Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DN06krQ2q-f/Immunologists at the Medical University of South Carolina have found a way to direct the body’s immune system to censor itself permitting transplanted human organs to flourish with medicinal immunosuppression.  Their study appeared recently in Frontiers in Immunology.The investigators genetically engineered so-called regulatory T cells, Treg lymphocytes, to selectively destroy those B lymphocytes programmed to produce the antibodies that attack transplanted organs. This self-immunosuppression could extend the life of transplanted organs and permit so-called presensitized patients with pre-existing B lymphocytes ready to churn out anti-organ antibodies an opportunity for successful transplantation. Let’s hope clinical trials demonstrate the utility of this approach.https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250817/Genetically-engineered-immune-cells-show-promise-for-preventing-organ-rejection.aspxhttps://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DN05tuXXix_/In the search for ever more effective and selective ways to fight cancer, researchers at Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science in collaboration with those at Rockefeller University have bioengineered a bacterium that selectively ferries a cell-killing virus into cancer cells.  They call this system CAPPSID which stands for Coordinated Activity of Prokaryote and Picornavirus for Safe Intracellular Delivery.The prokaryote in question is a salmonella species and the picornavirus is the Senecavirus.  This salmonella selectively invades tumor cells and delivers not only the virus but also an enzyme necessary to activate the virus once inside the tumor cell.  This permits the virus to slip past the immune system, sneak into cancers, and attack tumor cells from the inside.Using a preclinical mouse model, the bacteria successfully homed in on their tumors, delivered the virus, and then self-destructed to release it. To prevent the virus from

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DN04xTN2nvK/Blah, blah blah you’re thinking.  Yea, yea, yea Dr. Smith I’ve heard this all before.  PLEASE don’t click off and give me a couple minutes to help you save your own life or the lives of those you love.An astounding 77% of Americans do not know that blood pressures greater than 130/80 are a significant risk for heart attack and stroke as well as dementia, kidney failure, and blindness.  One in 4 still think the numbers are the old cutoffs 140/90.  So discovered University of Pennsylvania public health researchers after they they surveyed 1653 of our friends and neighbors this past April.Among their key findings:-24% don’t know the blood pressure levels that are considered high.  The cutoff is now 130/80, not 140/90.-37% assume incorrectly that high blood pressure always has noticeable symptoms like dizziness and shortness of breath; they don’t know that high blood pressure is a silent illness.-39% think that your blood pressure is fine if you are calm and relax

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DN038nZ3AWE/Even a mild case of CoVid will age your vital arteries 5 years.  This from a study by French cardiologists recently published in the European Heart Journal. The cardiovascular researchers studied data from 2090 individuals in 16 countries from late 2020 through early 2022.  Arterial aging was estimated by measuring the degree of vessel stiffness using pulse wave propagation measurements.  The negative effects of a CoVid infection were more significant in women and in those reporting lingering, long CoVid symptoms.On the positive side, those vaccinated against CoVid suffered less arterial stiffening following a CoVid infection.  Add this to the other benefits of vaccination including a less severe infection with a significantly lower risk of death.It’s important to note that vascular aging, when “natural” or prodded along by CoVid, can be reduced by exercise, blood pressure control, healthy eating, and cholesterol-lowering medications.  Just to repeat, If unche

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DN023UfWjJq/So-called “clear e-cigarettes that contain synthetic cooling agents trigger greater blood pressure and heart rate increases than menthol flavored e-cigarettes.  Yale and Boston University researchers issue this warning following their study of 200 young adult vapers and non-vapers.  They analyzed 3 groups: 23 clear-ecig vapers; 111 non-clear vapers; and 73 non-vapers. Their paper appears in the Journal of the American Heart Association.These “clear” vapes contain WS-23 or WS-3, both synthetic coolants that mimic menthol’s cooling effects but impart no flavor to the vapor. The data revealed that these agents were associated with greater heart strains than e-cigs containing menthol itself. The investigators suggest that these synthetic cooling agents have been introduced to circumvent bans against flavorings in vaping products, such as the ones in Massachusetts, California, New York State, Delaware, and elect cities around the country,.While this study only look

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNrzfRnaKSG/This bacteria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. It can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Affected is Lot Number 615.About 12 cases of this cheese was sold at Cheese Plate Brooklyn – Park Slope and Cheese Plate Brooklyn – Carroll Gardens between July 24 and August 13, 2025.Return this cheese to the place of purchase for a full refund.   For questions, contact Fromi USA at 1-212-583-4920 or via the email info@fromiusa.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fromi-usa-recalls-brie-royal-faucon-1kg-because-possible-health-risk#fromi #brie #cheese #listeria #infection #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNrymjdWsfn/This bacterium causes a severe and sometimes fatal systemic infection in the very young, older frail individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.  Listeria can also trigger miscarriages and stillbirths.  The affected items include 100% Grass-Fed Pepper Jack Cheese with Lot Code 251661; Copia Collective 100% Grass-Fed Pepper Jack Cheese with Lot Code 251661; Horseradish Flavored Cheese with Lot Code 2524061; Monterey Jack Cheese with Lot Code 251672 and s dated 7-16-25B; and Farmers Cheese in the same sizes and codes.About 5,433 pounds of cheese were sold in Ohio between July 14 and August 7, 2025. The products were shipped to manufacturers, distributors, and sold in retail stores across the state.Do not not eat these cheeses. Return them to the place of purchase for a refund. For questions, contact Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op at 1-440-632-5567 or via the email nevinbyler@middlefieldcheese.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNq6jI3M-Yh/These frozen shrimp are contaminated with the radionuclide Cesium-137. Cesium-137 is a man-made radioisotope, and long-term, repeated low-dose exposure may increase the risk of cancer. Affected products include raw and cooked frozen shrimp with lot numbers including 087305, 095944, 111154, 095946, 109562, 109540, 109541, 109542, 125143, 130632, 128267, 134010, and 128275. The frozen shrimp were sold in Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington state between July 17 and August 8, 2025. Do not eat this recalled frozen shrimp. Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. For questions, contact Southwind Foods at 1-323-262-8222.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/southwind-foods-llc-recalls-frozen-shrimp-because-possible-health-risk#southwind #frozen #shrimp #radioactive #cesium137 #Cancer #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNq54scp_T2/These hair dryers lack an immersion protection device thereby creating a risk of death or serious injury from electrocution or shock if the hair dryers fall into water while plugged in. Affected is model number D3190DCDNAbout 56,300 hairdryers were sold in the US at Walmart Marketplace, Target Marketplace, and Amazon from March 2024.Immediately unplug and stop using these dangerous hair dryers. To receive a full refund, submit a photo of the hair dryer with its power cord cut in half through the recall registration portal at remingtonproducts.com/product-recalls and follow the disposal instructions provided on the website. For more information, contact Empower Brands at 1-844-695-2134 or via the email HairdryerRecall@Spectrumbrands.com.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Empower-Brands-Recalls-Remington-Hair-Dryers-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Electrocution-and-Shock-Hazards#remington #hairdryer #electrocution #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNq5RgHJ50p/The locking mechanisms on these ladders jam and fail to fully lock into place creating fall hazards. The recalled ladders are model numbers ALMP-20IAA and ALMP-24IAA.About 122,250 ladders were sold in the US at Home Depot stores nationwide and online at HomeDepot.com from November 2021 through February 2024.Stop climbing on these recalled ladders and contact Werner at 1-888-624-1907 or via email ladder@realtimeresults.net to obtain a full refund. Register at wernerco.com/recalls to receive disposal instructions. Once disposal is confirmed, Werner will issue a refund by check.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Werner-Recalls-20-and-24-Multi-Max-Pro-Multi-Purpose-Ladders-Due-to-Fall-Hazard#werner #ladders #collapse #falls #injuries #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNq4nTJp4gJ/This fuel bottle’s nozzle applicator is not child-resistant creating a deadly poisoning hazard since these bottles contain volatile hydrocarbons that cause chemical pneumonias and fatal lung damage. The bottles are also incorrectly labeled as “Non-Toxic.”About 11,275 fuel bottles were sold in the US at Amazon.com, Walmart.com, and Fireflyfuel.com from August 2019 through May 2025.Immediately remove the nozzle applicator and reinstall the original child-resistant closure. If the child-resistant closure is not available, secure the fuel bottles out of the reach of children. Contact Firefly Fuel at 1-888-472-6740 or via email support@fireflyfuel.com to obtain a free corrected label and a free child-resistant lid if the original is missing.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Firefly-Fuel-Recalls-Firefly-Safe-Green-32-oz-Fuel-Bottles-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Poisoning-to-Young-Children-Violates-Multiple-Mandatory-Standards#firefly #fuelbottle #nozz

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNq3i2BN-WU/This kettle’s infuser basket lid loosens and falls off during use creating a burn hazard. The affected kettles have lot codes 022020, 022021, 022022, 042022, 022023, or 032023.About 40,000 kettles were sold in the US online at HSN.com and through the HSN television network from August 2020 through January 2025.Stop using the recalled tea kettles and contact Synergy Housewares at 1-855-837-4111 or by visiting claims.synergyhousewares.com/recall to receive a free replacement lid.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Synergy-Housewares-Recalls-Wolfgang-Puck-Petite-Tea-Kettles-Due-to-Burn-Hazard-Sold-on-HSN#wolfgangpuck #teakettle #lid #burns #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNq2lgrJ071/These bottles fail to withstand normal operating pressures during use and create serious impact, laceration, and hearing damage hazards. The affected bottles have expiration dates between January 2026 and October 2026.About 106,200 bottles were sold in the US, and about 5,000 were sold in Canada online at iDrinkproducts.com, Walmart.com, Amazon.com, Target.com, and HomeDepot.com from April 2023 through October 2024.Stop using these recalled bottles and contact Drinkmate at 1-844-812-6241 or via the email support@idrinkproducts.com in order to receive a free replacement or more information. You will be asked to complete a replacement form, upload a photo of the bottle marked with the word “Recall” to idrinkproducts.com/pages/drinkmate-safety-recall-of-1l-pet-bottles.  Then, dispose of the bottle and use the code provided by the website to order a free replacement with shipping included.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Drinkmate-Recalls-1-Liter-Carbonation-Bott

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNq1y7fJ0CN/This unit’s lithium-ion battery overheats creating fire and burn hazards. Affected are models 2G520, 2G505B, and 2G512B.About 24,000 units were sold in the US, and about 9,900 were sold in Canada online at Amazon.com, Homedepot.com, and Esrtech.com from September 2023 through July 2025.Stop using these recalled power banks and contact Waymeet at 1-888-990-0280 or via the email support@esrtech.com for a full refund. You will need to email your order number, if available, and a photo of your recalled unit showing the model number with the word “Recalled” written on it in permanent marker. Then dispose of the  product according to local hazardous waste disposal regulations and not in the trash, curbside recycling, or battery collection bins.https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/ESR-HaloLock-Wireless-Power-Banks-Recalled-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards-Distributed-by-Waymeet#waymeet #powerbank #battery #lithiumion #overheating #fires #burns #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNeAc9Iv79P/The best time to take a test is between 11 AM and 1 PM.  Psychologists at Italy’s University of Messina analyzed the results of 104,552 oral exams conducted at universities and found that those yielding passing grades occurred midday.  Pass rates tend to dip early in the morning and again late in the afternoon.  In addition, test scores among those with passing grades were higher during this day period.The researchers attribute this pattern to three factors: biological rhythms, decision fatigue, and chronotype mismatches between students and professors.  Students tend to be night owls while university professors have peak performances earlier in the day.The study also suggests that this pattern could impact other situations where sharp intellectual performances are critical.  These include job interviews, courtroom proceedings, and media appearances.So if given a choice, grab that midday slot.https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040928.htmhttps:

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNd_g0dN0lg/The low calorie and restricted nutrient diets that many overweight and obese men are following have a significant chance of making them depressed.  The University of Toronto’s Departments of Psychiatry and Biostatistics reviewed data from more than 28,000 US men gathered from 2007 to 2018.While calorie-restrictive diets were associated with a bump in depressive feelings as well as a decline in cognitive performance, nutrient-restrictive diets intensified this effect.  Both calorie and nutrient restrictions led to more significant and negative emotional effects in men compared with women.  Such effects did not occur in balanced diets that included omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12.So guys….. if you plan to embark on a weight loss program, be certain your diet includes essential nutrients.  One good way to do this is to seek the advice of a certified clinical nutritionist.https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250607103056.htmhttps://nutrition.bmj.com/c

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNd-p9zO5Hl/Nicotine pouches ingestions have surged some 700% between the years 2020 and 2023.  This from a study by Nationwide Children’s Hospital that analyzed national poison control data from 2010 to 2023 on over 134,000 cases of nicotine ingestion in children under 6. The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that the majority of the ingestions occurred in children under 2 years old.  This is likely because kids can easily mistake the small, brightly colored, and flavored nicotine pouches for candy. Even small amounts of nicotine can be poisonous for young children.If you as a parent feel the need to use nicotine in any form but particularly in pouches, store the nicotine in a secure place not accessible by curious children. If your kids do manage to get their hands on this or any potential poison, be aware that the National Capitol Poison Help Line is available to help you 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222.https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/156/2/e2024

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNd97UEOGKy/Ovulating women produce three organic chemicals that, when vaporized, are pleasing to men and trigger their more favorable opinion of the women emanating them.  This intriguing study from the University of Tokyo’s Department of Applied Biological Chemistry and its International Research Center for Neurointelligence.  During the study, 84 scent samples, collected from women during various phases of their menstrual cycles, were presented to 21 men. Each odor was rated for its level of pleasantness, its effect on the rater’s mood, and its impact on the rater’s impression of women in pictures.The 3 compounds prevalent during ovulation, geranylacetone, tetradecanoic acid, and hexadecenoic acid, were rated as pleasing, tended to relax and de-stress the male raters, and were associated with more positive impressions of the pictured women.Though the researchers stopped short of calling these organic chemicals pheromones, they did label them as pheromone-like.The botto

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNd8-nmPeM1/More hope for the needle-phobic comes researchers at North Carolina State University.  Lacing ordinary dental floss with vaccine permits vaccine delivery to the thin, permeable gum tissue between teeth and gums known as the junctional epithelium.Testing this dental floss vaccination technique in mice, it produced stronger respiratory lining immunity than traditional oral vaccines and comparable  immunity to nasal vaccines. The floss vaxing worked with mRNA, protein-based, and inactivated virus vaccines, and floss picks or swords also worked well.Just as the sugar cube revolutionized polio immunizations, dental floss vaccinations may become the next big thing, particularly for children with teeth, for those who abhor needles, and for even those who want to vaccinate themselves.https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011820.htmhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41551-025-01451-3#vaccine #floss #needlephobia #children

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DNd8M5osKnr/Ovarian cancer cells tend to be resistant to the best cancer therapies including chemo-, radiation-, and immuno.  University of Chicago OB-GYN oncologists, collaborating with the National Cancer Institute’s Experimental Therapeutics researchers, now look to a novel approach that seeks to disarm the so-called Cancer Associated Fibroblasts, CAFs, that provide protective cover for the cancer cells themselves.A tumor-induced enzyme NNMT is necessary for normal fibroblasts to convert into the CAFs that shield the ovarian cancer cells by suppressing the body’s immune no reaction to them and permit the cancer to flourish and metastasize to other parts of the body.The UChicago team developed a powerful NNMT inhibitor compound that successfully halts this transformation at least in a preclinical mouse ovarian cancer model.  Administering this drug along with immune checkpoint inhibitors effectively halted tumor growth.This approach may finally yield effective therapy f