Candid Conversations with Dr. Lowe

The video examines genital herpes and its natural history. Viewers are presented with a case causing a conundrum of occult infection and through the explanation of the virus’s natural history and pathophysiology are allowed to conclude the correct explanation for the seemingly inexplicable situation presented in the case study. HSV1 and HSV2 are reviewed and asymptomatic shedding vs active lesions are compared. The importance of and dangerous consequences of infection during pregnancy are emulated and the current management of this special situation is also presented. Viewers who are particularly concerned of sourcing of infections will derive benefit from the video. Management of herpes is presented in the form of the case study as well as a review of the current drugs available to treat genital herpes, including drug resistant cases. The video also briefly reviews the diagnosis of genital herpes and lists the various methods care providers use in the diagnosis of genital herpes today. The video explains why the incidence of genital HSV1 in increasing.

This video discusses the mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and highlights the difficulties patients and their providers face in the recognition and diagnosis. The common symptoms of MCAS and its less severe symptoms are reviewed, giving viewers insight into the wide variety of presentations this disease can have. An example of the misdiagnosis and eventual rescue of a patient suffering from MCAS is related and this provides a clear picture of how misdiagnoses are created and makes viewers aware of potential errors they can encounter while seeking answers to the variety of overlapping symptoms MCAS can have and that frequently cause it to be confused with other diseases with similar presentations.

The video discusses osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis and a major source of disability in the world today. New discoveries in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis make the video important for people suffering from osteoarthritis and wanting to stay up-to-date with current developments in the field. The role of hormones such as leptin in causing osteoarthritis is explained and novel treatments such as stem cell injections and platelet rich plasma are reviewed.

In this video, we will review the possible causes of functional bloating and distention of the bowel and look at the different treatments that exist. Although the list of treatments is not exhaustive, we discuss a broad range of treatments for abdominal bloating. We discuss FODMAPs and how they cause bloating, as well as review the possible mechanisms underlying the origin of bloating and distention. The video discusses the possible role of the microbiota in causing bloating and suggests possible ways of countering disturbances in the microbiome and other systems that may drive bloating and distention. By the end of the video, viewers will have extensive knowledge of bloating, its causes, and treatments.

This video examines the burgeoning field of gut health which is poised to transform the practice of medicine in the near future. It discusses the rapidly evolving field of gut health as it relates to a variety of diseases. An explanation is given of the function of the gut microorganisms, the microbiota, and how it can lead to disease as well as how it's beneficial to metabolic homeostasis. New terms such as α-diversity and β-diversity are explained and their relation to diseases. We review gut dysbiosis and the factors that influence it, and provide a list and explanation of the interventions that can correct gut dysbiosis. Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) as a potential cure for gut dysbiosis is reviewed. In summary, the video will provide a working knowledge of the importance of the gut microbiome and how it relates to human disease. It provides a solid foundation on which to further develop a thorough understanding of this nascent field of medicine. 0:00 Introduction 0:38 Gut microbiome 0:51 Gut microbiota 1:30 α-diversity 1:45 β-diversity 2:24 SCFAs-Short Chain Fatty Acids 2:35 Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis 2:51 TMAO-Trimethylamine NO 3:05 Dysbiosis 3:53 Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics 4:20 FMT-Fecal Microbiota Transplantation

Viewers are reminded that ginseng is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women. Abuse or misuse of ginseng can cause serious side effects. This video discusses the popular herb ginseng and its benefits. Viewers will learn the chemical compounds that give ginseng its efficacy, and will learn the different benefits, including neurologic and cardiovascular benefits reported by the multitude of studies that have been conducted to study this common health supplement. The effect of ginseng on weight control and serum lipids is reviewed and its effect on blood sugar and insulin sensitivity is discussed.

This video discusses the insulin resistance syndrome with a focus on the possible causes and what viewers can do to avoid getting this elusive disease. The role of insulin in the body is first presented so viewers get a clear picture of how insulin resistance develops. The video lists the risk factors for insulin resistance and some signs a viewer must look out for.

The USPSTF recommends using the American College of Cardiology/ American Heart association (ACC/AHA) Pooled Cohort Equations to estimate 10-year risk of CVD: https://tools.acc.org/ascvd-risk-estimator-plus/#!/calculate/estimate/ This video discusses changes in the guidelines regarding the use of aspirin for primary prevention of heart attacks and strokes. It gives users insight into who is affected by the changes in the guidelines and how they are affected. It provides information on the new guidelines regarding Aspirin for primary prevention and presents the conclusions of USPSTF concisely. The video will help to remove any confusion regarding the initiation of aspirin therapy for primary prevention in persons in different age groups. Viewers are reminded that the decision to start or stop their medication must be discussed with their doctors before taking any action. Medical emergency: You should not use this video for medical emergencies. If you have a medical emergency, CALL 911 immediately or call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on the Video. General information is not medical advice. The general information provided on the Video is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute for such. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified and properly licensed healthcare provider in your jurisdiction regarding any questions you may have in connection with any information obtained from this video and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this video. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before engaging in any new treatments, diets, or fitness programs. Information obtained on the video is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, symptoms, signs, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. The video is not intended to diagnose, treat, advise or substitute for diagnosis, treatment, and counselling by a duly qualified and licensed professional.

The video discusses the chlamydia germ and explains its classification as a bacterium. It looks at the requirements of the chlamydia bacterium as far as its metabolic and replicative needs go and explains why it is designated a virus. The video discusses the major differences between bacteria and viruses and compares the chlamydia bacterium to both organisms. The viewer will better understand the differences between bacteria and viruses and how chlamydia shares similar features with both bacteria and viruses. It points out the importance of chlamydia as a major cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and as a leading cause of blindness in the developing world. The video should clarify any confusion a viewer may have with regard to whether chlamydial infections are bacterial or viral. Images attributed to: By Nossedotti (Anderson Brito) - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14114853 By User Marcus007 on de.wikipedia - Originally from de.wikipedia; This media comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Public Health Image Library (PHIL), with identification number #3802. Ecoddington14, CC BY-SA 3.0 :https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via

This video examines the possibility that fibromyalgia may be an autoimmune disease. It discusses autoimmunity and points out features of the disease that suggest an autoimmune origin. Factors such as the frequency of associated autoimmune diseases like Lupus (SLE) and Rheumatoid arthritis are examined. The symptoms of fibromyalgia are briefly mentioned and the lack of objective diagnosis procedures are discussed. The appearance of fibromyalgia after vaccinations and other conditions known to predispose to autoimmunity is pointed out. How fibromyalgia affects the body, in terms of immune processes taking place in the body, is reviewed. The video also examines the importance of determining the etiology of fibromyalgia as it relates to diagnosis, treatment, and patient satisfaction. The need for a blood test and the lack of common inflammatory markers and are reviewed and the presence of less common biologic markers that may someday assist in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia helps the viewer get a clear perspective of the nature of fibromyalgia and the difficulties fibromyalgia present as a disease for both physicians and patients alike.

This video discusses the cause of scabies and the complications of infestation with sarcoptes scabiei. It briefly describes the earliest origins of the disease. It discusses the various presentations of scabies and the different levels of infectivity of the variants. It looks at what situations put people at risk of contracting scabies and lists the most serious complications of the disease. We discuss the symptoms and signs of scabies infestation what methods of transmission viewers should be concerned about and suggests to viewers what can be done to decontaminate the environment in the case of scabies infestation. Viewers will learn what typical or common scabies lesions look like and especially what crusted scabies looks like and how to protect themselves from the highly contagious forms of the disease. The lack of spread of scabies by animals is reviewed and the risks of contracting mange from pets is clarified. Overall, viewers will have good working knowledge of the cause and spread of this common dermatologic disease and what developments are expected in the near future. Images courtesy of: Br J Dermatol. 2020 Nov; 183(5): 808–820 By Steschke - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37903 By painter from Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary - reproduction from DVD http://www.iddk.ru/ru/cdrom/73147.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7226668 By US-Gov - http://training.seer.cancer.gov/ss_module14_melanoma/images/illu_skin01.jpg (as last archived 2008-06-12 09:37:35 at https://web.archive.org/web/20080612093735/http://training.seer.cancer.gov/ss_module14_melanoma/images/illu_skin01.jpg) as displayed by Anatomy of the Skin (as last archived 2008-06-12 09:37:35 at Anatomy of the Skin), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=254152 By Modified from the original Grey's diagram here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Gray941.png, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1374564

This video explains the mechanism of lateral flow assays in Rapid Antigen Tests used in the diagnosis of SARS-Cov-2 infection and examines the advantages and the disadvantages of rapid antigen testing compared to RT-PCR tests and NAAT testing modalities. A detailed explanation of how and which antigens are tested for the diagnosis. The significance of positive and negative results is reviewed and the course of action as recommended by the FDA is mentioned. Viewers are given brief definitions of sensitivity and specificity and the different applications and suitability of the Lateral flow technology for the rapid antigen testing and diagnosis of COVID-19 is discussed. By the end of the video viewers should clearly understand how the rapid antigen test is used to diagnose COVID-19 and its importance as a tool in the armamentarium of instruments available for he fight against SARS-CoV-2. Viewers will know what a rapid antigen test is and what lateral flow assays are. They will understand how and when a rapid antigen test should be employed and what actions to take depending on the result obtained from testing. For a list of rapid antigen tests given emergency use authorization and their specificity and sensitivity, visit: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices/in-vitro-diagnostics-euas

This video discusses the monk fruit as a sugar substitute and its role in preventing weight gain. The video explains the effect of monk fruit on the blood sugar and its place in the management of diabetes. The review of monk fruit by the European Food Safety Authority and the outcome of their evaluation is reviewed. The use of monk fruit in pregnancy is clearly set down, as well as its potential role in weight loss and the maintenance of weight loss. The video clarifies the FAD classification of GRAS and reviews questions that remain unanswered. One rare side effect is discussed because of the long-term implications if this observation turns out to be valid.

This video discusses the Long Covid syndrome, now called PASC, Post Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 Infection, in terms of the multiple symptoms that are reported by patients and the possible mechanisms that are driving the emergence of this syndrome. It aims to familiarize viewers with Long covid/ Long haul COVID/ PASC and reviews the most common symptoms as well as a more detailed list of the symptoms and proposes explanations for the long symptoms seen in this condition. Risk factors and links between the Long COVID and comorbidities are reviewed and the prognosis and incidence are examined. Information on the potential impact of vaccination on Long COVID/PASC is given. Viewers will have a simple and clear understanding of Long COVID/ Long haul COVID/ PASC mystery and should gain a better understanding of this mysterious illness after watching the video.

This video discusses the various symptoms reported for people infected with the omicron variant of coronavirus. Omicron symptoms are listed throughout the video, making it easy for viewers to take note. Omicron symptoms are discussed according to the reporting sources and their frequency is mentioned so that viewers get a wonderful insight into the frequency of the various omicron symptoms. Reports of milder illness in patients with infections with the omicron variant are examined in terms of the danger of drawing hasty conclusions without adequate data. The similarities between the Delta and the Omicron variant symptoms are examined and the major differences are pointed out. Reports are given of the symptoms reported by patients in both the US and Europe and a super spread event from Norway is highlighted in relation to what information it provides regarding the vaccination status of patients and infection with the Omicron variant. The significance of the frequency of the loss of smell and taste in Delta variants as compared to omicron variants and the frequent reports of fatigue and tiredness are highlighted. Breakthrough and reinfections are discussed and the importance of vaccination, despite the occurrence of these, is pointed out.

This video discusses the EUA- emergency use authorization granted for monoclonal antibodies to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 for non- hospitalized patients at risk for progression to severe disease or hospitalization. The difference in production of the original monoclonal antibodies and the newer recombinant antibodies developed to treat COVID-19 is discussed, as well as the indications and the administration of the various products. Viewers will get a rundown on the authorizations, some contraindications and advantages of these new therapies. The video explains how they work in COVID-19 and ventures to suggest which product should work in the Omicron variant. The production of monoclonal antibodies is explained simply with the help of clear diagrams. Some of the adverse reactions of these therapies are listed so that patients are aware of the potential adverse side effects. The difficulty of the emergence of resistant strains of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is mentioned and which of the products were adversely affected by the emergence of these variants. The viewer should have a better understanding of the use of monoclonal antibodies in covid-19 and should be comfortable discussing the need for this therapy with their physician after viewing his video.

This video discusses the recent report that Viagra may effective in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Viewers are given information on what led up to this discovery and a general description on how the drug may work in Alzheimer’s disease. The possibility of success in subsequent studies is examined and a brief description of how (sildenafil) Viagra works is given. Results of two key studies that provide ample information on the possibility of the adoption of Viagra as an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease in included in the discussion. The video will provide a clear picture of why scientists are so excited about the possibility that Viagra may work to prevent if not reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease.

This video discusses diabetic peripheral neuropathy or diabetic neuropathy. It recognizes diabetic neuropathy as one of the major components of diabetic foot disease. It examines the caused and risk factors and gives a description of the symptoms and the early finding in diabetic neuropathy. Viewers learn the various risk factors and ways to decrease their chances of developing diabetic neuropathy. It also discusses the risk factors for the painful form of the disease. We discuss the reversibility after bariatric surgery as well as the importance of lifestyle changes in Type2 diabetes. The video aims to give viewers a clear picture of what diabetic neuropathy is and what can be done to manage, if not reverse, the symptoms and differentiated between the various differences in management that exists between type I and Type II diabetes mellitus. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 1:58 Types of diabetic neuropathy 2:36 Risk factors for diabetic neuropathy 4:43 The role of insulin 5:15 Painful diabetic neuropathy 5:41 Risk factors for painful diabetic neuropathy 6:15 Diagnosis 6:26 Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy 7:10 Screening for diabetic peripheral neuropathy 7:46 Prevention of diabetic neuropathy 8:35 Treatment 9:00 Alpha-lipoic acid and aldose reductase inhibitors 9:55 Conclusion Diagram By Quasar Jarosz at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7616130

This video discusses the omicron or b.1.1.529 variant of the COVID-19 virus recently identified in South Africa. It gives a perspective on how the new coronavirus variant can run its course, based on past experience with the prior beta and delta variants, with which we have had experience. We construct the likely course the new omicron variant will take and predict what to expect from the new omicron variant. Symptoms of the first few cases of the omicron variant of COVID-19, as reported by South African doctors, are mentioned, and this gives further insight into what to expect from this new type of coronavirus. Based on the full assessment of the current information available, we conclude what the best course of action to protect ourselves from the new omicron strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus will be. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 0:28 Omicron variant 0:54 WHO classification of SARS-CoV-2 variants 1:50 Cases in South Africa 2:27 Causes for concern 2:54 Symptoms of omicron COVID-19 disease 2:20 Beta variant 3:52 Delta variant 4:27 R0 6:00 Spread of the omicron variant 6:20 What to expect with vaccine efficacy 6:35 How should we protect ourselves? 6:46 Conclusion

This video discusses the prion disease chronic wasting disease (CWD), also known as "Zombie Deer Disease," and examines the likelihood of the disease spreading to people to potentially cause a disease similar to Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. It looks into the evolving nature of prions and proposes the possibility of new prion strains crossing the species transmission barrier and eventually leading to prion disease in people. Viewers will be informed on (CWD) chronic wasting disease and theories of its spread and possible transmission to humans. A general explanation of prions and how they cause disease included in the discussion. Viewers will also learn the symptoms of chronic wasting disease as it presents in animals of the deer family(cervids).

This video examines the new Pfizer protease inhibitor for COVID-19 and discusses the Pfizer EPIC-HR study result. How the Pfizer pill to treat Covid works is explained, and diagrams are used to show the way protease inhibitors inhibit SARS-CoV-2 viral proteases and prevent viral replication. The video brings viewers up-to-date with this exciting recent development and keeps them informed on this groundbreaking area of research. The Pfizer pill to treat Covid may soon become the standard of care for patients with mild-to-moderate Covid-19 symptoms, but just how great an impact the new Pfizer oral pill for Covid will have on the pandemic is yet to be seen. Nevertheless, viewers will be ahead of the curve for these new developments in the fight against COVID-19. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 0:40 EPIC-HR Study 1:18 Risk factors for severe Covid-19 illness 1:49 EPIC study results 2:15 PAXLOVID 2:30 Protease inhibitors 2:42 How Pfizer pill works 3:37 Adverse events 3:48 Coadministration of Ritonavir 4:02 Paxlovid compared to Merck’s Molnupiravir 4:15 Summary

RNA virus image: Uploaded a work by Aartjan J. W. te Velthuis from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00018-014-1695-z This video discusses a little-known drug, enisamium iodide, that is used to treat influenza and other viral illnesses and proposes an explanation for its efficacy. It draws on studies that show the drug is effective at inhibiting the influenza virus and the SARS-CoV-2 virus, rendering it an exciting prospect for the treatment of select viral illnesses, including Covid-19. Viewers are given an update on the treatment of influenza and an insight into the problems we face with drug resistance in the fight against influenza. Enisamium iodide has undergone clinical trials and has been found experimentally to inhibit the production of viral RNA and viral proteins. The mechanisms by which enisamium iodide exerts its antiviral effect differentiate it from the antivirals in current use, making it a likely candidate for more widespread employment. Viewers will familiarize themselves with this enigmatic drug and in the process develop insight into a drug that in the future is likely to play a more meaningful role in the treatment of influenza and possibly Covid-19. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 0:25 Influenza drugs 0:36 M2 inhibitors 1:04 Neuraminidase inhibitors 2:10 RNA polymerase inhibitors 2:57 Influenza vaccines 3:48 Enisamiun iodide 4:40 Enisamium mechanism of action 6:12 Enisamium and Covid-19 6:52 Conclusion

This video discusses the recent confirmation that fluvoxamine is effective in decreasing the need for hospitalization in high-risk Covid-19 patients and discusses the mechanisms of action that are proposed for this effect. Fluvoxamine is discussed as an anti-inflammatory, and the inflammatory pathway that is engaged by fluvoxamine in quelling inflammation is described in some detail. Viewers are introduced to the (S1R) sigma-1 receptor and (IRE1) inositol requiring enzyme-1 inflammation pathway and the interaction of fluvoxamine with the S1R receptor and the consequent cascade is set down with diagrams showing the relationships and how these lead to a decrease in chemokines and cytokines and thus inflammation. The (IRE-1) inositol requiring enzyme 1 as a crucial chain in the inflammation pathway is demonstrated diagrammatically, making the relationships clear and easily understandable. A brief discussion of cytokine storm and the role of cytokines and chemokines in relation to the anti-inflammatory effect of fluvoxamine is also included. Viewers will gain an insight into how fluvoxamine decreases inflammation and, by so doing, learn one possible mechanism by which fluvoxamine decreases the need for hospitalization in high-risk covid-19 patients. The role of the endoplasmic reticulum is reviewed and how this relates to inflammation. Viewers are introduced to the concept of the endoplasmic reticulum and a controller of the immune response and the inflammation pathway. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 1:25 Cytokines and chemokines 2:39 Cytokine storm 3:14 Steroids in Covid-19 3:29 Monoclonal antibodies 3:57 The argument for fluvoxamine 4:15 Brazil study 4:32 How does fluvoxamine work in Covid-19? 6:34 Conclusion

In the video we discuss the similarities between (MS) multiple sclerosis and atherosclerosis and how those similarities demand further investigation into the role atherosclerosis and small vessel disease play in the clinical presentation of multiple sclerosis. The inflammatory nature of both atherosclerosis and (MS) multiple sclerosis is discussed and how the latest treatment of MS suggests even greater similarities between the two diseases. To subscribe to this channel for more useful tips on healthy living, click this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Aym3CP43EU9S5kOCsEBEQ?sub_confirmation=1

Multiple Sclerosis Bell’s Palsy This video discusses the rare case of Bell’s palsy presenting as the initial symptom of (MS) multiple sclerosis. It explains what MS is and how it can present as Bell’s palsy. It explains the danger of misdiagnosis, after a comparison of the two conditions allows the viewer to see the difficulty that arises when multiple sclerosis presents with Bell’s Palsy. Clear descriptions of both MS and Bell’s palsy are given, including a brief discussion of the causes of the two conditions. The video also gives symptoms of multiple sclerosis and the symptoms of Bell’s Palsy and explains to viewers how doctors can usually differentiate peripheral Bell’s Palsy from central Bell's Palsy, giving the viewer a chance to appreciate how either of the two disorders can masquerade as the other. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 0:17 What is (MS) multiple sclerosis? 0:51 What are the causes of (MS) multiple sclerosis? 1:09 What are the symptoms of (MS) multiple sclerosis? 1:36 What is Bell’s Palsy? 1:50 What are the causes of Bell’s Palsy? 2:10 What are the symptoms of Bell’s Palsy? 2:47 How does (MS) multiple sclerosis cause Bell’s Palsy? 3:20 Conclusion _____________________________________________________________________________ To subscribe to this channel for more useful tips on healthy living, click this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Aym3CP43EU9S5kOCsEBEQ?sub_confirmation=1 Patrick J. Lynch, medical illustrator; C. Carl Jaffe, MD, cardiologist. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/