Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CxLyDzIxqCX/ An hour of flashing light therapy helps reset your biological clock.  Stanford psychiatrists report this preliminary yet promising finding after their study of 10 healthy 25 year old volunteers.  Each subject took part in two 36 hour sleep lab stays.  During one,  there was exposure to one hour of repetitive flashing light during the non-REM sleep phase when the brain’s circadian pacemaker in the hypothalamus is most sensitive to light signals without any sleep disturbance.  During a second, the control, the subject wore the same flash goggles, but no light therapy was delivered.  The result:  one hour of flashing light can shift the brain’s biological clock up to 6 hours though there was wide variability with most subjects enjoying a shift of about 68 minutes.  This technique could be simplified and commercialized to help you bet jet lag……someday soon. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-41742-w#Sec1 #jetlag #circadianrhythm #flashes #light #stanf

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CxLwrZDxJXL/ A new study from Harvard’s Mass General Hospital suggests how the exercise-induced hormone irisin is able to reduce brain levels of the amyloid deposits that are the hallmark of Alzheimer’s dementia.  Investigators at the hospital’s Genetics and Aging Unit studied the process in their own ground-breaking Alzheimer’s Disease model using a 3D cell human brain cell culture. They discovered that the addition to the brain cells of the hormone irisin, normally produced in active muscles, boosts the astrocyte production of the enzyme neprilysin which, in turn, dissolves the chemical hallmark of Alzheimer’s, amyloid.  Astrocytes are star-shaped cells with many functions including control of the blood-brain barrier and helping to repair the brain and spinal cord after trauma. If these findings are confirmed in clinical settings, they could serve the basis for more effective Alzheimer’s Disease therapy.  Meanwhile, it’s another reason to keep your body super-active

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CxLvX4cR6Ap/ Semaglutide, the current “it” drug for weight loss, that was initially approved for management of non-insulin requiring diabetes, type 2 diabetes, cuts and even eliminates the need for insulin injections by type 1 diabetics.  This small University of Buffalo study was just published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Endocrinologists there studied 10 recently diagnosed diabetes type 1 patients.  Each person was begun on injectable insulin both over the day and at mealtimes but was also given semaglutide.  Over a 90 day period during which the semaglutide dose was increased, all were able to eliminate insulin for meals.  Over 6 months, 7 of the 10 eliminated the need for any insulin. During the study, the mean HbA1c of the group fell from 11.7 to 5.7. Normal is less than 7 These incredible findings, if confirmed in a larger, randomized, double-blinded study, could revolutionize the management of so-called insulin-dependent diabetes.  Stay tuned. http

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CxLsoKBRhdq/ A micro-multichannel syringe carrying a variety of chemotherapeutic agents and implantable into a tumor can help predict the effectiveness of these agents once that tumor is surgically removed.   Neurosurgeons and radiologists at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s hospital in collaboration with MIT bioengineers have developed and tested a biocompatible intratumor micro-implant, 6 X 0.7 millimeters, capable of releasing nano-doses of anti-cancer drugs within the tumor.   The device delivers these tiny drug doses in spatially discrete zones permitting later analysis of each drug’s effectiveness following tumor resections. The investigators carried out a preliminary proof-of-concept study of the device on 6 patients, five with glioblastomas and one with an astrocytoma.  Each patient received 2 devices at the beginning of their operation which remained in place for 2 to 2.5 hours during tumor removal.  A series of 9 drugs were testeed in the study. The analysis dem

Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/CxLrZpax-Jy/ From California’s famed Scripps Research Institute comes a study suggesting that a class of insomnia medications may help stunt the symptoms of narcotic withdrawal as well as inhibit drug-seeking behaviors.  This preclinical study exposed oxycodone-addicted rats to an experimental dual orexin receptor antagonist drug, DORA-12, which is pharmacologically similar to the FDA approved insomnia medication suvorexant, Merck’s Belsomra. During a 2 week period following removal of narcotic access, those animals receiving DORA-12 failed to exhibit typical opioid withdrawal symptoms manifest by escalated physical activity as well as increased food and water intake.  When given cues to seek more narcotics, the animals on DORA-12 failed to do so.  The controls receiving no DORA-12 continued to go through withdrawal. These results are promising and may spark human studies of dual orexin receptor antagonist drugs such as suvorexant as aids to speed opioid withdrawal and

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CxLpzKQRdUA/ During pregnancy, exposure to extreme heat bumps up the risk of severe maternal complications some 27%.  California public health researchers led by those at UC-Irvine studied 403,602 pregnancies in women with an average age of 30 years over a 10 year period preceding CoVid.  Exposures to hot weather were categorized by intensity of the heat as well as the duration of the exposures. Exposures of pregnant women to excessive heat above the 80th percentile in terms of severity and duration at any time during pregnancy were associated with those 27% higher risks of severe gestational complications. The risk of problems rose from 32% to 239%  as daily maximal temperatures rose from the 75th percentile to the 95th percentile and the exposure durations rose from 2 to 4 days. With climate change driving ever more frequent heat waves, women considering childbearing must plan for access to fresh, clean, and cool air. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkope

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CxLmD6OxDu2/ A novel test pairing a laser spectroscopic cell analysis with artificial intelligence capably distinguishes individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, ME/CFS, from healthy persons in 91% of cases.  British researchers at the University of Oxford studied 61 ME/CFS patients comparing them with 37 healthy controls.  After a blood draw, the mononuclear cells of each were studied using single cell Raman spectroscopy to quantitate levels of the amino acids, lipids, cholesterol, glycogen, and glucose within the cells.  Number crunching using linear discriminant analysis clearly distinguished ME/CFS patients from normals as well as sorting the ME/CFS patients into those with mild, moderate, and severe disease in 84% of cases. For years, the high variability of ME/CFS symptoms led some clinicians to be skeptical about the existence of this disorder.  Most medical teams now accept the existence of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue s

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw9kVNRuwPI/ Recall by: FDA; Texas Tamale Co. Problem:  Texas Tamale brand Black Bean Tamales contain undeclared milk allergen.  This occurs since Hatch Green Chile and Cheese Tamales were mistakenly packaged in Black Bean Tamale Bags.  Affected is lot # 17023 with a Best Before date of 6/19/2025. Sold: Trader Joe's stores in: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado , Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. Actions:  Do not consume these tamales.  Return them to the point of purchase for a full refund.  For more information, call 1-800-T-TAMALE which is 1-800-882-6253. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/texas-tamale-co-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-texas-tamale-black-bean-tamales  #traderjoes #texastamale #tamale #milk #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw9jh6WODdu/ Recall by: FDA; Ice Cream House Problem: All Ice Cream House dairy ice cream, sorbet, and non-dairy kosher frozen dessert products are contaminated with listeria monocyogenes.  These include all flavors of packed ice cream, sorbets, cakes, ice cream sandwiches, cones, pops. Sold:  At Ice Cream House in Brooklyn and through retail supermarkets in New York, New Jersey and Ohio. Actions:  Do not consume these frozen treats.  Return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.  For additional information, contact the Ice Cream House at 1-845-445-7644 or via email at ICHrecall@gmail.com. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ice-cream-house-voluntarily-recalling-all-dairy-ice-cream-products-and-non-dairy-parve-frozen #icecreamhouse #icecream #sorbet #kosher #nondairy #listeria #infection #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw9iz0jO-i-/ Recall by:FDA; Weis Markets Problem: Weis Quality Brownie Moose Tracks Ice Cream contains undeclared egg. Sold: Weis Markets’ stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Delaware and West Virginia. Actions:  Return the product to the Weis Market at which you purchased it for a refund.  For more information, call Weis Customer Service at 1-866-999-9347. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/weis-markets-issues-allergy-alert-weis-quality-premium-brownie-moose-tracks-ice-cream-due-undeclared #weis #moosetracks #icecream #egg #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw9iBzEOoQT/ Recall by: FDA; Life Raft Treats Problem:  Life Raft Treats Not Fried Chicken ice cream bucket, Not Fried Chicken ice cream bar, and Life Is Peachy ice cream products, all with BEST BY DATES up to 8212024 are contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Sold: In GA, IL, MD, NC, NY, SC, and TX. Actions:  Do not consume these ice cream treats.  Return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.  For more information, call Life Raft Treats at 1-843-695-9806 or via email at recall@liferafttreats.com. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/life-raft-treats-recalls-ice-cream-products-not-fried-chicken-and-life-peachy-due-possible-listeria #liferaft #icecream #listeria #infection #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw9gz9uO9lo/ Recall by: FDA: OBC Group Corp; Todorganic Inc. Problem:  FDA analysis of these seed and capsules  shows that they contain yellow oleander plant.  This plant contains cardiac glycosides which are toxic to humans and animals causing severe and sometimes fatal cardiovascular, neurologic, and gastrointestinal side effects. Sold: Online via amazon.com, eBay.com, and walmart.com. Actions: Do not consume these seeds or capsules.  Return them to the place of purchase for a refund.  For more information, contact OBC at 1-305-216-1322 or Todorganic at 1-904-397-9339. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/obc-group-corp-recalls-nuez-de-la-india-seeds-and-capsules-products-due-possible-health-risks https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/todorganic-inc-recalls-nuez-de-la-india-seeds-product-due-possible-health-risk #nuezdelaIndia #seeds #capsules #yellowoleander #toxicity #cardiovascular #neurologic #gastr

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw9f8WbO__R/ Problem: Aiper Elite Pro GS100 cordless robotic pool vacuum cleaners have batteries that overheat and short circuit if the charging cord is plugged into the cleaner without an adapter. Sold:  About 22,000 were sold in the US, about 50 were sold in Canada, and about 4 were sold in Mexico online at aiper.com, Amazon.com, cocktailpool.com, factorypure.com, myrobotdirect.com, wellbots.com, and uspoolsite.com. Actions:  Stop using these pool vacs and contact Aiper at 1-888-968-0666 or via email at recall@aiper.com to arrange for a replacement pool vac after you ship your unit back to the company using a free shipping label. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Aiper-Elite-Pro-Cordless-Robotic-Pool-Vacuum-Cleaners-Recalled-Due-to-Burn-and-Fire-Hazards-Distributed-by-Shenzhen-Aiper-Intelligent-Co-Recall-Alert #aiper #poolvacuum #battery #overheating #shortciircuit #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw9fIU-uqiP/ Recall by: CPSC;  Electrolux Home Products Problem:  Frigidaire Stainless-Steel 30-inch 4 Burner and 36-inch 5 Burner Gas Cooktops have plastic control knobs with a black shaft that tend to crack and break leading to gas leaks with fire and possible explosion risks. Sold:  About 77,000 of these gas cooktops were sold at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, and other independent appliance stores nationwide. Actions:  Immediately stop using these gas cooktops, and check to see if your unit has control knobs with black shafts.  If so, contact Electrolux at 1-800-314-3998 or via email at cooktopknobrecall@electrolux.com to receive a free set of replacement knobs.  If you have chrome-colored knob shafts, you’re all set. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Electrolux-Group-Recalls-Frigidaire-Gas-Cooktops-Due-to-Risk-of-Gas-Leak-Fire-Hazard #frigidaire #gas #cooktop #knob #gasleak #fire #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw9eTY0OKVQ/ Recall by: CPSC; Apollo Imports, Inc. Problem:  Apollo Phantom V1, V2 and 60V Electric Scooters models have a suspension and wheel assembly module that detaches causing falls and injuries to the rider and bystanders. Sold: About 3,900 of these scooters were sold online at Apolloscooters.com, Fluidfreeride.com, Justride.com, Adventuresportsusa.com and Allelectricmotion.com. Actions: Stop riding these scooters and contact Apollo at 1-833-693-3468 or by email at support@apolloscooters.co to receive a new stem bolt along with instructions and a video link detailing installation of the bolt.  If you need help, the company will direct you to a service center that will perform the installation. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Apollo-Recalls-Phantom-Electric-Scooters-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards #apollo #scooter #wheels #injury #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw9dc3sOeoJ/ Recall by: CPSC; Prime-Line Problem:  Defender Security, Gate-House and Reliabilt branded glass doorknobs tend to crack and separate from their attachment assemblies leaking to lacerations. Sold:  About 167,000 of these doorknobs were sold in the US, and about 10,265 were sold in Canada at home improvement stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Wayfair.com and other websites. Actions:  Immediately remove these recalled doorknobs and contact Prime-Line at 1-800-729-6123 or via email at glassknobs@realtimeresults.net to receive a full refund. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Prime-Line-Recalls-Glass-Doorknobs-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard #glassdoorknob #DefenderSecurity #GateHouse #Reliabilt #cracking #lacerations #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw9ceazuU3q/ Recall by: CPSC; TOMY Problem:  Boon Flair highchairs manufactured before September 2016 and all Boon Flair Elite highchairs have seats that detach from their bases due to loosening bolts. Sold: About 83,000 high chairs were sold in the US, and about 2,850 were sold in Canada at Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Toys ‘R’ Us, and other stores nationwide, and online at Amazon.com, Target.com, Walmart.com, and BedBathAndBeyond.com.  Actions: Immediately stop using these highchairs and contact TOMY at 1-866-725-4407 to receive a free repair kit consisting of bolts and safety washers. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/TOMY-Recalls-Boon-Flair-and-Flair-Elite-Highchairs-Due-to-Fall-Hazard #boonflair #highchairs #seats #falls #injuries #children #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw9ae12u8eu/ Recall by: CPSC; Bombardier Recreational Products Problem: All model year 2023 Ski-Doo Freeride and Summit model snowmobiles and all Lynx Shredder model snowmobiles equipped with an 850E-TEC Turbo R Engine have leaky main injector fuel return hoses.  This creates fire and burn hazards. Sold: About 4,070 of these snowmobiles were sold in the US, and (In about 3,100 were sold in Canada. Actions:   Stop riding these recalled snowmobiles, and contact Ski-Doo and Lynx dealers or Bombardier to schedule a free inspection and repair.  For more information, contact the company at 1-888-272-9222. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Bombardier-Recreational-Products-BRP-Recalls-Ski-Doo-and-Lynx-Snowmobiles-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Recall-Alert #skidoo #lynx #snowmobiles #fuelleak #fire #burns #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw9ZmUyub67/ Recall by: CPSC; Polaris Industries Problem: The handlebars hooks on Polaris Snowmobiles, Model Year 2022-2023 MATRYX PRO RMK and MATRYX RMK KHAOS, create puncture hazards to the rider’s body should a crash occur. Sold: About 15,900 of these snowmobiles were sold in the US, and about 7,040 were sold in Canada.   Actions:  Stop riding these snowmobiles and contact a Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair.  In the alternative, you may contact Polaris by calling 1-800-765-2747 to receive free replacement safe handlebar hooks that you may install yourself. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Polaris-Recalls-MATRYX-PRO-RMK-and-MATRYX-RMK-KHAOS-Snowmobiles-Due-to-Serious-Injury-Hazard-Recall-Alert #polaris #snowmobile #handlebar #hook #injury #recall

Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw8hX2cRhTL/ With new CoVid subvariants and other viruses appearing each month, we need faster assays for identifying and quantitating viruses.   UCLA laboratory scientists have answered that call by developing a novel viral assay using advanced optics and machine learning.  Rather than employing the time-consuming staining of samples and manual counting of viral placques, this assay employs advanced time-lapse holographic imaging and artificial intelligence-powered counting techniques.  This new system reliably analyses samples in less than half the time with enhanced precision.  Look for commercial applications of these techniques soon. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-08-method-optics-ai-viruses-faster.html #viruses #assay #holographics #ai #machinelearning With new CoVid subvariants and other viruses appearing each month, we need faster assays for identifying and quantitating viruses.   UCLA laboratory scientists have answered that call by developing a novel vir