Q and A: about health and research

When managing blood disorders such as ADAMTS13 deficiency , high erythrocytosis , or polycythemia vera (PV) , understanding which medications to avoid is critical. Certain drugs can worsen symptoms, trigger relapses, or increase the risk of serious complications such as thrombosis or leukemia. This article outlines key medications to avoid for each condition and the rationale behind these recommendations. ADAMTS13 Deficiency (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura - TTP) ADAMTS13 deficiency, especially in TTP, can be either inherited (congenital) or acquired. Medications can act as direct triggers for acquired TTP, particularly in individuals already at risk. Medications to Avoid: Antiplatelet Drugs : Ticlopidine and clopidogrel (Plavix) are known causes of drug-induced TTP and should be avoided. Chemotherapy Agents : Mitomycin C and cisplatin may induce TTP by damaging the vascular endothelium or triggering immune responses. Hormonal Therapies : Estrogen-containing birt...

Introduction The immune system is a complex and highly coordinated network of cells and molecules that protect the body from infections, eliminate harmful substances, and clear dead or damaged cells. Among its key components are opsonins —specialized proteins that play a pivotal role in enhancing the ability of immune cells to recognize, engulf, and destroy invading pathogens and cellular debris. Although not as commonly discussed as antibodies or white blood cells, opsonins are fundamental to effective immune function. This article provides an in-depth examination of opsonins, how they work, their biological significance, consequences of their malfunction, and the clinical relevance of their function. What Are Opsonins? Opsonins are proteins that act as molecular "tags," binding to the surface of foreign invaders (such as bacteria and viruses), as well as to dead or dying host cells. This process, known as opsonization , marks these targets for destruction or clearance ...

  Pain and Impatience: Understanding the Connection Pain—particularly physical chronic pain or pain resulting from brain infections or injuries—can significantly heighten impatience. This occurs because pain disrupts the brain’s ability to regulate emotions, impairs cognitive functioning, and places the body in a prolonged state of stress. Over time, this creates a self-reinforcing cycle in which pain fuels irritability and impatience, which then intensify discomfort and frustration. These heightened emotional reactions can distort perception, making it difficult to interpret situations or facts objectively. As a result, conversations may become defensive or confrontational, often leading to mutual frustration, misunderstanding, and even social withdrawal. Nevertheless, grounding ourselves in evidence-based, verifiable facts is crucial for breaking this cycle and fostering constructive understanding. Why Pain Fuels Impatience 1. The Brain’s Role in Emotion Regulation Th...

During the COVID-19 pandemic, laboratory tests were meant to serve as essential tools to guide diagnosis and treatment. Yet, my personal experience reveals a troubling gap between testing and clinical action. In 2019, I advocated for a thrombosis ultrasound, which came back positive. Despite this, a follow-up blood test in 2020 led to no medical response—no interpretation, no follow-up, and no treatment plan. The data existed, but it was ignored. This lack of clinical engagement raises a serious concern: when healthcare providers fail to act on objective test results, patients risk being patients risk—overlooked, mischaracterized, or even politicized. Instead of receiving evidence-based care, patients may find themselves lost in a system that prioritizes procedure over outcomes. Political rhetoric only adds to the problem. Speaking at an event hosted by the Association of Mechanical Engineers, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) criticized citizens for visiting doctors too fre...