Researchers in Singapore find a common therapeutic vulnerability for a genetically diverse and deadly blast crisis chronic myeloid leukaemia

Scientists and clinicians from Duke-NUS Medical School, the Agency for Science, Technology and Researchs (A*STARs) Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), and the Singapore General Hospital (SGH), have devised a novel drug combination that could treat a particularly deadly form of leukaemia, known as blast crisis (BC) chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).

The team has also developed strategies that may identify patients with early-stage or chronic phase (CP) CML who are at increased risk of developing BC, and potentially preventing disease progression.

CML is a blood cancer that can be controlled by continuously taking an expensive type of medicine called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). In almost all patients, stopping TKI treatment results in recurrence of CML.

While most CML patients respond well to life-long TKI usage, about 10 per cent of patients become resistant to TKIs, and progress to late-stage or blast crisis (BC) CML. Patients with BC almost always die from their disease. While many genetic mutations are known to be associated with BC progression, the mechanisms by which they and other factors cause BC remain largely unknown. This knowledge gap prevents clinicians from identifying which CML patients are at risk of BC progression, and treating BC when it occurs.

To fill these critical gaps, we employed the latest molecular approaches to establish that the so-called polycomb repressive complex, or PRC, alters the regulation of a set of genes which drive BC progression, said Dr Tun Kiat Ko, Research Fellow at Duke-NUS Cancer and Stem Cell Biology (CSCB) programme. He also added, We found that the consequences of altered PRC activity were common to the majority of BC cases, regardless of the different leukaemia-causing mutations we also found in them.

Using this increased understanding, the team devised novel drug combinations, which reverse the downstream effects of the PRC in BC. At the same time, they also developed methods to identify CML patients who were at increased risk of developing TKI-resistance and progressing to BC.

The team is currently working on approaches to identify CML patients who are at risk of BC transformation, and also to determine why the key PRC-related events occur in the first place.

Read the rest here:
Singapore formulates novel molecular therapy to treat leukaemia - BSA bureau

Cell Biology

Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment – Technology Networks

March 18, 2020 medical

The tumor microenvironment (TME) that surrounds solid cancers has long held fascination for researchers. Yet it is only relatively recently that weve understood how important the TME is for influencing progression of the disease and response to treatment. In this article we learn why its not just the tumor itself that needs to be targeted and hear about research that aims to exploit the TME, too.

Some cancers, such as prostate cancer tend to be immunologically cold, i.e. not much is happening, the immune system is not fighting the cancer, whereas melanoma is a hot tumor where immune responses are very important and these patients respond well to immunotherapy. Tabi is investigating whether these hot or cold immune phenotypes hold true in other cancers. She is particularly interested in mesothelioma, an aggressive form of lung cancer with poor survival rates.An inflammatory environment is advantageous while an immunosuppressive environment allows the tumor to progress, she explained. Mesothelioma is interesting because there are two types of mesothelioma: one is hot and the other is cold and there is nearly nothing in between. However, because there are not many immunotherapy trials in mesothelioma, we dont really know the meaning of this yet. she says.Then it gets even more complex because there are some multifocal tumors where each lump is different so within one patient, one tumor could be immunologically cold and another hot. In this scenario, it has been observed that some of the lumps can be removed with successful immunotherapy but the others cant.To test whether an anti-tumor immune response could be achieved in mesothelioma, Tabi initiated a clinical trial in mesothelioma where the patients were vaccinated with an attenuated virus that carried cancer antigens. The patients received it together with chemotherapy and they monitored the immune changes in the blood. Of the 23 patients taking part, 22 had a marked increase in their anti-tumor response1. This kind of treatment is now being tested in a combination with other, more targeted interventions. Our trial was an important step in that direction because mesothelioma is such an aggressive disease and its nearly impossible to have a complete remission and the survival rate is very low.For the future, in addition to changing the immune profile to improve the effectiveness and general outcome of immunotherapy, Tabi also highlights another important player in the TME cellular exosomes. These tiny particles are released by cells in order to communicate with each other.Exosomes are getting a lot of attention recently, as tumor cell-derived exosomes are important in changing the normal microenvironment to make it more receptive for the tumor to spread, says Tabi. Several years ago, there was an attempt to use exosomes as a cancer vaccine. We always thought that was a bad idea. Now we have the evidence to show that, yes, they carry tumor antigens, but its not possible to use them as a cancer vaccine because they have dominant immunosuppressive effects.

All About Organoids

Organoids are 3D cell clusters with the structural and functional features of an organ, and can be generated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or adult stem cells acquired from a specific patient. Consequently, organoids make it possible to study the impact of a drug on a specific disease, even a persons own disease they are changing the face of research and medicine as we know it. Download this eBook to discover more about organoids including their analysis and how they are effecting personalized medicine.

Severe coronavirus infection risk may increase with smoking or vaping, experts claim – Fox News

March 18, 2020 medical

You may want to put down that cigarette or vape, now more than ever. According to some experts, smoking or vaping could make a person more vulnerable to a severe infection with the novel coronavirus.

There haven't been many studies that investigate the link between smoking or vaping and the pandemic sweeping the world. But, it's already established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that smoking harms the immune system and can hinder your body's ability to fight off infections. Smoking also increases inflammation in the body, studies have shown.

All these things make me believe that we are going to have more severe casesespecially [in] people who are [long-term] smokers or vapers, Melodi Pirzada, chief of pediatric pulmonology at NYU Winthrop Hospital on Long Island, told Scientific American.

INSTAGRAM CRACKS DOWN ON CORONAVIRUS-RELATED FILTERS

Although she has not treated COVID-19 patients, she noted that it is definitely common sense to think that once you have a history of smoking or vaping, the whole airways, the defense mechanism of your lungseverything changes."

NUCLEAR CONFLICT ANYWHERE ON EARTH WOULD CAUSE GLOBAL CROP CRISIS

There's not much data, yet, to determine for sure what the impact of smoking may be on COVID-19 patients. One study involved 78 patients with COVID-19 and found that those with a history of smoking had a 14 percent higher risk of developing pneumonia. That research was published online in the Chinese Medical Journal.

For regular smoking, we know it inhibits the ciliary clearance of the airways, Pirzada explained to Scientific American. We have these little [hairlike] structures known as cilia, and they are responsible for taking the toxins and the mucus out of our airways and clearing the lungs when we cough. We know that that is affected when you smoke and when you vape.

Robert Tarran, a professor of cell biology and physiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,told the science publication that while smoking is a known risk factor for the flu, vapers' risk of getting viral infections has not been studied as much. He did note, however, that some studies suggest vapers are more likely to get respiratory infections.

More study is needed to concretely link smoking or vaping to COVID-19, but experts say it's still a safe bet to quit the habit -- as there are numerous other health benefits to doing so.

GET THE FOX NEWS APP

See the rest here:
Severe coronavirus infection risk may increase with smoking or vaping, experts claim - Fox News

Cell Biology

Viewpoint: Science expertise is back at the fore, but we must be honest about what we don’t know – Science Business

March 18, 2020 medical

With COVID-19 spreading fast, people in power are having a hard time keeping up. Best to send for the experts.

If theres anything to be taken from the COVID-19 emergency, it might be that the world has re-discovered its faith in expertise, says Anne Glover president of Scotlands national academy, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and a former chief scientific adviser at the European Commission. Its a great thing that people are turning to science; I would say there was always a very high level of trust in scientists, she told Science|Business.

Populism works by manipulating the emotions of a disaffected group of people. But this is not a great time to be blaming people. Instead, youre seeing individuals stepping up, she said.

Glover doesnt quite characterise events as the return of expertise. By and large, theres a lot of evidence that flows into policymaking all the time. But she says, there is at least a return of authoritative figures to the public eye.

In the UK, chief science adviser Patrick Vallance, chief medical officer Chris Whitty and deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries have all done regular broadcast rounds for the past few weeks, earning praise for their calm and sober assessments.

The crisis cries out for a cooperative response, and youre largely seeing that among the four UK nations, Glover said. In Scotland, we have been seeing a lot of the chief medical officer and Jason Leitch [national clinical director for Scotlands National Health Service]. Both have clear voices and are honest about where the uncertainty lies this is comforting.

We dont want to hear our advisers adopting something like a line to take from policymakers, I would be very nervous if this was the case. Their value is providing evidence and being as straight as possible, said Glover who, from 2006 to 2011, was the chief scientific adviser for Scotland.

French president Emmanuel Macron has called coronavirus a war, but Its actually completely different to war time. Theres something out there we cant see and thats scary, Glover said.

But as long as we put science advice first and foremost and allow citizens full access to the thinking behind decisions, we will get through this. You have to tell people what youre doing but also why youre doing it, she said.

Infodemic

Yet despite the best efforts of science advisers, the feeling is that the UK governments recent handling of the crisis has created an overall confusing picture.

With information and disinformation flowing freely on social media, people are panic buying. Its astonishing I can hardly believe it, said Glover. This phenomenon points to a vacuum of credible information and this includes from scientists, politicians and the media. Without it, were seeing citizens take matters into their own hands.

Theres a huge amount of fake news on Twitter. Governments should be taking advantage of social media they do it during elections and guiding people towards good information sources, she said.

The UKs response to coronavirus has come in for widespread criticism recently after health secretary Matt Hancock distanced the government from the so-called herd immunity strategy that was discussed by chief scientific adviser Vallance last week. Hancock appeared to contradict Vallance, insisting, Herd immunity is not our goal or policy.

The herd immunity theory for COVID-19, which says that if a large number of people develop immunity to the virus, it will eventually stop spreading, has been widely contested. We probably dont know enough about coronavirus yet to talk about herd immunity. We dont know enough about re-infection rates. So herd immunity was a bit of a red herring, Glover said.

Following criticism of the UK government's communications, prime minister Boris Johnson, has begun to hold a daily press briefing. On Monday, Johnson said people in the UK should now stop "nonessential contact" and avoid pubs, clubs and cinemas to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Vallance said school closures could be introduced in the coming weeks (this policy has already been introduced in countries including Ireland and Belgium).

You need the highest level of discipline to have extremely tight communication coming out. Weve been lacking that a bit recently. Its a failure of the translation of advice, Glover said.

She backs calls by scientists to open up the models on which the government is relying to greater scrutiny.

All of us would welcome as much transparency as possible, she said. Opening up the models and their assumptions is a good step because we have a global community of scientists who work without animosity to get the best possible outcome for citizens, she said.

What would an EU science adviser do?

COVID-19 has demonstrated that expertise and institutions matter, but Glover is unsure what role an EU chief science adviser would play in the emergency.

In 2012, Glover became the first and so far only chief scientific adviser to the European Commission. She stepped down from the role in 2014 after incurring the wrath of green groups with her defence of the science behind genetically modified crops.

Many scientists were deeply unhappy when the previous European Commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker, scrapped the position, replacing it with seven scientists in a Scientific Advice Mechanism. The body has not spoken on COVID-19.

Had I been there, I would have been trying to work across all our networks. I would also have been communicating with the president as much as possible, Glover said.

Convening the worlds science advisers over videoconference is another step Glover would have considered. There is an existing network and I think its very powerful. Im very proud of setting it up, she said.

But overall, Glover says shes not sure the role would have been highly valued right now.

If I was there during this time, I dont know if there would be huge value in my announcements. Individual member states are dealing with things themselves and are not looking at Brussels; I wouldnt understand the local conditions in the member states either, she said.

So in some ways it could have been seen as grandstanding and not helpful; you dont want to add to the noise if it doesnt feel valuable, she said.

Glovers background is in molecular and cell biology, with her research exploring at a molecular level the way diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's physically affect our bodies.

Shes optimistic well see a COVID-19 vaccine, but is less certain about when. You dont want to forgo trials. Youd need to also think about a strategy for delivering the vaccine the scale is so massive, she said.

In the meantime, she says well all have to get creative to stretch out our new, limited lifestyles.

I do believe were irrepressibly imaginative. Well have drinks with friends over Skype or via Facetime. My garden is going to get more attention than ever before too, said Glover.

More:
Viewpoint: Science expertise is back at the fore, but we must be honest about what we don't know - Science Business

Biochemistry

ATHLETICS | Mount Union has 20 named Academic All-OAC – The-review

March 18, 2020 medical

Mount Union had 20 winter sports student-athletes recognized as Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference.To be Academic All-OAC a student-athlete must have at least a 3.50 cumulative grade point average and maintain varsity status.

The Mount Union honorees were:

Mens basketball: John Carroll, senior, Massillon Tuslaw, Civil Engineering, 3.61 grade point average;Daniel Laut, junior, Salem, Sport Business, 3.50

Wrestling: David Massey, sophomore, Cuyahoga Falls Woodridge, Exercise Science, 3.90;Grant Martin, senior, Hartville Lake, Marketing and Management, 3.72

Womens basketball: Sarah Hessel, senior, Avon Lake, Biochemistry, 3.88;Corenna Maynard, sophomore, Chagrin Falls Kenston, Biomedical Engineering, 3.71;Hannah Schaefer, senior, Dublin Coffman, Early Childhood Education, 3.66

Mens swimming/diving: Brett Scheib, sophomore, Gibsonia, Pa., Hampton, Biochemistry, 4.00;Derek Currey, junior, McDonald, Pa., West Allegheny, Physical Education, 3.90;Ronald Milam, sophomore, Uniontown Lake, Criminal Justice, 3.80,Nick Dye, sophomore, Massillon Jackson, Pre-Physical Therapy, 3.67;Robert Ranallo, Willoughby Gilmour Academy, Computer Science, 3.74;Joseph Palmquist, senior, North Huntingdon, Pa., Norwin, Political Science, 3.59;Mark Silver, junior, Painesville Riverside, Marketing and Management, 3.51

Womens swimming/diving: Aurelia Incristi, sophomore, Rockwall, Texas, Biochemistry, 4.00;Lindsay Collins, sophomore, Massillon Jackson, English, 3.81;Kaitlyn DeWitt, sophomore, Hudson, Biology, 3.81;Harlie Murphy, sophomore, Louisville, Nursing, 3.73;Lauren Stajcar, junior, Strongsville, Psychology, 3.72;Stacy Witschey, sophomore, Wadsworth, Human Resource Management, 3.54

Continued here:
ATHLETICS | Mount Union has 20 named Academic All-OAC - The-review

Biochemistry

Scientists have discovered the origins of the building blocks of life – Space Daily

March 18, 2020 medical

Rutgers researchers have discovered the origins of the protein structures responsible for metabolism: simple molecules that powered early life on Earth and serve as chemical signals that NASA could use to search for life on other planets.

Their study, which predicts what the earliest proteins looked like 3.5 billion to 2.5 billion years ago, is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The scientists retraced, like a many thousand piece puzzle, the evolution of enzymes (proteins) from the present to the deep past. The solution to the puzzle required two missing pieces, and life on Earth could not exist without them. By constructing a network connected by their roles in metabolism, this team discovered the missing pieces.

"We know very little about how life started on our planet. This work allowed us to glimpse deep in time and propose the earliest metabolic proteins," said co-author Vikas Nanda, a professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a resident faculty member at the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine.

"Our predictions will be tested in the laboratory to better understand the origins of life on Earth and to inform how life may originate elsewhere. We are building models of proteins in the lab and testing whether they can trigger reactions critical for early metabolism."

A Rutgers-led team of scientists called ENIGMA (Evolution of Nanomachines in Geospheres and Microbial Ancestors) is conducting the research with a NASA grant and via membership in the NASA Astrobiology Program. The ENIGMA project seeks to reveal the role of the simplest proteins that catalyzed the earliest stages of life.

"We think life was built from very small building blocks and emerged like a Lego set to make cells and more complex organisms like us," said senior author Paul G. Falkowski, ENIGMA principal investigator and a distinguished professor at Rutgers University-New Brunswick who leads the Environmental Biophysics and Molecular Ecology Laboratory. "We think we have found the building blocks of life - the Lego set that led, ultimately, to the evolution of cells, animals and plants."

The Rutgers team focused on two protein "folds" that are likely the first structures in early metabolism. They are a ferredoxin fold that binds iron-sulfur compounds, and a "Rossmann" fold, which binds nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA and RNA). These are two pieces of the puzzle that must fit in the evolution of life.

Proteins are chains of amino acids and a chain's 3D path in space is called a fold. Ferredoxins are metals found in modern proteins and shuttle electrons around cells to promote metabolism. Electrons flow through solids, liquids and gases and power living systems, and the same electrical force must be present in any other planetary system with a chance to support life.

There is evidence the two folds may have shared a common ancestor and, if true, the ancestor may have been the first metabolic enzyme of life.

Research paper

Related LinksRutgers UniversityLands Beyond Beyond - extra solar planets - news and scienceLife Beyond Earth

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.

Read the original here:
Scientists have discovered the origins of the building blocks of life - Space Daily

Biochemistry

How to Prepare for the MCAT Exam – Azusa Pacific University

March 18, 2020 medical

The Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, is a standardized exam required for admission to medical schools in the United States. Any student pursuing a career as a physician will take this multiple-choice, computer-based test before applying to medical school.

For many, the MCAT exam is synonymous with getting into medical school. Heres what you should know about the MCAT exam, when to take it, and how to start preparing.

The MCAT assesses a students readiness for medical school. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the content for the exam falls into four categories:

The MCAT exam is administered multiple times each year from January through September. Premedical students generally take the exam the year before they hope to start medical school. It is important to note that you shouldnt take the exam prior to completing the prerequisite coursework. In fact, you may want to consider taking an MCAT course in order to ensure you are well prepared. If you want to start medical school in fall 2024, then you should plan to take the MCAT in 2023, if prerequisite coursework has been completed and you are well-prepared.

According to the AAMC, the exam follows a biannual registration schedule, with registration opening in October for test dates in January through June and in February for test dates in July through September.

When the time comes for you to take the MCAT, its a good idea to register soon after registration opens. Test days can fill up quickly, so its wise to reserve your seat early on.

As you can probably guess, preparing for the MCAT starts well before the exam. This preparation begins by focusing on learning and success in prerequisite and recommended courses.

Students are encouraged to study English and sciences like general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and calculus. These core science courses, plus a semester of biochemistry, are required for the majority of medical schools, so its important for students to prioritize these classes while planning academic schedules. In addition to these prerequisite courses, training in microbiology, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, and mammalian physiology can lead to enhanced preparation for the exam and medical school. These courses are included as part of the majors in the Department of Biology and Chemistry at APU.

Students who show the drive and strong grades in prerequisite courses (A or B) may be admitted to the premedical track by APUs Department of Biology and Chemistry. Students can apply for this track while taking Cell Biology and Organic Chemistry (typically in the spring of their sophomore year). Once admitted to the pre-medical track, theyll have greater access to premedical-specific advising, an in-house MCAT review course, a mock interview, and a committee letter.

According to an AAMC survey, students studied for the MCAT exam an average of 20 hours each week for three months. In addition to establishing this sort of schedule, students are encouraged to join study groups, take weekly practice tests to assess progress, use study guides, and care for their health by getting plenty of rest and eating well.

While getting a good GPA and score on the MCAT can definitely help students move closer toward acceptance into medical school, there are a number of other factors to consider when applying. Medical schools like to see strong problem-solving, oral communication, leadership, teamwork, and service. Students should consider engaging in research, getting shadowing experience, volunteering, and working as a teaching assistant or supplemental instruction leader in order to develop these competencies.

Joining the medical field takes hard work and dedication. But knowing whats expected, whats to come, and how to best prepare are the first steps in equipping you for medical school.

Are you interested in learning more about pursuing a career in medicine? Explore APUs premedical track.

Posted: March 17, 2020

Go here to see the original:
How to Prepare for the MCAT Exam - Azusa Pacific University

Biochemistry

Finding the Presence – Thrive Global

March 18, 2020 medical

When were consciously present here and now, were larger than our separate self, were the one universal self in all of us.

This one self is consciousness in the Universe, the conscious intelligence in all space. Its transforming itself into the biochemistry of our human body so we can experience being alive.

This inexpressible conscious space in all of us brings experiencing into our lives.

Were not our thoughts about ourself, were the one conscious space in all of us thats giving rise to thoughts.

Were consciousness in the Universe appearing as human beings.

When we pay attention to this conscious space, it dissolves us into itself and brings insight and intuitions emerging from it into our awareness.

Consciously realizing the inner space helps us enter into the stillness and silence of this cosmic presence and bring its clarity and wisdom into our life.

As we tune in to the field and evolve our awareness, we can begin to see ourselves as active participants in the evolution of conscious awareness in all of us.

Active participants in this evolution because were joined into the intelligence of the living and conscious Universe, the cosmic intelligence thats transforming itself into all life everywhere.

Tuning into the presence of cosmic intelligence helps us intuitively realize that its continuously transforming the energy fabric of itself, making itself visible, touchable and knowable as all of us and everything around us.

The visible Universe is coming into being in a flow of continuous emergence, as cosmic intelligence vibrationally transforms itself into the clusters of energy fluctuations which appear to us as the flowers, trees and human beings of our world.

Cosmic consciousness is becoming more awake to itself, experiencing life within trillions of living beings throughout the Universe.

In a streaming flow of emergence, from the non-visible to the visible, cosmic energy and intelligence are being transformed into the interwoven orchestration of living-cell biochemistry, becoming observable as our own human hand.

When we inwardly focus our attention, we can begin to soften the boundaries around our separate sense of self, dissolve our ego slightly and realize the intelligent awareness of the one conscious space in all of us everywhere.

A conscious, cosmic awareness is continuously transforming itself into everything and everyone, and we get in sync with it by inwardly focusing our attention.

We can then more clearly hear the intuitions and insights emerging from this universal consciousness and access its transformative power.

Each one of us is an unlimited cosmic intelligence transforming itself into the living form of a human being for the duration of a human life.

Paul Mulliner is a writer and digital artist

This article was first published here on Medium.com

Anatomy

Spinal Anatomy Center | Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar …

March 18, 2020 medical

The spinal column (vertebral column or backbone) provides both structural and nervous system support for your entire body. Made up of 34 bones, the spinal column holds the body upright, allows it to bend and twist with ease and provides a conduit for major nerves running from the brain to the tips of the toesand everywhere in between.

Here we explain the basics about spinal anatomy to help you understand your back or neck pain, the doctors diagnosis and treatment plan, and 10 steps you can take today to help prevent a spine problem.

Structures and regions of the vertebral spinal column. Photo Source: Shutterstock.com.

The entire spinal column consists of 24 individual bones called vertebrae (singular vertebra), plus 2 sections of naturally fused vertebraethe sacrum and the coccyxlocated at the very bottom of the spine. When most people talk about the spinal column, theyre actually referring to the vertebral column: the 24 circular vertebrae that march down the middle of the back.

The vertebral column can be divided into 5 regions:

A normal vertebral column creates a graceful, double-S curve when viewed from the side of the body. The cervical vertebrae gently curve inward, while the thoracic spine curves gently outward, followed by the lumbar spine, which curves inward again. This structure gives the spinal column great strength and shock-absorbing qualities.

The sacrum (or sacral spine) is a triangular-shaped bone located below the last lumbar spinal vertebrae. The sacrum sits between the hip bones (called iliac bones) and forms the back of the pelvis. The sacrum connects to the pelvis at the left and right sides by the sacroiliac joints (SI joints).

Immediately below the sacrum are 3 to 5 small bones that naturally fuse together at adulthood forming the coccyx or tailbone. Sometimes the coccyx is termed the coccygeal vertebrae. Although the tailbone is very small and may seem insignificant, it plays an important role in supporting your weight when you sit.

The lower lumbar spine (orange) connects to the sacrum (red); the coccyx, or tailbone is below the sacral spine. Photo Source: Shutterstock.com.

The spinal column doesnt consist only of bones. To maintain its double-S shape, provide skeletal support and route the nerves where they need to go, the spine also relies on a number of supporting structures.

First among these structures are the spinal discs, called intervertebral discs. Each disc is similar to a fibrous pad of tissue (called fibrocartilage) and anchored in place by vertebral endplates (called cartilaginous endplates) starting at C3 through L5-sacrum. These discs act as interbody spacers and shock absorbers. Notably, there is no spinal disc between C1 and C2, nor is there a disc between the sacrum and the coccyx.

Facet joints are paired (left, right sides) at the back of each vertebral body (C3-L5). Sometimes these joints are called zygapophyseal or apophyseal joints. These joints help stabilize the spine while allowing flexion (bending forward), extension (bending backward) and twisting movement (called articulation). Similar to other joints in the body, each facet joint is encased in a capsule of connective tissue that produces a nourishing fluid that lubricates the joint. Cartilage coats the joint surfaces ensuring smooth movement.

The vertebral bodies, intervertebral discs and facet joints are illustrated to show how these structures work together to support the spinal column and enable movement. Photo Source: Shutterstock.com.

Different types of spinal ligamentsstrong, tough, bands of tissueconnect the vertebrae, discs and facet joints to help stabilize and support the spinal column at rest and during movement. The ligaments act like stretchy-like tension cords that allow the spines bones, discs and joints (facet joints) to move within a limited range.

And, of course, small and large spinal muscles and tendons help stabilize and strengthen the vertebral column while supporting and limiting extreme bending, flexing and twisting movements.

The vertebral column serves to protect the spinal cord and nerve roots, which are part of the central nervous system that starts at the base of the brain. The vertebral structures form a continuous round hollow space that houses the spinal cord from the cervical through lumbar spine.

Small nerve roots branch off from the spinal cord and exit the vertebral column through foramen, also called foramina or neuroforamen. Each foraminal space is created on the left and right sides of an intervertebral disc, which is anchored between 2 vertebral bodies. After the nerve root exits the spinal column, it branches out into the peripheral nervous systemthat serves the entire body head to toe.

Near L1 and the sacrum, the spinal cord ends and becomes a fanlike wisp of nerves called the cauda equina resembling a horses tail.

If you envision the spinal canal as an interstate highway, you can imagine the foramen as highway exits. Each set of spinal nerves exit the spinal canal through the foramina associated with a particular part of the body that nerve system supportsnerves enable the function (motor) and feeling (sensation). For example, the nerves that provide sensation to the fingers exit the spinal canal via foramina in the cervical spinebecause that segment is located nearest the hands.

Spine specialists have a deep understanding of the nervous system, including cause and effect of spinal disorders. The patients description of their symptoms coupled with a physical and neurological examination help the spine doctor diagnose the problem (eg, sciatica) and its cause (eg, herniated disc).

Listed below are parts of the body associated with regions of the spinal column:

Detailed illustration of the human nervous system. Photo Source: Shutterstock.com.

Its never too late to implement lifestyle changes to help reduce your risk of developing a spinal disorder. Even some accidents may be preventable. These 10 spine care tips can help get you started:

Updated on: 03/03/20

Visit link:
Spinal Anatomy Center | Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar ...

Anatomy

The Anatomy of a Pandemic – theTrumpet.com

March 18, 2020 medical

Medical staff takes samples at a drive-through coronavirus testing lab set up by a local community center in West Palm Beach, Miami.

CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images

Hosted by Stephen Flurry Aired March 17 55 minutes

00:30 Laws of Radiant Health (5 minutes)

During this time of public health crisis, its important to remember Herbert W. Armstrongs seven laws of radiant health. In this segment, I remind listeners about those seven laws and emphasize the importance of a positive mental attitude!

05:20 Coronavirus Hysteria (18 minutes)

How does the coronavirus compare to other outbreaks and causes of death? In this segment, I try to put todays pandemic in perspective.

23:30 Politically Motivated Hysteria? (32 minutes)

President Donald Trumps enemies continue to politicize the coronavirus to attack and undermine his presidency. Meanwhile, commentators who draw attention to this are viciously attacked.

Subscribe to the Trumpet Daily Radio Show on Apple Podcasts, Google Play or by RSS

Download past episodes here.

See the article here:
The Anatomy of a Pandemic - theTrumpet.com