Doctor Column
A 21st Century Scientific Revolution? CRISPR-Case 9
April 5, 2021
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier have ignited a scientific revolution. In 2020, both shared the Nobel Prize in chemistry for their pioneering work in gene editing (also called genome editing or genetic engineering). This innovative technology, CRISPR-Cas9, allows scientists to more easily and accurately repair or enhance an organism’s faulty DNA.
Echocardiogram Stress Test
March 25, 2021
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
A cardiac stress test evaluates the health of the heart. Sometimes called a treadmill stress test, it contrasts how the heart functions at rest compared to how it functions with activity. Either a treadmill or a stationary bicycle is commonly used by the person to put the heart under increased, physical stress.
Long Term Effects of COVID-19 The Unfinished Story of “Long COVID—Long Haulers.”
March 15, 2021
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Among the several hundred coronaviruses, seven cause human disease. Four of them cause mild symptoms such as the common cold. However, three of them have emerged in this century and globally to bring about severe illness and deaths.
Fibromyalgia Lady Gaga’s Invisible Pain
March 5, 2021
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Millions heard Lady Gaga sing the national anthem at Joseph Biden, Jr’s presidential inauguration on January 20, 2021 in Washington D. C. However, how many realized she has been struggling with a disorder that has long frustrated patients and doctors?
From Treadmill to Marathon Julie’s Story — “I Did It!”
February 25, 2021
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
You don’t have to be, as if anyone could be, Haile Gebrselassie to be a good runner. Haile is considered, by many, to be the greatest distance runner in history. This 5 foot 5 inch and 119 pound dynamo, in his prime, shattered 61 Ethiopian national records ranging from 800 meters to the marathon, established 27 world records and captured two Olympic gold medals. An Ethiopian national hero recognized by New African magazine in 2011 as being one of the 100 most influential Africans.
“Is the Loss of Smell and Taste a Sure Sign of COVID-19?”
February 15, 2021
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Over the past several months, problems with a person’s ability to smell or taste has been in the news for different reasons. Increasing evidence suggest that a loss of smell or taste is an early warning sign of Covid-19.
“Is Vitamin D Deficiency a Risk Factor for COVID-19?” Know Your Vitamin D Level
February 5, 2021
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
In a previous article, I touted the benefits of Vitamin D. I wrote: “Besides helping the intestinal absorption of calcium and bone health, there are other benefits of maintaining the vitamin D level within a normal range.
Different Face Masks and How They Protect Us Against COVID-19
January 25, 2021
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Two hairstylists in Springfield, Missouri complaining of respiratory symptoms tested positive for COVID-19 in May of 2020. They continued working at their job for approximately one week until they got back the positive test results for the virus.
Mask-On: The Reasons I “Don’t Leave Home Without It”
January 15, 2021
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Face masks are “the most powerful public health tool” the country has against COVID-19. CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield continued: “We have clear scientific evidence they work and they are our best defense. I might even go so far as to say this face mask is more guaranteed to protect me against COVID than when I take a COVID vaccine.”
Top Ten Questions About COVID-19 Vaccines by the ‘Average Joe’
January 5, 2021
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
“Kindly roll up your sleeve, I’m going to clean the area with an alcohol swab. You’ll feel a pinprick and it’ll be all over. I just want you to remain here for 15 to 30 minutes before leaving.” We’ve heard this spiel many times in the past before getting an injection.
