability through the NHS is welcome as we badly need additional effective treatments.”  Epidyolex is recommended for use for patients two years old and above with Lennox Gastaut syndrome (LGS), a rare and severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy, as well as Dravet syndrome, a form of infant epilepsy triggered by fevers.  When added to other anti-epileptic therapies, the oral solution significantly reduced the frequency of seizures in patients with LGS and Dravet syndrome.  Earlier this year, however, Nice had rejected funding for Epidyolex, with one epilepsy doctor saying medicinal cannabis remained ”a medical minefield” and and that the pharmaceutical industry should work to ensure drugs were cost-effective and that their long-term effects were clear.  The decision was welcomed by patient group Dravet Syndrome UK, whose chair, Galia Wilson, said: “Dravet syndrome is a devastating condition and having a new treatment option offers potential new hope to patients and their families searching for better seizure control.     “Many families come to us asking about the potential of cannabis-based medicines, particularly cannabidiol, and we are thrilled that one is now available on the NHS.”     Chris Tovey, of GW Pharmaceuticals, said: “This is a momentous occasion for UK patients and families who have waited for so many years for rigorously tested, evidenced and regulatory approved cannabis-based medicines to be reimbursed by the NHS.  “This is proof that cannabis-based medicines can successfully go through extensive randomised placebo-controlled trials and a rigorous Nice evaluation process to reach patients.”


veteranstoday--2019-03-01--Medications Older Adults Should Avoid

Medications Older Adults Should Avoid

Health Editor’s Note: You might be on one of the drugs listed below.  It may be fine for you to be taking that drug.  If you are taking a medication listed here it would be prudent to discuss that medication with the healthcare provider who prescribed it for you.  It is always in your best interest to have your medications reviewed as some may no longer be necessary or may not be doing what they were intended to do for your health.  Keep a list of your medications in your wallet, along with dosage and how many times a day, so you can refer to that list if you need to remind someone what you are taking. Also, if you are being seen by more than one healthcare provider be sure that ALL know your medication list as well as herbals and vitamins that you are taking.  Some medications and herbals do not work together…..Carol  The risks of using certain prescription and OTC drugs change as you get older. Are you taking something you shouldn’t be?  Even if you’re as sharp and active as you were in your 20s, there’s no denying your body has changed over the years. And while some of those changes might be obvious, others are not as easily noticeable. One important example: how your body responds to medication.  As you age, your kidney function changes, so it takes longer for many drugs to leave your system. Meanwhile, your body is less able to hold on to water and your body fat percentage increases, says Donna Marie Fick, Ph.D., R.N., director of the Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence at Penn State College of Nursing.  These shifts, among others, mean a drug that worked well for you when you were younger might no longer do the trick—or, worse, it could leave you vulnerable to serious side effects or adverse events.  Benzodiazepines, for example, are often prescribed for anxiety and related conditions, but can increase the risk for cognitive impairment, falls, and motor vehicle accidents—leading to fractures and other serious injuries. Despite these risks, six percent of men and more than 10 percent of women 65 to 80 years old use benzodiazepines, according to a study in JAMA Psychiatry.  In an effort to keep older adults and their doctors in the loop about these risks, the American Geriatric Society (AGS) maintains a list of drugs that might be dangerous in older patients. And you might very well be taking one or more of the drugs on this list.  If you’re thinking your doctor should already know which drugs are off-limits for seniors, don’t be so sure. Unless you’re seeing a geriatrician, your provider might not be an expert in treating older adults.  You should also know that the 2019 version of the AGS list—called the AGS Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults—just came out in late January 2019. The previous update was in 2015, so if your doctor is still relying on that version, their info could be outdated.  Another common issue: “You might have been put on a drug when you were 55 or 60, but now you’re 65 or 75 and still taking it,” says Fick, who was a panel co-chair for the 2019 update.  That could be problematic if a doctor hasn’t recently assessed all of the meds you’re taking. She recommends going over all your prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, as well as any dietary supplements you may be using, with a doctor at least every six months.  “There’s a big push now to do what’s called ‘deprescribing,’ because the sheer number of drugs you’re taking is the biggest risk factor for adverse events,” she says.  Whether you’re taking one pill or 10 (or more!), you and your doctor should consult the new AGS guide to help make sure it’s safe for you. The guide puts drugs into five categories:  You can get most of the highlights of the report by visiting HealthinAging.org. If your doctor hasn’t already seen the full version, point them to the AGS professional site or the January edition of the Journal of the American Geriatric Society.  In the meantime, here is a list of relatively common medications that older adults are now advised to avoid or use with caution.  Of course, there are exceptions to everything, and there are some cases in which one or more of the drugs listed above truly is best for an older adult.  “All drugs have risks,” Fink says. “Our panel—which included clinicians, research scientists, private practice providers, pharmacists, and nurses—really tried to weigh the risk and benefits to figure out which ones belong on this list.”  Your own doctor can take it a step further by factoring in your medical history, health conditions, current medications, and any personal risk factors. If you’re concerned about a medication you are taking, continue taking it as directed, but call your doctoras soon as possible. After reviewing your information, your doctor will decide if it’s best for you to continue, change, or stop your medication.