There is no cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disorder that causes the weakening of muscles and is the leading genetic cause of infant death, but University of Missouri researchers have discovered a new therapeutic target that improves deteriorating skeletal muscle tissue caused by SMA. The new therapy enhanced muscle strength, improved gross
Full Post: Discovery of target that could ease spinal muscular atrophy symptoms
The Red Cross in Queensland has issued an urgent call for blood donors to come forward as the collection of blood has been restricted in Dengue-affected areas.
As the Dengue fever outbreaks in Cairns and Townsville claim more victims each day, Queensland blood stocks have become depleted - in Cairns and Townsville more than 150 people have been diagnosed with the mosquito-borne disease.
Rebecca Cook from the Red Cross Blood Service says the collection of blood has been restricted in Dengue-affected areas because the red cells cannot be used and along with the platelets have to be discarded and only the plasma can be used.
Ms Cook says this has created a 14% deficit on both of those components across the state and people are needed to donate blood now.
Operations manager for the Queensland blood service, Tony Bourke says the Dengue outbreaks meant 750 donations a week normally collected in Cairns and Townsville would need to be made up elsewhere in the state.
It is the red blood cells which carry oxygen and they are important for transfusions in open-heart surgery and for people experiencing severe bleeding - platelets are important in blood clotting and in fighting infection and are used mainly in the treatment of cancer.
Willing blood donors are urged to make an appointment by phoning 13 14 95 or finding the local blood donor centre.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Related Posts:
While health authorities continue to battle to contain an outbreak of Dengue fever in Cairns in north Queensland, further down the coast an outbreak has now been reported in Townsville. The Cairns outbreak has now been raging for almost a month, exacerbated by wet and warm weather conditions, and authorities are struggling to get
Full Post: Dengue fever outbreak now in Townsville
As the Dengue fever outbreak in northern Queensland continues to claim new victims on a daily basis, many are calling for more funding to control the spread of the disease with some suggesting the only answer will be a fogging campaign. The two Dengue fever outbreaks in Cairns and Townsville have now infected more than
Full Post: Calls for cash and fogging to curb spread of dengue fever
An outbreak of dengue fever in Cairns, in far north Queensland, continues to cause alarm as the number now affected has reportedly reached 50 and appears to be rising. Queensland Health says another 12 people are awaiting blood test results and six people have been admitted to hospital. Worse hit suburbs for the mosquito-borne disease
Full Post: Dengue fever outbreak spreading across Cairns
As the Dengue fever outbreak in Cairns continues unabated a health official has said the outbreak is the worst in Queensland since World War II times. The number of confirmed cases has now reached epidemic levels with more than 160 reported in recent weeks. Dr. Linda Selvey from the Tropical Population Health says 167 cases
Full Post: Queensland Dengue epidemic continues unabated
Health officials in Cairns in the tropical northern part of Queensland, Australia are battling to contain an outbreak dengue fever in the region. In the latest attempt to make people sit up and take both notice and action, homeowners are being warned to clean up mosquito breeding areas in their backyards or risk fines
Full Post: Cairn’s residents threatened with fines over dengue outbreak --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
