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SNOQUALMIE, Wash., Oct. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) held the Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference Oct. 2 Oct 4 in a virtual, online platform, a change from the usual face-to-face meetings that took place pre-pandemic. Veterinarians, veterinary staff, and citizens were honored at WSVMA's award ceremonies on Friday, Oct. 2.

Dr. Brian Joseph, State Veterinarian at the Washington State Dept. of Agriculture, Olympia, WA, received the 2020 Veterinarian of the Year Award. The award is presented in recognition of an outstanding career in veterinary medicine and contributions made to their practice, stakeholders, and other service directly benefitting their community. Dr. Joseph is an exceptional and compassionate leader with an esteemed career in many facets of veterinary medicine, including aquatic and zoo medicine, agriculture, and as a leader in the U.S. Army Reserve Veterinary Corp. His depth of knowledge combined with his incomparable character has inspired the men and women under his leadership, led to the improved health of animals and the public, and has positively impacted the many communities he's served. As Washington's "State Veterinarian," he not only works to prevent animal disease and protect food safety, but inspires many within the veterinary community and the public.

Dr. Ron Wohrle, Washington's former State Public Health Veterinarian from Puyallup, WA, received the 2020 Distinguished Achievement award. The award was presented to recognize Dr. Wohrle's dedication and outstanding contributions not only to veterinary medicine but to the citizens of Washington and beyond through his work in environmental public health. His expertise and wisdom combined with his unwavering commitment to One Health has created a safer Washington for animals and people in the protection from zoonotic diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, and many others. His leadership in combatting antimicrobial resistance led to statewide efforts that brought together health experts from across professions and raised awareness in order to protect Washington citizens, animals and the environment against drug-resistant infections.

Dr. Katie Kuehl, Clinical Instructor and Medical Director for the Shelter Medicine program and the Seattle One Health Clinic in Seattle at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine was awarded the 2020 WSU Faculty Member of the Year Award. Her professionalism, enthusiasm, and passion have created rewarding and critical learning experiences for veterinary students, and her work with animals owned by people experiencing homelessness has created a healthier community in and around Seattle.

Benita Altier, LVT, VTS (Dentistry), Easton, WA, licensed veterinary technician and dentistry specialist technician at Pawsitive Dental Education, LLC, received the 2020 Distinguished Veterinary Staff Award. Ms. Altier is recognized for her exceptional leadership in veterinary dentistry and radiography through her education of veterinary technicians, which has led to the improved care of cats and dogs.

Ann Graves, Director of the Seattle Animal Shelter, was presented the 2020 WSVMA Humane Animal Welfare Award in recognition of her advancement of animal welfare and community wellbeing through her extraordinary career within animal welfare and shelter organizations.

Dr. Shlomo Frieman and Allon Freiman, from Petriage in Bellevue, WA, received the 2020 Allied Industry Partner Award in recognition of their exceptional service to the veterinary profession through their online tele-triage service that connects pet parents with their veterinarian and helps them assess the urgency for veterinary care.

The WSVMA is a statewide, not-for-profit, professional organization for the benefit of veterinary medicine. The WSVMA has over 1,900 members, representing veterinarians, veterinary students and a broad spectrum of veterinary practice. The Association's mission is to "advance the cause of veterinary medicine to better the lives of those touched by it." Visit the WSVMA Web site, http://www.wsvma.org, to learn more about the association, veterinary medicine, and animal care.

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Washington State's Veterinary Association Announces Annual Award Winners - Daily Record-News

Event

Virtual annual meeting, July 30-Aug. 6

Lasher-Bottorff AwardDr. Eric Gingerich (Purdue 77), Zionsville, Indiana, in recognition of an avian diagnostician or technical service veterinarian who has made important contributions to the poultry health program in North America over the past 10 years. Dr. Gingerich serves as a technical poultry specialist for Diamond V. He is a diplomate of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians.

Phibro Animal Health Excellence in Poultry ResearchMark Jackwood, PhD, Watkinsville, Georgia, for sustained excellence in poultry disease and health for 20 years or more. Dr. Jackwood earned his doctorate in 1985 from The Ohio State University. He is head of the Department of Population Health and the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Jackwood also serves as the J.R. Glisson Professor of Avian Medicine at the veterinary college. He is known for his expertise on infectious bronchitis virus, Bordetella avium rhinotracheitis of turkeys, mycoplasmosis, infectious laryngotracheitis, Newcastle disease, Pasteurella multocida, and infectious bursal disease.

Outstanding Field Case and/or Diagnostic Report AwardDr. Geoffrey Lossie (Purdue 14), Lafayette, Indiana. A diplomate of the ACPV, Dr. Lossie is a clinical assistant professor at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he also serves as an avian pathology diagnostician at the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.

P.P. Levine AwardDr. John R. Dunn (Michigan State 03), Athens, Georgia, won this award, presented to the senior author of the best paper published in the journal Avian Diseases. Dr. Dunn is a research leader with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Services National Poultry Research Center.

AAAP Special Service Award and Excellence in Mentorship AwardDr. Mark Bland (Oregon State 87), Napa, California. A past president of the AAAP, Dr. Bland serves as a poultry veterinarian consultant for Cutler Associates International. He was recognized for his dedication to the poultry industry and for his mentorship of students through the associations preceptorship program.

Reed Rumsey Student AwardDrs. Ana da Silva, Davis, California, and Amir Ghorbani, Wooster, Ohio. Dr. da Silva won in the category of clinical research in avian medicine. She received her veterinary degree in 2010 from Federal University of Parana in Brazil. Dr. Ghorbani won in the category of basic research in avian medicine. He received his veterinary degree in 2012 from Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, in Iran.

A.S. Rosenwald Student Poster AwardDr. Victor Palomino-Tapia, Calgary, Alberta, won in the category of applied research. Dr. Palomino-Tapia received his veterinary degree in 2007 from National University of San Marcos in Peru. Dr. Mohammadreza Ehsan, Athens, Georgia, won in the category of basic research. Dr. Ehsan received his veterinary degree in 2013 from Islamic Azad University, Garmsar Branch, in Iran and earned his doctorate in bordetellosis in 2017 from the University of Tehran in Iran.

Hall of Honor InducteesDrs. Lisa Nolan (Georgia 88), Watkinsville, Georgia; Patricia Dunn (Wisconsin 89), Port Matilda, Pennsylvania; and Patricia Wakenell (Michigan State 77), West Lafayette, Indiana. Dr. Nolan earned her doctorate in 1992 in medical microbiology from the University of Georgia. She serves as the Georgia Athletics Association Distinguished Professor and dean of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. A diplomate of the ACPV, Dr. Dunn serves as an avian diagnostic pathologist and field investigator with the Animal Diagnostic Laboratory in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at Pennsylvania State University College of Agricultural Sciences. Dr. Wakenell earned her doctorate in 1985 from Michigan State University. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, she is a professor emerita of poultry medicine at Purdue University, where she was head of avian diagnostics at the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory from 2008-19.

AAAP Life Member AwardDr. John Glisson (Georgia 80), Watkinsville, Georgia, in recognition of his outstanding service to the poultry industry. Dr. Glisson earned his doctorate in medical microbiology in 1985 from the University of Georgia. He spent his academic career at the university and served as vice president of research at the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association prior to retirement.

Dr. David Frame, Ephraim, Utah, president; Dr. Louise Dufour-Zavala, Gainesville, Georgia, president-elect; Dr. Eric Jensen, Huntsville, Alabama, immediate past president; Dr. Suzanne Dougherty, Elkmont, Alabama, executive vice president; Dr. Holly Sellers, Athens, Georgia, associate director; Kelly Hewitt, Ames, Iowa, student director; and directorsDrs. K.A. Ton Schat, Ithaca, New York; Samuel Christenberry, Cullman, Alabama; Michelle Kromm, Wilmar, Minnesota; Julie Helm, Columbia, South Carolina; Karen Grogan, Dacula, Georgia; and Rosemary Marusak, Chetek, Wisconsin

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"Pet cancer is the #1 disease-related killer of dogs and cats, and a devastating diagnosis for pet parents who cannot afford treatment for their pets. With all the strides being made in the veterinary oncology field increasing treatment options for our pets, our goal is to make these lifesaving treatments available to more pets and their pet parents," said Susanne Kogut, president of the Petco Foundation. "University treatment funds to support pet cancer did not universally exist prior to our creation of this support. Not only are these funds changing the lives of pets and pet parents, but it is improving the outlook for our veterinarian professionals who can help even more pets when costs might otherwise preclude such treatment."

The National Cancer Institute Center for Cancer Research estimates 6 million dogs and nearly the same number of cats are impacted by cancer each year.

"Blue Buffalo has been committed to fighting pet cancer since our inception," said Danielle Donegan, Manager of Strategic Partnerships & Retail Activation at Blue Buffalo. "We are proud of the collaborative efforts together with Petco and the Petco Foundation to raise funds, increase awareness and help pet parents and their pets in the fight against pet cancer."

On Wednesday, Oct. 14, representatives from Petco, Petco Foundation, and Blue Buffalo toured the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine's Oncology Center and discussed the continued need for this lifesaving support. At the conclusion, Kogut and Petco CEO Ron Coughlin presented LSU School of Veterinary Medicine with $75,000 for the continuation of the Petco Foundation and Blue Buffalo pet cancer treatment fund. LSU is one of 11 universities to be awarded an additional $75,000 this fall including: Colorado State University Foundation, Cornell Veterinary College, North Carolina Veterinary Medical Foundation, Ohio State University Foundation, Texas A&M University, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida Foundation, University of Pennsylvania, University of Tennessee Foundation and University of Wisconsin Foundation.

The Petco Foundation, in partnership with Blue Buffalo, are continuing their annual campaign to raise funds for pet cancer but expanding efforts to include raising funds for other critical pet health care needs. According to a studyby theUniversity of Tennessee's Access to Veterinary Care, an estimated 29 million dogs and cats live in households that rely on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Seventy-four percent ofpetowners reported not being able to afford sick care, with middle class participants as likely to cite financial barriers as lower-income participants. From now through October 25, the public can help pets receive treatment for pet cancer and other lifesaving care by donating at Petco or online at petcofoundation.org/pethealth.

To learn more about the Petco Foundation and its efforts to provide lifesaving treatment to pets, visit petcofoundation.org/pethealth and follow along on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.

About the Petco Foundation At the Petco Foundation, we believe that every animal deserves to live its best life.Since 1999, we've invested more than $280 million in lifesaving animal welfare work to make that happen. With our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners, we inspire and empower communities to make a difference by investing in adoption and medical care programs, spay and neuter services, pet cancer research, service and therapy animals, and numerous other lifesaving initiatives. We also partner with Petco stores and animal welfare organizations across the country to increase pet adoptions. So far, we've helped more than 6.5 million pets find their new loving families, and we're just getting started. Visit petcofoundation.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

About Blue Buffalo Company Based in Wilton, CT, Blue Buffalo is the nation's leading natural pet food company, and provides natural foods and treats for dogs and cats under its BLUE Life Protection Formula, BLUE Wilderness, BLUE Basics, BLUE Freedom and BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet lines. Paying tribute to its founding mission, the company is a leading sponsor of pet cancer awareness and critical studies of pet cancer, health, treatment and nutrition at top veterinary medical schools across the United States. For more information about Blue Buffalo, visit http://www.BlueBuffalo.com.

Contact: Jennifer Perez, Petco Foundation, [emailprotected]

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Petco Foundation Continues Commitment to Fund Pet Cancer Treatment at Top US Universities and Expands Initiative to Support Other Critical Pet Health...

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) pet brands and subscription services have been on the rise over the last year, and one takeaway from shoppers is a litany of ever increasing options when it comes to finding the best dog food for their dogs. And while a canine companion can generally help you unwind and relieve stress, whether youre pent up working from home or sheltering from Covid-19, youre probably spending more time together these days and you may be left wanting to reward them for their company or improving their health otherwise. One way to indulge your dog (and really anyone) is through elevating their food. Sundays, a direct-to-consumer dog food brand, claims to be healthier than kibble and easier to prepare than some of its human-grade food counterparts it aims to fill a void between the affordable dry dog food on one end and the high quality and high-priced elevated dog food on the other.

SKIP AHEAD Other DTC Brands

The DTC brand launched in early August, joining other newcomers in the dog food space this year like Tailored and Jinx, as well as older companies like Nom Nom and The Farmers Dog. If youre on the market for a new dog food or like to stay updated on your options, eyeing the many new ones available to you from bestsellers at Petsmart, Chewy, Petco, Amazon, Walmart and other major retailers to direct-to-consumer options there are some things youll want to consider. To help guide your shopping through some of those young brands, we consulted experts and veterinarians on what to know before buying food directly from a brand.

I like to joke that the reason Sundays exists is because a software engineer married a veterinarian.

Michael Waxman, Co-Founder and CEO, Sundays

I like to joke that the reason Sundays exists is because a software engineer married a veterinarian, said Michael Waxman, an engineer and the co-founder and CEO of Sundays, referencing his partner and wife Tory Waxman, VMD, the companys co-founder and chief veterinary officer. The duo says they created Sundays in order to offer pet owners an option between kibble and top-shelf dog food. We would do literally anything for our dogs except prepare their food for an hour or two, Waxman said, alluding to another value he hopes Sundays will offer: speed and simplicity.

The Sundays dog food formula is composed of more than 90 percent meat, for protein, as well as a variety of fruits, vegetables and natural oils for their respective antioxidants and digestive properties, among other nutrients. Air dried and shipped to your door, Sundays veers away from the need to can or refrigerate its elevated kibble.

That same air-drying procedure leaves Sundays with a jerky-like texture. According to the company, the food has been tested to meet both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standard of fit for human consumption, as well as similar standards from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The food, made in a USDA-monitored kitchen, includes USDA beef composed of different beef parts: beef heart, beef liver and beef bone. Sundays also throws in grains and other ingredients for flavor and health benefits: quinoa, pumpkin, wild salmon oil, kale, turmeric and more. The brand notes its food is completely free of synthetics.

Although there is currently only one recipe, Waxman says that different dogs should consume it in different portions. To help you find the right amount for your dog, Sundays offers up a simple quiz, in which pet owners provide answers regarding their dogs age, breed and other factors. Additionally, Waxman says Sundays hopes to launch a second recipe later this year, but plans to stray from offering too many choices.

While DTC brands are on the rise, many veterinarians still see kibble as an important part of dogs diet. For dogs, the main benefit to being on a commercially-prepared dry dog food is that they are eating a complete and balanced diet, Kristin Neuhauser, DVM, of Noahs Ark Animal Clinic, previously told NBC News Shopping. Something to look out for when shopping for any dog food is that it meets nutrient standards set by organizations such as AAFCO. If not [complete and balanced] then theres vitamins and minerals that need to be added, said Joseph Wakshlag, DVM, a professor of Sections of Clinical Nutrition and Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell. I, as a veterinarian nutritionist, feel much more comfortable [knowing] a product has met AAFCO specifications. Still, the type of diet and dog food may vary from pet owner to pet owner depending on a variety of factors, from convenience and price to the ingredients used, their nutritional value and otherwise. To give you an idea of other DTC dog food brands out there, here some of the top options.

The Farmers Dog meals are formulated by the companys veterinarian nutritionists to meet AAFCO nutrition standards and include human-grade, USDA meat and vegetables. They are exempt from chicken or other meals, natural or artificial preservatives and dont include any kibble and come pre-made and pre-portioned. The beef option is made of USDA beef, sweet potato, lentils, kale and more. Although your dogs meal plan is determined by a quiz, The Farmers Dog also sells a Turkey, Chicken or Pork option.

Unlike some of the above DTC counterparts, Jinx offers kibble. The recipes are designed by a team of veterinary scientists and nutritionists, meet AAFCO standards and are third party tested. This Chicken/Brown Rice recipe also includes eggs, avocado, patented probiotics, grain and more. Youll also find other recipes, including Salmon/Brown Rice and Chicken/Sweet Potato. And since were all snacking more these days, check out their dog treats.

Nom Nom meals use only USDA-grade A proteins and vegetables, and are created by Justin Shmalberg, DVM to the nutritional levels established by AAFCO Food Nutrient Profiles, according to the company. The meals come in options for dogs or cats and, according to the company, ship cold, fresh and pre-portioned. The Beef Mash recipe includes beef, potatoes, eggs, carrots and more. Youll also find other flavors, including Chicken Chow, Pork Potluck and Turkey Fare. Plus, you can try a variety pack to see which option your pet gravitates to most.

Pet Plate meals meet AAFCO nutrition standards in terms of protein, fat, minerals, vitamins and more, and are formulated by Renee Streeter, DVM, DACVN, a veterinary nutritionist. The meals are human-grade, dont include artificial ingredients and are USDA-certified. According to the company, they are hot-sealed and flash frozen for safety and freshness. This beef option features ground beef, sweet potatoes, beef liver, carrots and more. You can also choose from a variety of flavors including Chompin Chicken, Lip Lickin Lamb and Tail Waggin Turkey.

Catch up on the latest from NBC News Shopping guides and recommendations and download the NBC News app for full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak

Shari Uyehara is a production coordinator and writer for NBC News Shopping

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DTC dog food brands are on the rise: What to know - NBC News

The lion had lymphoma, andTara Harrisonwas told there was nothing that could be done.

Harrison thought differently.

I said, OK, great. Lets treat him. Then I found out no one had ever done that, says Harrison. They said, Hes old. Hes lived his life. Just euthanize him. I thought, but why? Why?

That was Harrisons first major case working at a zoo. Fifteen years later, the experience continues to motivate the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine assistant professor. During her five years at the CVM, while treating a wide variety of exotic species from ferrets and bearded dragons to anteaters and porcupines, Harrison has been compiling a database of cancer cases seen in zoological medicine.

Harrison methodically tracks types of cancer, treatment plans and outcomes from data collected from private practices, zoos and other institutions. Its the only database of its kind in the world and already has hundreds of entries.

The database broadens scientific knowledge on cancers existing in zoological medicine, a broad term that covers exotic, nontraditional pets, animals under human care at zoos and those in the wild. Each case added to the database sheds much-needed light, faint or bright, on the cancers animals get and how they get them.

Refining an understanding of cancer in animals has tremendous potential to help treat cancer in humans, whose genetic makeup is vastly similar to other mammals. The cancer database is run in partnership with Ashley Zehnder, a former colleague of Harrisons at the University of California, Davis. Zehnder is the cofounder and the CEO of FaunaBio, a San Francisco-area company developing therapies based on comparative genomics to improve human and animal health.

When we have new students entering our exotic animal service rotation at the CVM, I tell them that I want to cure cancer, says Harrison. Its a lofty goal, obviously, but I think every little bit helps. If we understand cancer in other animals, understand the treatments and understand the genetics behind it, I think that will get us closer to it.

Harrisons focus is leading to even more groundbreaking work. In December, she was the only veterinarian on a research team that traveled to Kenya to investigate cancer in wild animals, a collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service and their mobile veterinary unit including KWS forensics director Moses Otiende, veterinarian Dominic Mijele, graduate student Samuel Omolo and Hastings Ozwara from the Institute of Primate Research, based in Nairobi.

The wildlife cancer study is led by a consortium of researchers working with the Arizona Cancer Evolution Center (ACE) at Arizona State University. It is funded by a supplemental and pilot grant from the National Institutes of Health and partly by the Wildlife Conservation Observatory Network.

The ACE research group that traveled to Kenya represents a multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional approach to addressing animal and human cancer.

Amy Boddy is an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Lisa Abegglen is an assistant professor of pediatric hematology and oncology at the University of Utahs Huntsman Cancer Institute. Valerie Harris is a Ph.D. graduate student and Diego Mallo is a postdoctoral student, both at ASU, while Kathleen Noble is a laboratory specialist at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

The group is currently analyzing cancer in wildlife data and a research paper is in the works. They hope to return to Kenya to continue to collect data in other wild species, says Harrison.

Cancer in wildlife has long been thought of as a disease of captivity, because animals dont live as long in the wild and perhaps dont live long enough to get cancer, says Harrison, who has a masters in veterinary epidemiology in addition to a DVM. Or cancer was seen in the wild as only being associated with toxic oil spills or pollution or viruses.

Its the groups first big foray into uncovering whats causing cancer in the wild, what kind of cancers are out there and how these cancers affect survival.

Cancer treatment for exotic pets and wild animal species has come a long way, even since Harrison worked with that first lion not-so long ago. As cancer treatment for pets such as dogs and cats have become commonplace and increasingly successful, zoological medicine has followed the lead. Since fewer exotic species were being seen by veterinarians in the past, cancer diagnosis and treatment often came too late if at all, says Harrison.

When we have new students entering our exotic animal service rotation, I tell them that I want to cure cancer, says Harrison. If we understand cancer in other animals, I think that will get us closer to it.

Now, more exotic pets are being seen for annual health exams, including at the NC State Veterinary Hospital. Large zoos and aquariums often have full-time veterinarians on staff, and they also often call veterinarians like Harrison for treatment consultations.

Though collecting cancer data from wildlife is challenging and most of Harrisons cancer database information comes from exotic pet cases and animals in zoos, the information already has potential to guide treatments for similar cancers in wildlife.

Cancer doesnt have to mean the end, says Harrison. As veterinarians, it doesnt have to mean you stop. This feels like a new beginning. We can do something about this, and we will.

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Cancer database changes the game for exotic pets and wildlife - Jill Lopez

As one of the first two states in the United States to legalize cannabis, Colorado has been at the forefront of research. The Institute of Cannabis Research at Colorado State University Pueblo has just kicked off a series of virtual events during which researchers discuss their work, and where research is headed.

The first such webinar featured Stephanie McGrath, an associate professor of neurology and neurosurgery at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. She focused her presentation on her work covering the use of cannabidiol (CBD) for dogs that have seizure disorders, and how glioma cancer cells in dogs respond to CBD treatment.

The next CU Pueblo research webinar will feature David Shurtleff, deputy director of the National Center of Complementary and Integrative Health, and will focus on the National Institute of Healths interest in cannabis research.

(Read Cannabis Wires previous coverage of research out of Baylor College of Medicine, within the Texas Medical Center, on the therapeutic potential of CBD for dogs experiencing pain from arthritis.)

Like many medical professionals, McGrath didnt enter medical school with a decision on which path shed like to pursue, but she eventually settled on neurology. McGrath referred to epilepsy in dogs, the most common neurologic disorder in canines, as an eye opener that hit home, because existing treatments seemed inadequate, she said.

Until you witness this, its really hard to appreciate what owners are going through, McGrath said, referencing dogs undergoing grand mal seizures. But when youre looking at this dogs eyes and youre looking into the eyes of this family that are going through this very emotional, very traumatic and violent disease, she said, you connect to the real emotional aspect of it like this.

While McGrath completed her residency in Colorado, legal adult use cannabis sales were taking off. McGrath referenced Charlotte Figi, a young girl whose family moved her to Colorado for access to CBD to treat her seizures. (Figi, who became internationally known for helping to catalyze the CBD-as-medicine movement, died in April). Watching the Sanjay Gupta special on Figi and CBD on CNN, McGrath wondered if CBD might have the same seizure-reducing effects on dogs.

I went through school knowing marijuana is toxic for dogs. Its terrible. Dont use it. Stay away from it. We see marijuana toxicosis in our emergency rooms, McGrath said.

McGrath began her research on CBD at CSU under the 2014 Farm Bill, which allowed for states to launch hemp pilot programs. Hemp is abundant in CBD. But, she said, her work became easier when lawmakers passed the 2018 Farm Bill, which removed hemp, defined as cannabis plants containing .3% THC or less, from the list of controlled substances.

I think its made it a lot easier for collaborators and other researchers and scientists to start exploring cannabis at their institutions as well, which is great, McGrath said. She added that her own research began, in some senses at ground zero, because there were so few studies on dogs and CBD that could serve as a starting point for additional work.

We had essentially no foundation for using this drug despite it being around forever. And so we had a lot of questions about bioavailability, whether this drug would even be absorbed, she said.

McGrath started with a pharmacokinetic study during which 30 dogs were given three different CBD formulations. The dogs received a six-week course of two doses daily. The beagles used for the study were research animals that were purpose-bred for pharmacokinetic studies and that are adopted out once they reach middle age. Researchers looked for safety, drug tolerance, and any major adverse effects.

It was very encouraging that at least we had a foundation, somewhere to go with this, McGrath said, referencing that the oral preparations were at least measurable in the dogs blood streams. Fortunately for adverse events, those were also fairly well-tolerated, she said. The only major side effect was diarrhea, which was transient, but it did occur in all dogs at all dosages at various time points. There also was an elevation in one of the liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, and while the researchers didnt have concerns related to short-term liver toxicity concerns, that was definitely something we noted and wanted to continue to monitor.

Overall, McGrath said, she felt that this studys results would allow her to proceed to clinical trials in client-owned animals, starting with epilepsy. Her first effort was on the short-term effect of CBD on seizure frequency in dogs suffering from poorly-controlled idiopathic epilepsy. A total of sixteen dogs participated in this study, a limitation with such a small cohort, with nine in the treatment group and seven in the control group. All of these dogs had a confirmed diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy, and they all had to remain on their standard anticonvulsant treatment during the three-month study. Researchers then added either CBD to the treatment regimen, or a placebo.

We did see a significant reduction in seizure frequency in the treatment group as compared with the control group, McGrath said. But, she added, when they looked at responders, a common way of recording antiepileptic drug efficacy, they wanted the dogs to have at least a 50 percent reduction in seizure activity, which didnt happen.

We concluded from this study that, although we did get some encouraging results, theres still a lot more work to be done, she said.

McGrath said the most interesting part of the study, to her, was that she saw a significant correlation between plasma level and seizure change.

As the dogs, that for whatever reason, metabolize the drug in such a way that they reached higher plasma levels, they actually had a further decrease in seizure activity than dogs that never reach that level. And so seeing that correlation really gave me a lot of hope that if we can get more dogs sort of across the arbitrary threshold, that we may be able to see better, more positive results, McGrath said.

McGraths next clinical study was funded by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, and was much larger, with 60 dogs. It was a prospective double blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. The dogs in the study received either CBD or placebo in the first phase, and then CBD or placebo for the second phase.

It gives us a bit more of a powerful study because each dog is able to be compared to itself as well as the treatment group and the control group, she said. For this study, CBG was also added, and doses were increased in an effort to get more dogs into a higher-level plasma range. During the course of this study, Epidiolex, a CBD-based cannabis plant extract, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration, which McGrath and her team started using as part of the study.

Spoiler alert: I do not have results of the study yet, McGrath said. She and her team wrapped up enrollment last month, and the last dog is expected to finish in March, allowing them to publish results sometime next year.

Overall, we didnt see any clinical signs that were of concern. We are also measuring antiepileptic drug levels throughout the studies. So we are going to also assess whether CBD has any effect on raising or lowering the antiepileptic drug levels as well, she said.

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Colorado: Institute of Cannabis Research Series Launches With CBD and Dogs - Cannabis Wire

Blue light may be environmentally friendly, but it has its dark sides too. Harvard Medical School' Harvard Health Publishingreports that blue light affects the circadian rhythm and potentially cause diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

Long ago, humans tend to spend their night in darkness. The main source of light back then was the Sun, which is up only in the daytime. But with the technology available in this era, access to light is much easier, and most of the time, people tend to abuse it without realizing its price.

For instance, blue light can cause strain, irritation, and dryness of the eye after a long day of staring at the screen. But since most people nowadays cannot escape having to use computers or gadgets, it has become hard to manage the adverse effects of blue light on the eyes.

The trendy blue light glasses might help people suffering from these effects. But many are asking if these glasses would genuinely help them handle blue light or using blue light glasses is just another hype?

Blue light glasses are specially crafted to block or trap blue light from the screens of computers, phones, tablets and other gadgets. The lenses help reduce potential damage to the retina from prolonged exposure to blue light, according to Cleveland Clinic.

But because blue light glasses are somewhat new, there is only a little research about them, and the FDA does not regulate the eyewear because it is not sold as a medical device.

According to the American Academy of Opthalmology,people need not wear blue light glasses or any eyewear for those who frequently use the computers. They said that digital devices do not lead to eye disease and do not cause eyestrain. The problem is that the eyes tend to be overused in using digital devices, hence the eyestrain.

"The symptoms of digital eye strain are linked to how we use our digital devices, not the blue light coming out of them," they added.

But some experts agree to the benefits of the blue light glasses like Greg Rogers, a senior optician at Eyeworks in Decatur, GA. He said that customers in their shop have benefited from the glasses and would opt to wear one or use a special screen for their computers when staring at screens.

Moreover, the American Optometric Association's former president Samuel Pierce, OD, said that he recommended using blue light glasses to lessen eyestrain.

Read Also: 5 Ways You Might Be Ruining Your Vision

The digital era has brought more blue light to the world than ever. From televisions, smartphones, laptops, and tablets, everyone is surrounded by blue light, WebMD reported.

In a survey in 2018, it was found out by Acuvue that office workers work about six and a half hours per day sitting in front t of a computer. While another survey by Pew Research Centerfound that 28% of American adults say they go online almost always, and younger ones are online the most.

But still, most research suggests that digital overuse and not the blue light causes eye problems, although those who wear blue light glasses tend to report less eyestrain than those who do not.

However, Susan Primo, OD, an optometrist and professor of ophthalmology at Emory University is more worried about how blue light glasses are used in some misleading marketing.

According to her, companies may use words that will not mislead their customers into believing that the glasses can cure them of their eye problems.

"They can use words like 'may' and 'might.' Marketing can take things to a level that might not be a sound recommendation, sound science, for people to go out and get them," Primo said.

Read More: 5 Tips To Keep Your Eyes Healthy

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Do Blue Light Glasses Really Work or Are They Just a Hype? - Science Times

Looking into the mirror and seeing that one of your eyes is bloodshot can be alarming. This condition, known as pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is not only unsightly it can be highly contagious. Understanding pink eye and what causes it can help us avoid getting infected and spreading it to others.

Pink eye is an inflammation or infection of the membrane that lines the white part of your eye (called the conjunctiva).

Types of pink eye include:

Only the viral and bacterial types of conjunctivitis are contagious. Pink eye from allergies or irritants is not contagious.

When the conjunctiva membrane becomes infected, it turns pink or red. Other symptoms of pink eye may include eye watering, itchiness, discharge or crusting of the eyelids and lashes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Just like the common cold, pink eye can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Viral conjunctivitis can occur when you contract certain viruses, such as an adenovirus. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be triggered by staph or strep, or other bacterial infections. You can also get pink eye as a result of seasonal allergies.

Dr. Ken Miller, an ophthalmology specialist in West Orange, New Jersey, told TODAY that it's important to pay attention to whether any yellow discharge develops. If there is yellow discharge, the conjunctivitis is bacterial and needs to be treated with an antibiotic.

Parents, in particular, should be on the lookout for this yellow discharge if a child has pink eye. Dr. Steph Lee, a pediatrician in Reading, Pennsylvania, and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, said children should see a pediatrician if they have this symptom or if they need to wipe their eyes several times an hour. If they have pain in their eyes or blurry vision, take them to their pediatrician immediately, said Lee.

If the discharge is red or watery, however, the conjunctivitis is likely to be the result of a viral infection, therefore, it cant be treated with antibiotics. Basically, you just have to ride it out, said Miller. In this situation, a warm compress can help soothe the infected eye (or eyes).

Never underestimate the power of a warm compress, said Lee. For viral conjunctivitis, she recommended applying a warm compress four to five times per day for about four to five minutes at a time to help bring down the swelling.

Conjunctivitis can also be caused by a basic irritant in the eye, like a loose eyelash, dust or a contaminant on a contact lens. A warm compress can be used to help ease symptoms with this type of pink eye too.

If you notice redness or other symptoms in your child's eye that might indicate a conjunctivitis infection, rinse their eyes with warm water before doing anything else, advised Dr. Lee. Then monitor any symptoms. If your child's pink eye symptoms last longer than a week, see a doctor or pediatrician.

Although pink eye is not usually dangerous and most cases resolve within a week, it can still cause a lot of discomfort, so it's best to try and avoid getting it. Conveniently, the most effective measures for preventing pink eye are things you're probably already doing to protect against COVID-19, including: washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face and eyes as much as possible. Rubbing your eyes significantly increases your chances of contracting conjunctivitis and spreading it to other people. If someone in your bubble does get pink eye, everyone should double down on their hand-washing efforts to prevent it from spreading around the house. One sneaky way that pink eye can be transferred, Dr. Miller pointed out, is through sharing a towel.

Recent studies, including one study that was published in JAMA Opthalmology in August, suggest that there may be a link between pink eye symptoms and COVID-19, though more research needs to be done, especially considering that pink eye does not appear to be a very common symptom of COVID-19.

"About 20% of children may get pink eye with COVID," said Lee, "whereas in adults, it's more rare, closer to 1 to 3% and not usually a stand-alone symptom. This might be because children are more prone to rub or touch their face when they're sick, since COVID can spread via eye discharge." Lee also cautioned that "if you have pink eye and know of exposure to someone with COVID, or have respiratory symptoms, you should contact your doctor."

The pandemic has taught us all to be more mindful about how we interact with our environment. This newfound awareness can help limit instances of pink eye as well. Pay attention to what you touch and be conscious of any symptoms of pink eye that may arise. These days, said Miller, no one should be touching their face anyway.

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What causes pink eye? Heres everything you need to know - TODAY

Global Opthalmology Pacs Market (2020-2026) status and position of worldwide and key regions, with perspectives of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries; this report analyses the topmost companies in worldwide and main regions, and splits the Opthalmology Pacs market by product type and applications/end industries. The Opthalmology Pacs market trend research process includes the analysis of different factors affecting the industry, with the government policy, competitive landscape, historical data, market environment, present trends in the market, upcoming technologies, technological innovation, and the technical progress in related industry, and market risks, market barriers, opportunities, and challenges.

This detailed market intelligence report on the Opthalmology Pacs market attempts to offer substantial cues about market growth trajectory, ongoing developments as well as other vital aspects that are crucial growth enablers.

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Global Opthalmology Pacs Market is providing the summarized study of several factors encouraging the growth of the market such as manufacturers, market size, type, regions and numerous applications. By using the report consumer can recognize the several dynamics that impact and govern the market. For any product, there are several companies playing their role in the market, some new, some established and some are planning to arrive in the Global Opthalmology Pacs Market. The report provides the complete study of the Global Opthalmology Pacs Market considering the approaches used by industrialists. There are some specific strategies used to safeguard their space in market and enduring the growth of business are the factors covered in the report. The report is describing the several types of Opthalmology Pacs Industry. Factors that are encouraging the growth of specific type of product category and factors that are motivating the status of the market. A comprehensive study of the Opthalmology Pacs Market is done to recognize the several applications of the features of products and usage. Report is providing the detailed study of the facts and figures, as readers are searching for the scope in market growth related to the category of the product. A report is also covering the details on market acquisitions, mergers and significant trends are influencing the growth of the market in the coming years.

Top Leading Key Players are:

Topcon Corporation, IBM corporation, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, EyePACS, Heidelberg Engineering and more.

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This section of the report specifically highlights the entry level developments and the overall Opthalmology Pacs market prognosis through the forecast span, 2020-26. This well-devised market report also shares versatile understanding on other vital growth influencers such as risk analysis, barrier challenges as well as a detailed discussion on threat probability that closely affect and influence growth trends in the global Opthalmology Pacs market.

Global Opthalmology Pacs market is segmented based by type, application and region.Based on Type, the market has been segmented into:

By End-Use, market is segmented into:

HospitalsAmbulatory Surgical Center (ASCS) & Specialty ClinicsOthersBy Type, market is segmented into:

Standalone PACSIntegrated PACSBy Delivery Model, market is segmented into:

Cloud/ web based modelsOn-premise modelsOthers

Seven Pointer Guide to Invest in the ReportA thorough, in-depth analytical review of the Opthalmology Pacs marketA methodical reference of the dominant alterations in market dynamicsAn illustrative reference point determining market segmentationA complete documentation of historical, current events as well as future predictions concerning market value and volumeA complete synopsis of major market events and developmentsLeading industry best practices and growth friendly initiatives by dominant playersA detailed take on market events, developments as well as tactical business decisions

The report consecutively also stresses on pertinent market tactics and business practices that harness uncompromised growth in global Opthalmology Pacs market even during catastrophic events such as sudden outbreak of COVID-19 and subsequent implications deterring growth in the Opthalmology Pacs market.

Study on Table of Contents:1. Opthalmology Pacs Market Overview, Scope, Status and Prospect (2015-2020) covering COVID-19 Pandemic.2. Global Opthalmology Pacs Market Competition by Manufacturers3. Global Opthalmology Pacs Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2015-2020)4. Global Opthalmology Pacs Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2015-2020)5. Global Opthalmology Pacs Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6. Global Opthalmology Pacs Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7. Opthalmology Pacs Manufacturing Cost Analysis8. Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers9. Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders10. Global Opthalmology Pacs Market Effect Factors Analysis and Forecast (2020-2025)

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About Us :Adroit Market Research is an India-based business analytics and consulting company. Our target audience is a wide range of corporations, manufacturing companies, product/technology development institutions and industry associations that require understanding of a markets size, key trends, participants and future outlook of an industry. We intend to become our clients knowledge partner and provide them with valuable market insights to help create opportunities that increase their revenues. We follow a code Explore, Learn and Transform. At our core, we are curious people who love to identify and understand industry patterns, create an insightful study around our findings and churn out money-making roadmaps.

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Opthalmology Pacs Market 2020: Analysis of Growth, Trends, Progress and Challenges & Global Forecast 2025 - Aerospace Journal

The report on the Global Procedure Trays Market has been prepared after conducting a comprehensive research through a systematized methodology. These skills are useful for scrutinizing the market on the terms of outlined research guidelines. Mainly, global Procedure Trays market research report covers all the information about the target audience, manufactures, vendors, research papers, products and many more. Keeping a focus on the overall market aspects, and perceptions, this report vastly covers profiles of the companies who have made it big in this particular field along with their sales data and other data. It also suggests the business models, innovations, growth and every information about the big manufacturers that will be present the future market estimates. Every market consists of set of manufacturers, vendors and consumers that gives a definition to the market, its each and every move, achievements. All these are the important subjects required to study the analysis of the global Procedure Trays market.

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It also includes the major market conditions across the globe such as the product profit, price, production, capacity, demand, supply, as well as market growth structure. In addition, this report offers significant data through the SWOT analysis, investment return data, and investment feasibility analysis. The global Procedure Trays market report also features a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation by analysing information collected from market experts and industry participants in the major points of the market value chain.

Major Company Profiles operating in the Procedure Trays Market:

Baxter InternationalBoston Scientific Corp.Cardinal HealthCareFusion Corp.Covidien AGC.R. Bard Inc.Ecolab Inc.Hogy MedicalMedical Action Industries Inc.Medline Industries Inc.Precise-Pak Inc.Smith & Nephew PlcTeleflex Medical.

Browse the complete report @ https://www.orbispharmareports.com/global-procedure-trays-market-2020-2026-report-by-type-applications-manufacturers-and-regional-overview/

The data offered in global Procedure Trays market report is gathered based on the latest industry news, trends, as well as opportunities. This study offers a separate analysis of the major trends in the existing market, mandates and regulations, micro macroeconomic indicators is also comprised in this report. By doing so, the study estimated the attractiveness of every major segment during the prediction period.

By the product type, the market is primarily split into

Angiography Procedure TrayOpthalmic Procedure TrayOperating Room Procedure TrayAnaesthesia Room Procedure TrayOthers

By the application, this report covers the following segments

HospitalsClinicsAmbulatory Surgical Centres

Moreover, the report comprises the analysis of opportunities available in the Procedure Trays market on the global level. It also includes the major market conditions across the globe such as the product profit, price, production, capacity, demand, supply, as well as market growth structure. The annual progression for the global Procedure Trays market in different regions cannot always be listed down as it will keep changing, thus studying and reviewing markets occasionally becomes vital.In addition, the Procedure Trays market report provides a detailed information about the key market players along with the strategies they implemented to gain market existence and develop themselves. The report includes precise market estimations depending on current market status and future market forecasts.

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At Orbispharma we curate the most relevant news stories, features, analysis and research reports on the important challenges undertaken by the pharmaceutical and related sectors. Our editorial philosophy is to bring you sharp, focused and informed perspective of industries, the end users and application of all upcoming trends into the pharma sector. Orbispharma believes in conversations that can bring a change in one of the most crucial economic sectors in the world. With these conversations we wish our customers to make sound business decisions with right business intelligence.

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Procedure Trays Market Market 2020 Industry Opportunities And Development Analysis 2026 : Baxter International, Boston Scientific Corp., Cardinal...

TORONTO -- While scientists race to develop a safe and effective vaccine to prevent the spread of COVID-19, researchers at Johns Hopkins University have focused on preventing severe organ damage from patients own immune systems by inhibiting an important protein.

The team from the universitys school of medicine sought to better understand how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, attacks the body and causes severe inflammatory responses in certain individuals.

The studys senior author, Dr. Robert Brodsky, director of the hematology division at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, explained that their research focused on an integral part of the immune system called the innate immune system or the complement system.

This is really our first defence against a lot of bacteria and viruses, he told CTVNews.ca during a telephone interview from Baltimore, Md. on Thursday.

The complement system enhances, or complements, the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens from the body. This system consists of more than 30 proteins, including two factor H and factor D that were of particular interest to the research team.

Factor H is a control protein that regulates the chemical signals that trigger inflammation and the immune system.

Its what allows the complement system to fight off foreign organisms, but not destroy host tissues, Brodsky explained.

Factor D is another protein in the complement system that is immediately upstream from factor H in the chain of immune events triggered by the virus.

During an infection of SARS-CoV-2, the famous spike proteins on the surface of the virus, which make it resemble a medieval mace, allow it to attach to healthy cells in the human body. In order to do this, the spikes latch on to heparan sulfate a large sugar molecule found on the surface of cells in the lungs, blood vessels, and smooth muscle of most organs.

Just binding to heparan sulfate, [the virus] probably couldnt get into the cell and start replicating. But without heparan sulfate, there wouldnt be enough of it to get to the ACE-2 receptor, he said.

There has been a lot of attention given to the role of the ACE-2 receptor protein (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) and its role as an entry point for the coronavirus to infect a range of human cells.

However, Brodsky said the ACE-2 receptor isnt on all tissues, which is why his team focused on how the coronavirus binds to the heparan sulfate molecule instead.

Heparan sulfate is pretty much on every cell, just about every cell in the body, he said.

Returning to factor H, the researchers found that when the SARS-CoV-2 virus binds with the cells heparan sulfate sugar molecule, it occupies the site where the factor H protein would normally attach to protect that cell from the bodys immune response.

Without this protection, cells in the lungs, heart, kidneys and other organs can be destroyed by the defence mechanism nature intended to safeguard them, the researchers said.

To prevent the virus from occupying factor Hs spot on cells and leaving vital organs vulnerable to the bodys immune response, the academics attempted to stop that sequence of events from occurring at all by inhibiting factor D.

As previously mentioned, factor D is located directly upstream from factor H in the complement system. By blocking the function of factor D, the sequence of immune events triggered by the invading virus will also be stopped.

To simplify, Brodsky compared the complement systems immune response to a car in motion.

The viral spike proteins disable the biological brakes, factor H, enabling the gas pedal, factor D, to accelerate the immune system and cause cell, tissue and organ devastation. Inhibit factor D, and the brakes can be reapplied and the immune system reset, he explained.

In the lab, the research team used a small molecule in a complement-inhibiting drug to block factor D and the chain of events leading to the immune systems attack on the bodys healthy cells.

While the drug hasnt been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) yet, Brodsky said its being tested in late-stage clinical trials. He said there are already a number of other complement-inhibiting drugs in the pipeline for other diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, which may have a use in the fight against COVID-19.

There are a number of these drugs that will be FDA-approved and in clinical practice within the next two years, Brodsky said. Perhaps one or more of these could be teamed with vaccines to help control the spread of COVID-19 and avoid future viral pandemics.

The researchers findings were recently published in the journal Blood.

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Factor D: Is blocking this protein the key to stopping COVID-19 from damaging organs? - CTV News

Researchers in Ottawa are embarking on a 10-month study to answer critical questions about how individual immune system responses to the novel coronavirus differ and how soon after infection a patient might be at risk again.

The teams findings could have major implications for vaccine research and help to predict an individuals risk of developing serious complications related to COVID-19, but one of the studys lead researchers warns the findings wont lead to any ironclad declarations of COVID immunity among recovered patients.

A team of researchers with the University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital will study COVID-19 antibody and T cell responses from 1,000 subjects over the next 10 months. In an infection, T cells target infected cells and help to stimulate B cells, which then produce antibodies to neutralize pathogens and label them for disruption.

Half of the study participants will be people who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, while the other half will be a surveillance cohort of front-line workers and other people who would have a high risk of exposure to the virus but might not have been tested for infection.

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The goal will be to test how long these subjects immune systems produce antibodies capable of neutralizing the pathogen after the initial infection.

Dr. Marc-Andr Langlois, professor with the University of Ottawas Faculty of Medicine, tells Global News the study idea was first proposed in the spring to answer an integral question in combating the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Since the very beginning of the epidemic, we were quite sure everyone who is infected will make antibodies, but how long will those antibodies last and how long will that protection last?

The question of COVID immunity has been in the spotlight in recent weeks, with U.S. President Donald Trump proclaiming to be immune to COVID-19 after testing positive and subsequently recovering from the virus.

[ Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus updates ]

Health experts have said Trumps messaging, which has included assertions that others who tested positive for the coronavirus are also immune, are extremely dangerous. Recent examples of individuals twice testing positive for the virus are also throwing those claims into doubt.

Langlois says Trump is a complicated case because of the experimental treatment he was given, which saw him treated with external antibodies rather than just developing them on his own.

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Typically, an infected individuals immune response will develop its own antibodies and T cells the immune systems one-two punch to combat the pathogen. T cells and B cells can then form a memory of sorts that recognizes familiar pathogens and triggers a stronger response the next time a similar virus enters the immune system.

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The basis of long-term immunity is having these sentinels that remain in your lymph nodes and your bone marrow so that if youre re-exposed to the pathogen, you will be able to produce a fresh lot of antibodies on your own. These will be produced by your own cells and these will protect you, Langlois explains.

In the case of Trump, those antibodies came from an outside source and neutralized the virus. It is unknown if he has any memory B cells or memory T cells, he says.

But even in a typical immune response scenario, which can include an internal response triggered by an external vaccine, memory cells tend to fade after a period of time.

Because of the natural waning immunity to these antigens, vaccinations often require booster shots to restimulate the immune response for the long-term.

One of the most integral takeaways from the upcoming research, then, will be establishing the window of time when a booster would be needed for anyone receiving the upcoming COVID-19 vaccines so that the immunization sticks.

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The convalescent cohort those who have had lab-confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus will be monitored over the next 10 months for their levels of neutralizing antibodies to help determine when the post-recovery immunity typically fades.

The other 500 participants who were at high risk of exposure but did not get a positive test will be tracked for their own immune responses.

Researchers are betting that a portion of the group, maybe five to 10 per cent, might have been infected early on in the pandemic and shown no or mild symptoms, making their immune responses especially important for determining what gives an individual more effective protection against the virus.

Well be able to monitor and study how these immune system responses are different from person to person and try to find predictors of disease severity, Langlois says.

By analyzing blood samples for neutralizing antibodies from these two cohorts, Langlois says the studys findings could help determine a minimum threshold of protection that could then predict whether someones immune system is likely to keep them safe from infection or more serious complications related to COVID-19.

He cautions, however, that immune responses vary greatly from person to person, and that the study wont give a standardized timeframe of immunity after a coronavirus infection. At best, the study could provide probabilities of infection based on various individual predictors, such as genetic markers.

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Well never know for sure if they can get reinfected or what the severity of that infection is, Langlois says.

It will never be a black and white scenario where we say, Heres your stamp youre protected.

The Ottawa-based team, which includes epidemiologists, clinicians, legal and ethics experts, hopes to publish findings from the study in a years time, but Langlois notes that some research updates will likely be published as they go, given the time-sensitive nature of the work.

The researchers are currently looking for more participants in their study.

2020 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Originally posted here:
COVID-19 immunity? Ottawa researchers to test long-term potency of coronavirus immune response - Global News

As President Trump claims that he is immune to COVID-19 and isolated reports emerge of reinfection, what is the truth about immunity to COVID-19?

To date, there have been six published cases of COVID-19 reinfection, with various other unverified accounts from around the world. Although this is a comparably small fraction of the millions of people known to have been infected, should we be concerned? To unpick this puzzle, we must first consider what we mean by immunity.

When we are infected with any pathogen, our immune system quickly responds to try to contain the threat and minimise any damage. Our first line of defence is from immune cells, known as innate cells. These cells are not usually enough to eliminate a threat, which is where having a more flexible adaptive immune response comes into play our lymphocytes.

Lymphocytes come in two main varieties: B lymphocytes, which make antibodies, and T lymphocytes, which include cells that directly kill the germy invaders.

As antibodies are readily measured in blood, they are often used to indicate a good adaptive immune response. However, over time, antibodies levels in our blood wane, but this doesnt necessarily mean protection is lost. We retain some lymphocytes that know how to deal with the threat our memory cells. Memory cells are remarkably long-lived, patrolling our body, ready to spring into action when needed.

Vaccines work by creating memory cells without the risk of a potentially fatal infection. In an ideal world, it would be relatively easy to create immunity, but its not always that straightforward.

Although our immune system has evolved to deal with a huge variety of pathogens, these germs have also evolved to hide from the immune system. This arms race means that some pathogens such as malaria or HIV are very tricky to deal with.

Infections that have spilled over from animals - zoonotic diseases - are also challenging for our immune system because they can be completely novel. The virus that causes COVID-19 is such a zoonotic disease, originating in bats.

COVID-19 is caused by a betacoronavirus. Several betacoronaviruses are already common in the human population most familiar as a cause of the common cold. Immunity to these cold-causing viruses isnt that robust but immunity to the more serious conditions, Mers and Sars, is more durable.

Data to date on COVID-19 shows that antibodies can be detected three months after infection, although, as with Sars and Mers, antibodies gradually decrease over time.

Of course, antibody levels are not the only indication of immunity and dont tell us about T lymphocytes or our memory cells. The virus causing COVID-19 is structurally similar to Sars, so perhaps we can be more optimistic about a more durable protective response time will tell. So how worried then should we be about reports of reinfection with COVID-19?

The handful of case reports on reinfection with COVID-19 dont necessarily mean that immunity is not occurring. Issues with testing could account for some reports because virus can be detected after infection and recovery. The tests look for viral RNA (the viruss genetic material), and viral RNA that cannot cause infection can be shed from the body even after the person has recovered.

Conversely, false-negative results happen when the sample used in testing contains insufficient viral material to be detected for example, because the virus is at a very low level in the body. Such apparent negative results may account for cases in which the interval between the first and second infection is short. It is hugely important, therefore, to use additional measures, such as viral sequencing and immune indicators.

Reinfection, even in immunity, can happen, but usually this would be mild or asymptomatic because the immune response protects against the worst effects. Consistent with this is that most verified cases of reinfection reported either no or mild symptoms. However, one of the latest verified cases of reinfection which happened just 48 days after the initial infection actually had a more severe response to reinfection.

What might account for the worse symptoms the second time round? One possibility is the patient did not mount a robust adaptive immune response first time round and that their initial infection was largely contained by the innate immune response (the first line of defence). One way to monitor this would be to assess the antibody response as the type of antibody detected can tell us something about the timing of infection. But unfortunately, antibody results were not analysed in the recent patients first infection.

Another explanation is that different viral strains caused the infections with a subsequent impact on immunity. Genetic sequencing did show differences in viral strains, but it isnt known if this equated to altered immune recognition. Many viruses share structural features, enabling immune responses to one virus to protect against a similar virus. This has been suggested to account for the lack of symptoms in young children who frequently get colds caused by betacoronaviruses.

However, a recent study, yet to be peer-reviewed, found that protection against cold-causing coronaviruses did not protect against COVID-19. In fact, antibodies recognising similar viruses can be dangerous accounting for the rare phenomenon of antibody-dependent enhancement of disease (ADE). ADE occurs when antibodies enhance viral infection of cells with potentially life-threatening consequences.

It should be emphasised, though, that antibodies are only one indicator of immunity and we have no data on either T lymphocytes or memory cells in these cases. What these cases emphasise is a need to standardised approaches in order to capture the critical information for robust evaluation of the threat of reinfection.

We are still learning about the immune response to COVID-19, and every piece of new data is helping us unpick the puzzle of this challenging virus. Our immune system is a powerful ally in the fight against infection, and only by unlocking it can we ultimately hope to defeat COVID-19.

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Coronavirus reinfection cases: what we know so far and the vital missing clues - The Conversation UK

Key soldiers in the fight include vitamins like A, C, E, B6, D, and minerals like zinc, iron, and selenium that help maintain a strong immune system and they are also antioxidants. (Representational image: IE)

By Namit Tyagi

The Autumn season has just begun in the country and we all are starting to fall a little sick with the common symptoms of cold and cough. Most grown-ups face such common symptoms twice a year whereas in children it is observed to be around 5-6 times. Everytime the weather changes, the count of allergens in the air also spikes up to nearly 200 viruses. The most common virus is Human Rhinovirus (HRV) that causes 40% of all colds. Thus these are mild viruses and can be eliminated easily from our body by following few precautionary measures.

To keep your immune system strong this season, adapt certain dietary habits and enjoy the festive season without any hurdle:

Eat more citrus fruits and vegetables Citrus fruits are an amazing source of Vitamin-C. It strengthens our immunity system and keeps our skin smooth and elastic. Citrus fruits are also rich in Vitamin-B nutrients, copper, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium as well. For their antioxidants properties, add them in their mid-morning or evening snack in the form of either salad or juice. Infact, having an orange a day is sufficient enough to fulfill all our Vitamin-C requirements.

Make sure you eat enough protein Protein helps our body in infinite ways. From muscular development to improving digestion. It is an important compound required in blood oxygenation which is then carried in all over the body. Add protein in your every meal in an adequate amount to fulfill your protein requirements thus help your body produce antibodies to boost immunity. The sources of protein include lentils, egg whites, quinoa,soya, broccoli and other dairy & poultry products.

Dont overlook prebiotic foods Add prebiotic sources in your meal or smoothies. Prebiotics are found in foods such as onion, garlic, banana, and curd. They assist in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome, which is a vital player in how your immune system functions. Prebiotics work by increasing the population of good bacteria in the gut which in turn sparks the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, which are tiny proteins that help the immune system function.

Get enough vitamins through your diet Key soldiers in the fight include vitamins like A, C, E, B6, D, and minerals like zinc, iron, and selenium that help maintain a strong immune system and they are also antioxidants. Some foods that are rich in these vitamins include carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, strawberries, almonds, avocados, salmon, oysters, tuna, and lean chicken breast. Enjoy adding them to your regular meals, evening or morning salads and smoothies.

Add Herbs and spices in your diet Turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, clove, Tulsi, Giloy, ashwagandha, Mulethi are ayurvedically known for boosting immunity, you can enjoy them as kadha or tea in the early morning or evening. You can add ashwagandha powder or tablet with milk at night or post-dinner to have sound sleep because sound sleep helps in boosting your immune health.

Thus, adding on a few basic ingredients from our kitchen in our dietary routine and swapping junk evening snacks with a bowl of fruits and sprouts could make a big difference in terms of health and energy levels in our body.

(The author is Co-Founder & Head Nutritionist, Neuherbs & Neusafe India. Views expressed are personal.)

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World food day: Healthy food habits to armor our immune system in the changing weather - The Financial Express

Fall has fallen into place. The days are getting shorter, temperatures are vacillating and the threat of a cold, the flu, seasonal allergies and COVID-19 are all about to mingle. It's a lot to contend with, but there are a number of simple things we can do to stay healthy this fall, say public health experts.

TODAY spoke with Lorna Thorpe, Ph.D., M.P.H., director of the division of epidemiology in the department of population health at NYU Langone Medical Center, and Dr. S. Patrick Kachur, M.P.H., a professor of population and family health at the Columbia University Medical Center, both in New York City, to find out what we can do to try to stack the odds in our favor. Here are their tips for boosting physical health, mental health and immunity throughout the autumn season.

Both experts emphasize that getting a flu shot this fall is paramount. One of the challenges is we really don't know what the risk of having the flu and COVID either back-to-back or at the same time is going to be, Kachur told TODAY. Even simple respiratory infections, like colds, could make you more susceptible to some secondary infections. Sometimes people get bacterial pneumonia after they have the flu or a cold, so preventing colds and flus is important for that reason as well. If you do have a flu shot and still get the flu, for example, Kachur said there is good evidence that suggests the severity and duration of the illness will be lessened.

The steps were already taking to protect ourselves from COVID-19, like diligently wearing masks in shared spaces and frequently washing and sanitizing our hands, will help protect us from other types of illness too. The mask works primarily by blocking the particles that we expel when we breathe, cough or speak, said Kachur. He added that wearing a mask in a public space, even in the lobby of your own building, can not only help keep you from infecting others, it may help protect you from infection as well, since the mask can reduce the number of viral particles you breathe in. There's a theory with many respiratory viruses and we're still understanding how it can be with COVID, but the fewer particles of virus that you inhale, the less likely you are to develop a severe illness if you do get it.

Many people have reported that theyve been imbibing more during the pandemic. And while a "quarantini" or two may help take the edge off some of your COVID-19-related stress, its not the healthiest way to cope. Drinking alcohol, especially excessive drinking, can weaken your immune system and lower your bodys ability to fight off infection, said Thorpe. This is an important time for us to not be using alcohol as a crutch and to be drinking in moderation, she said.

Numerous studies suggest that psychological stress can contribute to reducing immunity. The problem is, as Thorpe pointed out, people seem to be experiencing significantly more stress this year. We have seen, for a number of reasons, many Americans reporting that their mental health is worse off as a result of the pandemic, said Thorpe. Stress is really a factor that influences our physical health and our mental health. The steps that we can take to reduce that agitation, such as limiting intake of the news cycle, really is important. There are a number of self-care strategies that can help reduce stress. However, said Thorpe, if youre feeling depressed, its important to seek professional help.

Maintaining connections with the people who are important to you may be more important than you think. For one thing, it can help promote better emotional health, said Thorpe. She pointed out that theres a growing body of research that suggests connectedness can also play a role in improving health outcomes. It may not be easy to be in the room with as many people as we'd like to be, she said, (but) it makes many of us feel not only mentally healthier, but safer.

There are a lot of things to lose sleep over these days, but both experts pointed out that a good nights sleep is crucial to maintaining good health. Sleep helps your body regenerate itself and getting enough sleep is key to fighting off pathogens, they said. Scientifically, Kachur added, we know that immune function is improved in people who are well-rested. Adults should aim for at least seven hours of sleep a night, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Boosting your vitamin intake through the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is one very easy and tasty way to diversify the nutrients youre getting and help boost your immunity. Fall is a great time for vegetables, said Thorpe. She even suggested considering a plant-based diet, which, compared with the standard American diet, is not only healthier but better for our environment, she said.

Physical activity is a great way to boost immunity, get fit, reduce stress and stay heart-healthy, said Thorpe. It really promotes endorphins that improve mental health, can also induce weight loss if weight loss is necessary and maintain muscle mass for different people, she said. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week (ideally a mix of aerobic and strength-training activities), according to the CDC.

The ability to go outside for a bike ride or a hike this spring and summer had a tremendous impact on people, observed Thorpe. We have increasing and abundant evidence that spending time in nature is both good for the body and the mind, she said. If youre going to be exercising outdoors this fall, be sure to follow appropriate social distancing guidelines and consider wearing a mask to stay safe.

This essential vitamin helps you develop strong bones and plays a role in supporting immune function. More recently, it has been linked with better outcomes for people infected with COVID-19, though more research is necessary to better understand whether and how it may help. You can get vitamin D from certain foods, like fortified dairy products, juices and cereals, fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel, and some mushrooms. Your body can also make vitamin D when it's exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D, though added in milk, is important in immunity, but a lot of us just don't get enough of it in our everyday diet, explained Kachur. He suggested taking a half-hour walk outside every day to get your dose of vitamin D from sunlight or trying a supplement, especially on long dark days. Just be sure to clear it with your primary care doctor before you start taking vitamin D supplements.

Theres promising research on the efficacy of B vitamins and zinc for supporting the immune system and helping to shorten the duration of a cold. However, Kachur noted that while it likely won't hurt to take them, the mechanism of how they may help remains unclear. If youre considering adding B vitamins or zinc to your supplements regimen, consult with your doctor to be sure they wont interact with any other medications you might be taking.

The threat of COVID-19 on top of our usual cold and flu season the pressure is on to be more vigilant about our health, but it's always a good idea to practice healthy habits. Even if you do get a cold or the flu, the healthier you are when it starts, the better the outcome is likely to be, said Kachur. If for that reason alone, lets all do our best to stay as healthy and happy as possible this autumn.

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11 ways to stay healthy this fall and boost your immune system - TODAY

Scientists have recently developed ways to measure your immune age. Fortunately, it turns out your immune age can go down as well as up. And there are some simple ways to turn back the clock on your immune system.

One studyin older adults showed that those who got 10,000 steps a day on average had neutrophils as good as a young adult.

Exercise also has benefits for your T cells. Before they are released onto active duty, T-cells mature in a little-known organ called the thymus gland in your chest. The thymus degenerates over time, resulting in a drop-off in the number of T cells.

Physical activity has a huge effect on the rate of this degeneration. A study found that amateur cyclists aged between 55 and 79 had youthful thymus glands and their T-cell counts were similar to those of much younger people.

Another key factor in your immune age is your gut bacteria. There is good evidence that poor gut health is a cause of premature ageing and that a healthy microbiome can reduce your immune age. Eating a healthy, varied diet rich in fibre, plant matter and fermented foods can help maintain a healthy community of gut microbes.

Your body has a highly evolved, intricate defence system thats effective at keeping you well, but only if you look after it.

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Video: How to boost your immune system to guard against COVID and other illnesses - Genetic Literacy Project

After receiving a heavy infusion of monoclonal antibodies to treat his bout of Covid-19, President Trump has declared that he is immune to the virus that causes it and talked privately about wearing a Superman T-shirt under his dress shirt when he left the hospital.

Even as the president has exulted in his supposed imperviousness to the coronavirus that is resurging across parts of the country, he has delighted in portraying former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. as vulnerable and cloistered, wearing masks every time you see him.

But even if the president were now immune to the coronavirus, he may not remain so, scientists warn. The presidents unique treatment may have prevented his body from making the antibodies necessary for long-term protection.

The monoclonal antibodies he received were produced by the drug company Regeneron and will wane in a matter of weeks, as the synthetic molecules are known to do. Without replenishment, this decline may leave Mr. Trump even more susceptible to the virus than most patients who have recovered from Covid-19, several experts warned.

Moreover, the steroid treatment the president received early in the course of his illness suppresses the bodys natural immune response, including its propensity to make antibodies of its own.

He may be not protected the second time around, especially because he didnt develop his own antibodies, said Akiko Iwasaki, an immunologist at Yale University.

Most people who are infected with the coronavirus produce antibodies to the virus that should protect them from a second infection. Its unclear how long this immunity lasts; based on research into other coronaviruses, immunity may persist for up to a year, experts have said.

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But Mr. Trumps case is unique.

He announced his diagnosis early on Oct. 2, and a test did not pick up any antibodies in his blood, according to a report released by his physician, Dr. Sean Conley.

The lack of antibodies that early in the course of illness is not unusual. It can take from 10 days to three weeks for powerful antibodies to surface.

If he had tested positive, then we would know for sure that he has his own antibodies, said Dr. Dan Barouch, a virologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

Since he was antibody-negative, it is less likely but not ruled out, he added. He could have been in the early stage of generating his own antibodies. (Dr. Barouch is an investigator for Regenerons trial of the cocktail for preventing coronavirus infections.)

On Oct. 2, Mr. Trump received eight grams of a cocktail of two monoclonal antibodies made by Regeneron. These antibodies are infused into people like those of Mr. Trumps age, sex and weight who may struggle to produce an immune response of their own.

A test on Oct. 5 confirmed the presence of the antibodies, according to Dr. Conley.

But Dr. Barouch noted that the antibodies detected in the bloodstream are not his antibodies. Theyre antibodies that were administered. Those antibodies will wane over time.

Oct. 16, 2020, 9:19 p.m. ET

The monoclonal antibodies may have quickly suppressed the level of virus in Mr. Trumps body. While this may have protected the president from severe symptoms, it may also have prevented his immune system from making its own antibodies.

If you get the antibodies early on, and you either prevent or rapidly treat infections, Dr. Barouch said, then you probably will actually inhibit the generation of your own bodys antibodies.

Mr. Trump was also treated with dexamethasone, a steroid that is known to suppress the immune system. And he received it much earlier in the course of his illness than usual.

That also may suppress a patients antibody response, said Kartik Chandran, a virologist at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx.

Older people and men are already less likely to generate it, he added, referring to antibodies. You add dexamethasone to the mix and God knows.

Mr. Trump received a huge dose of the antibodies, but blood levels are expected to fall by half between 21 to 25 days from infusion. Values in this range are sufficient to support monthly dosing, according to information provided by Regeneron.

The White House did not respond to questions about whether Mr. Trump intends to take monthly doses of the cocktail.

Regeneron has said that it has 50,000 doses of the cocktail in hand, and that it would need to begin rationing the therapy if the drug were to be widely distributed.

In a clinical trial, the drug maker is evaluating whether people given the cocktail make their own antibodies, but has not yet completed the analysis, according to a spokeswoman.

Monoclonal antibodies are generally considered to be safe and effective, but Regenerons cocktail has not yet been rigorously tested in clinical trials. A trial of a monoclonal antibody made by Eli Lilly was paused on Tuesday because of a safety concern.

Mr. Trump has endorsed both treatments and repeatedly declared his immunity to the coronavirus.

Im immune I could come down and start kissing everybody, he said at a rally on Tuesday in Jonesboro, Pa. Ill kiss every guy. Man and woman. Look at that guy, how handsome he is. Ill kiss him. Not with a lot of enjoyment, but thats OK.

Originally posted here:
For How Long Will President Trump Be Immune to the Coronavirus? - The New York Times

Vanderbilt University researchers have reported the counterintuitive discovery that certain chemotherapeutic agents used to treat tumors can have the opposite effect of tissue overgrowth in normal, intact mammary glands, epidermis and hair follicles. The researchers also are the first to report the discovery of an innate immune signaling pathway in fibroblaststhe spindle-shaped cells responsible for wound healing and collagen productionthat causes cells to proliferate. Such signaling pathways previously were attributed only to immune cells.

The article describing the research, DNA Damage Promotes Epithelial Hyperplasia and Fate Mis-specification via Fibroblast Inflammasome Activation, was published in the journal Developmental Cell on Oct. 13.

The findings of this work, led by postdoctoral fellow Lindsey Seldin and Professor and Chair of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology Ian Macara, have broad implications for diseases associated with the immune system like psoriasis, as well as cancer and stem cell research.

Understanding the functionality of stem cells and the way that their behavior is regulated has been a longstanding research interest for Seldin. Normal stem cells have an amazing ability to continuously divide to maintain tissue function without forming tumors, she explained. We wanted to understand what happens to these cells in their native environment when subjected to damage, and if the response was connected to a specific tissue.

By testing perturbations to the epidermis, mammary gland and hair follicles vis--vis mechanical damage or DNA damage through chemotherapeutic agents, the researchers saw a paradoxical response: Stem cells, which otherwise would divide slowly, instead divided rapidly, promoting tissue overgrowth.

When the tissues were subjected to DNA damage, their stem cells overly proliferated, giving rise to different cells than they normally would. This was a very perplexing result, said Seldin, the papers lead author. We were determined to figure out if this was a direct response by the stem cells themselves or by inductive signals within their environment. The key clue was that stem cells isolated from the body did not behave the same way as in intact tissuean indication that the response must be provoked from signals being sent to the stem cells from other surrounding cell types.

The investigators turned their attention to fibroblasts, the predominant component of the tissue microenvironment. When fibroblasts in the epidermis were removed, the stem cell responsiveness to DNA damage was diminished, indicating that they played an important role. RNA sequencing revealed that fibroblasts can signal by way of inflammasomescomplexes within cells that help tissues respond to stress by clearing damaged cells or pathogens, which also in this case caused stem cells to divide. This is an astounding discovery, said Macara. Inflammasome signaling has previously been attributed only to immune cells, but now it seems that fibroblasts can assume an immune-like nature.

Seldin intends to replicate this work in the mammary gland to determine whether fibroblasts initiate the same innate immune response as in the epidermis, and more broadly how fibroblasts contribute to the development of cancer and other diseases associated with the immune system.

This work was supported by NCI/NIH grants R35CA132898, F32CA213794 and T32CA119925, as well as American Cancer Society grant PF-18-007-01-CCG.

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Vanderbilt researchers make counterintuitive discoveries about immune-like characteristics of cells, chemotherapys impact on tissue growth -...

Reports of reinfection with the coronavirus evoke a nightmarish future: Repeat bouts of illness, impotent vaccines, unrelenting lockdowns a pandemic without an end.

A case study published on Monday, about a 25-year-old man in Nevada, has stoked those fears anew. The man, who was not named, became sicker the second time that he was infected with the virus, a pattern the immune system is supposed to prevent.

But these cases make the news precisely because they are rare, experts said: More than 38 million people worldwide have been infected with the coronavirus, and as of Monday, fewer than five of those cases have been confirmed by scientists to be reinfections.

Thats tiny its like a microliter-sized drop in the bucket, compared to the number of cases that have happened all over the world, said Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at Columbia University in New York.

In most cases, a second bout with the virus produced milder symptoms or none at all. But for at least three people, including one patient in Ecuador, the illness was more severe the second time around than during the first infection. An 89-year-old woman in the Netherlands died during her second illness.

Rare as these cases may be, they do indicate that reinfection is possible, said Akiko Iwasaki, an immunologist at Yale University, who wrote a commentary accompanying the Nevada case study, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

Its important to note that there are people who do get reinfected, and in some of those cases you get worse disease, Dr. Iwasaki said. You still need to keep wearing masks and practice social distancing even if you have recovered once from this infection.

We asked experts what is known about reinfections with the coronavirus, and what the phenomenon means for vaccinations and the course of the pandemic.

First, the good news: Reinfection seems to be vanishingly rare.

Since the first confirmed case of reinfection, reported in Hong Kong on Aug. 24, there have been three published cases; reports of another 20 await scientific review.

But its impossible to know exactly how widespread the phenomenon is. To confirm a case of reinfection, scientists must look for significant differences in the genes of the two coronaviruses causing both illnesses.

In the United States, where testing was a rare resource much of this year, many people were not tested unless they were sick enough to be hospitalized. Even then, their samples were usually not preserved for genetic analysis, making it impossible to confirm suspected reinfections.

A vast majority of people who do get reinfected may go undetected. For example, the man in Hong Kong had no symptoms the second time, and his infection was discovered only because of routine screening at the airport.

There are a lot of people that are going to also have been exposed that arent having symptoms, that were never going to hear about, said Marion Pepper, an immunologist at the University of Washington in Seattle.

People whose second infections are more severe are more likely to be identified, because they return to the hospital. But those are likely to be even rarer, experts said.

If this was a very common event, we would have seen thousands of cases, Dr. Iwasaki said.

Reinfections can occur for any number of reasons: because the initial infection was too mild to produce an immune response, for example, or because the immune system was compromised by other health conditions. On occasion, a patient may be exposed to a large amount of virus that seeded an infection before the immune response could respond.

This variability is entirely expected, experts said, and has been observed in patients with diseases like measles and malaria.

Youll never have the distribution of anything with millions of people where you dont have some very severe rare cases happening at the fringe, said Dr. Michael Mina, a pediatric immunologist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

At least two of the reinfected patients in Europe had compromised immune systems, for example, and the 89-year-old woman who died was receiving chemotherapy. In other reinfected patients, genetic factors or the lack of certain previous immune exposures may have blunted the bodys ability to fight off a second attack.

There are some people who just dont develop good immune responses to certain pathogens, said Florian Krammer, an immunologist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. What is causing that? Were not sure, but its rare, usually.

In a vast majority of known infected patients, experts said, the immune system functions as it should against other pathogens.

There are a lot of different infections where you can get re-exposed to the virus, and we would probably not know because you dont have symptoms, Dr. Pepper said. And that might be an important part of boosting immunity.

When the body is exposed to an unfamiliar virus, its normal first to develop some immunity and then to increase that response with each additional exposure. This phenomenon is well known among children, but it is less often seen in adults because they rarely encounter new viruses, Dr. Mina said.

I think its important to recognize that reinfections are literally embedded in the evolution of our immune system, he added. We sometimes lose track of that with so many people talking about this who really havent studied the immune system.

For every confirmed case of reinfection, there are dozens of anecdotal reports of infected people who were sick and seemingly recovered but then became ill again weeks to months later.

Usually there are crucial data missing in those cases, like a confirmed lab diagnosis, or a virus sample that can be sequenced.

The question is always, Is it a real reinfection? Dr. Krammer said. Its very often very challenging to kind of get that kind of data.

A vast majority of these cases are unlikely to be true infections. More likely, these are people experiencing a resurgence of symptoms connected to the original infection. The virus may set off an inflammatory response that can flare up even weeks later and cause symptoms like fatigue and heart problems. In rare cases, some patients may develop a chronic low-grade infection with the virus that never quite goes away.

Even with viruses that can cause acute infections, like flu, Dr. Krammer said, you can have persistent infections if your immune system is sufficiently compromised.

Although these are not real reinfections, they are still worrying if they lead to renewed illness or hospitalization months after the initial infection, Dr. Rasmussen said. If theres recrudescence happening frequently, and people are getting severely ill the second time around, thats potentially its own problem, she said.

Reinfected people without symptoms may still transmit the virus to others. The patient in Hong Kong, for example, was isolated in a hospital even though he had no symptoms. But his viral load was high enough that he could have passed the virus to others.

Obviously, that person wasnt ill, so it bodes well for him, but it doesnt bode well for the community, Dr. Pepper said.

But to be sure of infectiousness, researchers may need to look for live virus. South Korean researchers investigated hundreds of reports of reinfection and were able to rule them out as real cases after failing to grow infectious virus from the samples.

Similar procedures would be needed to rule out the possibility of transmission in each patient, Dr. Rasmussen said, adding, I think thats the only way youd be able to get to the bottom of that.

Reports of reinfection have raised concerns about whether vaccines for the coronavirus will be effective and help communities achieve population immunity. The worry is that the immunity produced by vaccines will not be sufficient in preventing reinfections with the virus.

In reality, experts said, vaccines have a better chance at generating robust immunity than does natural infection with the virus.

For example, the coronavirus is particularly adept at dodging the bodys early immune alarms, buying valuable time to seed an infection. In some people, this lag eventually triggers a cascading immune overreaction that can be more harmful than the infection itself.

Vaccines are intended to unfurl an immune response without interference from the virus, and thus may avoid this inflammatory sequence. Vaccines can also be manipulated to enhance immune memory, in that way producing more lasting, more protective responses.

Vaccine trials are designed to look for an absence of disease, rather than of infection, and its unclear whether vaccines can suppress virus levels enough to prevent transmission to others.

Still, vaccine-induced immunity should perform better than natural immunity, Dr. Rasmussen said, adding, Im optimistic.

Originally posted here:
Coronavirus Reinfections Are Real but Very, Very Rare - The New York Times

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Market Analysis and Insights:Global Exosome Therapeutic Market

Exosome therapeutic market is expected to gain market growth in the forecast period of 2019 to 2026. Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the market is growing with a CAGR of 21.9% in the forecast period of 2019 to 2026 and expected to reach USD 31,691.52 million by 2026 from USD 6,500.00 million in 2018. Increasing prevalence of lyme disease, chronic inflammation, autoimmune disease and other chronic degenerative diseases are the factors for the market growth.

The major players covered in theExosome Therapeutic Marketreport areevox THERAPEUTICS, EXOCOBIO, Exopharm, AEGLE Therapeutics, United Therapeutics Corporation, Codiak BioSciences, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, ReNeuron Group plc, Capricor Therapeutics, Avalon Globocare Corp., CREATIVE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS INC., Stem Cells Group among other players domestic and global.Exosome therapeutic market share data is available for Global, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America separately. DBMR analysts understand competitive strengths and provide competitive analysis for each competitor separately.

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Exosomes are used to transfer RNA, DNA, and proteins to other cells in the body by making alteration in the function of the target cells. Increasing research activities in exosome therapeutic is augmenting the market growth as demand for exosome therapeutic has increased among healthcare professionals.

Increased number of exosome therapeutics as compared to the past few years will accelerate the market growth. Companies are receiving funding for exosome therapeutic research and clinical trials. For instance, In September 2018, EXOCOBIO has raised USD 27 million in its series B funding. The company has raised USD 46 million as series a funding in April 2017. The series B funding will help the company to set up GMP-compliant exosome industrial facilities to enhance production of exosomes to commercialize in cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry.

Increasing demand for anti-aging therapies will also drive the market. Unmet medical needs such as very few therapeutic are approved by the regulatory authority for the treatment in comparison to the demand in global exosome therapeutics market will hamper the market growth market. Availability of various exosome isolation and purification techniques is further creates new opportunities for exosome therapeutics as they will help company in isolation and purification of exosomes from dendritic cells, mesenchymal stem cells, blood, milk, body fluids, saliva, and urine and from others sources. Such policies support exosome therapeutic market growth in the forecast period to 2019-2026.

This exosome therapeutic market report provides details of market share, new developments, and product pipeline analysis, impact of domestic and localised market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, product approvals, strategic decisions, product launches, geographic expansions, and technological innovations in the market. To understand the analysis and the market scenario contact us for anAnalyst Brief, our team will help you create a revenue impact solution to achieve your desired goal.

Global Exosome Therapeutic Market Scope and Market Size

Global exosome therapeutic market is segmented of the basis of type, source, therapy, transporting capacity, application, route of administration and end user. The growth among segments helps you analyse niche pockets of growth and strategies to approach the market and determine your core application areas and the difference in your target markets.

Based on type, the market is segmented into natural exosomes and hybrid exosomes. Natural exosomes are dominating in the market because natural exosomes are used in various biological and pathological processes as well as natural exosomes has many advantages such as good biocompatibility and reduced clearance rate compare than hybrid exosomes.

Exosome is an extracellular vesicle which is released from cells, particularly from stem cells. Exosome functions as vehicle for particular proteins and genetic information and other cells. Exosome plays a vital role in the rejuvenation and communication of all the cells in our body while not themselves being cells at all. Research has projected that communication between cells is significant in maintenance of healthy cellular terrain. Chronic disease, age, genetic disorders and environmental factors can affect stem cells communication with other cells and can lead to distribution in the healing process. The growth of the global exosome therapeutic market reflects global and country-wide increase in prevalence of autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation, Lyme disease and chronic degenerative diseases, along with increasing demand for anti-aging therapies. Additionally major factors expected to contribute in growth of the global exosome therapeutic market in future are emerging therapeutic value of exosome, availability of various exosome isolation and purification techniques, technological advancements in exosome and rising healthcare infrastructure.

Rising demand of exosome therapeutic across the globe as exosome therapeutic is expected to be one of the most prominent therapies for autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation, Lyme disease and chronic degenerative diseases treatment, according to clinical researches exosomes help to processes regulation within the body during treatment of autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation, Lyme disease and chronic degenerative diseases. This factor has increased the research activities in exosome therapeutic development around the world for exosome therapeutic. Hence, this factor is leading the clinician and researches to shift towards exosome therapeutic. In the current scenario the exosome therapeutic are highly used in treatment of autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation, Lyme disease and chronic degenerative diseases and as anti-aging therapy as it Exosomes has proliferation of fibroblast cells which is significant in maintenance of skin elasticity and strength.

Based on source, the market is segmented into dendritic cells, mesenchymal stem cells, blood, milk, body fluids, saliva, urine and others. Mesenchymal stem cells are dominating in the market because mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are self-renewable, multipotent, easily manageable and customarily stretchy in vitro with exceptional genomic stability. Mesenchymal stem cells have a high capacity for genetic manipulation in vitro and also have good potential to produce. It is widely used in treatment of inflammatory and degenerative disease offspring cells encompassing the transgene after transplantation.

Based on therapy, the market is segmented into immunotherapy, gene therapy and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is dominating in the market because chemotherapy is basically used in treatment of cancer which is major public health issues. The multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins and various tumors associated exosomes such as miRNA and IncRNA are include in in chemotherapy associated resistance.

Based on transporting capacity, the market is segmented into bio macromolecules and small molecules. Bio macromolecules are dominating in the market because bio macromolecules transmit particular biomolecular information and are basically investigated for their delicate properties such as biomarker source and delivery system.

Based on application, the market is segmented into oncology, neurology, metabolic disorders, cardiac disorders, blood disorders, inflammatory disorders, gynecology disorders, organ transplantation and others. Oncology segment is dominating in the market due to rising incidence of various cancers such as lung cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, skin cancer, lymphoma. As per the National Cancer Institute, in 2018 around 1,735,350 new cases of cancer was diagnosed in the U.S. As per the American Cancer Society Inc in 2019 approximately 268,600 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in the U.S.

Based on route of administration, the market is segmented into oral and parenteral. Parenteral route is dominating in the market because it provides low drug concentration, free from first fast metabolism, low toxicity as compared to oral route as well as it is suitable in unconscious patients, complicated to swallow drug etc.

The exosome therapeutic market, by end user, is segmented into hospitals, diagnostic centers and research & academic institutes. Hospitals are dominating in the market because hospitals provide better treatment facilities and skilled staff as well as treatment available at affordable cost in government hospitals.

Exosome therapeutic Market Country Level Analysis

The global exosome therapeutic market is analysed and market size information is provided by country by type, source, therapy, transporting capacity, application, route of administration and end user as referenced above.

The countries covered in the exosome therapeutic market report are U.S. and Mexico in North America, Turkey in Europe, South Korea, Australia, Hong Kong in the Asia-Pacific, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Venezuela, Panama, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Paraguay, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Uruguay as part of Latin America.

Country Level Analysis, By Type

North America dominates the exosome therapeutic market as the U.S. is leader in exosome therapeutic manufacturing as well as research activities required for exosome therapeutics. At present time Stem Cells Group holding shares around 60.00%. In addition global exosomes therapeutics manufacturers like EXOCOBIO, evox THERAPEUTICS and others are intensifying their efforts in China. The Europe region is expected to grow with the highest growth rate in the forecast period of 2019 to 2026 because of increasing research activities in exosome therapeutic by population.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as new sales, replacement sales, country demographics, regulatory acts and import-export tariffs are some of the major pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of sales channels are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.

Huge Investment by Automakers for Exosome Therapeutics and New Technology Penetration

Global exosome therapeutic market also provides you with detailed market analysis for every country growth in pharma industry with exosome therapeutic sales, impact of technological development in exosome therapeutic and changes in regulatory scenarios with their support for the exosome therapeutic market. The data is available for historic period 2010 to 2017.

Competitive Landscape and Exosome Therapeutic Market Share Analysis

Global exosome therapeutic market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product trials pipelines, concept cars, product approvals, patents, product width and breadth, application dominance, technology lifeline curve. The above data points provided are only related to the companys focus related to global exosome therapeutic market.

Many joint ventures and developments are also initiated by the companies worldwide which are also accelerating the global exosome therapeutic market.

For instance,

Partnership, joint ventures and other strategies enhances the company market share with increased coverage and presence. It also provides the benefit for organisation to improve their offering for exosome therapeutics through expanded model range.

Customization Available:Global Exosome Therapeutic Market

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Exosome Therapeutic Market is Thriving with Rising Latest Trends || Major Gaints Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH,...