Georgians with coronavirus could go to Hard Labor

At least 11 people in the state have tested positive for exposure to CoviD-19, and the state is preparing a site at Hard Labor Creek State Park “for the possible isolation and monitoring of patients.”

A shocking new way to cut lung-cancer deaths

Researchers at the University of Michigan have found a surprising way they say can reduce lung cancer deaths: 1) Screen heavy smokers for cancer; 2) Help them stop smoking.

Final call for board nominations

This is your last chance to nominate yourself or someone else to serve on the 2020-21 GPhA Board of Directors. The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. EST on March 13, 2020. Visit GPhA.org/2020board for all the details and an application.

An ‘audacious” treatment for blocked arteries

The idea: Use drugs* to attack neutrophils — a kind of immune cell that makes clogged arteries even worse, and can do all sorts of other collateral damage.

There are a lot of them (70% of white blood cells), but while they’re critical to infection control, neutrophils can also cause problems because they don’t really know what “proportionate response” means.

The cells in effect “drop atomic bombs” in the body […] Neutrophil elastase and other chemicals they discharge may drive inflammation and damage to the airways in cystic fibrosis and intractable cases of asthma.

The trick is to limit the neutrophils without getting rid of them entirely.

* Specifically alvelestat

Preying

GenXers and Boomers will remember televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker*. Four years in prison hasn’t cured Jim of his fraudulent ways — at least according to the FDA, which sent his show a warning for trying to cash in on the coronavirus with a fake “Silver Solution” treatment.

* He of the federal fraud conviction; she of the staggering amount of makeup

DNA repair toolkit?

British researchers have found a potential way to repair DNA that has accumulated damaging proteins. The breakthrough could lead to cancer treatments and could slow down aging.

[T]he research shows that a protein called TEX264, together with other enzymes, is able to recognise and ‘eat’ toxic proteins that can stick to DNA and cause it to become damaged. An accumulation of broken, damaged DNA can cause cellular ageing, cancer, and neurological diseases such as MND.

 

Do you have any idea how hard it is to find pharma/medical news that isn’t about the coronavirus?

Better than the dog hair

People recovering from alcohol-abuse disorder can be well-served with a dose of gabapentin. So finds a new study out of the Medical University of South Carolina.

It seems to be “efficacious in promoting abstinence and reducing drinking in individuals with alcohol use disorder and especially so in those with more alcohol withdrawal symptoms.” So there you go.

It’s still wonderful

Caffeine may be a wonder drug, but apparently it has its limits. Despite its reputation, a new study finds that while caffeine does help improve mood and problem-solving ability, it doesn’t do anything for creative thinking.

But don’t stop taking it, say the researchers.

“200mg [of caffeine] enhanced problem solving significantly, but had no effect on creative thinking. It also didn’t make it worse, so keep drinking your coffee; it won’t interfere with these abilities.”

CoviD-19 update in 32 seconds

More than 9,000 Americans are likely infected — not just a few hundred.

Containment no longer working; “mitigation” is next: Limit travel and contact to slow the spread and buy time for vaccine and treatment development.

Still no cure; treatment is oxygen and alleviating symptoms.

People are likely contagious early, but not after about 10 days.

It will probably last at least into 2021, and most people will get it … and most will have mild symptoms.

 More info:

As always, avoid Twitter and Facebook for accurate information — stick with the experts.