Latest news with #pathologist
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Daily Mail
Kindly one-legged spinster who rocked on her porch all day kept terrible secret hidden in trunk in her attic
A Philadelphia medical museum accidentally dug up a decades-old mystery after discovering two unidentified infant skulls in its collection of human remains. Staff at the Mütter Museum said they were stunned to make the find during an audit of its 6,600 human remains in November, buried deep in a box in its library. In notes accompanying the bodies, a pathologist had written that they were from a harrowing case in the 1980s that captured international headlines - an elderly woman who admitted to having five dead babies in her attic. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, staff at the museum searched newspaper archives to discover that the skulls were linked to the notorious case of an elderly spinster named Stella Williamson, who died in 1980. It appeared that the two skulls had been among five found in Williamson's attic, but were somehow lost in transit and donated to the museum. Williamson was known as a kind, quiet churchgoer and longtime 'spinster' who could often be found sitting on her porch, greeting local children. She had one leg due to an amputation from diabetes, and archival newspaper reports from the time noted that she was known for 'watching and nodding hello or waiting to play with one of the neighbors' kids, especially the infants. 'She loved to hold them, kissing, cooing and teasing just as if she was a grandmother.' But while Williamson was known to her community as a harmless, quiet old lady, she shocked the nation after leaving a harrowing note on her deathbed. 'I want to make things right if anything should happen to me,' she wrote, according to an article from the Washington Post in 1980, cited by the Inquirer. 'In the attic in an old trunk you will find babies I had to [redacted] 30 years [ago] or more,' it read. Certain information was redacted, including the father's name. 'How I got away with I don't no [sic] but I did so I don't want anyone else to be blamed for something they know nothing about. 'This is one reason I could never marry anyone else. I have lived a good life sense [sic] so as God is my judge this is the truth. Please forgive me if you can. Stella.' Coroners said at the time that the infant's remains were badly decomposed, but were able to establish that at least three had been murdered. Authorities said they did not believe the infant's father was involved, however another note left by Stella hinted at their troubled relationship. 'He never wanted me,' she wrote. 'Only something to play with and I was a fool in his hands.' After the five bodies were found in her attic, the remains were helicoptered from her home in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania to Philadelphia. State experts ran tests that yielded few results, with the decomposed condition of the bodies making it difficult to determine a cause of death. Cloth around some of the infant skulls indicated that they may have been strangled, and tests showed that four were only weeks old while a fifth lived between nine months and a year old. Their exact dates of birth could not be established either, with newspapers they were wrapped in dated between 1927 and 1933. 'The problem we have here is a 50-year time period between the time it happened and today,' then-Cambria-County coroner John Barron said at the time in 1980. 'It's going to remain a mystery, unfortunately. There are some things we'd all like to know, but they're buried with the people.' After the horrifying case disappeared from headlines, authorities buried what they believed to be the remains in a cemetery in 1980, in already-sealed coffins. The coffins were never opened, leading to the discovery of the two skulls in the Mütter Museum in November. It is unclear how the skulls ended up in the museum's possession, with theories floated including potential grave robbing, accidental donation for medical testing, or mere human error. The Inquirer said that they may have been obtained by former forensic pathologist Halbert Fillinger, before they were transferred to the museum for archives. But the outlet said there are no records that the skulls were ever researched upon or displayed at the museum, meaning that they likely sat mummified in old newspapers for decades until being happened upon last year.
Health Line
10-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Pathologists and Pathology: All About These Specialists
A pathologist is a doctor who looks at bodies and body tissues. They run tests in a lab and often work in tandem with other medical specialists to diagnose medical conditions. Pathology is broken up into numerous specialties. Pathology is the study of diseases, their causes, their progression, and their effect on the human body. The name comes from the Greek word 'pathología,' which means 'suffering.' In the context of pathology, 'disease' is any deviation from a set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of their genes with their environment. This deviation is quantified and measured via symptoms reported by the person experiencing them, as well as signs measured through tests by a pathologist. The cause of the disease is referred to as its etiology. Disease develops through a series of chemical or cellular reactions, which a pathologist studies and investigates. Learn more about the role of a pathologist below. What does a pathologist do? A pathologist analyzes tissues, cells, and bodily fluids. They are an important part of a medical professional team, often tasked with answering important questions about disease, such as: 'What is it?' (a diagnosis) 'How is it going to behave?' (a prognosis) 'How should it be treated?' (treatment strategy) Pathologists make this determination by looking at the cellular, chemical, and mechanical behavior of body and its tissues, using their observations, the results of tests they perform, and newly developed computing technologies. These medical doctors specialize in looking at human tissue, blood, urine, and other bodily fluids under a microscope. Oftentimes, they work in the background without speaking to patients. According to a paper published in 2020, the role of pathologists in medical research and treatment is growing as the human genome is deciphered, and as complex interactions of cellular biochemistry are refined and the risk of disease is more accurately calculated. What are the types of pathology There are several sub-specialties of pathology, and these medical specialists usually focus on one to several types. Blood banking and transfusion: This type of pathologist maintains an adequate blood supply, blood donor and recipient safety, and appropriate blood use at a medical facility. They direct the preparation and safe use of specially prepared blood components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma constituents, and bone marrow or stem cells for transplantation. Clinical pathology: A clinical, or chemical, pathologist specializes in the biochemistry of the human body to understand disease diagnosis and progression. They monitor substances in bodily fluids like blood and urine to assess changes in someone's body. Clinical informatics: These specialists evaluate data, health trends, and communication systems and use this information to improve medical processes that will allow for better patient outcomes. Think of them as the quality control of pathology. Cytopathology: This type of pathology is the study of individual cells of the body. The human body is made up of millions of cells that can be looked at under the microscope to help diagnose medical conditions. It's often used to diagnose cancer, other conditions of the respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal tracts, and thyroid gland, salivary glands, and lymph nodes. Dermatopathology: This discipline specializes in human skin diseases. It involves the microscopic examination, description, and interpretation of biopsy specimens. Dermatopathologists often have training in dermatology. Forensic pathology: This is the study of tissue or bodily fluid in a person after their violent, sudden, and unexpected death. Forensic pathologists are sometimes also medical examiners or coroners, performing autopsies for a government law enforcement agency. Their job is to identify the cause and manner in which someone died. Hematopathology: A hematologist studies conditions specific to blood cells, blood clotting, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. They use blood samples to diagnose conditions like anemia and blood cancers. Medical microbiology: This discipline specializes in infectious organisms and diseases. They take part in the work to prevent, diagnose, and treat conditions that result from microorganisms. Molecular genetic pathology: This type of specialist expert investigates gene structure, function, and mutations. They use laboratory testing to help diagnose, treat, and provide a prognosis for people with genetic disorders, infectious diseases, and human development. They also help determine the risk of genetic disorders. Neuropathology: Neuropathologists study conditions that affect the nervous system and skeletal muscles. They often work with neurologists and neurosurgeons to diagnose neurological diseases, and also analyze tissue samples following death to study dementia, assess trauma, and evaluate genetic conditions. Surgical pathology: This is the study of the tissues removed during surgery —such as a tumor—to help diagnose a disease and determine a treatment plan. This can sometimes occur while a surgery is ongoing, and can inform surgeons on how to proceed. Pediatric pathology: This type of pathology involves the research of conditions that occur during fetal growth, infancy, and child development. Pediatric pathologists investigate diseases in children up to 18 years of age. How much education and training is required of pathologists? In order to become a pathologist in the United States, a medical professional starts with a four-year undergraduate degree, often in chemistry or biology. Next is a four-year doctorate degree in medicine, either for a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO). This is followed by a medical residence in a medical facility, which for pathology usually lasts for three years. Combined residencies in both anatomical and clinical pathology can take four years or longer. In all, the process can take 11 years or longer.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Too much vitamin B6 can be toxic. 3 symptoms to watch out for
Side effects from taking too much vitamin B6 – including nerve damage – may be more widespread than we think, Australia's medicines regulator says. In an ABC report earlier this week, a spokesperson for the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) says it may have underestimated the extent of the side effects from vitamin B6 supplements. However, there are proposals to limit sales of high-dose versions due to safety concerns. A pathologist who runs a clinic that tests vitamin B6 in blood samples from across Australia also appeared on the program. He told the ABC that data from May suggests 4.5% of samples tested had returned results 'very likely' indicating nerve damage. So what are vitamin B6 supplements? How can they be toxic? And which symptoms do you need to watch out for? Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, plays an important role in keeping the body healthy. It is involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in food. It is also important for the production of neurotransmitters – chemical messengers in the brain that maintain its function and regulate your mood. Vitamin B6 also supports the immune system by helping to make antibodies, which fight off infections. And it is needed to produce haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. Some women take a vitamin B6 supplement when pregnant. It is thought this helps reduce the nausea associated with the early stages of pregnancy. Some women also take it to help with premenstrual syndrome. However, most people don't need, and won't benefit from, a vitamin B6 supplement. That's because you get enough vitamin B6 from your diet through meat, breakfast cereal, fruit and vegetables. You don't need much. A dose of 1.3–1.7 milligrams a day is enough for most adults. Currently, vitamin B6 supplements with a daily dose of 5–200mg can be sold over the counter at health food stores, supermarkets and pharmacies. Because of safety concerns, the TGA is proposing limiting their sale to pharmacies, and only after consultation with a pharmacist. Daily doses higher than 200mg already need a doctor's prescription. So under the proposal that would stay the same. If you take too much vitamin B6, in most cases the excess will be excreted in your urine and most people won't experience side effects. But there is a growing concern about long-time, high-dose use. A side effect the medical community is worried about is peripheral neuropathy – where there is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This results in pain, numbness or weakness, usually in your hands and feet. We don't yet know exactly how this happens. In most reported cases, these symptoms disappear once you stop taking the supplement. But for some people it may take three months to two years before they feel completely better. There is growing, but sometimes contradictory, evidence that high doses (more than 50mg a day) for extended periods can result in serious side effects. A study from the 1990s followed 70 patients for five years who took a dose of 100 to 150mg a day. There were no reported cases of neuropathy. But more recent studies show high rates of side effects. A 2023 case report provides details of a man who was taking multiple supplements. This resulted in a daily combined 95mg dose of vitamin B6, and he experienced neuropathy. Another report describes seven cases of neuropathy linked to drinking energy drinks containing vitamin B6. Reports to the TGA's database of adverse events notifications (a record of reported side effects) shows 174 cases of neuropathy linked with vitamin B6 use since 2023. The current advice is that someone who takes a dose of 50mg a day or more, for more than six months, should be monitored by a health-care professional. So if you regularly take vitamin B6 supplements you should discuss continued use with your doctor or pharmacist. There are three side effects to watch out for, the first two related to neuropathy: numbness or pain in the feet and hands difficulty with balance and coordination as a result of muscle weakness heartburn and nausea. If you have worrying side effects after taking vitamin B6 supplements, contact your state's poison information centre on 13 11 26 for advice. This article is republished from The Conversation. It was written by: Nial Wheate, Macquarie University and Slade Matthews, University of Sydney Read more: Does eating cheese before bed really give you nightmares? Here's what the science says How should I talk to my kids about abuse and body safety? Lung cancer screening hopes to save lives. But we also need to watch for possible harms Nial Wheate in the past has received funding from the ACT Cancer Council, Tenovus Scotland, Medical Research Scotland, Scottish Crucible, and the Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance. He is a fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. Nial is the chief scientific officer of Vaihea Skincare LLC, a director of SetDose Pty Ltd (a medical device company) and was previously a Standards Australia panel member for sunscreen agents. He is a member of the Haleon Australia Pty Ltd Pain Advisory Board. Nial regularly consults to industry on issues to do with medicine risk assessments, manufacturing, design and testing. Slade Matthews provides scientific evaluations to the Therapeutic Goods Administration as a member of the Therapeutic Goods Assessment and Advisory Panel. Slade serves on the NSW Poisons Advisory Committee for NSW Health as the minister-nominated pharmacologist appointed by the Governor of NSW.
CNET
25-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
Tick Bite? Here's What to Know About Lyme Disease and Your Next Steps
You just finished a satisfying summer hike or wrapped up a weekend of yard work when you spot a tick clinging to your clothes. The fresh-air high fades quickly as you remember the risks -- ticks are known carriers of Lyme disease, a growing concern across the US. Lyme disease cases have more than doubled in recent years, according to the CDC, with annual reports jumping from around 42,000 to nearly 90,000. While part of that increase is due to improved detection and reporting methods, the risk is still very real. Whether you're spending time on the trails or just working in your backyard, it's worth knowing how to prevent tick bites, recognize early symptoms and get treatment if needed. A little awareness can go a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe this summer. What is Lyme disease? You can get Lyme disease when a tick bites you, spreading a specific type of bacteria. Dr. Bobbi Pritt, a pathologist who specializes in the laboratory diagnosis of vector-borne and parasitic diseases, explains the disease more in-depth: "Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged (deer) ticks. In the United States, it is caused primarily by Borrelia burgdorferi, and to a lesser extent, Borrelia mayonii. Lyme disease is the number-one cause of tick-transmitted disease in the United States." However, the tick has to carry the bacteria to give you Lyme disease. Not all ticks carry the bacteria. According to the Global Lyme Alliance, anywhere from under 1% to over 50% of black-legged ticks may carry Borrelia burgdorferi, depending on location. However, they may have other pathogens. Dr. Donald Harker, wilderness medicine fellow at the University of Nevada, Reno, says, "Borrelia burgdorferi is a bacterial spirochete that lives in the midgut of infected ticks, typically requiring extended attachment of a tick to host for transmission to occur." Lyme disease symptoms "There are three stages of disease including early localized, early disseminated and late disseminated Lyme disease," says Harker. Stage 1 Lyme disease symptoms The Mayo Clinic lists symptoms of the early stage occurring three to 30 days after an infected tick has bitten you. Pritt says the early localized state can include "fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pains and a characteristic 'bull's-eye' rash (known as erythema migrans) at the tick bite site. The rash is seen in about 70% of infected people, but it may go unnoticed, especially if it is on a part of the body that isn't easily seen, such as the scalp or back. The rash enlarges over time and sometimes clears to create the classic target or 'bull's-eye' appearance." Dr. Omar Al-Heeti, an assistant professor of medicine at Southern Illinois University who practices internal medicine with a specialty in infectious diseases, and one of CNET's medical reviewers, adds, "More common than not, there is not central clearing or 'target' appearance. The rash should be larger than 5 cm." Willowpix/Getty Images Stage 2 Lyme disease symptoms Stage 2 of Lyme disease tends to happen three to 10 weeks after the tick bite. During stage 2, symptoms can already become serious or deadly. According to Harker, "During transition to early disseminated disease, multiple erythema migrans rashes may develop more distant from the original bite location, along with flu-like symptoms, cranial nerve palsy, meningitis or cardiac conduction abnormalities. While Lyme carditis [occurs when Lyme disease bacteria enter the heart's tissue] is rare, it is a significant cause of Lyme disease-related mortality and has been documented to result in complete heart block in as little as four days after infection." The Mayo Clinic lists additional symptoms like neck pain and stiffness, painful swelling around the eye or eyelid, eye nerve pain or vision loss, muscle weakness that can happen on one or both sides of the face and body pain. Stage 3 Lyme disease symptoms Symptoms from earlier stages can persist into stage 3. But a host of new serious symptoms might arise, characterized most commonly by arthritis in large joints. "The last stage, late disseminated Lyme disease, presents months to years after the initial tick bite," Harker says. "Characteristic symptoms of late disseminated Lyme disease include Lyme arthritis with pain in one or more major joints and nervous system involvement including sleep disturbance, memory loss, mood swings, migraine, encephalopathy [a change in how your brain functions], vertiginous dizziness and peripheral paresthesia [the sensation of tingling, prickling or numbness]." Post-Treatment Lyme disease syndrome symptoms "Some people experience fatigue, joint pain and brain fog lasting six months or more – this is called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), and it can be very debilitating for some people," Pritt states. No one quite knows why symptoms may persist after treatment. According to Harker, "The etiology of PTLDS is unclear, though several mechanisms have been proposed, including microbial persistence, though no evidence has shown continued infection. Other proposed mechanisms include immune dysregulation, autoimmunity, residual inflammation or gut microbiome alterations, though further research is required at this point."Lyme disease risk factors Since ticks transmit Lyme disease, it primarily affects people who spend the most time outside in certain regions. Pritt identifies the following risk factors: "Living or spending time in wooded or grassy areas, especially in the Northeast, upper Midwest and Pacific Northwest US, and not using protection against tick bites when outdoors." Harker mentions other risk factors: "Seasonally, the risk of infection is highest during late spring, summer and early fall when nymphal ticks are most active, though climate changes have enabled tick expansion to regions that have historically not experienced as much tick-borne illness. House pets are also able to bring ticks into the home, with the largest risk associated with cats. Lastly, we do see an increased incidence of infection in certain age groups, including children less than 15 and individuals aged 50-70 years old." How is Lyme disease diagnosed? Pritt outlines the whole diagnostic process: "Lyme disease is usually diagnosed through a review of the patient's symptoms in conjunction with a history of tick exposure, and blood tests to detect the patient's immune response to the bacteria (called serologic testing). When present, the bull's-eye rash is considered diagnostic of Lyme disease in endemic areas and should prompt immediate treatment. However, not all cases of Lyme disease are straightforward, and laboratory testing can play a crucial role in making the diagnosis, particularly in the later stages of disease." How is Lyme disease treated? Can it be cured? Pritt states that doctors treat with antibiotic courses like doxycycline. Harker adds that treatment may vary based on how someone's symptoms manifest, which organs are infected and what stage of infection the person is experiencing. Oral antibiotics tend to go to those who exhibit rashes. People with more serious symptoms like neurologic issues or heart problems might get IV antibiotics. People with a tick bite and potential exposure may get prophylactic postexposure antibiotics if it is noted that the tick is the deer tick, the bite occurred in a highly endemic area and the tick was attached for over 36 hours. Treatments can get even more involved for the worst complications. According to Harker, "[For] cardiac manifestations, IV antibiotics [may be used], with a potential need for a pacemaker if [there is the] presence of a symptomatic heart block." Pritt adds, "Lingering after-treatment symptoms can be very troublesome and challenging to treat. Rest, physical therapy, stress management and support from healthcare providers can help manage symptoms." She adds that lingering symptoms might result from an overactive immune response or residual tissue damage, rather than ongoing infection. Al-Heeti adds, "Long-term antibiotics are not recommended for PTLDS or chronic Lyme as sometimes prescribed." rbkomar/Getty Images What to do if a tick bites you Follow these steps if you notice that a tick has bitten you: Remove the tick immediately. "Mechanical removal is generally recommended by experts, and the CDC has endorsed removal with forceps [or tweezers]. During removal, forceps should be placed as close to the skin as possible and force should be applied steadily perpendicular to the skin surface, without twisting and with care used not to crush the tick," says Harker. "Mechanical removal is generally recommended by experts, and the CDC has endorsed removal with forceps [or tweezers]. During removal, forceps should be placed as close to the skin as possible and force should be applied steadily perpendicular to the skin surface, without twisting and with care used not to crush the tick," says Harker. Clean the area. The CDC says rubbing alcohol or soap and water is OK. Also, make sure to clean both your hands and the bite area. The CDC says rubbing alcohol or soap and water is OK. Also, make sure to clean both your hands and the bite area. Safely save the tick. "Save the tick, if possible, for identification," recommends Pritt. The CDC advises that you dispose of the tick by "putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet." Do not crush it with your fingers. "Save the tick, if possible, for identification," recommends Pritt. The CDC advises that you dispose of the tick by "putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet." Do not crush it with your fingers. Watch for symptoms and keep in touch with your doctor. Keep an eye out for telltale symptoms like the bull's-eye rash. If exposure is likely and you live in the Northeast, you might consider getting preventative antibiotics from a doctor. How to prevent Lyme disease There are currently no Lyme disease vaccines on the market. "A new vaccine is in development and could become available in the next few years, pending approval," says Pritt. There are some in human trials at the moment, says Harker. Since Lyme disease can range from asymptomatic to deadly, it's best to avoid ticks in the first place using a few easy preventative measures. Use tick repellent Harker recommends tick repellants like DEET or picaridin. He also suggests finding tick-resistant clothing treated with permethrin. Dress appropriately outdoors Pritt recommends wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors. Harker reminds us that you can tuck clothing into the waist of pants and socks to minimize gaps that pests can get into. "Light-colored clothing may also aid in the early identification of ticks attached to clothing," says Harker. Perform tick checks "As transmission of the bacteria that causes Lyme disease typically requires a tick to be attached for 15 to 48 hours, frequent skin checks for possible tick exposure should be performed when in outdoor areas with risk of contact," Harker says. You should also perform frequent tick checks while outside and after. "Showering after being in tick-prone areas can help to identify ticks on your body," says Pritt. "Be sure to check all of the members of your group, including your pets." When to contact a doctor Pritt takes a pragmatic approach: "If you develop a rash, fever or flu-like symptoms within 30 days, or if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours, then you should contact your doctor to see if you should be tested for tick-borne diseases." Harker also says you should contact your doctor if there is any concern, as he states that "prophylactic antibiotics may be indicated and are best administered within the first 72 hours after the tick bite." The bottom line Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that live in the deer tick. People contract the disease after the tick has bitten them and been on their bodies for most of the day or longer. Symptoms go in three stages and may start with the signature bull's-eye rash. Later stages can mean arthritis, heart problems, stiffness and pain in the body, eye pain or vision loss and muscle weakness. It's best to prevent tick bites by covering as much skin as possible outdoors, with regular tick checks and by using tick repellant. Lyme disease FAQs Can Lyme disease go away on its own? According to Cedars Sinai, if untreated, the Lyme infection may go away on its own. However, if untreated, you may have to deal with complications down the line. Watch out for symptoms and contact your doctor if there are any concerns. Can you live long with Lyme disease? Yes, you can live a long life even if you contract Lyme disease – especially if it is diagnosed and treated early. Brown University Health reports that it is very unlikely for someone to die from Lyme disease.
The Review Geek
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Hunter With A Scalpel Episodes 5-8 Preview: Release Date, Time & Where To Watch
Hunter With A Scalpel Hunter With A Scalpel centers its story on the past coming back to haunt a forensic pathologist considered to be the top of her field. The father she presumed dead all these years has returned to threaten everything she worked for, and with everything on the line, she has no choice but to face her past to save her future. If you've been following this one, you may be curious about when the next episode will be released. Well, wonder no more! Here is everything you need to know about episodes 5-8 of Hunter With A Scalpel, including its release date, time, and where to watch it. Where Can I Watch Hunter With A Scalpel? Hunter With A Scalpel is set to air on U+mobiletv and Disney+ for Koreans, while it has been listed as Disney+ internationally. However, Disney do tend to region-lock their K-drama offerings so it's unclear right now if this is a global release or only in certain regions. For those in the UK, this definitely isn't streaming there. Hunter With A Scalpel Episodes 5-8 Release Date Episodes 5-8 of Hunter With A Scalpel will be released once a day on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on 23rd-26th June at 4pm (GMT), 10am (ET). For those in Korea though, this one will drop at 12am (KST) on the streaming platform. Expect episodes to be roughly 30 minutes long each, which is consistent with the timeframe for the rest of the show. How Many Episodes Will Hunter With A Scalpel Season 1 Have? Hunter With A Scalpel is expected to have 16 episodes in total, with four episodes releasing once per week. With that in mind, there will be 8 more episodes to go after this one. Is There A Trailer For Hunter With A Scalpel? Yes, there is! You can check out the trailer below: What do you hope to see as the series progresses? Are you excited to watch Hunter With A Scalpel? Let us know in the comments below!
