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Researchers Monitor New Influenza Viruses in Pigs (El Sol de Mexico, 1/15/13 by Fernando Aguilar)
Mexico City – Researchers have isolated and monitor new influenza viruses in pigs that could potentially infect human beings, said José Iván Sánchez Betancourt, head of the Department of Medicine and Animal Husbandry of Pigs of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootecnia (FMVZ) of the UNAM.
The professional explained that altered viruses exist among the swine population, but if they mutate with other subtypes, they could be able to infect humans, and available antivirals would not work due to a tolerance to drugs.
He added, "Currently there are three viral subtypes circulating in pigs: H1N1, H3N2 and a recombination of these two, which is 1 hemagglutinin, neuraminidase 2 (H1N2), with a third viral subtype." Some of those that circulate have new mutations of an amino acid in the gene neuraminidase, which makes them resistant to the antiviral used in the pandemic of 2009 ".
But to avoid a pandemic like that which hit several parts of the world in 2009, they must meet three postulates: "That the virus has never infected humans, in such a way that they do not have defenses (antibodies); they have the ability to be replicated; and have the potential to be dispersed among the population". http://www.oem.com.mx/lavozdelafrontera/notas/n2843750.htm
Cancer of the Blood, Among the Most Investigated (OEM Online, 1/16/13)
Mexico City - Among the types of cancer, blood are those generating more interest in the area of research, and between this Multiple Myeloma, as even more stunning advances in therapies have been presented in this field and which have allowed in addition to controlling the disease, extending patient survival.
The investigations have made it possible to increase both understanding of the genetics of Multiple Myeloma and understanding the disease process. This has resulted in the development of new alternatives in treatment of this malignancy. So much so that today there are treatments such as lenalidomide and pomalidomida that allow the patient to maintain a normal life, and even increase survival beyond 10 years on average, because previously that was not possible since there was no medical alternative.
But the battle against cancer is not over, although recent advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant diseases related to blood, it is increasing its incidence and causes altogether more deaths than all other types of cancer except lung cancer.
One of the lesser-known forms of blood cancer is Multiple Myeloma (MM) and (MDS) Myelodysplastic syndromes, which represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality associated with cancer in Mexico, where 3 to 4,000 cases are diagnosed a year.
MM is treatable, though currently it is still incurable. However, important advances in its treatment were unveiled at the Congress of the American Society of Hematology. Lenalidomide has resulted in higher rates of remission and survival than in the past, as well as allowing the patient to regain a quality of life. As researchers have a better understanding of the development and progress of the MM, dedicated treatment strategies are producing new benefits.
The World Health Organization has classified more than 20 cancers that affect one or more components of the blood. Leukemias (all types together) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are the most common malignant hematologic diseases.
Multiple myeloma, also known as myeloma, a cancer of blood plasma cells - an important component of the immune system - is reproduced in which in rampant form accumulates in the bonemarrow. Instead of creating normal antibodies, cells with myeloma tend to overproduce a useless antibody known as protein M.
Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most frequently diagnosed after non-Hodgkin's lymphoma blood cancer. The overabundance of marrow myeloma cells can cause many effects in the body, including destruction of bones, anemia, kidney failure, and elevated levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia). Many people with MM suffer debilitating bone pain and bone fractures that require radiation or surgery. Bone fractures can be especially dangerous when they occur in the spine and vertebrae, and compressed or damaged nerves. In some cases, paralysis can occur.
Although we cannot say that there is a cure for myeloma, the number of active myeloma patients have increased their average of survival by 10 or years more after diagnosis and continues to increase. Similarly, the treatments are now better in addressing the complications of myeloma, giving people with this disease, the best possible quality of life for as long as possible. http://www.oem.com.mx/lavozdelafrontera/notas/n2844945.htm
Researchers Monitor New Influenza Viruses in Pigs (El Sol de Mexico, 1/15/13 by Fernando Aguilar)
Mexico City – Researchers have isolated and monitor new influenza viruses in pigs that could potentially infect human beings, said José Iván Sánchez Betancourt, head of the Department of Medicine and Animal Husbandry of Pigs of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootecnia (FMVZ) of the UNAM.
The professional explained that altered viruses exist among the swine population, but if they mutate with other subtypes, they could be able to infect humans, and available antivirals would not work due to a tolerance to drugs.
He added, "Currently there are three viral subtypes circulating in pigs: H1N1, H3N2 and a recombination of these two, which is 1 hemagglutinin, neuraminidase 2 (H1N2), with a third viral subtype." Some of those that circulate have new mutations of an amino acid in the gene neuraminidase, which makes them resistant to the antiviral used in the pandemic of 2009 ".
But to avoid a pandemic like that which hit several parts of the world in 2009, they must meet three postulates: "That the virus has never infected humans, in such a way that they do not have defenses (antibodies); they have the ability to be replicated; and have the potential to be dispersed among the population". http://www.oem.com.mx/lavozdelafrontera/notas/n2843750.htm
Cancer of the Blood, Among the Most Investigated (OEM Online, 1/16/13)
Mexico City - Among the types of cancer, blood are those generating more interest in the area of research, and between this Multiple Myeloma, as even more stunning advances in therapies have been presented in this field and which have allowed in addition to controlling the disease, extending patient survival.
The investigations have made it possible to increase both understanding of the genetics of Multiple Myeloma and understanding the disease process. This has resulted in the development of new alternatives in treatment of this malignancy. So much so that today there are treatments such as lenalidomide and pomalidomida that allow the patient to maintain a normal life, and even increase survival beyond 10 years on average, because previously that was not possible since there was no medical alternative.
But the battle against cancer is not over, although recent advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant diseases related to blood, it is increasing its incidence and causes altogether more deaths than all other types of cancer except lung cancer.
One of the lesser-known forms of blood cancer is Multiple Myeloma (MM) and (MDS) Myelodysplastic syndromes, which represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality associated with cancer in Mexico, where 3 to 4,000 cases are diagnosed a year.
MM is treatable, though currently it is still incurable. However, important advances in its treatment were unveiled at the Congress of the American Society of Hematology. Lenalidomide has resulted in higher rates of remission and survival than in the past, as well as allowing the patient to regain a quality of life. As researchers have a better understanding of the development and progress of the MM, dedicated treatment strategies are producing new benefits.
The World Health Organization has classified more than 20 cancers that affect one or more components of the blood. Leukemias (all types together) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are the most common malignant hematologic diseases.
Multiple myeloma, also known as myeloma, a cancer of blood plasma cells - an important component of the immune system - is reproduced in which in rampant form accumulates in the bonemarrow. Instead of creating normal antibodies, cells with myeloma tend to overproduce a useless antibody known as protein M.
Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most frequently diagnosed after non-Hodgkin's lymphoma blood cancer. The overabundance of marrow myeloma cells can cause many effects in the body, including destruction of bones, anemia, kidney failure, and elevated levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia). Many people with MM suffer debilitating bone pain and bone fractures that require radiation or surgery. Bone fractures can be especially dangerous when they occur in the spine and vertebrae, and compressed or damaged nerves. In some cases, paralysis can occur.
Although we cannot say that there is a cure for myeloma, the number of active myeloma patients have increased their average of survival by 10 or years more after diagnosis and continues to increase. Similarly, the treatments are now better in addressing the complications of myeloma, giving people with this disease, the best possible quality of life for as long as possible. http://www.oem.com.mx/lavozdelafrontera/notas/n2844945.htm