I am sure you’ve noticed that almost always I use peer-reviewed journals to report on developments. The few times I haven’t, I made it clear that the results had not undergone peer-review, but many folks had already examined the data and found it worthy- and those results would help folks respond to situations that required timely responses.
Continue reading No more BS please!
Wow! Who knew that the SBA (Small Business Administration) could react quickly. Those of us who watched its (in)action after Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Harvey weren’t surprised to see just 900 EIDL’s (Economic Injury Disaster Loans) handled a day after the CARES Act was passed to help business cope with the pandemic.
Continue reading Are you EIDL?
So, we’ve discussed SARS-CoV-2 ad infinitum. (Or, at least it so feels.)
To remind you of a few facts- these are coronaviruses- so that means the surface of the virus is replete with spikes. This particular virus’ spikes afford it the ability to bind even more effectively with our cells. And, since it binds specifically to ACE2 receptors- which regulate our blood pressure (recall many folks with high blood pressure take ACE2 inhibitors)- that means folks with high blood pressure are even more susceptible to virulent attacks.
Continue reading An unlucky response?
An oximeter. The little device a health practitioner clips onto a patient’s finger that affords a clear and accurate determination of the patient’s oxygenation status.
Continue reading A Dream Fulfilled
Sometimes classmates- even ones from long ago- can come to the rescue.
That’s what Dr. Ramy Arnaout of Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital (Boston) found, when he reached his pals at MIT. Thankfully, MIT has been deeply involved in what they call the Manus Project- promoting 3D and other rapid manufacturing techniques.
Continue reading A Swab in Time
After my report on Monday, you will be pleased with what I share with you today. (I skipped yesterday, since I needed to note the 72nd anniversary of Israel’s founding.)
Continue reading These tests pass!
If you’ve never interned in a hospital or were a graduate student whose funding was running out, you won’t appreciate the fervor of this activity.
Continue reading The Tests Fail?
This year, the 15th of April came and went. It was not the day our taxes were due. (Thankfully for our clients, since we were barred from working on the 15th due to the major Jewish festival.) Another change in this world due to COVID-19. Of course, my calendar is not changed by the pandemic- last night marked the end of the Pesach (Passover) holiday. When work is not permitted.
Continue reading The Ides of April
Oh, no. Not again!
So, yesterday, I brought conditions in dialysis centers to your attention. Where conditions are fraught, where COVID-19 can truly become epidemic in each center. That’s the reason why two competing firms- Fresenius and DaVita, along with a slew of other (much, much smaller entities) are working out a deal to set up COVID-19 specific dialysis centers. The goal is to isolate patients suspected of harboring the virus and those already deemed positive, without sending these folks to emergency rooms. (If they are symptomatic, those folks will be shifted to emergency rooms for treatment.)
Continue reading The God Committees are Back!