Viruses and Health

Fly and free specialist Angela Ritchie has announced she will be transferring from North Texas to James Madison University (JMU). Ritchie spent one season at North Texas before deciding to transfer and continue her academic and athletic careers in her home state of Virginia.  Head coach Dane Pederson announced Ritchie's commitment in May. The 2021-2022 season was Pederson's 8th season leading the Dukes. Of Ritchie's decision, he said: We are thrilled about Angela's commitment, she was the perfect fit into our team culture, team needs and JMU community. She will come in and contribute and we can't wait for her to arrive on campus in the fall. During her year at North Texas, she swam the best 200 fly time on the team, clocking a 2:02.58. She was also the third performer in the 200 free and 100 fly, at 1:56.11 and 59.37, respectively. Ritchie earned the C-USA Commissioner's Academic Medal and was named to the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll....

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Attachments Visceral leishmaniasis and HIV coinfection: WHO publishes new guideline with region-specific treatment recommendations The World Health Organization (WHO) has published new treatment recommendations for visceral leishmaniasis in patients who are coinfected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The guideline targets visceral leishmaniasis in East Africa and South-East Asia. Visceral leishmaniasis, or kala azar, is caused by different Leishmania species in distinct geographical areas. (1) In East Africa (Ethiopia, South Sudan and Sudan) and South-East Asia (Bangladesh, India and Nepal), it is caused by L. donovani and has an anthroponotic (2) cycle with a human reservoir. "Optimal region-specific treatment regimens are needed because parasite virulence and drug susceptibility differ," said Dr Saurabh Jain, Medical Officer, Global leishmaniasis programme, WHO Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases. "Also, ver...

Research led by the University of Otago in New Zealand has uncovered the strongest evidence yet that household overcrowding is a major risk factor for acute rheumatic fever and streptococcal infections of the skin. Their research is published in two companion articles in the international medical journal The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific . Lead researcher Professor Michael Baker of the University of Otago, Wellington, says it is the first time researchers have investigated risk factors for Group A streptococcal infections of the throat (strep throat) and skin (strep skin) that can cause rheumatic fever. The studies found that both rheumatic fever and strep skin were linked with barriers to accessing primary health care and a family history of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, a serious illness which can develop if rheumatic fever is untreated. Professor Baker says it is a major step forward to have identified a key pathway driving the risk of rheum...

According to Healthline, the mildew that forms in hair is a fungus known as yeast. It can grow on the scalp and cause hair loss or dandruff, and some of it can even grow directly on your hair. With the presence of yeast comes the risk of yeast overgrowth, and, therefore, the possibility of a yeast infection on the scalp. Some of these infections may appear as hair ringworm (which is not actually a worm), black growths, white growths, or seborrheic dermatitis, leading to skin patches or stubborn dandruff. Not only is hair mildew a problem for your hair and scalp simply because of its presence but also because it can affect your hair's health. "Being the environment from which hair grows, scalp health is vital for healthy hair. In fact, studies have proven that a flaky scalp can cause and/or worsen hair loss," trichologist Anabel Kingsley tells New Beauty. "Plus, if the scalp is in bad condition, the hair is likely to be dull and limp." Ye...

The headquarters of Bank Negara Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, March 30, 2015. Maybank IB chief economist Suhaimi Ilias said BNM is expected to announce 25 bps within this week's monetary policy meeting and another 25 bps by the fourth quarter 2022, and a further 50bps in H1 2023. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa Monday, 04 Jul 2022 5:32 PM MYT KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 — Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank IB) is estimating 100 basis point (bps) increase in the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) for the period between the second half (H2) of 2022 and the first half of next year (H1 2023). Chief economist Suhaimi Ilias said this was following Bank Negara Malaysia's (BNM) accommodative monetary policy process which began with the 25bps increment in May. He expected BNM to announce 25 bps within this week's monetary policy meeting (MPC) and another 25 bps by the fourth quarter 2022, and a further 50bps in H1 2023. "Our estimation is every 25bps hike will basically shave real gross ...

Background: Pericarditis is an inflammatory pericardial disorder that can be caused by several infectious and non-infectious illnesses. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was recently added to the long list of pericarditis causes. As a result, this study aims to look at the incidence of various etiologies of pericarditis, including post-COVID-19 vaccine and risk factors, at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Between 2012 and 2022, all male and female patients diagnosed with acute, chronic, or constrictive pericarditis at the King Abdulaziz University Hospital clinic were included in this retrospective study, which took place in June 2022. Data were collected from the hospital's medical records, including the patient's demographic information, pericarditis history, medical history, social background, laboratory tests, Echocardiogram (ECHO) and electrocardiogram (ECG) readings, and medication history. A...

Tonsillitis and strep throat are common contagious illnesses of the throat that share symptoms. Although they can sometimes be caused by the same bacteria, they're technically different infections. Tonsillitis occurs when a virus or bacterium causes an infection in the tonsils (the soft tissue lumps at the back of the throat). Strep throat occurs when a certain type of bacteria known as Streptococcus causes an infection in the throat area, which can also include the tonsils. While both illnesses cause a sore throat and other overlapping symptoms, treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the infection. This article provides an overview of the primary differences between tonsillitis and strep throat. fstop123 / Getty Images Symptoms Tonsillitis and strep throat share many symptoms. With both infections, you'll likely notice a painful sore throat as the main symptom. Tonsillitis Tonsillitis symptoms may vary based on w...

Allopurinol treats gout, hyperuricemia (the buildup of uric acid in the body), and kidney stones. It is part of a class of drugs called xanthine oxidase inhibitors and is available in the United States under the brand names Zyloprim and Lopurin. Allopurinol works by reducing the production of uric acid in the body. It is also prescribed to prevent gout attacks. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes severe swelling and pain in one joint at a time, usually the big toe.   This article covers how allopurinol treats gout, its side effects, and possible drug interactions. Toa55 / Getty Images Using Allopurinol for Gout   Allopurinol is a long-term, preventive treatment for gout. It is regularly prescribed to stop gout attacks and prevent joint damage.   Gout commonly occurs because of high uric acid levels in the blood. Typically, the body rids itself of uric acid through urine. But if t...

Several factors can cause a sore throat, such as illnesses, allergies, and acid reflux. Depending on the cause, people can use home remedies to help soothe sore throats. A sore throat might feel scratchy or make it painful to swallow. This article explains some common causes of a sore throat, what people can do to ease it, and when to speak with a doctor. Causes of a sore throat include: According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), viruses are the most common cause of sore throats. A sore throat is usually nothing to worry about, but it can be uncomfortable. However, people can try the following remedies at home to help to ease discomfort. Lozenges are available over the counter (OTC) and can help to ease the symptoms of a sore throat. They dissolve in the mouth, releasing ingredients that soothe a dry, irritated throat. They may be medicated or nonmedicated. A 2017 study found that lozenges containing amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzylalcohol (AMC/DCBA) are a safe and effe...

Almost everyone eats a diet that includes nitrates. These compounds are found naturally in vegetables and are also added to foods like processed meats to help preserve them. Most of the time, nitrates pass through our bodies without causing problems. Bacteria can turn nitrates into similar compounds called nitrites, which are then excreted in urine. For this reason, healthcare providers will sometimes use urine dipstick testing for nitrites to diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs). Read on to learn how nitrates turn into nitrites and whether nitrites are an accurate sign of a UTI. Andrew Brookes / Getty Images What Causes Nitrites in Urine? Nitrates enter our bodies through the foods we eat. You may have heard that processed meats are a major source of nitrates, but in reality, up to 85% of our nitrate intake comes from vegetables such as spinach, carrots, and celery. About 25% of the nitrates you consume are transformed into nitrites...