Tag: health

Bacteriophage – Natural enemy of bacteria fights disease

Bacteriophage T4 - Artistic rendering

Bacteriophage - Bacillus phi29 - Illustration based on electron microscopy data

Bacteriophage - Cartoon representation of the entire bacteriophage MS2 protein capsid

Bacteriophage - Phage injecting genome into bacterial cell

Bacteriophage T7 - Structure

Bacteriophage - Artistic rendering - (09-04-2019)
 
 
 
Bacteriophage Synechococcus S-PM2 - Electron Microscope ImageBacteriophage P2 - View from Electron MicroscopeBacteriophage - Artists renderingVirus that feeds on bacteriaInfection at atomic resolution shows how the virus approaches the E.coli membrane and interacts with receptorsLego model - (01-02-2015)

Bacteriophage – Natural enemy of bacteria fights disease

Portrait of Felix d'Herelle– Felix d’Herelle

 
 
Bacteriophage – It was discovered over 100 years ago. Felix d’Herelle came up with the idea to use these natural enemies of bacteria in the fight against disease in 1919. The results of his first trials were very promising, but work ceased with the invention of antibiotics. These drugs were cheap and extremely effective, so they were quickly recognized as the ideal solution to fight disease.

However, it took several dozen years of excessive, inappropriate use of antibiotics for bacteria resistant to most or even all of these drugs to appear. This problem has again brought the attention of bacteriophages.

One of the main lines of research is devising a therapy effective against infections with bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas. Which very often cause pneumonia, sepsis, urinary tract infections and postoperative wound infections. In patients with weakened immune systems. In studies aimed at developing an alternative to antibiotics. It turned out that a mixture of several phages is definitely more effective than just one virus infecting Pseudomonas cells.

Prof. Rotem Sorek - Weizmann Institute’s Molecular Genetics Department– Prof. Rotem Sorek

 
 
Rotem Sorek, an Israeli geneticist from the Weizmann Institute of Science, found a trail of viral communication by studying bacteriophages found in soil. He discovered the social side of life of viruses that can attack bacteria. The so-called bacteriophages or shorter phages. These viruses can either stay in stand-by mode or multiply rapidly, destroying the attacked bacteria. And spreading in search of new hosts. Until now, scientists believed that the change in the dynamics of development was a process dependent only on the conditions in the bacterial cell.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sorek has proved that viruses are actively “discussing” about their strategy. When a bacteriophage enters bacteria, it can cause the release of a protein molecule made up of just six amino acids. This is news for other viruses. The more bacteria attacked, the more protein and the louder the signal that there are less and less free bacterial cells. The phages then stop the multiplication process and go into the dormant phase.

Because the virus that multiplies, breaks down the bacterial cell, and the daughter virions are released into the environment. It is when the host is scarce, that the virus stops infecting and saves.

Prof. Bonnie Bassler - In her officeProf. Bonnie Bassler - Talk on bacterial communication– Prof. Bonnie Bassler

 
 
The protein that changes the phage’s strategy was called arbitrium and, as its discoverer himself admits, it is quite a revolution in virology. Research has begun seeking arbitration in the community. It is already known that this protein produces at least a dozen other phages. Each of them probably “speaks” in their own language, so the conversation can only take place among the closest relatives.

On the other hand, phages are able to eavesdrop on information communicated by their victims. Molecular biologist prof. Bonnie Bassler of Princeton University found that viruses use chemical signals released by bacteria to choose the best time to multiply and annihilate the host. The natural abilities of molecular espionage were discovered, among others phages that infect cholera comma.

This is a great chance to effectively fight pathogens. Prof. Bassler – using the methods of biotechnology – created phages that can eavesdrop on the bacteria Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium, which are harmful to health. This is the first step to obtain programmed killers of any chosen species of microbe. Dr. Sorek, on the other hand, has another idea: If we could genetically engineer a system that produces arbitrium into human viruses. Such as HIV or the herpes virus, which can stay hidden in cells for many years. It is the “sleep” molecule that would become a new therapy for these diseases. Despite decades of research on antivirals, we still have very little.

Haemophilia – Result is a morbid bleeding tendency

Haemophilia - American practice of surgery

Haemophilia - Protein registered with 1cfh code

Haemophilia - Protein registered with 2aer code - (18-02-2009)

Haemophilia - Family tree of Queen Victoria
 
 
 
Haemophilia - Javier Barbero - World Haemophilia Day 2018World Haemophilia Day 2018University Hospital La Paz, MadridThe diseases of infancy and childhood

Haemophilia – Result is a morbid bleeding tendency

Haemophilia – It is a hemorrhagic diathesis associated with the deficiency of blood coagulation factors. The disease manifests itself exclusively in men. The result of a blood clotting disorder in a patient is a morbid bleeding tendency. The disease spreads through a defective X chromosome allele. Women can only be carriers of haemophilia, while men who have this mutation will or may not have the disease. Daughters of sick men transmit the disease always because they inherit a defective X chromosome, while all sons remain healthy (inherit a Y chromosome).

Treatment of haemophilia is possible and is done with injections of a concentrated substance that helps blood to clot, which the patient’s body lacks. If untreated, the disease can lead to spontaneous bleeding, which most often manifests itself in severe pain in the affected joint. In extreme cases, it can even lead to intramuscular bleeding, into the digestive system or urinary tract. The worst option is bleeding into the brain, which can be fatal.

The most famous carrier of haemophilia was Queen Victoria.

Down syndrome – Chromosomal birth defect

Down syndrome - Blue Apple Theater Hamlet Actors

Down syndrome - Charity gifts for children with cancer, the Vanessa Isabel Foundation

Down syndrome - 2019

Down syndrome - Trisomia

Down syndrome - Guy with down syndrome
 
 
 
Down syndrome - He just having fun at workPianistNewborn with down syndromeWilliam i Tommy JessopMarch for Life 2019

Down syndrome – Chromosomal birth defect

Down syndrome – This is the most common chromosomal birth defects. This happens just after fertilization, when one extra chromosome appears in the first cell. Each healthy cell in the human body contains 46 chromosomes in 23 pairs. In Down’s syndrome, there is an anomaly in which each cell contains three 21 chromosomes, instead of two. This is why the other name of this disease is chromosome 21 trisomy (tripling). Only 4% of patients experience this so-called translocation (displacement), whereby a redundant part of the 21st chromosome attaches to another chromosome.

The outbreak of this disease is considered a genetic lottery, and scientists have yet to investigate the cause of the mutation. Children with Down syndrome have distinctive facial features – slanted eyes. A stronger build and a flat rounded face. They are also often more prone to cardiovascular disease. They are also 3-5 times more likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s.

The risk factor is the age of the parents – in mothers over 35, in fathers more than 50. 92% of affected fetuses in Europe are aborted.

Cystic Fibrosis – Affects respiratory & digestive sys.

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis - Clubbing of the fingers

Cystic Fibrosis - Manifestations

Cystic Fibrosis - Young poster child
 
 
 
Cystic Fibrosis - CFTR ProteinInfection in the respiratory systemHigh-resolution computed tomography-HRCTNational Genetics and Genomics Education Centre (NHS)

Cystic fibrosis – Affects the respiratory and digestive systems

Cystic fibrosis – attacks primarily the respiratory and digestive systems. It attacks the lungs, but it is not contagious, at least for a healthy person. Symptoms of the disease appear shortly after birth. These include, among others recurring respiratory infections damaging the lungs, forming thick mucus on them, which then becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and all kinds of contaminants. Unfortunately, this type of infection is virtually unresponsive to antibiotics.

As the disease also affects the pancreas, patients also have digestive problems which can be the onset of diabetes. Other complications associated with cystic fibrosis can be, for example, cirrhosis or osteoporosis. Disease causes male infertility, and for women it depends on their overall health. So far, the goal of therapy is only to relieve symptoms with daily inhalation, respiratory physiotherapy and high-calorie nutrition.

Superfood – Products with high content healthy substances

Superfood - Dish with healthy substances

Chlorella - Unicellular algae

Superfood - Spirulina

Green Barley - Field in Thuringia

Superfood - Barley field - (22-05-2015)

Goji berries - (27-12-2008)

Superfood - Cranberry - Franklin Farm, section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, USA

Flax seed

Superfood - Chia seeds - Germany

Kefir - pouring into the glass

Superfood - Fermented dairy products - Buttermilk

Yoghurt in a steel vessel

Superfood - Oat Products - Oatmeal

Superfood - Red-Beetroot - before bolting

Superfood - Green tea Matcha - (06-07-2017)

Green tea Matcha - powder, leaf

Superfood – Products with high content of healthy substances

Superfood – Products with high content of healthy substances. The balanced diet, adequate physical activity, enough sleep and reduced stress all affect our health. For that reason, new foods are increasingly being sought. To support a healthy lifestyle. Nutritionists support this  kind of meal very often. These foods contain much more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and help the body to increase its immunity.

However, some critics say that there is no evidence that it have any “superpowers”. And even with food, a large amount does not mean a greater effect. Moreover, many of them are imported from abroad, which also entails some environmental burden. Additionally, you pay more for them.

Products list:

Green products:

– Chlorella – Freshwater algae have been in the world for several billion years.

– Spirulina – Blue-green cyanosis often confused with chlorella, this organism exists on Earth 3.5 billion years.

– Green Barley – Cultivated as the world’s first sweet grass. Most often consumed in the form of a drink.

Dried fruits:

– Goji berries – Main advantage of these fruits is the large amount of vitamin C and fiber.

– Cranberry – It is especially valued for its high content of vitamins C, K and E.

Seeds:

– Flax – The positive effects of eating were already known in ancient Babylon and Egypt.

– Chia – Valued and liked by the ancient Aztecs and Mayans.

Others:

Fermented dairy products:

– Kefir – Especially important for the proper composition of the intestinal microflora.

– Buttermilk – It protects the intestinal mucosa. From the formation and absorption of toxic substances.

– Yogurt – It helps to strengthen the immune system and lower blood cholesterol.

Oat products:

– Oat products – The pioneers in its cultivation were probably the Slavs.

Beetroots:

– Beetroot – It is one of the healthiest and most versatile vegetables. It comes from the Mediterranean basin.

Matcha Green tea:

– Matcha Green tea – The oldest Japanese tea that is also used in Buddhist ceremonies.

Cranberry – Mainly used in treatment of the urinary tract

Cranberry - Franklin Farm, section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia

Dried fruits

Cranberry - Cooking

Cranberry cake - Rosja-Novosibirsk-Olivka Cafe

Cranberry juice in a plastic cup

Cranberry – Mainly used in treatment the urinary tract

Cranberry – The health benefits of eating cranberries are well known and the Indians already knew about them. Who used it to lower fever, treat digestive problems and swellings. Especially valued for its high content of vitamins C, K and E. They also contain many minerals such as manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus. They also have a strong antioxidant effect.

Mainly used in treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections. This is because the substances in cranberries make it difficult for bacteria to settle on the surface of the mucous membranes. Thus preventing the infection from spreading further. They also have a very positive effect on our teeth, as they reduce tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontitis. They are also used to prevent certain types of cancer, improve the immune system, and lower blood pressure.

Chips threat – Health risk caused regular consumption

Chips threat - health risks caused regular consumption - potato-chips

Chips threat – Health risk caused regular consumption

Chips threat – Health risk caused regular consumption – Polish scientists from the Institute of
Food and Nutrition demonstrated health risks, which carries regular consumption of chips.
Chips contain unhealthy fats, high in salt and acrylamide, which is toxic to the nervous system.
Induces chronic inflammation of the body and increases the risk of cancer. The study was conducted
on a group of 14 persons who at the 4 weeks after every packet of potato chips (160 g).
It turned out that after this time in their increased blood levels of acrylamide compounds responsible
for inflammation in the body (CRP, IL-6) and bad cholesterol (LDL). Further demonstrated that
acrylamide bound to hemoglobin, so that it can not be efficiently removed from the body.

Insomnia – Is one of the diseases of civilization

Insomnia

Insomnia – Is one of the diseases of civilization

Insomnia – Is one of the diseases of civilization. Which seriously affects the state of human health. American specialists found that insomnia increases the concentration of inflammatory hormones in the body. What can manifest itself, among others, poorer functioning blood vessels, consequently leading to heart attack or stroke.

What leads to success?

What leads to success - Power house mechanic cropped

What leads to success?

What leads to success? – Daniel S. Hamermesh, an economist at Princeton University, describes in his publication – “Beauty Pays: Why Attractive People Are More Successful”, which besides the beautiful appearance raises a salary :

  1. Education
  2. Age (for approx. 55 years of age, then decreases)
  3. Health
  4. Belonging to trade union (in the US called unions, affiliating employees of free professions, and corporations are powerful opponent)
  5. Marriage (increases in men, decreases in women)
  6. Breed (minorities earn less)
  7. The size of the city (greater premium on)
  8. Nationality (immigrants earn less)
  9. Company size (greater premium on)
  10. Seniority in the company

Parasomnia

Parasomnia - "The Nightmare engraving" - Thomas Burke

Parasomnia

Parasomnia – This is a phenomenon that accompanies sleep. Do not concern the length and quality of sleep. These are eg. Nightmares, night terror, sleep walking or wake up with confusion. An interesting type of parasomnia is a team of “exploding head” – in falling asleep there is a feeling that something exploded in or next to his head. It is very difficult to sleep after such an experience, but the doctors did not see any health risks stemming from this disorder.