Day: November 28, 2023

Nov 28

Molecular epidemiology, clinical analysis, and genetic characterization of Zika virus infections in Thailand (2020–2023)

Abstract To investigate the clinical and molecular characteristics and evolution of the Zika virus (ZIKV) in Thailand from March 2020 to March 2023. In all, 751 serum samples from hospitalized patients in Bangkok and the surrounding areas were screened for ZIKV using real-time RT-PCR. Demographic data and clinical variables were evaluated. Phylogenetic and molecular clock analysis determined the genetic relationships among the ZIKV strains, emergence timing, and their molecular characteristics. Among the 90 confirmed ZIKV cases, there were no significant differences in infection prevalence when comparing age groups and sexes. Rash was strongly associated with ZIKV infection. Our ZIKV Thai isolates were categorized into two distinct clades: one was related to strains from Myanmar, Vietnam, Oceania, and various countries in the Americas, and the other was closely related to previously circulating strains in Thailand, one of which shared a close relation to a neurovirulent ZIKV strain from Cambodia. Moreover, ZIKV Thai strains could be further classified into multiple sub-clades, each exhibiting specific mutations suggesting the genetic diversity among the circulating strains of ZIKV in Thailand. Understanding ZIKV epidemiology and genetic diversity is crucial for tracking the virus’s evolution and adapting prevention and control strategies. Introduction Zika virus (ZIKV) is a single-stranded RNA flavivirus primarily transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes. It was first discovered in Uganda in 1947 and identified in Asia in 19661,2. Prior to 2007, only sporadic ZIKV infection cases with self-limiting or mild symptoms were documented in Africa and Asia3. In 2007, the first ZIKV outbreak occurred in Yap Islands, Micronesia, affecting 73% residents4. Subsequent outbreaks occurred in French Polynesia in 2013–2014, during which the association between ZIKV infection and Guillain–Barré syndrome was noted5,6. ZIKV was first identified in Brazil in 20157 and rapidly spread throughout the Americas8. Brazil experienced a dramatic rise in ZIKV-linked neonatal microcephaly cases, resulting in the declaration of a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO in early 2016 to establish a causal connection between ZIKV and congenital disabilities9. Since then, many countries have increased their focus on monitoring ZIKV infections. Before 2016, multiple lines of evidence indicated that ZIKV circulated at low levels, and sporadic cases were reported in Southeast Asian countries including Thailand for decades10. From 2016 to 2017, the number of ZIKV infection cases in Thailand dramatically increased by over 1500 cases; however, it remains unclear whether this rise was because of higher infection rates or increased awareness11. According to the Bureau of Epidemiology, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, the morbidity rate in 2016 was 1.69 per 100,000 population. From 2019 to 2022, the morbidity rates of ZIKV in Thailand were < 0.5 yearly; the rates were 0.41, 0.36, 0.10, and 0.29 per 100,000 population, respectively12. From 2016 to 2022, the Bureau reported 234 confirmed cases of ZIKV in pregnant women. Among them, 11 patients experienced miscarriages, of which four were related to ZIKV infection. Furthermore, clinical surveillance of 2217 neonates with microcephaly revealed 15 cases of congenital Zika syndrome. While the ZIKV epidemic and its genetic characterization in the Americas are well documented, its presence and molecular epidemiology in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, are areas of concern and ongoing investigation. Few studies have explored the molecular epidemiology of the Thai ZIKV strains. Hence, more research is required on the current genetic characterization and diversity of ZIKV strains in Thailand since the COVID-19 pandemic. This research aimed to comprehensively evaluate the ZIKV prevalence, clinical presentation, and genetic characteristics in Thailand from 2020 to 2023. Investigating the genetic diversity of the current ZIKV circulating in Thailand can help assess the risk of outbreaks and guide public health strategies and preparedness efforts. Results Demographic characteristics and clinical features Out of the 751 samples (Table 1), 12.0% (90/751; 56.7% female and 43.3% male) tested positive for ZIKV infection based on Zika viral RNA presence. There was no significant sex-related difference in ZIKV prevalence (p = 0.507). The median age of patients with confirmed ZIKV was 37 (IQR: 29–46) years (range: 1–71 years). Most patients were in the 36–45 years age group (32.2%), followed by 26–35 years (22.2%) and 46–55 years (13.3%). Prevalence was lower among participants aged ≤ 15 years (10%) and 16–25 years (10%). Age was not significantly associated with increased ZIKV infection (p = 0.187). The median duration from illness onset to Zika RNA diagnosis was 3.5 days (IQR: 3–5 days). Table 1 Demographic characteristics and clinical presentation of individuals according to ZIKV infection, Thailand (2020–2023) (N = 751).Full size table The common clinical symptoms among ZIKV patients included rash (83.1%), fever (71.2%), arthralgia (54.2%), myalgia (39%), and conjunctivitis (22%). Skin rash was strongly associated with ZIKV infection (odds ratio [OR] 19.89, p < 0.001), as were arthralgia (OR 2.63, p < 0.001), and conjunctivitis (OR 11.73, p < 0.001). There was no evidence of ZIKV-associated neurological complications. Next, we examined the correlation between age groups and clinical characteristics and found that only arthralgia or joint pain (p = 0.022) showed a significant association with age groups (Table 2). In addition, the percentage of ZIKV-positive samples in each study year was analyzed and showed that there were 4.67% (12/257) tested positive for ZIKV infection in March 2020-December 2020, 7.54% (8/109) in 2021, 17.5% (47/269) in 2022. Interestingly, 19.8% (23/116) tested positive for ZIKV in the first three months of 2023. Table 2 Clinical characteristics in different age groups of ZIKV-infected participants (N = 59).Full size table Genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of ZIKV detected in Thailand during 2020–2023 We constructed a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree and examined the nucleotide identity using complete coding sequences of ZIKV Thai strains of 2020–2023 from this study (n = 17) and additional sequences representing various strains sourced from the GenBank database. Our ZIKV Thai isolates belonged to the Asian lineage and could be classified into two clades: Southeast Asian (SEA) and Asian-American (AA). Out of the 17 ZIKV Thai isolates from 2020 to 2023 (Figs. 1 and 2), 11 were in the SEA clade, which includes strains from Thailand in 2016–2017 (98.5–99.4% sequence identity), Singapore in 2016 (99.0–99.4% sequence identity), and Cambodia in 2019 (98.8–99.5% sequence identity). Most of our SEA ZIKV strains

Nov 28

C1QA and COMP: plasma-based biomarkers for early diagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Abstract Pancreatic Neuroendocrine tumors (PanNET) are challenging to diagnose and often detected at advanced stages due to a lack of specific and sensitive biomarkers. This study utilized proteomics as a valuable approach for cancer biomarker discovery; therefore, mass spectrometry-based proteomic profiling was conducted on plasma samples from 12 subjects (3 controls; 5 Grade I, 4 Grade II PanNET patients) to identify potential proteins capable of effectively distinguishing PanNET from healthy controls. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD045045. 13.2% of proteins were uniquely identified in PanNET, while 60% were commonly expressed in PanNET and controls. 17 proteins exhibiting significant differential expression between PanNET and controls were identified with downstream analysis. Further, 5 proteins (C1QA, COMP, HSP90B1, ITGA2B, and FN1) were selected by pathway analysis and were validated using Western blot analysis. Significant downregulation of C1QA (p = 0.001: within groups, 0.03: control vs. grade I, 0.0013: grade I vs. grade II) and COMP (p = 0.011: within groups, 0.019: control vs grade I) were observed in PanNET Grade I & II than in controls. Subsequently, ELISA on 38 samples revealed significant downregulation of C1QA and COMP with increasing disease severity. This study shows the potential of C1QA and COMP in the early detection of PanNET, highlighting their role in the search for early-stage (Grade-I and Grade-II) diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for PanNET. Introduction Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) encompass a collection of tumors that arise from neuroendocrine cells and can be detected across various organs, with notable prevalence in the lung, digestive tract, and pancreas1. NETs rarely occur in 2 cases per 100,000 individuals, representing approximately 0.5% of all tumors2,3. The clinical features of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in the Indian population exhibit significant variations compared to Western nations, particularly regarding the distribution of neuroendocrine tumors by anatomical site and tumor type. Recent studies conducted in India have revealed that the pancreas (approx. 35%) stands as the primary and prevailing site of origin for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs)3,4. The term “pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors” (PanNET) refers to a broad category of neoplasms that develop from neuroendocrine cells in the pancreas. These tumors stand out from other pancreatic cancers due to their distinctive clinical, histomorphologic, and prognostic characteristics5,6,7. PanNET can differ significantly in their clinical characteristics. They might be benign, slowly expanding tumors with no symptoms, or they can be more aggressive varieties that result in hormonal imbalances and different clinical disorders8. Various biochemical tests, such as complete blood count (CBC), serum calcium, renal and liver function tests (RFT/LFT), chromogranin A, neuron-specific enolase, pancreatic polypeptide, pancreastatin, CA 19-9, serotonin derivatives (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid), insulin, glucagon, gastrin-1, and vasoactive intestinal peptide, play a crucial role in screening, diagnosis and prognosis of PanNETs patients 9,10. The available laboratory tests lack sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Additionally, the imaging techniques employed for diagnosis, such as endoscopic ultrasound, CT scans, X-rays, Octreotide scintigraphy, [68Ga] Ga-DOTATATE PET (Dota-Octreotate Positron Emission Tomography), and [18F]-FDG (Fluorodeoxyglucose)-PET scans, are invasive and expensive. Moreover, these advanced imaging techniques may not be accessible in all medical centers, making them particularly inaccessible for individuals in developing countries11,12,13,14. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more specific, sensitive, and cheap biomarkers for early screening and diagnosis of this disease. Proteomics carries significant potential for advancements in molecular medicine, as evidenced by studies exploring its novel perspectives in cancer research. A notable aspect of proteomics is its promise in discovering biomarkers and tumor markers, which can be helpful in the early detection and diagnosis of various diseases, with a particular focus on cancer15,16,17. Additionally, discovering specific protein markers can aid in creating personalized medicines that maximize therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing adverse effects for each patient16,18. So, proteomics continues to be the preferred method for conducting biochemical investigations on several cancers, yielding crucial insights such as protein profiles, protein levels, modification sites, and protein interactions 18,19. Among the applications of proteomic techniques, Mass spectrometry offers significant advancements in proteomic studies, particularly in enhancing signal specificity by effectively eliminating false-positive results during database searching. It enables the quantification and identification of proteins within complex protein mixtures, analysis of protein–protein interactions, investigation of post-translational modifications, Structural proteomics, and the identification of differential protein modifications20. Proteomics has been invaluable in discovering numerous cancer biomarkers such as breast, esophageal, Gastric, lung, colorectal, liver, etc21. Proteomics analysis has been reported in cases with neuroendocrine tumors, greatly aiding the understanding of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) pathogenesis. The current investigation examined the proteomic profiles of plasma samples obtained from individuals with PanNET (stage I and stage II) and healthy individuals serving as controls. This is the first study focuses on the plasma sample of PanNET and healthy individuals. Our objective was to identify particular plasma proteins that could prove beneficial in detecting PanNET. Results Demographical and clinical characteristics of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PanNET) patients and healthy control subjects The mean age of PanNET patients is 41.89 ± 2.75 years (age range 20–70 years). In this study, out of 28 PanNET patients, 15 were male, and 13 were female, whereas in 10 healthy controls, 6 subjects were male and 4 were female. WHO grading of PanNET patients was done according to the 2017 WHO classification. Out of 28 patients, approx. 50% are with grade-I tumors, and 50% are with grade-II tumors; however, > 50% are found to be diagnosed at the metastatic stage (Fig. 1). 50% of patients have Ki67 index > 3%. The detailed history of the patients has been mentioned in Table 1. Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the process of selecting PanNET patients. Full size image Table 1 Demographic details of PanNET patients.Full size table Proteomic profiles of PanNET plasma Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) modeling used proteomics data to distinguish the distinct separation between Patients (Grade I and Grade II PanNET) and controls. This analysis simultaneously identified proteins whose expression contributed to the discrimination among the three groups. Figure 2A and B show PLSDA and the associated VIP classification model. Significant separation of Grade II PanNET from Grade I and Control in Component 1 was observed via the PLSDA

Nov 28

Influence of urbanization on schistosomiasis infection risk in Anhui Province based on sixteen year’s longitudinal surveillance data: a spatio-temporal modelling study – Infectious Diseases of Poverty

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Nov 28

Global Anorectal Malformation Treatment Market is estimated to undergo a 7.4% CAGR by 2033, as per F

The global anorectal malformation treatment market is expected to surpass an impressive valuation of US$ 794.91 million in 2023 and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 7.4% from 2023 to 2033, reaching US$ 1,475.19 million. The market is driven by a number of factors, including the rising prevalence of ARM, increasing awareness of the condition, and growing demand for advanced treatment options. Anorectal malformation (ARM) is a congenital birth defect that affects the rectum and/or anus. It is a spectrum of disorders with a wide range of anatomical presentations. ARM occurs in approximately 1 in 5,000 newborns and is more common in boys than in girls. To Get The Sample Copy Of Report Visit! https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-16432 Anorectal abnormalities are birth defects that affect a baby’s anus or rectum and cause irregular bowel movements. Once the anus is blocked, the condition is referred to as a portion of the current anus. In kids with anorectal malformations, the anus may not exist, be blocked by a thin or thick layer of tissue, or be narrower than typical. Increased incidence of gastrointestinal disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, and a family history of illnesses and diseases like cancer can all lead to anorectal malformations. A sizable market for efficient, dependable, and cutting-edge medical therapy for anorectal malformation will emerge during the coming decades. Anorectal Malformation Treatment Market by 2023 to 2033: Key Takeaways: The global anorectal malformation treatment market is expected to reach US$ 794.91 million in 2023 and exhibit a CAGR of 7.4% from 2023 to 2033, reaching US$ 1,475.19 million by 2033. The increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, and a family medical history of certain ailments and diseases, such as cancer, is driving the demand for anorectal malformation treatment. The growing sophistication of healthcare facilities is also propelling the market growth. The North American region is expected to remain the largest market for anorectal malformation treatment, followed by the European region. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, owing to the increasing awareness of anorectal malformation and the rising disposable incomes in the region. Reach Out To Our Analyst And Get All Your Queries Answered! https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-16432 Key Drivers of the Anorectal Malformation Treatment Market: Rising prevalence of ARM: The prevalence of ARM is on the rise globally, due to factors such as increasing consanguineous marriages, exposure to environmental toxins, and maternal infections. Increasing awareness of ARM: There is a growing awareness of ARM among parents and healthcare professionals, which is leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Growing demand for advanced treatment options: Parents of children with ARM are increasingly seeking advanced treatment options that can improve their child’s quality of life. Key Challenges in the Anorectal Malformation Treatment Market: High cost of treatment: ARM treatment can be expensive, especially for complex cases. Lack of skilled surgeons: There is a shortage of skilled surgeons who can perform ARM surgery. Risk of complications: ARM surgery is complex and carries a risk of complications, such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. Regional Analysis of the Anorectal Malformation Treatment Market: North America is expected to remain the dominant market for anorectal malformation treatment throughout the forecast period. This is due to the high prevalence of ARM in the region, the presence of advanced healthcare infrastructure, and the availability of skilled surgeons. However, the Asia Pacific market is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, owing to the rising prevalence of ARM in the region and the growing demand for advanced treatment options. Art of Personalization: Dive into the World of Customization with Our Report! https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-16432 Key Companies Profiled: Sanofi S.A. Bausch Health Companies Inc. Cleveland Clinic Mayo Clinic Children’s Health for Orange County (CHOC) St. Louis Children’s Hospital Nationwide Children’s Hospital Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Intermountain Healthcare Key Segments Profiled in the Anorectal Malformation Treatment Industry Survey: By Treatment Type: Colostomy Anorectal Repair Colostomy Closure By End User: Hospitals Specialty Clinics By Region: North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa (MEA) Act Now to Explore In-Depth Market Analysis: Get Exclusive Purchase Now to Access! https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/16432 About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 5000 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries. Contact Us: Nandini Singh Sawlani Future Market Insights Inc.Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive,Suite 401, Newark, Delaware – 19713, USAT: +1-845-579-5705For Sales Enquiries: [email protected]: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comLinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs | YouTube

Nov 28

Could flu vaccination reduce the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular deaths?

People who get the flu vaccine may have improved heart health, according to a recent study published in Scientific Reports. Researchers from the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran, concluded that patients who received flu vaccinations had a 26% reduced risk of having a heart attack and were 33% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease. This finding is based on a review of five randomized controlled trials that focused on myocardial disease and influenza vaccines. CHILDHOOD PNEUMONIA SURGE REPORTED IN NETHERLANDS AMID OUTBREAK IN CHINA The patients who participated in the studies had all been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease previously and were 61 years old, on average. Out of the total of 9,059 patients, 4,529 of them received the flu vaccine, while 4,530 received a placebo shot. People who get the flu vaccine may have improved heart health, according to a recent study published in Scientific Reports. (iStock) After a nine-month period, 621 of the people who received the placebo shot experienced “major cardiovascular events,” compared to 517 of the patients who received the flu vaccine. Those outcomes included myocardial infarction, cardiovascular death and stroke. WHEN MEASURING HEART ATTACK RISK, ONE IMPORTANT RED FLAG IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED, DOCTORS SAY “Revealing a compelling insight into the potential benefits of influenza vaccination, our comprehensive meta-analysis, based on the latest randomized controlled trial data, demonstrates a significant interaction between influenza vaccination and the reduction of major cardiovascular events,” wrote the researchers of the study. “Notably, patients who received the influenza vaccine experienced a remarkable risk reduction of over 20% in cardiovascular death.” Patients who received flu vaccinations had a 26% reduced risk of having a heart attack and were 33% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) As for why influenza vaccines seem to reduce the risk, the researchers noted that the shot could prevent inflammation and secondary infections, while also stabilizing plaque amounts in the heart. The vaccine could also help stimulate the immune system, which the study authors noted is essential for cardiovascular health. SHOULD YOU GET THE COVID AND FLU VACCINES AT THE SAME TIME? Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, called the study “important” and said it “builds on what we already knew.” He was not involved in the research. Heart disease is the primary cause of death among U.S. adults, killing one person every 33 seconds, according to the CDC. (iStock) “It is not surprising that flu shots would decrease the risk of heart attacks,” Siegel told Fox News Digital. “The flu is one of the great enablers,” he went on. “It adds stress and inflammation to the body and decreases the overall immune response, all of which can lead to acute cardiac events.” The flu “adds stress and inflammation to the body and decreases the overall immune response.” The researchers called for further research to “elucidate the precise mechanisms driving this association and to explore the long-term impact of influenza vaccination on cardiovascular outcomes.” CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER In the meantime, they recommended that “health care providers and policymakers should take heed of these findings and consider prioritizing influenza vaccination for patients with recent cardiovascular disease as a feasible and potentially life-saving preventive measure.” Fox News Digital reached out to the study authors for additional comment. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Heart disease is the primary cause of death among U.S. adults, killing one person every 33 seconds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health. <!–> Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. –>

Nov 28

Preventing cardiovascular disease

by Beth Donovan | Special to the Courier No one wants to talk about cardiovascular disease around the holidays, but what better time to bring up the conversation than when you are with the people you love the most? Maybe we should talk more about how to determine your own risk and what we are doing to protect ourselves. Perhaps that will motivate someone you love to consider their own risk and whether they should be doing more. Cardiovascular disease is a broad term which can largely be equated to coronary heart disease leading to heart attacks, and ischemic stroke, and causes more disease and death than any other disease in the United States. That may seem unlikely, but not so much when you consider it is the complication resulting from numerous other very common conditions: diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Genetics can be a factor as well. What we do every day contributes to or diminishes our risk of cardiovascular disease. There are many lifestyle factors that increase our risk, including smoking and eating foods high in cholesterol. There are also ways that we can reduce our risk including eating fresh fruits and vegetables, exercising, and keeping our blood sugar and blood pressure under control. You may think that if you are doing these things that your risk is low. But there is a better way to quantify your risk if you are between 40 and 75 years old. There is a free calculator which can predict your risk of having a cardiovascular disease event (heart attack or stroke) in the next 10 years at clincalc.com/cardiology. You just need to know your systolic blood pressure (the top number of your blood pressure calculation), total cholesterol, and HDL or “good” cholesterol. You simply plug those numbers into the calculator, answer a couple questions, hit calculate, and out comes the risk evaluation along with an interpretation. It goes on to recommend the statin dose that may be right for you, if needed. You can easily print the results to take to your next appointment to discuss with your healthcare provider. The U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce recommends clinicians prescribe a statin for the primary prevention of CVD for adults aged 40 to 75 who have one or more risk factors (i.e., dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, or smoking) and an estimated 10-year risk of a cardiovascular event of 10% or greater. Furthermore, it recommends it may be appropriate for those with a 7.5% risk to take a statin medication even though the benefit is smaller in this group. A statin medication is not for everyone, but it could be lifesaving. Studies have shown that taking a statin medication can significantly lower the risk of death from a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke. Statins are not recommended to replace a healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining a normal weight, and refraining from smoking. Because these medications are recommended by the USPSTF and are given a B rating, the medications should be covered for eligible adults by your health insurance company at no cost to you. Not every statin is required to be covered, but at least one must be available as a preventive medication for those adults who have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is a panel of preventive medicine experts who volunteer to review literature and clinical guidelines; develop recommendations for preventive screenings, medications, and counseling; and assign grade recommendations. You can download an app or go the uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/webview to learn which preventive screenings, medications or counseling services are recommended for you. Claremont resident Beth Donovan, PA-C, practiced as a physician assistant for 20 years and served as chair of legislative affairs for the California Academy of Physician Assistants from 2004 to 2012. She is on the advisory board for Keck Graduate Institute’s Physician Assistant Program.

Nov 28

American Red Cross asks Americans to make giving blood a holiday habit

11 minutes ago People donate blood at the American Red Cross in Wilmington. (Photo: Kylie Jones/WWAY) WASHINGTON, D.C. (CBS) — This Giving Tuesday, the American Red Cross is hoping you will make giving blood a holiday habit. The nonprofit humanitarian organization says it needs thousands more donations per week to stave off what it calls an “often invisible emergency.” The donation push comes just two months after the non-profit declared a national blood shortage. The American Red Cross said that collecting blood during the holidays is challenging. “Schools are closed, families are on vacation, people are attending functions and festive parties and not really thinking about going out to their local blood drive. But there are still patients in the hospital that need blood to survive,” said Ashley Henyan, spokesperson for American Red Cross. The American Red Cross declared a national blood shortage back in September, citing a busy travel season and back-to-back climate disasters. While donations have increased since then, the non-profit explained it still needs to collect 10,000 more units per week to meet patients’ needs. For those who may be ineligible to donate blood due to medical conditions, travel, or other restrictions, the American Red Cross said you can still give back by volunteering your time. The American Red Cross added that the whole process for donating blood takes about 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish, including time for a post-donation snack. If you’d like to give blood and platelets, you can make an appointment using the Red Cross Blood App or visit their website.

Nov 28

New York City parents concerned about respiratory illnesses impacting children in China

NEW YORK — A surge of respiratory illnesses among children in China is swamping hospitals, and here in the Tri-State Area it has some parents asking pediatricians what they need to be doing to protect their families. “I feel like respiratory illnesses are always going around, you know? When winter comes, it’s like, buckle up,” said Upper West Side resident Kate Pallardy. READ MORE: On Call with Dr. Kumar: What’s causing latest surge in RSV, and how to stay healthy A seasonal spike in sickness is welcome to Pallardy’s world. Everyone has been ill, she says, from her daughter, Goldie, to her 12-year-old son, Anders. As he ran around a park on Tuesday, he’s better now after recently coming down with something. “I think got the flu, a cold, all kinds of sicknesses,” Anders said. “It’s already started and I think once you start Thanksgiving, it just keeps rolling,” Pallardy said. “We are seeing increased respiratory illnesses right now, both adults and children, and that’s expected with the winter season and holidays,” said Dr. Vino Palli, CEO of Mi Doctor Health. READ MORE: Doctors cautioning parents, children of potential flu-COVID-RSV combo during holiday season What Palli told CBS New York is different this season. Some New York City parents are worried about news from China, where hospitals are swamped with kids diagnosed with pneumonia and other respiratory infections. “Parents are asking questions about the situation in China,” Palli said. “We don’t need to panic right now based on what we know, but we definitely need to be more vigilant and there’s a lot of surveillance being done by the CDC and our scientists at different university hospitals, looking at the current situation in China and, of course, if something crops up we’re going to take a look at it.” Doctors say always a good idea are the proven medications and measures, including wearing masks, frequent handwashing, and proper ventilation. “Especially when you’re in a setting where you’re exposed to these infections, it’s not a bad idea to wear a mask, cracking a window or doing things outdoors,” Palli said, “and If you are having symptoms, stay home. And if you’re getting sicker, talk to your doctor, get tested, get treated before heading out to your family for the holidays.” This time in China, research indicates children are getting sick with known pathogens. Children there may be extra vulnerable because widespread masking and lockdowns during the pandemic shielded them from infections. Pallardy said she’ll live by some simple rules. “Eat healthy, be outside, get fresh air,” she said. She said using common sense and knowing the right precautions should pull her family through the holidays with good health intact. Experts say the wave of sickness currently in China is reminiscent of what happened after U.S. pandemic lockdowns ended. Dave Carlin Dave Carlin serves as a reporter for CBS2 News and covers breaking news stories and major events in the Tri-State Area. Twitter Facebook