Scientists at the University of York have harnessed the therapeutic effects of carbon monoxide-releasing molecules to develop a new antibiotic which could be used to treat the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhoea.
The infection, which is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, has developed a highly drug-resistant strain in recent years with new cases reported in the north of England and Japan.
There are concerns that gonorrhea, which is the second most common sexually transmitted infection in England, is becoming untreatable.
Almost 35,000 cases were reported in England during 2014, with most cases affecting young men and women under the age of 25.
The interdisciplinary team, from the University of York’s Departments of Biology and Chemistry, targeted the “engine room” of the bacteria using carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CO-RMs).
CO is produced naturally in the body, but there is increasing evidence that carbon monoxide enhances antibiotic action with huge potential for treating bacterial infections.
The scientists found that Neisseria gonorrhoeae is more sensitive to CO-based toxicity than other model bacterial pathogens, and may serve as a viable candidate for antimicrobial therapy using CO-RMs.
The CO molecule works by binding to the bacteria, preventing them from producing energy.
Scientists believe the breakthrough, published in the journal MedChemComm, could pave the way for new treatments.
Professor Ian Fairlamb, from the University’s Department of Chemistry, said: “The carbon monoxide molecule targets the engine room, stopping the bacteria from respiring. Gonorrhoea only has one enzyme that needs inhibiting and then it can’t respire oxygen and it dies.
“People will be well aware that CO is a toxic molecule but that is at high concentrations. Here we are using very low concentrations which we know the bacteria are sensitive to.
“We are looking at a molecule that can be released in a safe and controlled way to where it is needed.”
The team say the next stage is to develop a drug, either in the form of a pill or cream, so that the fundamental research findings can be translated on to future clinical trials.
Professor Fairlamb added: “We think our study is an important breakthrough. It isn’t the final drug yet but it is pretty close to it.”
“People might perceive gonorrhoea as a trivial bacterial infection, but the disease is becoming more dangerous and resistant to antibiotics.”
The team worked with Professor James Moir from the University’s Department of Biology. He added: “Antimicrobial resistance is a massive global problem which isn’t going away. We need to use many different approaches, and the development of new drugs using bioinorganic chemistry is one crucial way we can tackle this problem, to control important bacterial pathogens before the current therapies stop working.”
Thursday, 3 August 2017
Scientists develop new antibiotic for gonorrhoea(for more go to http://howpeopledo.com)
Medication may provide greater virus suppression, reduction in lesions for patients with genital herpes(for more go to http://howpeopledo.com)
In a study appearing in JAMA, Anna Wald, M.D., M.P.H., of the University of Washington & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, and colleagues compared the medications pritelivir and valacyclovir for reducing genital herpes simplex virus shedding and lesions in persons with recurrent genital herpes.
The treatment for genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections relies on the nucleoside analogues acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir administered either for each recurrence or daily to prevent recurrences. In addition, valacyclovir, when taken daily has been shown to reduce the risk of HSV-2 transmission to susceptible partners. However, the protection is only partial (approximately 50 percent), likely because these drugs neither completely inhibit genital viral shedding (when the virus is active and potentially transmissible to sexual partners). Alternative agents to treat HSV infections are needed.
For this crossover study, 91 participants (adults with 4 to 9 annual genital HSV-2 recurrences) were randomly assigned, 45 to receive pritelivir first, a different class of medication for genital herpes, and 46 to receive valacyclovir first. Participants took the first drug for 28 days followed by 28 days of washout before taking the second drug for 28 days. Throughout treatment, the participants collected genital swabs 4 times daily for HSV testing. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration placed the trial on clinical hold based on findings in a concurrent nonclinical toxicity study, and the sponsor terminated the study.
Of the 91 randomized participants, 56 had completed both treatment periods at the time of the study’s termination. In intent-to-treat analyses, HSV shedding was detected in 2.4 percent of swabs during pritelivir treatment compared with 5.3 percent during valacyclovir treatment. Genital lesions were present on 1.9 percent of days in the pritelivir group vs 3.9 percent in the valacyclovir group. The frequency of shedding episodes did not differ by group. Quantity of virus shed was decreased significantly during pritelivir treatment compared with valacyclovir treatment. The frequency of pain was reduced in the pritelivir group compared to the valacyclovir group.
Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 62 percent of participants in the pritelivir group and 69 percent of participants in the valacyclovir group.
“Further research is needed to assess longer-term efficacy and safety,” the authors write.
10 Fears That Keep Women from Having Amazing Sex(for more go to http://howpeopledo.com)
Having lots of sex isn’t just fun—it also has health benefits like soothing stress, boosting immunity, and maybe even extending your lifespan. But for some of us, doing the deed can be a source of guilt, fear, or anxiety. That’s why Superdrug Online Doctor, a London-based telemedicine company, conducted a survey of 2,000 Americans and Europeans to uncover their most serious worries about sex. Here’s what they found:
To learn more about where the top fears women face in the bedroom—and how to tackle them—we sought advice from Emily Morse, a sex and relationship expert and host of podcast Sex with Emily.
Your partner won’t want to wear a condom
Yes, sex without a wrapper feels different—and, some would argue, better. Still, protecting yourself against STIs and unwanted pregnancy is more important than ensuring your partner an extra few degrees of pleasure. If he insists on going bare, Morse advises snapping back with: “Is no sex more enjoyable?” That way you leave him with absolutely no option, she says. If he wants try to pull the “but you’re on the pill” card, just remind him the pill doesn’t protect against STIs. And don’t be afraid to carry your own supply of sheaths to combat the oh-so common “I don’t have a condom” excuse, advises Morse.
Plus, even though many people assume condoms are major pleasure-busters, there are a ton of great options available, she says. “Definitely play around and find out what you like—I always recommend Skyn condoms, because I’m obsessed with them, but Lifestyles are also great!”
When it comes down to it, you shouldn’t have to spend too much time persuading someone to put on a rubber: “If your partner is offended in any way, or tries to make you feel bad for wanting to wear a condom, I say put your clothes back on!” says Morse.
Your partner has an STI
“So I know this isn’t the sexiest thing in the world, but try to talk about it beforehand to quell your fear,” says Morse. Granted, not everyone is going to be honest about STIs or even know they have one—whether that’s because they haven’t been tested or they’re a carrier with no sign of symptoms. Which is why it’s crucial to use a condom, just to be safe and give you peace of mind, advises Morse. “Why risk one night to carry around an STD for the rest of your life?”
The condom will break/sex will result in unintended pregnancy
There’s only a slim chance a properly used condom will break, and that shouldn’t keep you from enjoying your bedroom romp. Just take a moment before you get it on to check that the rubber fits properly and is rolled all the way down. “It’s also great to put a little lube on the inside tip so it has enough lubrication,” says Morse. “Sometimes if there isn’t enough lubrication, the condom could break.” Don’t forget about taking the condom off properly: Morse recommends removing it immediately after you’re done by holding on to the base and pulling it off to ensure all sperm stays within the condom.
Your partner will find your naked body unattractive
Let’s face it: We all have insecurities—whether it’s that pound you gained or dimple on your butt cheek, says Morse. But rather than fixating on these unimportant flaws, try to focus on the pleasure you’re having instead, she advises. The reality is, your partner isn’t paying attention to any of that. “He’s just excited to be there with you and your hot body in the bedroom,” Morse says.
Your partner will not take “no” for an answer
Before putting yourself in a sexual situation, Morse advises you ask yourself: Do I trust this person? Does he or she make me feel safe? While many women tend to focus their attention on pleasing their partner, she advises flipping the situation on its head and recognizing that if your partner isn’t willing to respect your wishes, then he or she is certainly not someone you want to be with. And, according to Morse, the answer to this fear is simple: “If your partner will not take no for an answer, then you’ve got to put your clothes back on and leave, because you should never give in to something you don’t want to do.”
Your partner will do something you’re not comfortable with
Think about your own personal boundaries before you start taking your clothes off, says Morse. “For example, I am not going to have sex with someone I don’t know; I will not have sex without a condom; I’m not comfortable with anal sex. Whatever it is, you stick with those things,” she advises. Experimenting and trying new things is an important part of a healthy sex life, but again, it should be with someone you know you can trust and who won’t pressure you past your comfort zone.
Plus, it’s important to verbalize your feelings. “Men aren’t mind readers, so it’s really okay to stop and sit up and say things like ‘This is making me feel uncomfortable and I’m not ready for it now,’ or ‘Tonight this just isn’t working for me,’ or, ‘Maybe we can try this instead of that’ for alternatives,’” Morse suggests.
An embarrassing bodily function will occur during sex
Fact: Sex is messy. “There’s going to be any number of things that happen—noises, emissions from your body, liquids—but you just have to laugh it off and keep going,” says Morse.
If your partner is judgmental or grossed out by anything that happens with your body during sex, then they’re likely pretty immature and not someone you want to be with, she points out.
RELATED: These Personality Traits Are Linked to a Healthier Sex Life
Your partner won’t have an orgasm or be satisfied
Orgasm shouldn’t be the goal—and if you or your partner doesn’t climax, that doesn’t automatically deem your time between the sheets a failure, explains Morse. “There are a lot of satisfying things that can happen during sex even if you don’t have an orgasm.”
If you want to boost your partner’s chance of getting off while you two are getting it on, communication is key, Morse says. She recommends asking questions like “What would turn you on right now?” or “Should I go faster or slower?” or “Should I use my hand or my mouth?” Be sure to give your partner options, advises Morse, rather than simply asking: “Do you like this?”
You are bad at sex
Morse wants to get one thing straight: No one is bad at sex. Maybe you’re a little less experienced, or haven’t been super active in a while. As long as you’re willing to communicate with your partner, says Morse, you have absolutely nothing to worry about
HPV in Men: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment(for more go to http://howpeopledo.com)
Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection. It can lead to cancer.
Most information about human papillomavirus (HPV) focuses on women because certain types of the virus can cause cervical cancer. However, HPV can also cause health problems in men.
What is HPV?
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HPV poses a risk for men as well as women.
HPV is a group of over 100 viruses. The viruses affect the skin and moist membranes that line the body. Although most men who get HPV do not show any symptoms, they may go on to develop growths or warts.
These may appear on the:
- Penis
- Testicles
- Anus
- Groin and thighs
- Back of the throat
Different types of HPV affect different areas of the body. HPV types 6 and 11 cause more than 90 percent of genital warts in men and women. HPV types 16 and 18 cause most HPV-related cancers.
How can men get HPV?
Men can get HPV in the same way as women, through direct, intimate contact, including sexual contact. HPV can be spread from one person to another through oral, anal, or vaginal sex, or intimate skin-to-skin contact.
If a person has HPV, the virus can be spread, even when there have never been visible symptoms.
The chance of contracting HPV is increased by:
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Age, occurring more in adolescence or young adulthood
- Weakened immune system due to organ transplant, HIV, or other conditions that weaken the immune system
- Being uncircumcised
- Damaged skin
It is important to consult a doctor if warts of any kind appear on the genitals, or if there are warts that cause discomfort or pain.
Complications of HPV in men
HPV normally goes away by itself within 2 years. In fact, 90 percent of HPV infections will go away with the help of the body’s natural immune system without causing any harm.
Some types of HPV can cause cancer.
However, while some types of HPV can cause genital warts, other types can cause cancers.
Around 38,793 HPV-related cancers occur in the United States each year. Around 23,000 of those cases are among women and about 15,793 among men.
In men, HPV is thought to be responsible for:
- Over 90 percent of cases of anal cancer, which affect 1,500 men each year, come from HPV.
- HPV is responsible for over 60 percent of penile cancers, and it affects around 400 men each year.
- Oropharyngeal cancer, which occurs in the back of the throat, the base of the tongue, and the tonsils. It affects around 3,920 men a year, and about 70 percent of cases are due to HPV.
Compared with men who have sex with women only, men who have sex with men are 17 times more likely to develop HPV-related anal cancer.
Men who have a weakened immune system due to HIV or other reasons have a higher chance of developing HPV-related anal cancer. Men with HIV tend to have more severe genital warts that are harder to treat.
Symptoms of HPV and HPV-related cancer
There is currently routine screening to diagnose HPV in men. However, a doctor might be able to diagnose HPV infection by examining any warts that have appeared. If a man is considered high risk, a doctor may also swab the anal region for HPV.
A constant sore throat and cough can be a sign of throat cancer.
The warts can be small or large, flat or raised, or cauliflower-shaped and appear as a bump or group of bumps in the area surrounding the penis, anus, or genitals. The warts usually do not hurt but can be unsightly.
An HPV infection is not cancer, but the infection can cause changes in the body that may lead to cancer. Cancer may not be diagnosed for years after a person is infected with HPV because the infection develops very slowly.
Some of the symptoms of HPV-related cancers to look out for are:
Anal cancer:
- Bleeding, discharge, pain, or itching of the anus
- Swelling in the anal or groin area
- Changes to bowel habits or the shape of stools
Penile cancer:
- Tissue changes on the penis such as color, skin thickening, or tissue buildup
- Painful or painless sores or growths on the penis that might bleed
Cancer of the back of the throat:
- Constant sore throat or ear pain
- Persistent coughing
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Weight loss
- Voice changes or hoarseness
- Lumps or growths in the neck
There is no way to tell who will have a temporary HPV infection and who will go on to develop cancer.
Treatment for HPV
There are no treatments for HPV, but there are treatments for the conditions caused by the infection.
A doctor can treat genital warts with prescription medication. They can also be surgically removed or frozen or burned off, depending on the size, location, and shape. Getting rid of the warts may not prevent the infection from being passed on to a sexual partner.
If genital warts are not treated, they are unlikely to turn into cancer. They will go away, grow, multiply, or stay the same.
Anal, penile, or throat cancers are usually treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Which men should get the HPV vaccine?
Getting vaccinated and using condoms correctly when having sex can lower the risk of getting HPV. Condoms cannot provide full protection against HPV because HPV infects some areas that are not covered by a condom.
Though there is no treatment for HPV, there are three effective HPV vaccines available to prevent HPV. All three vaccines prevent infection with HPV types 16 and 18, which are the two types most linked to cancer. One of the vaccines also prevents infection with HPV types 6 and 11, which are most linked to genital warts.
The three-dose HPV vaccine series is routinely recommended for boys age 11-12 years. Some groups of men are also advised to have the vaccine if they did not have the full three doses in childhood.
These include:
- Any males through age 21 years
- Men through age 26 years who have sex with men
- Men with a weakened immune system or HIV through age 26 years
Since HPV vaccination commenced in the U.S., the number of women affected by the four main HPV types has dropped from 11.5 percent to 4.3 percent among females aged 14 to 19 years and from 18.5 percent to 12.1 percent among females aged 20 to 24 years.
The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. No serious side effects have been reported from the vaccine. The HPV vaccine does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections or treat people who have existing HPV infections or HPV-related diseases.
Living with HPV
Viruses are difficult to treat. The body gets rid of viruses by developing immunity to them, which may take months or even years. A person could potentially have HPV for many years before it is diagnosed or causes any health issues.
There is no way to find out which person in the relationship gave the infection to the other person.
If a person has genital warts, they should avoid sex until the warts are removed or have gone away. However, it is currently unknown how long after genital warts have disappeared that a person can spread HPV infection. Wearing a barrier contraceptive, such as a condom can help prevent spread.
Although HPV is common and most sexually active adults will have HPV at some point in their lifetime, the health problems that are caused by HPV and HPV-related cancers are overall less common.