New status for the mesentery.

Researchers have muted an idea that a part of the digestive system should be upgraded to an organ status. The mesentery according to a new medical journal report, a connective tissue that winds around our digestive organs, holding them in place isn’t a fragmented structure as once thought, but actually one contiguous structure. “The anatomic description that had been laid down over 100 years of anatomy was incorrect. This organ is far from fragmented and complex,” said study author J. Calvin Coffey, from the University of Limerick, Ireland, in a press statement. “It is simply one continuous structure,” winding from the small intestine down to the rectum. Medically speaking, an organ is self-contained and has a very specific vital job – think brain, kidneys and heart. Many, but not all, organs have a distinct functional unit, the study authors wrote in the Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology journal. But there are still many questions about how the mesentery functions. “The functional unit of the mesentery is unknown, and whether a distinctive cell type is primarily responsible for its functionality should be investigated,” they said. continue

Hand-foot-mouth disease.

The hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral infection, caused by viruses that belong to the Enterovirus genus (group). This group of viruses includes polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, and enteroviruses. 

Coxsackievirus is the most common cause of HFMD. HFMD is typically a benign and self-limiting disease, and most common in young children.It is spread to others by close personal contact, coughing or sneezing or by contact with contaminated objects and surfaces 

 The signs are fever, oral lesions and rash on the hands, feet and buttocks. The oral lesions consist of rapidly-ulcerating vesicles on the buccal mucosa, tongue, palate and gums. The rash consists of papulovesicular lesions on the palms, fingers and soles, which generally persist for seven to 10 days, and maculopapular lesions on the buttocks. 

 The spread can be difficult to curtail in schools, closely knitted living communities and day-cares, although it is not all cases are serious, the infection can cause significant pain while eating, walking and writing. more

Canada reports first human case of H3N2v influenza.

On Dec. 16, WHO was notified of a confirmed human case of influenza A(H3N2) variant virus in Canada. The case developed respiratory infection symptoms on Oct. 24, was hospitalized on Nov. 8 with the diagnosis of pneumonia, and has recovered, according to the Influenza at the Human-Animal Interface Report. The exact location in Canada was not listed in the report. This is the first human case of A/Indiana/08/2011-like H3N2v influenza virus infection reported to WHO from Canada. Human infection with influenza A(H3N2)v viruses detected elsewhere have typically resulted in mild disease, although some have been hospitalized and at least one A(H3N2)v associated death has been reported. The case has confirmed exposure to ill swine on a farm. Animal health and epidemiological investigations are ongoing. Partial sequence analysis of all 8 gene segments of the virus isolated from the case indicates they are closely related to influenza A(H3N2) swine influenza viruses currently circulating in swine in North America. Influenza A(H1N2) and A(H3N2) viruses circulate in swine populations in many regions of the world. Depending on geographic location, the genetic characteristics of these viruses differ. Most human cases are exposed to the swine influenza viruses through contact with infected swine or contaminated environments. Human infection tends to result in mild clinical illness, although some cases have been hospitalized with more severe disease and one fatal case has been reported. Since these viruses continue to be detected in swine populations, further human cases can be expected. source

Korean authorities investigate suspect Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease case.

Officials in the Ulsan Metropolitan City, South Korea’s seventh largest metropolis, are investigating a suspected Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) in a 40-year-old school employee, according to local media .In Korea, a woman in her 50s who was diagnosed with CJD for the first time in November 2011 and subsequently died . In January 2013, the second death in Korea was confirmed. According to the report. the case was identified in mid-December and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (MRI) testing performed at the hospital revealed that the patient was suspected of having CJD. In Ulsan, three people were suspected of having CJD last year, and health authorities are conducting epidemiological investigations. CJD is a rare brain disease that affects approximately one person per million people worldwide per year when CJD occurs a normal brain protein changes into an abnormal form called a “prion” and accumulates in brain cells. CJD can occur sporadically, from genetic mutation, or it can be acquired. It is not easily transmitted from person to person. There is no specific treatment or therapy that has been shown to stop the progression of the disease. Diagnosis for CJD is not easy as Physicians often make a presumptive diagnosis of CJD using typical signs, symptoms and progression of the disease. Testing of the cerebrospinal fluid can indicate CJD; however, a confirmed diagnosis of CJD requires testing of brain tissue obtained either at biopsy or autopsy Source 6

Coca-Cola turns label waste into 90 million Smartwater bottles

Coca-Cola turns label waste into 90 million Smartwater bottles: Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has partnered with Avery Dennison, Viridor and PET UK to turn label waste into products, including the production of 90 million nutrient-fortified Smartwater bottles.

French group: Vitamin D-linked infant death not a supplement issue; Health Minister agrees

French group: Vitamin D-linked infant death not a supplement issue; Health Minister agrees: The French food supplements trade group Synadiet has clarified that the Uvestérol D vitamin D product linked to an infant death before Christmas was a prescription-only medicine and not available as a food supplement to the public.

Goat polio.

Goat polio also referred to as polioencephalomalcia in goats is as a result of vitamin B1 deficiency usually occurs when goat is fed high level of grain and low roughage diet.The goats have uncoordinated movements,muscle tremors and rigidity. There is circling, staggering and apparent blindness, diarrhoea and a star gazing stance which is characteristic sign of the condition. Goat polio if untreated could result in death within 24-72 hours with convulsions and fever characteristic of fatal stage. The conditions can be treated by vitamin B1 injection alongside penicillin with plenty of water to drink.