#Food allergy medicine

[dandelionsresilience]

Good News - August 8-14

Like these weekly* compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my new(ly repurposed) Patreon! (*sorry this one’s a day late, I had a family emergency)

1. Rio’s grassroots agroforestry sustains birds, bees & communities

“[Community-created and -maintained] agroforests have reshaped the urban landscape and now attract an array of fauna, from birds to bees and even fireflies, drawn by the diversity of plant life thriving on improved soils. Perhaps most importantly, the agroforests offer free food and medicines to residents in need, plus shade and educational opportunities for the whole community[….]”

2. First giant pandas from China in decades make their public debut in San Diego

(image source) “Tensions between the U.S. and China had temporarily paused the program known as "panda diplomacy" in which China loans its native animals to zoos around the world […] as a show of goodwill[….] But the presence of [the two pandas in San Diego] appears to show a mending of the diplomatic relationship, which Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to work toward in a meeting with President Biden last year. [… Gov. Newsom] called the giant pandas an example of how strong worldly partnerships can protect wildlife and their habitats[….]”

3. Good news for Europe's top economies as disposable income rises

“Poland experienced the largest increase in disposable income per capita, rising by 10.2% compared with a decrease of 2.7% in the last quarter of 2023. According to the OECD, this growth was "mainly driven by increases in employee compensation, social benefits other than in-kind transfers, and property income". […] In Germany, [household income per capita] rose by 1.4%, compared to just 0.1% in the previous quarter, partly driven by an increase in employee compensation.”

4. FDA approves nasal spray as first needle-free treatment for anaphylaxis

“The spray, which will be sold under the brand name Neffy, is seen as an alternative to EpiPen and other autoinjectors. […] “Some people, particularly children, may delay or avoid treatment due to fear of injections,” said Kelly Stone, an associate director at the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, adding that the availability of the nasal spray may reduce barriers to rapid treatment.”

5. [Colin Farrell] is launching a foundation to support adult[s] who have an intellectual disability

““We want to take a good look at residential potential for families with young adults who are ready to go out into the world and have a greater sense of community and connection,” says the actor. […] "It’s really important for James and for all of our kids to feel like they are wanted, to feel like they’re part of the community. Not just out of charitable endeavors or being nice and doing the right thing, but out of a sincere desire to engage and learn about each other."”

6. The Berlin Zoo is hoping for more German-born giant pandas as scans confirm a pregnancy

“Giant pandas have difficulty breeding and births are particularly welcomed. There are about 1,800 pandas living in the wild in China and a few hundred in captivity worldwide. […] The zoo noted that female pandas are only capable of reproducing for about 72 hours per year.”

7. Arizona school district highlights the benefits of free lunch

“A study by the University of Washington found free meals at school help reduce hunger, reduce the stigma tied to free lunch, and can help reduce childhood obesity. [… A cafeteria worker] said since the school district began offering free lunch, they have seen a positive shift in the cafeteria culture, and students seem happier. […] In September of 2023, the USDA […] loosened up its application threshold for applicants, allowing an estimated 3,000 more school districts in high-need areas to participate in the [CEP] program.”

8. Gigantic millipede lost to science for 126 years rediscovered in remote Madagascan jungle

“A further 20 species 'lost' to science were rediscovered during the expedition, including three iridescent species of fish and several species of ant-like flower beetles.”

9. The climate law’s $8.8B in home energy rebates are starting to roll out

“New York and Wisconsin are the first to launch their long-awaited Inflation Reduction Act programs meant to deploy everything from heat pumps to insulation. […] Once deployed, the DOE estimates, the home energy rebates will help save consumers up to $1 billion in annual energy costs and support an estimated 50,000 U.S. jobs in construction, manufacturing, and other sectors. They’ll also help clean up buildings, one of the biggest sources of carbon pollution in the country.”

10. Advance in stem cell therapy: New technique for manipulating stem cells opens door to novel treatments

“Recently, a team of McGill researchers discovered that by stretching, bending and flattening the nuclei of stem cells to differing degrees, they could generate precisely targeted cells that they could direct to become either bone or fat cells. […] The first applications of this discovery are likely to involve bone regeneration, possibly relating to dental or cranio-facial repair[….]”

August 1-7 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[spacedocmom]

Doctor Beverly Crusher @SpaceDocMom Food shaming ought to be a prosecutable crime. I'm always proud of you for eating whatever works for you. Fed is best! emojis: black heart, blue heart, masked 1:16 PM · Oct 24, 2023

[mejomonster]

Huge health milestone. I can eat ricotta cheese again <3

[heardatmedschool]

“If I ever have a baby, their first meal is going to be a seafood soup.”

Can you tell that this intern is from a coastal town?

(Please note that this is meant to be after they turn 6 months old).

[mindblowingscience]

The gut microbiome plays a significant role in the immune system’s tolerance of potential food allergens, such as milk or peanuts. Research has shown that certain bacteria can protect against food allergies by preventing antigens from entering the bloodstream.

Now, researchers have created a special type of polymeric molecule to deliver a crucial metabolite produced by these bacteria directly to the gut, where it helps restore the intestinal lining and allows the beneficial bacteria to flourish.

The research demonstrates that these polymers, called micelles, can be designed to release a payload of butyrate, a molecule that is known to help prevent food allergies, directly in the small and large intestines.

When given to mice, these micelles increased the abundance of butyrate-producing Clostridia bacteria, protected the mice from an anaphylactic reaction to peanuts, and reduced the severity of symptoms in a model of ulcerative colitis.

The micelle technology can be adapted to deliver other metabolites and molecules, making it a potential platform for treating other allergies and inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases.

Continue Reading

[xtruss]

We're Having A COVID Summer Surge. Should You Get The Updated Vaccines Now?

The FDA Just Approved an Updated Vaccines, and Officials Say Paxlovid is Still Effective in Preventing Severe Cases.

— By Sanjay Mishra | August 22, 2024

A Colorized Ccanning Electron Micrograph of a Cell (Blue) Infected with the Omicron Strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (Yellow). Micrograph By National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/National Institutes Of Health/Science Photo Library

The summer of 2024—the fifth since the COVID-19 pandemic began—is projected to be the biggest summer wave of COVID infections to date.

Since early May, COVID infections have steadily increased in the United States, Europe, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that COVID-19 infections are currently increasing in 25 states based on data from emergency department visits. However, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID remain at their lowest levels.

Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved updated vaccines to protect against current variants of the virus.

This recent surge has been driven mainly by a new group of closely related Covid subvariants, known collectively as "FLiRT."

As the summer winds down, students across the U.S. will return to school. Traditionally, this also coincides with the season of respiratory viruses, such as flu, RSV, and increasingly COVID.

"Not sure what will happen this fall and winter," says Kei Sato, a virologist at the University of Tokyo. While the FLiRT variants are likely to keep evolving after summer, entirely new subvariants cannot be ruled out. "An Omicron-like event” seems to have occurred every year in the fall since 2021, says Sato.

Here's what you need to know about the new variants and the new vaccines.

What Are FLiRT Variants?

The "FLiRT" variant family includes the majority of currently circulating variants, identified with the letters KP, JN, and the variant LB.1.

The unofficial name "FLiRT" is an acronym for a set of mutations on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The virus uses spike protein to bind with ACE2 receptors in our nose and lung cells to cause infection.

All proteins are made up of amino acids that string together like beads. Mutations can change one amino acid to another, thereby altering the behavior of the protein and making the virus more or less infectious, or able to dodge immunity.

The FLiRT subvariant family members are descended from the JN.1 variant that was dominant in the U.S. in early 2024. JN.1 itself was highly unusual because it acquired 41 mutations that differentiated it from Omicron XBB.1.5, which is the variant upon which the current bivalent COVID booster is based.

Should You Get The New Vaccines?

The two updated mRNA vaccines, manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, target a FLiRT variant called KP.2. Anyone over the age of 12 can get the new shots, as long as they haven't received a booster in the last two months.

“Vaccination continues to be the cornerstone of COVID-19 prevention,” Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research said in a statement.

Another vaccine targeting the variant JN.1 and manufactured by Novovax is also under review and could be approved soon.

Previous research also showed that older vaccines based on XBB.1.5, an earlier subvariant of Omicron, were still effective in preventing severe COVID-19. While this vaccine produces antibodies that still target the FLiRT variants, the efficiency is notably reduced. A recent infection from the JN.1 variant also seems to provide strong protection against all the FLiRT variants.

That said, the CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get a COVID vaccine. Those at high risk for serious COVID-19 should get vaccinated with the most recent versions available.

How Alarming Are FLiRT Variants?

Coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, frequently mutate to avoid recognition by antibodies. The two FLiRT mutations remove the sites on the virus where antibodies bind the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Additional mutations on the FLiRT variants can either help the virus bind more efficiently to ACE2 receptors making it more infectious, help it evade previous immunity, or both, says Adrian Esterman, an epidemiologist at the University of South Australia, Allied Health & Human Performance in Adelaide, Australia

Early studies show that all existing FLiRT subvariants are very good at dodging previous immunity acquired through multiple COVID vaccinations—including the most recent COVID bivalent booster—or a breakthrough infection from a previous strain of Omicron.

But the good news is that by escaping the antibodies, the FLiRT variants have also seem to lost some ability to infect their target because the virus needed the original antibody-binding sites to bind the ACE2 receptor and enter cells.

"These variants are not yet particularly concerning, even with the new mutations that affect certain aspects of the virus's biology," says Shan-Lu Liu, a virologist at the Ohio State University.

It is common for viruses to acquire mutations that help them dodge immunity, which can affect their ability to infect cells, says Liu. "The viruses can quickly evolve new mutations to restore their infectivity."

But in the meantime, Sato thinks that waning immunity from previous vaccinations and infections, coupled with the FLiRT variant's ability to dodge remaining immunity, are probably the main reason for the recent surge in infections.

Liu also agrees that the currently rising numbers of COVID infections are mostly due to low booster uptake and increased summer travel.

Are COVID Medicines Still Effective?

Emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths have all spiked during this summer but are still much lower compared to earlier waves of the pandemic.

There is no indication that these new FLiRT variants are more dangerous than other Omicron strains.

A study shows that Paxlovid is still effective against FLiRT variants. Other antiviral drugs such as molnupiravir and remdesivir are also expected to work since their mechanism of action is not affected by mutations in the spike protein.

[nyckie]

i need my allergies to stop already i am so sick of being sick. i want to do things and function again. i want to draw Nykitties and cook food again and work in the barn and not be stuck in bed all the time

[mac-n-cheese-flavored-arson]

me and my partner are thinking about rehoming one of our dogs because we don't have the money or energy to take care of such a big dog with medical and health issues, esp not since we're about to be living out of our van once we get everything settled and figured out. I'm a little bit sad about it but its not fair to him that we can't afford to take care of him or take him to the vet and its not fair to him that we don't have the kind of energy to meet his enrichment needs either

[save-mohamed-family]

My campaign is verified and added to the Gaza Donations page with number 192.

Thank you for documenting my campaign from the following accounts:

@sar-soor @heba-20

@el-shab-hussein

@90-ghost @soon-palestine

@ibtisams @marnota @riding-with-the-wild-hunt @i-am-aprl @northgazaupdates @fallahifag @fairuzfan

I love you all 🙏🙏♥️🌹

I am Mohammed Almanasra, 32 years old, married, and a father of three children: Abdulrahman, 6 years old, Sarah, 4 years old, and Lina, 3 years old.

My story began with the loss of my parents and four of my sisters, who were bombed and lost their lives along with their children after the events of October 7 and the severe war on Gaza. Now, I am facing a severe injury to my leg, which is at risk of amputation if I do not receive the necessary treatment. My wife, children, and I are displaced, without parents or siblings, and my wife is also suffering from uterine cancer.

Recently, I moved to the south of the Gaza Strip, fearing for the lives of my children. We left behind our memories and our new home, for which we had not finished paying the installments, in addition to losing my job. Currently, I live in a tent that does not protect me from the heat of summer or the cold of winter, and without the minimum necessary livinng basics including water, food medical care, clothe and even bedding .

I suffer from a chronic asthma and severe attacks from tightness and an extreme allergy in the ear and I need medicine that are not available, or very expensive .

Under these difficult circumstances, after five attempts at displacement and narrowly escaping death from the bombing, I am trying with all my might to protect my family, the most precious thing I have.

My dreams were shattered, and my house was destroyed, and I found myself living in a tent no larger than 4 square metres. My work turned from a tailor to a street vendor in order to barely buy a few crumbs of bread to feed my children.

Look at what happened to my children because of the intense heat and the insects that thrive in the summer season. Every day, I take them to the hospital to treat them due to poisonous insect bites. I implore every kind-hearted soul to help me protect my children.

My son, Abdul Rahman, has a deep passion for playing football and is a devoted fan of Real Madrid. He always dreamed of playing football at his school, but the war prevented this dream from coming true.

Where are you, Real Madrid fans ?

Help Abdul Rahman achieve his dream.

Every donation will make an enormous difference in helping me save my family.

I feel very sad and embarrassed to ask for help, but I have no other options left. I know that this request is difficult, but I also know that there is still humanity and living consciences and I believe in miracles.

Your support during this extremely difficult time will give us hope in the midst of devastation and despair.

If you have any inquiries or questions, feel free to ask me, please!

To everyone with a compassionate heart,

To all who understand the essence of humanity,

This is a message from my innocent children, who trust that their words will reach everyone who truly understands the meaning of childhood.

We cry out to you, asking you to feel our sorrow and pain, and to extend a helping hand to us in this time when we are in desperate need of your mercy and compassion.

My name is being repeatedly added to many public and private donation campaigns. Please, be a support for me in this difficult situation.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1yYkNp5U3ANwILl2MknJi9G7ArY4uVTEEQ1CVfzR8Ioo/htmlview

@communistchilchuck 🫶🇵🇸

@nabulsi

@sayruq

@communistchilchuck @90-ghost @sar-soor @fairuzfan @ibtisams @fallahifag @vakarians-babe @palipunk @palestinecharitycommissionsassoc @stil-lindigo @vakarian-shepard @northgazaupdates

@faggotfungus @ghost-and-a-half @three-croissants @riding-with-the-wild-hunt @magnus-rhymes-with-swagness @marnota @northgazaupdates

Sincere greetings & thanks

Mohammed & the family

[stealchain]

i wanna make a recipe box !!!

[allergyandasthmacentre]

Effective Allergy Treatments: Natural Remedies and Medical Options for Relief

Allergies can be a significant nuisance, affecting millions of people worldwide. Whether it’s seasonal allergies from pollen, pet dander, or food allergies, finding effective treatment is essential for improving the quality of life. In this blog, we will explore various allergy treatments, including natural remedies and medical options, to help you find relief. If you're in Kolkata, consider visiting the Best Allergy Treatment Clinic in Kolkata, the Allergy & Asthma Treatment Centre.

Understanding Allergies

An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a foreign substance, known as an allergen. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and certain foods. Symptoms can range from mild, such as sneezing and itching, to severe, including anaphylaxis. Finding the right treatment options tailored to your specific needs is crucial for managing allergies effectively.

Natural Remedies for Allergies

While medical treatments can be highly effective for allergy relief, many individuals prefer natural remedies. Here are some popular options:

1. Local Honey

Consuming local honey is thought to help with pollen allergies. It is believed to expose your body to small amounts of pollen, potentially building immunity over time. Just remember that this natural remedy might not work for everyone, so consult with a doctor before trying it.

2. Nasal Irrigation

Using a saline solution to rinse your nasal passages can help alleviate symptoms caused by pollen and other allergens. A neti pot or saline spray can be effective in clearing out mucus and reducing inflammation in the nasal passages.

3. Quercetin-Rich Foods

Quercetin is a natural antioxidant found in various fruits and vegetables, such as apples, onions, and citrus fruits. It has been shown to block histamine release and may help relieve allergy symptoms.

4. Stinging Nettle

This herbal remedy has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used traditionally to treat allergy symptoms. It can be found in various forms, including capsules, teas, and tinctures.

5. Essential Oils

Certain essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender, may reduce allergy symptoms. Diffusing these oils or using them in a steam inhalation can help open the airways and ease discomfort.

Medical Options for Allergy Relief

Natural remedies can be beneficial; however, medical treatments may be necessary for more severe allergies. Here are some medical options to consider:

1. Antihistamines

These medications are often the first line of defense against allergic reactions. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine, a chemical produced by the immune system during an allergic reaction. Popular options include loratadine, cetirizine, and diphenhydramine.

2. Nasal Corticosteroids

For those struggling with nasal allergies, corticosteroid nasal sprays can be extremely effective. They work by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. Common options include fluticasone and mometasone.

3. Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists

These medications help control asthma symptoms and can be effective for allergic rhinitis. Montelukast is a commonly prescribed leukotriene receptor antagonist that may help alleviate both asthma and allergy symptoms.

4. Immunotherapy

For long-term relief, immunotherapy involves exposing the patient to increasing amounts of the allergen over time, thereby desensitizing the immune response. This treatment can be administered through allergy shots or sublingual tablets. Consult a specialist at the best allergy treatment clinic in Kolkata to see if this option is suitable for you.

5. Epinephrine Auto-Injectors

For severe allergies, particularly food allergies, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector is crucial. This device can administer a life-saving dose of epinephrine during an anaphylactic reaction.

Also read: Top 10 Allergy Treatments

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

In addition to natural and medical treatments, certain lifestyle changes can also help in managing allergies effectively:

Avoid Allergens: Identify and avoid known allergens, whether they’re environmental or dietary.

Air Purifiers: Use HEPA filters in your home’s heating and air conditioning systems to trap allergens and improve indoor air quality.

Stay Hydrated: Keeping hydrated can help maintain the moisture in your airways and reduce irritation.

Regular Cleaning: Regularly dusting and vacuuming your home can help eliminate allergens.

Wear Masks: During high pollen seasons, consider wearing masks when outside to limit exposure.

Conclusion

Allergies can significantly impact your daily activities and overall well-being. However, with various treatment options, both natural and medical, relief is possible. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most effective approach for your specific situation. If you’re situated in Kolkata, the Best Allergy Treatment Clinic in Kolkata – the Allergy & Asthma Treatment Centre – offers comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs. Don’t let allergies hold you back; reach out to them for effective treatment options that can enhance your quality of life.

[ravenlikesbooks]

Okay Wait I need to test something

Editing for clarity as there's been some confusion in the notes:

If you're allergic to an animal that is respiratory or skin or both depending on what allergic reaction you get. If it happens after ingesting said animal that's food

Medicine falls under other, I am so sorry to all the people allergic to penicillin (&others) I forgot that medicine was a thing that existed

If you're allergic to something in the way all humans are allergic, like poison ivy or mosquitos, then you can hit no

That being said, if you're allergic to a certain plant or medication and it doesn't impact your life because you never interact with it, you're still allergic

Hopefully I addressed everything, more edits may be to come. Thank you all for participating in this incredibly scientific survey

[spacedocmom]

Doctor Beverly Crusher @SpaceDocMom So much of what your era thinks about food and health is wrong, yet your health care workers routinely use that misinformation to torture people out of being able to eat. I wish I could get you all a replicator instead. emojis: black heart, blue heart, masked 3:12 PM · Sep 17, 2023

[raffaellopalandri]

Daily writing promptCreate an emergency preparedness plan.View all responses My entire life is a perpetual emergency preparedness plan. Image taken from Internet Living with life-threatening allergies to most medicines and foods, and many chemicals, has instilled in me a state of vigilance that most people reserve for catastrophic events. Every outing, every meal, every interaction with the…

[transform-health]

Del Bigtree Speaking at Robert F. Kennedy Pres. Rally

Del Bigtree from TheHighwire.com (and now Robert F Kennedy Junior's press secretary) speaks at the recent Presidential candidate rally near Denver, Colorado, on May 19, 2024.

  Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an independent Presidential candidate for the 2024 election. He is set apart from the standard two party system. He is trying to get his name printed on the ballots in Colorado and elsewhere, and you can help with your signature, and funding. (Otherwise he would be a write in candidate with a blank line on the ballot.)

  Kennedy spoke that day about China's move into world power, and also how chronic illness in the US is so widespread that it is now an economic issue. (I can’t believe we have any candidate even talking about this which is amazing!! And I agree!)

  Choose someone who can get the job done, not dumb or dumber.

  Kennedy will be returning in September to the Denver, Colorado, area.

  Check out Del Bigtree‘s work at the links Informed Consent Action Network and above, TheHighwire.com. He and his team have done so much all of us who want to keep our Constitutional and medical freedoms.

  Length: 25 seconds

    #Delbigtree #kennedy24co #kennedy2024co #rally #political #denver #colorado #Independent #presidential #candidate #kennedyshannon #president #del #bigtree

Check out this episode about cause wheat allergy!