HEALTH

Medicinal Marijuana Alternative Kills French Man.

~ Dr. Stacia Nicholson, PhD ~ Leave a comment

marijuanamedicalMarijuana was listed as a Schedule 1 drug in 1970. At the time it was considered to have no medicinal purpose; as the discovery of the first cannabinoid receptor wouldn’t occur until the 1980’s. Due to governmental suppression of illicit marijuana use, research into its medicinal use was discontinued.  Recent debates over legalizing marijuana coupled with new understanding of the cannabinoid receptor system in the human body has renewed investigation into the development of pharmaceutical therapeutic alternatives. The alternatives include receptor-based drugs, inhibitors of enzymes that break down endogenous cannabinoids, and synthetic compounds that can modulate how cannabinoids bind to their receptors. Ideally, alternatives should have improved efficacy, potency, duration of action, safety, and the beneficial properties of marijuana, but without the harmful side effects. Continue reading →

Wood and Cheese

~ Dr. Stacia Nicholson, PhD ~ 4 Comments

woodedcheese

Recently there has been a frenzy of articles about cheese manufacturers producing “fake” cheese. It has been said that grated or shredded cheese, particularly parmesan cheese are being adulterated with wood. This is a gross misrepresentation of the actual facts. What is true is that the cheeses contain a food additive known as cellulose, which is commonly derived from wood.

Cellulose is not wood !

Cellulose is a natural polysaccharide found in the stems and branches of many plants. It is the major component responsible for the structural rigidity of plant cell walls (mammalian cells do not have cell walls). There are many valid and valuable uses for cellulose in food. Continue reading →

Rabies and the Little Boy Who Didn’t Cry Raccoon

~ Dr. Stacia Nicholson, PhD ~ Leave a comment

littlboyraccoonRecently there was a cute, little, 6-year-old boy bitten by a rabid raccoon. Soon after attack he was taken to the hospital where according to news reports, he was sutured and treated with antibiotics before being released. Later reports, confirmed that the raccoon was indeed rabid, however no additional reports addressed whether the little boy was vaccinated against rabies. Hopefully, he was treated after confirmation of the raccoons rabidity, but this type of reporting leads to confusion amongst the populace regarding what to do in case of a rabid animal bite. Continue reading →

Corrosive Water and the Flint Michigan Crisis

~ Dr. Stacia Nicholson, PhD ~ Leave a comment

By now we have all know about the water crisis in Flint Michigan. Tons of articles have been written discussing the politics surrounding the Lead contaminated water.  As a result many misconceptions have arisen, for example; many people assume that when it is said that the water was “corrosive” that, that meant the Flint River water was contaminated with lead already. This however is not the case. What if I told you that water sources such as rivers and lakes  can be naturally corrosive? What if I told you that lead is not the only  substance in the Flint water that residents should be concerned about? Continue reading →

Difficulty with C.Diff: A Personal Account

~ Dr. Stacia Nicholson, PhD ~ 2 Comments

As we transition into the colder weather, many people will get sick. Seasonally, the most likely cause of illness will be from the common cold or influenza (flu). Many will seek treatment, and request antibiotics. However, the cold and flu are caused by viruses, and antibiotics can do little to nothing in their treatment. Many people are not aware, that over-use of antibiotics can be harmful. Even when antibiotics are correctly taken to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia or strep throat, there can be a down side to treatment. Such is the case with “Tiffany Lotus”(name has been changed due to sensitive nature of this condition), who after treatment with antibiotics for reoccurring Urinary Tract Infections developed C. Difficile Colitis.

Stacia (aliquot the science spot interviewer):  Infection with C.diff is opportunistic, meaning it occurs after there has been a disruption of the normal flora or microbiota of your gut. This could be a result of antibiotic use. Was your colonization subsequent to antibiotic treatment?

Tiffany L.: Yes Continue reading →

Natalie Cole & the Big Bad Wolves: Hepatitis C, Pulmonary Hypertension, & Renal Failure

~ Dr. Stacia Nicholson, PhD ~ 2 Comments

When I hear a Nat King Cole song or a duet by Natalie Cole with her late great father, I think of summer afternoons driving down Ocean Parkway, heading to Coney Island with my Dad and sisters.

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Natalie Cole was a great singer in her own right, and recently passed away from Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, which was undoubtedly a complication of kidney disease, subsequent to treatment for Hepatitis C – which she suffered from for over 2 decades of her life.

According to this article Natalie Cole  had undergone chemotherapeutic treatment for Hepatitis C that lead to her development of Kidney Failure in just a matter of months. Subsequently she was on hemodialysis until she received a kidney transplant in 2009. She contracted Hepatitis C from intravenous drug use, to which she has admitted to.

Pulmonary hypertension is associated with receiving hemodialysis and kidney transplantation. There is a 5 – 14% prevalence of Pulmonary Hypertension associated with renal transplant, and the prevalence with hemodialysis is as high as approximately 50%. Signs and symptoms of Pulmonary hypertension are often masked, and diagnosis may only be confirmed after right ventricular  heart failure develops. The condition is a progressive disorder, that increases both morbidity (sickness) and mortality (death). Irreversible heart failure ensues followed by death.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis is the term for liver Inflammation. Hepatitis can be caused by many pathogens, but the main cause is viral hepatitis. There are 5 types of viral hepatitis of which Hepatitis C is one.

Hepatitis C was first characterized as non-A-non-B-hepatatis. Discovered in 1989, after an outbreak of chronic hepatitis in transfusion recipients in the 1970’s, the RNA virus causes an infectious disease that affects only humans and chimpanzees.

Hepatitis C is spread  directly from person-to person, primarily through intravenous drug use or unprotected sex (usually anal sex). It is spread through the blood and through circulation infects the Liver; where it enters the hepatocyte (liver cells) and replicates more of the virus. Therefore, It can also be contracted during blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and dialysis (if contamination is present). Tattooing and piercing are also a risk.

Once contracted the virus causes acute hepatitis which might spontaneously resolve on its own. In those whom fail to clear the virus on their own, chronic hepatitis ensues. The disease is often asymptomatic, and therefore many who are infected are unaware. Clinical manifestations present as jaundice, enlarged liver, and anorexia. The disease eventually may progress to Liver Cirrhosis and/or Liver Cancer, this often occurs within 10 to 20 years of having the disease.  Unlike Hepatitis B, there is no inoculation vaccine available against Hepatitis C.

images.jpegDespite of all this, Natalie Cole continued to sing, tour, and lead a productive life. She never gave in, and or that she will always be “Unforgettable…that’s what you are…and forevermore that’s how you’ll stay”. RIP Natalie Cole.

 

 

 

 

 

Sugar Substitute Toxic to Dogs

~ Dr. Stacia Nicholson, PhD ~ 1 Comment

SUGAR-~1

In toxicology we say that the dose makes the poison. It should also be emphasized that species makes the toxin as well. People think that because something is safe for humans that it is also safe for their pet.

Though considered safe in humans, Xylitol is very toxic in canines. When ingested by dogs, it can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)  and hepatic necrosis (liver failure). .Xylitol is rapidly absorbed and causes an increase in insulin secretion, which  results in a rapid decline of blood sugar in dogs. Metabolism of Xylitol occurs in the liver, and this may play a role in its toxicity towards this organ.

xylitolXylitol is a sugar substitute that is commonly used as a sweetener in gum, candies, and baked goods. Discovered in the late 19th century, it was used during  World War II, when there was a sucrose (sugar) shortage. Its use gained popularity with the rise of Atkins-like “low-carb” diets. The 5 -carbon sugar alcohol is reported to have less than two-thirds of the calories of most sugars, yet is has a similar sweetness to sugar.

A dog that has consumed Xylitol or products containing this sweetener, might exhibit the signs and symptoms of lethargy, weakness, ataxia, and vomiting. Seizures, coma, and death are also possible. If consumption of Xylitol is known or suspected, immediate hospitalization and treatment with dextrose(type of sugar) intravenously is needed. This is done to establish normal blood-glucose levels. To protect against hepatic injury, treatment with antioxidants are administered along with the dextrose. Liver damage may not always occur.

PV-Xylitol-toxicity

Xylitol has a wide margin of safety in most mammals. It is not toxic to cats, and is actually recommended to be added to cat drinking water to prevent cavities. In fact, Xylitol  is commonly used in human oral care products, such as, toothpaste and mouth-wash. It prevents certain bacterial growth. In doing so , it prevents oral bacteria from producing acids that damage the surfaces of teeth. Although considered safe in humans and particularly beneficial to diabetics, Xylitol is severely toxic, and life-threatening to dogs. Be sure to read labels when giving food stuff to dogs, and even when using household products around them. Some non-edible products used around the home contain Xylitol. Even worse, Xylitol may not be listed as an active ingredient in some products, and it may even be a component of some medications and vitamins.

Biohazardous/Medical Waste Disposal: Laboratory Edition

~ Dr. Stacia Nicholson, PhD ~ 5 Comments

hazardous waste bag

In the past biohazardous/medical waste was disposed of in regular municipal trash along with household garbage. After a series of serious and unfortunate events, the Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988 was enacted. Along the East Coast of the United States medical waste, such as syringes washed ashore beaches. Also, in 1987, Indianapolis, Indiana children were found playing with vials of blood they found in a dumpster outside a medical facility. Two became infected with HIV.

Waste (liquid, solid, or gas) is considered hazardous when it has the property of being flammable, reactive, explosive, corrosive, radioactive, infectious, irritating, sensitizing, or bio-accumulative. Biohazardous/medical waste has the characteristics of being infectious and hazardous.

In the lab BIOHAZARDOUS WASTE is generated from :

    • Microbiological cultures or stocks ( bacterial, viral, parasitic, fungal,)
    •  Cell/tissue cultures
    • Organs and tissue from humans or animals.
      • Feces, blood, urine or any other body fluid.
      • Contaminated animal bedding
    • Disposable personal protective equipment (PPE): gloves & gowns
    • Contaminated labware: flasks, plates, pipets, etc.
    • Sharps: scalpels, razor blades, Pasteur pipettes, needles, syringes.
inmylab2
Taping up a box of solid biohazardous waste in my lab. Inside the box is a red-liner (bag) like the one shown above.
inmylab
The boxes are taken to a satellite area in the building for storage until Health and Safety personnel come to take it away for incineration.

Sharps are placed in a container like this:

sharps containerIn my lab we place pipets and syringes in this type of large sharps containers. Sharps containers can come in many sizes from small bench-top to large floor-standing forms.

Most biohazardous/medical waste is disposed of by incineration. Incineration involves burning the waste at elevated temperatures until an ash is produced. This method not only removes infectious and hazardous agents, but also reduces the size of the waste; significantly. Other methods involve various types of disinfecting, shredding, and grinding. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) all have regulations concerning the treatment, storage, removal and disposal of biohazardous waste.

(methods of liquid and gas waste removal not discussed in this article)

Easy Read: Telling JJ by John Woodrow Cox

~ Dr. Stacia Nicholson, PhD ~ 1 Comment

Have you ever wondered about the lives of the many infants born with HIV? What becomes of their childhood and what obstacles do they face, socially, emotionally, and medically? This fascinating article: Telling JJ by John Woodrow Cox, takes us into the private life of one such little girl. This story captivated me and broke my heart at the same time. This is a must read, trust me you will have your perspective changed and your understanding of what it means to live with HIV altered, forever.safe_imageJJ has sat at this table many times coloring pictures with crayons at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington. JJ had long known that something else was wrong with her — that no one should touch her blood. A pile of medical records of children who have HIV sit atop a conference-room table at the hospital. – excerpt from Telling JJ

Since the introduction of antiretroviral drugs, mother-to-child transmission of HIV has fallen to below 1-2% in the United States. However, transmission still occurs due to missed opportunities for prevention, such as,  prenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal antiretroviral treatment to both mother and infant. Transmission can occur during pregnancy (particularly in the 3rd trimester), during labor and delivery, or during breastfeeding.

Daraprim

~ Dr. Stacia Nicholson, PhD ~ 4 Comments

Daraprim (pyrimethamine) is actually an anti-parasitic drug, used to treat Toxoplasmosis and Malaria. People with weakened immune systems – not just those with AIDS – but also,  chemotherapy patients, organ transplant recipients, people taking corticosteroids, and infants in utero cannot effectively fight off the parasite that causes Toxoplasmosis. However, people with AIDS are the most afflicted by this disease; 10 percent of AIDS related deaths are due to Toxoplasmosis. Continue reading →