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Development of synthetic molecules that can bridge T cells with SARS-CoV-2 infected cells

Scientists have worked at a record speed to develop COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics to contain the pandemic. To date, all the vaccines and therapeutics (e.g., monoclonal antibodies) that received emergency use authorization from the global regulatory bodies have been designed against the spike protein of the original SARS-CoV-2 strain. However, the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics has been threatened due to mutations in the spike protein in the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 strains.  Mutations have increased the affinity of the spike protein for angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which has brought about an increase in the infection rate. Additionally, some SARS-CoV-2 variants, such as the Delta strain, can evade the immune protection induced via natural infection and immunization targets. Hence, developing a new treatment that would remain effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants is urgently required. Generally, the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 binds to ACE2 and, eventually, the virus enters the cell. After the virus enters the host cell, it captures its protein synthesis machinery and initiates viral replication.

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May 08, 2023
Mike Plum
GP
Body
Fetal Surgery

Fetal surgery is a procedure performed on an unborn baby (fetus) in the uterus (in utero) to help improve the long-term outcome of children with specific birth defects. Because these defects often worsen as a fetus develops, fetal surgery done by a team of experts focuses on treating and improving the conditions before birth. Comprehensive health centers that have fetal surgery expertise and experience can treat many birth defects in utero, including: Amniotic band syndrome Bronchopulmonary sequestration of the lung Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) of the lung Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) Fetal anemia Lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) Mediastinal teratoma Neck mass Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) Spina bifida (myelomeningocele) Twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)

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March 11, 2021
Hussam
Dermatologist
Body
Hyper Tension

Blood pressure is the force that a person’s blood exerts against the walls of their blood vessels. This pressure depends on the resistance of the blood vessels and how hard the heart has to work. Almost half of all adults in the United States have high blood pressure, but many are not aware of this fact. Hypertension is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and aneurysm. Keeping blood pressure under control is vital for preserving health and reducing the risk of these dangerous conditions. In this article, we explain why blood pressure can increase, how to monitor it, and ways to keep it within a normal range.   Management and treatment Regular physical exercise Stress reduction Medication Diet: Reducing salt intake Moderating alcohol consumption Eating more fruit and vegetables and less fat Managing body weight The DASH diet Causes: The cause of hypertension is often not known. In many cases, it is the result of an underlying condition. Doctors call high blood pressure that is not due to another condition or disease primary or essential hypertension. If an underlying condition is the cause of increasing blood pressure, doctors call this secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension can result from multiple factors, including: blood plasma volume hormone activity in people who manage blood volume and pressure using medication environmental factors, such as stress and lack of exercise Secondary hypertension has specific causes and is a complication of another health problem. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common cause of high blood pressure, as the kidneys no longer filter out fluid. This excess fluid leads to hypertension. Conditions that can lead to hypertension include: diabetes, due to kidney problems and nerve damage kidney disease pheochromocytoma, a rare cancer of an adrenal gland Cushing syndrome that corticosteroid drugs can cause congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a disorder of the cortisol-secreting adrenal glands hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland hyperparathyroidism, which affects calcium and phosphorous levels pregnancy sleep apnea obesity Risk factors A number of factors increase the risk of hypertension. Age: Hypertension is more common in people who are more than 60 years of age. Blood pressure can increase steadily with age as the arteries stiffen and narrow due to plaque buildup. Ethnicity: Some ethnic groups are more prone to hypertension than others. African Americans have a higher risk than other ethnic groups, for example. · Size and weight: Being overweight or obese is a primary risk factor. Alcohol and tobacco use: Regularly consuming large quantities of alcohol or tobacco can increase blood pressure. Sex: According to a 2018 review, males have a higher risk of developing hypertension than females. However, this is only until after women reach menopause. Existing health conditions: Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and high cholesterol levels can lead to hypertension, especially as people age. Other risk factors include: sedentary lifestyle salt rich, high fat diet low potassium intake Poorly managed stress and a family history of high blood pressure can also contribute to the risk of developing hypertension. Below is a 3-D model of hypertension, which is fully interactive. Explore the model using your mouse pad or touchscreen to understand more about hypertension.

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March 11, 2021
Nc Demo Doctor
GP
Body
Discussion on Hair Loss

Hair loss without scarring of the scalp is a very common condition and affects most people at some time in their lives. Medical professionals should distinguish hair loss from breakage of the hair shaft from hair loss due to decreased hair growth. Common balding (androgenetic alopecia) occurs in men and women and is due to the effect of testosterone metabolites in genetically susceptible hair follicles. Thyroid disease, anemia, protein deficiency, secondary syphilis, chemotherapy, and low vitamin levels may cause hair loss. Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss produced by the autoimmune destruction of hair follicles in localized areas of skin. Medications indicated for hair regrowth include minoxidil (Rogaine)

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February 16, 2021
Jenny S
Aesthetic Specialist
Body
High Blood Pressure

Reduce salt intake Eat enough potassium Consume a balanced diet Maintain a healthy body weight Be physically active Limit alcohol intake Don’t smoke High blood pressure (or hypertension) is one of the most important risk factors for the development of heart disease and stroke. Our blood pressure can be influenced by many factors, including our genes, diseases such as kidney disease, certain medications and lifestyle. For most of us, lifestyle factors play the biggest role in increasing – or decreasing – our blood pressure.

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February 16, 2021
M Plum
General Practitioner
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