Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHWqt9XOIpA/Chemists from the Czech Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry and the John’s Hopkins Drug Discovery unit have synthesized several compounds that, when swallowed and metabolized, create natural anti-inflammatory compounds that can help trigger the regrowth of hair.  Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that produces hair loss and bald patches.  These newly-synthesized prodrug compounds, once within the body, lead to the production and release of itaconic acid and 1-methyl itaconate.  Using a mouse model, the researchers show that oral administration of the prodrugs leads to release of these natural anti-inflammatory compounds with the skin.  The prodrug to drug trick is necessary since the itaconate compounds themselves are not readily absorbed into the body.This discovery is an exciting prospect for those suffering from alopecia.  Results with conventional therapy using steroids, minoxidil, or, recently, the chemotherapeut

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHWqGMHsxHy/Diabetes-related deaths dropped by 32% from 2000 to 2019.  That is a decline from 28.1 deaths per 100,000 people to 19.1  This progress in diabetic management occurred in all racial and ethnic groups.Epidemiologists from Seattle’s University of Washington report these heartening statistics after their review of data from US government databases.  The declines were most significant for non-white and non-Asian Americans.  Latino Americans had a 50% mortality decline, Native American and Alaskan Native peoples had a drop of 43.9%, and Black Americans had a drop of 43%.  Asian Americans had 30% decline.  White Americans had a 28% drop.  These improvements occurred due to better therapy with improved insulins, GLP-1 medications, and statins all leading to better blood sugar management. The most significant improvements occurred between 2005 and 2013, but the progress rates have slowed more recently.Though every group saw improvements, we have much further to go.

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHWphOavLTB/Receiving sequential CoVid vaccinations in the same arm boosts your initial protective antibody responses 4.5 fold.  Research immunologists at Australia’s University of Melbourne report this result after analyzing the immune responses to CoVid vaccination in a mouse model.  This more rapid, stronger antibody responses could better protect you during sudden outbreaks of CoVid.  Following the antibody response over time showed that, by one month post-vaccination, the antibody levels were statistically similar whether the animal was vaccinated in the same or the opposite extremity.The heightened initial antibody production occurs because already sensitized lymphocytes in the lymph nodes draining the vaccinated arm are ready and able to manufacture a new batch of antibodies.  Eventually, the vaccine’s antigens make their way through the body and trigger a more diffuse immunologic response.What’s the bottom line:  choose to receive your repe

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHWouikv4B-/University of Maryland virologists, in conjunction with staff at the Vaxart company, now report that a newly developed oral norovirus vaccine candidate is safe and effective.  This vaccine in tablet form, VXA-G1.1-NN, delivers a nonreplicating adenoviral vector that carriers the norovirus G1.1 major capsid protein VP1.  The vaccine underwent phase 1 testing in a group of 65 adults ages 55 to 80 years of age.  The vaccine is well-tolerated, and capable of producing a robust immune response  with both IgG and IgA antibodies appearing at one month and remaining protective for up to 210 days,Norovirus is the number one cause of gastroenteritis in the U.S. triggering 20 million cases per year.  It preys upon older adults, particularly those in nursing homes.   After this oral, easily administered vaccine undergoes further testing including that in a randomized, blinded Phase 3 trial, it will be ready for routine clinical use.  .https://medicalxpress.com/news/202

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHWnueHvHxv/The World Health Organization and the UK’s Francis Crick Institute sponsored an international meeting of influenza virologists to select those strains of the flu virus to be included in the 2025-2026 Influenza vaccines.   This vital conclave, usually held in the US on an annual basis, was just canceled by the our current government.The 3 strains selected for next season’s vaccines include two influenza A strains and one influenza B strain.  As in the past, the WHO continues to recommend a trivalent vaccine. They are for egg-based vaccines: A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1); A/Croatia/10136RV/2023 (H3N2; and B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage).  For cell culture-, recombinant protein- or nucleic acid-based vaccines they are: A/Wisconsin/67/2022 (H1N1); A/District of Columbia/27/2023 (H3N2); and B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage).  For those vaccine with 4 strains, so-called quadrivalent, the B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata line

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHWnH5EMJ4m/Microplastics, the microscopic and nano-sized plastic particles that are invading our bodies, lend a hand to bacteria attempting to evade our most powerful antibiotics.  Boston University bioengineers studied this phenomenon using E. coli, the bacteria that often cause serious and sometimes deadly food poisoning,The investigators show that, when  these bacteria attach to microplastics, they are able to more readily form so-called biofilms.  These multi-layered film coatings serve as refuge for the bacteria and prevent even powerful antibiotics from killing them.The BU group is expanding its work from the laboratory to the clinic.  By understanding how these ubiquitous microplastics are empowering bacteria in their resistance tour  antibiotics, they hope to reverse the trend toward a greater number of antibiotic-resistant bugs.  Meanwhile, your best defense is keeping microplastics out of your body by drinking water, cooking, and storing food in glass and me

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHWmcgnMxf3/Two-thirds of children wearing peanut skin patches were safely desensitized to this common kid allergen.  Pediatric allergists at the University of Colorado followed 298 children 4 to 11 years of age in their phase 3 study of so-called epicutaneous  immunotherapy.The Viaskin Peanut Patch delivers 250 ug of peanut protein, and over 90% of the children were able to wear the patch for the entire 5 year study period.  The children’s level of tolerance to a stiff peanut protein challenge of 1000 ug rose gradually as they wore the patch.  After one year, one-third of the children tolerated this challenge but that figure tripled by the study’s completion.The Viaskin Patch still awaits FDA approval, but it represents a non-invasive, readily tolerated option to the oral route for peanut desensitization. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/epicutaneous-immunotherapy-future-peanut-allergy-treatment-2025a10005s3#peanut #allergy #patch #desensitiza

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHJpEFNOP0m/These slot car kits contain loose, high-powered magnets that pose ingestion hazards to children. When ingested, the magnets attract each other in the gastrointestinal tract leading to intestinal perforations, blockages, infections, and even death. Fully assembled models are not affected by this recall.About 55,000 kits were sold nationwide at Hobby Lobby, SlotsnStuff, NitroHobbies Inc., Hercules Distributors, RC Superstore, and at other hobby retailers, as well as online at autoworldstore.com, protinkertoys.com, and hobbylobby.com from July 2023 through February 2024.Keep these slot car kits away from your kids.   Contact Round 2  a 1-888-770-7120 or via the email deluxepitkit@realtimeresults.net to obtain a pre-paid return label and receive a full refund. Use these same contact routes for additional information about the recall.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Round-2-Recalls-Auto-World-Unassembled-Deluxe-Pit-Kit-Slot-Cars-Due-to-Ingestion-Hazard-Violatio

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHJlClKPqCS/Those with sulfite allergies or sensitivities could develop serious or life-threatening reactions after consuming this product.These recalled lily flowers were sold at retail outlets nationwide.Those with a sulfite allergy should not consume this product and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.For more information. About this recall, phone U.S. Trading Company at 1510-781-1818.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/us-trading-company-hayward-ca-recalling-joy-luck-brand-lily-flowers-because-it-may-contain#joyluck #lilyflowers #sulfites #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHJkgQBtiUS/These powders are all contaminated with toxic levels of lead and arsenic. Exposure to these contaminants can pose serious health risks, including developmental defects, kidney dysfunction, and increased cancer risk. Affected products are batch numbers BJ 04, GD 04, VK 04, and RY 04, all with a manufacturing date of July 2022.These herbal supplements were sold in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and California through various retailers.Do not consume these products and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.  For more information, contact New York Wholesale Group at 1-800-516-7606.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/new-york-wholesale-group-recalls-zaarah-herbals-rasayan-churan-zaarah-herbals-gurmar-powder-zaarah#zarabherbals #lead #arsenic #poison #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHJj3B6xxdN/This hot pot sauce contains undeclared peanut, soy, sesame, and wheat allergens. Those with with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients risk serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume the product. Also affected are those with celiac disease.  Affected are lot numbers 2023/12/20, 2024/1/31, 2024/4/15, and 2024/10/18.This product was sold in California at 99 Ranch Market, Hawaii Supermarket, and Great Wall Supermarket.Return this hot pot sauce to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact Liaoning Cheng Da USA Inc. at 1-626-285-2887.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/liaoning-cheng-da-usa-inc-san-gabriel-california-recalling-hot-pot-sauce-because-it-may-contain#Wangzhihe #hotpot #sauce #peanut #soy #wheat #celiac #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHJjQ95sLD6/This stroller fan’s housing permits children’s probing fingers to reach the blades creating laceration injuries.  Affected is model number 25138, lot number N8K10X.About 33,600 stroller fans were sold at Baby Express, Burlington Coat Factory, Target, and Unique Photo stores, as well as online at Amazon.com and us.nuby.com. The affected fans were sold between May 2024 and June 2024.Remove these portable fans from your baby’s stroller.  Contact Luv n’ care at 1-800-588-6227 or email via customers@nuby.com to obtain a free replacement.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Luv-n-care-Recalls-Nuby-Stroller-Fans-Due-to-Laceration-Injury-Hazard#nuby #stroller #fans #housing #lacerations #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHJilqOPBfL/The transceiver’ s power switch is defective and the radio powers down unexpectedly. This prevents the locating of avalanche victims with obvious dire consequences. About 1,660 transceivers were sold in the United States, and an additional 206 were sold in Canada at Liberty Mountain, REI, specialty outdoor stores, and online at Black Diamond’s website, Backcountry.com, and Evo.com from May 2021 through February 2025.Stop depending on these defective transceivers and contact Black Diamond at 1-866-306-0865, or via the email 2025reconltrecall@bdel.com for a full refund, a replacement, or a free repair. No proof of purchase is required, and prepaid shipping labels will be provided.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Black-Diamond-Equipment-Recalls-BD-Recon-LT-Avalanche-Transceivers-Due-to-Risk-of-Loss-of-Emergency-Communications-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death#bd #blackdiamond #transceiver #avalanche #power #injury #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHJhzBVMLB3/These reagent bottles fail to meet child-resistant packaging requirements under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). The bottles contain sulfuric acid and create a risk of severe chemical burns to the skin and eyes and, if swallowed, internal corrosive burns.About 10,000 units were sold nationwide in pool and aquarium stores and online at taylortechnologies.com and other websites from August 2022 through August 2024. The recalled bottles were included in Taylor Phosphate Test Kits #K-1106 but were also sold separately.Immediately stop using these recalled Phosphate Reagent #1 bottles and store them away from children. Contact Taylor Water Technologies at 1-800-837-8548 for proper disposal instructions and a free replacement bottle. Only unexpired bottles are eligible for replacement.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Taylor-Water-Technologies-Recalls-Phosphate-Reagent-Bottles-Sold-with-Test-Kits-Due-to-Risk-of-Severe-Chemical-Burns-Violation-of-Federa

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHJhKT3twe_/Lolanta Children’s Bathrobes violate federal flammability regulations for children’s sleepwear creating a serious burn hazard and risk of injury or death to children.About 5,100 bathrobes were sold exclusively on Amazon.com from November 2021 through November 2024.Stop permitting your children to wear these recalled bathrobes. To receive a refund, cut the garment in half, take a photo of the destroyed item, and email it to business@lolanta.com.  For more information, visit lolanta.com and click on the “Product Recall” link or contact the company via email at business@lolanta.com.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Lolanta-Childrens-Bathrobes-Recalled-Due-to-Burn-Hazard-and-Violation-of-Flammability-Regulations-Sold-Exclusively-on-Amazon-com-by-Nanchang-Zhongcangjishi-E-commerce#lolanta #bathrobes #children #flammability #burns #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHD3ybgMZCK/If you live in an area with more high-heat days, with a heat index above 90°F, you are likely to experience faster biological aging than if you reside in a cooler region.  In fact, you are likely to age an extra 14 months over a six-year period.This study from the University of Southern California just published in Science measured epigenetic changes in 3,686 subjects 56 years old and older.  DNA methylation patterns were used to estimate biological aging.  The data suggests that extreme heat may speed up aging in older adults at the molecular level.Older adults are vulnerable to heat-driven body damage because ineffective sweating makes it harder for their bodies to cool down.  This latest information suggests that traditional warm weather retirement destinations that now clock many days of extreme heat may be unhealthy.https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr0616#heat #aging 

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHD28nmuKit/So say neurologists at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital.  In a mouse model, they show that a nasal spray containing an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody significantly reduces brain inflammation and speeds recovery after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This antibody, sprayed into the nasal cavities, activates regulatory T cells, Tregs, that then travel to the brain and release IL-10 that in turn reduces microglial-medial inflammation there.This anti-CD3 nasal spray must still prove its effectiveness in humans.  If so,  it will become a treatment for the TBI that follows concussions, motor vehicle accidents, and other sports-related head trauma.https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-025-01877-7#traumaticbraininjury #tbi #sports #cd3 #treg #il10 #mva #nasalspray

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHD2SrsvrnU/University of South Carolina neurologists just reported to the International Stroke Conference that that regular flossing lowers the risk of certain strokes.  Their study followed 6,278 participants for more than 25 years.Those who flossed at least once weekly had a 21% lower incidence of ischemic stroke and a 44% lower risk of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation.  The flossing prevents gum disease and reduces plaque buildup that both increase the level of inflammation in brain blood vessels but also in the heart leading to atrial fibrillation.There is growing evidence that oral health is closely linked to heart health.  Regular flossing as well as brushing are habits that have major health benefits.  The study looked at once a week, but we all should be flossing as well as brushing after every meal.https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/regular-flossing-tied-reduced-ischemic-stroke-risk-2025a10002t7?ecd=a2a#flossing #stroke #perio

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHD1deAvsDU/A clinical trial just published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otolaryngology found that children who ate ice cream after surgery had better pain control compared to those who didn’t.   The study group included 48 children undergoing this common childhood surgery.The data showed that, at 6, 12, and 18 hours post-op, children consuming ice cream reported significantly less pain, required less pain medication, and were able to resume oral intake sooner.  The ice cream did not trigger an increase in post-operative complications.  Children recovering from a tonsillectomy do need some non-narcotic pain medications.  Cold, sweet ice cream does help the medicine go down.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165587625000412#tonsillectomy #icecream #pain  #analgesics 

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DHD0mJEujL2/A shocking 60% of commercial baby foods on the shelves of US grocery stores fail to meet accepted international nutritional guidelines set by the World Health Organization.  This wakeup call comes from the researchers at Australias’s George Institute for Global Health and North Carolina’s Gillings Global School of Public Health.The investigators analyzed 651 products.  Not only were the majority of these foods nutritionally deficient, especially the snack-sized packages, but also not one of the products met the standards set for factual promotion.  Every product had at least one prohibited claim on its package, and some products displayed as many as 11 bogus claims.All of these baby foods are sold in the top 10 grocery/supermarket chains across the United States and are widely accessible to parents and other caregivers.  This study underscores the urgent need for improved regulations on infant and toddler food labeling and nutritional c