Based in Ridgeland, Mississippi, Cal-Maine Foods disclosed in a statement that approximately 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets—equivalent to about 3.6% of its total flock—were euthanized after avian influenza was confirmed at a facility in Parmer County, Texas. Situated on the Texas-New Mexico border in the Texas Panhandle, the affected plant lies approximately 85 miles southwest of Amarillo and 370 miles northwest of Dallas. Cal-Maine noted that its primary market encompasses the Southwestern, Southeastern, Midwestern, and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.

The company emphasized its close collaboration with federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as focused industry groups, to mitigate the risk of future outbreaks and manage the response effectively.

Cal-Maine Foods stated, “Cal-Maine Foods is working to secure production from other facilities to minimize disruption to its customers.”

Amid concerns, the company assured consumers that eggs currently available in the market carry no known risk of bird flu, and no recalls have been initiated

Led by Professor Su-Chun Zhang at UW-Madison’s Waisman Center, the research introduces a novel 3D-printing method, distinct from traditional vertical layer stacking. Instead, the team adopted a horizontal approach, placing brain cells—neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells—in a softer “bio-ink” gel. This innovative technique allows for the growth of neurons and facilitates communication between them, resembling the intricate networks found in human brains.

The study, outlined in the journal Cell Stem Cell, demonstrates the success of the horizontal printing method, enabling neurons to form connections within and across layers, creating networks akin to natural brain structures. The precision and control offered by this technique surpass brain organoids, providing researchers the ability to design and print brain tissue with specific cell types and arrangements.

Zhang highlights the potential applications of this technology, including studying signaling in conditions like Down syndrome, exploring interactions between healthy and Alzheimer’s-affected tissue, testing new drugs, and observing brain growth. The flexibility of the printed brain tissue allows for a comprehensive examination of brain networks and their operation under various conditions.

The accessibility of the printing technique is noteworthy, requiring standard equipment and culturing methods common in labs. The researchers foresee potential improvements to the bio-ink and equipment to allow for specific orientations of cells within the printed tissue.

This groundbreaking development opens up new avenues for studying brain function, developmental disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions, offering hope for advancements in treatments and understanding the complexities of the human brain.

While commonly labeled as a vitamin, B17 lacks approval from the American Institute of Nutrition Vitamins and is not recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (132).

Laetrile is sometimes used by individuals as a cancer treatment, although it remains controversial due to a lack of supportive research and potential severe side effects. Notably, the ingestion of vitamin B17 can lead to the production of cyanide, a poisonous and hazardous chemical.

In this discussion, we will explore vitamin B17, delving into its potential benefits, side effects, and identifying food sources containing this compound.

Vitamin B17 Definition:

Vitamin B17, also identified as laetrile, amygdalin, or scientifically as D-mandelonitrile-b-D-glucosido-6-b-D-glucoside, is a synthetic drug version of amygdalin. This naturally occurring substance is present in small doses in various nuts, plants, and seeds. Laetrile can be taken orally or administered through intravenous or intramuscular injection. Despite its common reference as vitamin B17, it does not meet the criteria of a vitamin.

In 1920, Dr. Ernst T. Krebs, Sr. proposed the potential effectiveness of amygdalin against cancer, later leading to the synthesis of a less harmful version called laetrile in 1952 by his son, Ernst T. Krebs, Jr. The latter chose to label it as vitamin B17 to circumvent FDA regulations applicable to medicines but not vitamins.

In 1977, the FDA issued a statement against laetrile, highlighting a lack of evidence regarding its safety and efficacy. Presently, the drug is manufactured in Mexico, and treatments are available in select United States clinics. However, laetrile remains unapproved and unregulated by the FDA, resulting in variations in purity and composition across different batches.

Despite limited evidence, some individuals may still contemplate using vitamin B17 for cancer treatment, often as part of metabolic therapy programs involving high vitamin doses, specific diets, and pancreatic enzymes.

Possible Benefits:

Research on vitamin B17 predominantly centers on its connection with cancer, while investigations into potential health benefits in other areas are scarce. Previous studies suggested potential benefits:

1. Blood Pressure Reduction: An older study on individuals aged 40 to 65 found that amygdalin helped lower systolic blood pressure by 28.5% and diastolic blood pressure by 25%. However, the study’s low quality and absence of a control group warrant further research.
2. Pain Relief: Earlier research on rats indicated potential pain-relieving effects of amygdalin. However, human-based evidence supporting its effectiveness as a pain reliever is lacking.
3. Immunity Improvement: A 2020 study suggested that vitamin B17 might enhance immunity. Nevertheless, the research emphasized the need for additional evidence to substantiate this claim.

Further research on vitamin B17 is imperative to uncover potential health benefits, considering the dearth of exploration beyond cancer treatment and insufficient human-based evidence supporting health claims, likely stemming from potential adverse effects.

Side Effects:

Upon ingestion, vitamin B17 undergoes conversion into cyanide in the small intestine. Oral intake of 500 milligrams (mg) of amygdalin may contain up to 30 mg of cyanide, with cyanide poisoning having the potential to be fatal. The minimum lethal dose of cyanide is approximately 50 mg or 0.5 mg per kg of body weight.

Oral amygdalin appears roughly 40 times more potent than the intravenous form due to its conversion to cyanide in the gastrointestinal tract. Mild-to-moderate cyanide poisoning can manifest various symptoms, including headache, nausea, weakness, increased respiratory rate, eye and skin irritation. Severe cyanide poisoning symptoms encompass dizziness, blue skin coloring, liver damage, difficulty walking, confusion, coma, convulsions, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and death.

The side effects of vitamin B17 may exacerbate if an individual consumes raw almonds or crushed fruit pits, takes high doses of vitamin C, or consumes certain fruits and vegetables like bean sprouts, carrots, peaches, and celery.

B17 and Cancer:

Vitamin B17 has been employed as a cancer treatment since the 1800s, either independently or as part of multifaceted treatment programs. However, clinical trials involving animals and humans have failed to provide evidence supporting laetrile as an effective cancer treatment. Assertions of its efficacy largely stem from anecdotal evidence or unsupported opinions.

Some test-tube studies propose that laetrile may diminish tumor occurrence by influencing genes associated with their spread. Nevertheless, there is no evidence supporting the idea that vitamin B17 would yield the same effect within the human body. Human studies on vitamin B17 are scarce due to its unlikely efficacy, potential serious side effects, and the risk of cyanide poisoning.

Food Sources:

Amygdalin, the precursor compound to vitamin B17, can be found in various foods, including raw nuts like bitter almonds and the pips of fruits such as apricot kernels. Foods containing beta-glucuronidase or vitamin C may enhance the conversion of amygdalin to cyanide. Consequently, individuals taking laetrile tablets should refrain from consuming certain foods, including nuts, crushed fruit pits, raw almonds, carrots, apricots, peaches, celery, beans, bean sprouts, and flaxseed.

Summary:

In conclusion, vitamin B17, encompassing amygdalin and laetrile, is not genuinely a vitamin but a drug derived from plant substances. While some may consider using it for cancer treatment, there is no evidence supporting its efficacy, and its use is associated with potentially severe adverse effects.

Crucially, no human studies advocate for the effectiveness of vitamin B17 in cancer treatment, highlighting the risks of cyanide poisoning, particularly when taken orally in tablet form. Cyanide poisoning can lead to mild-to-severe side effects and may even result in fatality.

Nitrogen Gas Execution Process

The approved execution protocol involves placing a respirator-type face mask over the condemned individual’s nose and mouth. Once secured, breathable air is replaced with pure nitrogen gas. Nitrogen, a gas that constitutes 78% of the air humans breathe, is deadly at higher concentrations.

Rapid Unconsciousness and Death

Officials argue that nitrogen gas induces unconsciousness within seconds and causes death within minutes. This claim is supported by examples of industrial accidents where individuals passed out and died after exposure to high concentrations of nitrogen gas.

Controversies and Unknowns

Smith’s defense team raises concerns about the uncharted territory of nitrogen gas executions, emphasizing potential constitutional violations. The American Veterinary Medical Association’s caution against using nitrogen hypoxia on mammals, excluding pigs, further adds to the skepticism. The defense argues that the protocol may lead to a violation of the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

UN Experts’ Concerns

A panel of UN experts expressed worry about the potential for a painful and humiliating death through nitrogen hypoxia. They call for a halt to Smith’s execution, urging federal and state authorities to review the execution protocol.

Scientific Uncertainties

Despite the officials’ assertions, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the use of nitrogen gas for humane executions. The uncertainties surrounding the process raise ethical questions, especially considering the unprecedented nature of this method.

The upcoming event not only signifies a significant departure from traditional lethal injection methods but also places Alabama at the forefront of a contentious national conversation. Beyond the legal implications, it beckons a broader reflection on the moral underpinnings of the death penalty and the ongoing quest for more humane alternatives.

The legacy of Kenneth Eugene Smith’s execution may extend beyond its immediate legal ramifications, serving as a catalyst for renewed discussions on the ethics, constitutionality, and humanity of the methods employed in administering capital punishment in the United States. In grappling with the implications of this momentous decision, society is compelled to confront the moral fabric that shapes its approach to justice and the ultimate act of state-sanctioned retribution.

The research meticulously analyzed data from three distinct groups: healthy control participants, conscious hospice patients, and the same patients in an unresponsive state. All participants were undergoing palliative care at St. John Hospice in Vancouver. Elizabeth Blundon, the study’s lead author, shed light on the phenomenon, stating, “In the last hours before an expected natural death, many people enter a period of unresponsiveness.” The results intriguingly indicate that the brains of individuals in an unconscious state can still respond to auditory stimuli, persisting until the final hours of life.

The experimental protocol involved exposing participants to various sound patterns, prompting them to signal in response to rare tones. The EEG methodically monitored the participants’ brain responses, unveiling that certain dying patients exhibited reactions akin to their healthy counterparts, even when in proximity to death.

Highlighting the need for meticulous scrutiny of individual data, Lawrence Ward, a professor at UBC, underscored the significance of confirming similarities in brain responses. This research, derived from a European study, transposed a similar paradigm to actively dying and unresponsive patients, involving collaboration with Dr. Romayne Gallagher, a palliative care physician at St. John Hospice.

Drawing on her extensive experience spanning three decades, Dr. Gallagher attested to witnessing positive reactions in dying patients when addressed by loved ones. The research fortifies the observation that the sounds of loved ones can offer solace in the final moments, imparting a profound significance to the concluding days of life. While the findings suggest that individuals near death may hear, the study refrains from definitively confirming their awareness or comprehension of the auditory stimuli.

Blundon concluded, “This first glimpse supports the idea that we have to keep talking to people when they are dying because something is happening in their brain.”

Source: University of British Columbia
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While Cronobacter infections are rare, they can be life-threatening in infants. The bacteria have been associated with severe conditions such as bloodstream and central nervous system infections, blood poisoning (sepsis), and necrotizing enterocolitis—a severe intestinal infection, especially in newborns.

CFIA emphasizes that contaminated food may not exhibit obvious signs of spoilage but can still lead to severe illness. Consumers are urged not to consume the affected product and to dispose of it or return it to the point of purchase. Enfamil provides a helpline at 1-866-534-9986 and an email address at consumer.relations@reckitt.com for those seeking a refund or more information.

As of now, there are no reported illnesses linked to the recalled formula, according to CFIA reports. Vigilance and prompt action are encouraged to ensure the safety of infants potentially exposed to the contaminated product.

Dr. Amanda Cherpak, Clinical Medical Physics Director at Dalhousie University, highlighted the machine’s ability to provide clearer, more precise images, aiding in quicker tumor identification and precise treatment planning. The Ethos machine, similar to an MRI, allows patients to be scanned in just six seconds, utilizing A.I. technology to adapt to changes in tumor shape and position, especially beneficial for tumors in vital organs.

The machine’s capacity to handle distortions caused by metal dental implants is a major advancement, particularly for imaging tumors in the head and neck areas. Residents of Nova Scotia, who generously donated up to $8 million over three years, played a crucial role in bringing this technology to the region.

The significance of reducing treatment time from weeks to days was emphasized, showcasing the positive impact on patients, like Bill Ross from Smiths Cove, NS, diagnosed with prostate cancer. The Ethos machine not only ensures efficient treatment but also minimizes disruptions for patients with its advanced imaging capabilities.

Given Atlantic Canada’s high cancer rates, the new system represents a significant step forward in cancer treatment. The Nova Scotia Government’s commitment to investing $20 million in two additional Ethos machines reflects the transformative impact of this cutting-edge technology on healthcare in the region.

Key Points:

• New obesity drugs, including Wegovy and Zepbound, have demonstrated positive results in helping individuals lose weight.
• Medicare, the health insurance plan for older Americans, is currently prohibited from covering new weight loss drugs due to a law established in 2003.
• The bipartisan coalition is advocating for a change in legislation to allow Medicare to cover anti-obesity drugs, therapy, nutritionists, and dietitians.
• Research indicates that the upfront cost of covering these drugs could strain Medicare’s finances, potentially leading to bankruptcy.
• Some studies suggest that covering weight loss drugs could result in long-term savings by reducing chronic conditions and health-related problems associated with obesity.
• The Congressional Budget Office acknowledges the complexity of pricing out legislative proposals related to covering obesity drugs, emphasizing the need for more research on the topic.
• Advocates argue that a comprehensive approach involving behavioral intervention, health education, and anti-obesity medication is effective in treating patients with obesity.
• Legislation has been introduced over the years to permit Medicare coverage of weight loss drugs, with the current bill gaining support from more than 60 lawmakers.
• Pharmaceutical companies are preparing for a lobbying effort to advocate for Medicare coverage of obesity drugs, emphasizing Americans’ access to medicines prescribed by doctors.
• The momentum for change is driven by growing evidence that obesity drugs can prevent serious health issues, leading to a shift in the conversation from debating the worthiness of obesity treatment to addressing economic considerations.

The debate centers on finding a balance between addressing the health needs of older Americans struggling with obesity and managing the financial implications for Medicare. The lobbying efforts and legislative initiatives reflect a broader discussion on the evolving understanding of obesity as a health issue that requires comprehensive intervention strategies.

The outbreak spans eight Canadian provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, P.E.I., New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Quebec has reported the majority of cases, rising to 103 from 91 in the previous week. The affected individuals, primarily children under six (35%) and adults aged 65 or older (44%), fell ill between mid-October and late November 2023.

Currently, 53 people have been hospitalized, and additional cases under investigation may be confirmed soon. Symptoms of salmonella include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and abdominal cramps, appearing up to 72 hours after exposure. Infections typically last four to seven days, with contagiousness persisting for days or weeks, even without symptoms.

PHAC warns against consuming Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes and advises disposing of any at home, emphasizing thorough cleaning of storage areas. The agency identifies the consumption of these cantaloupes as the likely source of the outbreak, with three recalls issued for Malichita cantaloupes sold between Oct. 11 and Nov. 14, and Rudy cantaloupes sold between Oct. 10 and Nov. 24. Additional recalls cover food items that may have come into contact with the affected produce.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating a salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes, described as the same genetic strain as the Canadian outbreak. As of Friday, the CDC has reported 302 illnesses and four deaths across 42 U.S. states in this outbreak.

The CDC’s weekly review indicates elevated seasonal influenza activity across most parts of the country, with the southeast, south-central, and west coast regions reporting the highest levels of activity. The number of weekly flu-related hospital admissions continues to rise.

As of the week ending December 9, two influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported, bringing the total for the 2023-2024 season to 14 pediatric deaths, according to the CDC.

To mitigate the impact of the flu, the CDC strongly recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive an annual flu vaccine.