Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. You usually get the patches on your elbows, knees, scalp, back, face, palms and feet, but they can show up on other parts of your body. Some people who have psoriasis also get a form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis.

A problem with your immune system causes psoriasis. In a process called cell turnover, skin cells that grow deep in your skin rise to the surface. Normally, this takes a month. In psoriasis, it happens in just days because your cells rise too fast.

Psoriasis can be hard to diagnose because it can look like other skin diseases. Your doctor might need to look at a small skin sample under a microscope.

Psoriasis can last a long time, even a lifetime. Symptoms come and go. Things that make them worse include

Psoriasis usually occurs in adults. It sometimes runs in families. Treatments include creams, medicines, and light therapy.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Continue reading here:
Psoriasis: MedlinePlus

Recommendation and review posted by simmons

If you've ever groaned, "Oh, my aching back!", you are not alone. Back pain is one of the most common medical problems, affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives. Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Back pain is called chronic if it lasts for more than three months.

Most back pain goes away on its own, though it may take awhile. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and resting can help. However, staying in bed for more than 1 or 2 days can make it worse.

If your back pain is severe or doesn't improve after three days, you should call your health care provider. You should also get medical attention if you have back pain following an injury.

Treatment for back pain depends on what kind of pain you have, and what is causing it. It may include hot or cold packs, exercise, medicines, injections, complementary treatments, and sometimes surgery.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Continued here:
Back Pain: MedlinePlus

Recommendation and review posted by simmons

home> In the United States, the average life expectancy for men and women is 78.64 years, but many people are living well beyond the average into their 80s and 90s. While everyone wants to live as long as possible, remaining youthful and healthy as we age is every bit as important as longevity to maintain a high quality of life in your golden years. The Life Extension supplement collection was developed specifically to minimize the factors that contribute to aging in order to promote wellness throughout people's entire lifespans. read more about Life Extension

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In 1980, the scientists had developed enough research to begin developing supplements that were uniquely formulated to address the causes of aging, and the Life Extension Foundation was born. To this day, this group continues to make landmark discoveries into the causes and effects of the aging process and has introduced more than 150 dietary supplements to nourish the body as it ages. The benefits of Life Extension products have been verified in studies published as well as in articles in numerous peer-reviewed journals.

The ultimate goal of Life Extension is to provide nutritional support to help people in their goal to live as long as possible while remaining in good health. To ensure that their supplements are maximally effective, the company chooses only high quality ingredients, sourcing them from reputable suppliers in the United States, Europe and Japan. The scientific team uses a combination of synthetic and natural nutrients to keep products as potent and free of contaminants as possible. Prior to product manufacturing, all ingredients are rigorously screened using state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that they are as pure as possible.

Life Extension has an ongoing commitment to producing safe supplement products, and as a result, has instituted very stringent quality controls for manufacturing. The companys factories meet or exceed all of the guidelines for manufacturing, packaging, shipping and storing products established by the FDA in the administration's Good Manufacturing Practices.

With the help of Life Extension, you can ensure that your body continues to receive the key nutrients that are essential to promoting good health throughout the aging process. The Life Extension supplements collection includes a wide variety of supplements, which you can easily browse here at drugstore.com by using the links at the left-hand side of the page. We make it as easy as possible to benefit from the anti-aging nutrients and other key ingredients found in this unique collection of scientifically-formulated dietary supplements, and we feature the lowest possible prices on every Life Extension product that we carry. Start exploring the collection now to discover all the ways that you can support your body and remain more youthful at any age.

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Follow this link:
Life Extension diet & fitness | drugstore.com

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Gene therapy is designed to introduce genetic material into cells to compensate for abnormal genes or to make a beneficial protein. If a mutated gene causes a necessary protein to be faulty or missing, gene therapy may be able to introduce a normal copy of the gene to restore the function of the protein.

A gene that is inserted directly into a cell usually does not function. Instead, a carrier called a vector is genetically engineered to deliver the gene. Certain viruses are often used as vectors because they can deliver the new gene by infecting the cell. The viruses are modified so they cant cause disease when used in people. Some types of virus, such as retroviruses, integrate their genetic material (including the new gene) into a chromosome in the human cell. Other viruses, such as adenoviruses, introduce their DNA into the nucleus of the cell, but the DNA is not integrated into a chromosome.

The vector can be injected or given intravenously (by IV) directly into a specific tissue in the body, where it is taken up by individual cells. Alternately, a sample of the patients cells can be removed and exposed to the vector in a laboratory setting. The cells containing the vector are then returned to the patient. If the treatment is successful, the new gene delivered by the vector will make a functioning protein.

Researchers must overcome many technical challenges before gene therapy will be a practical approach to treating disease. For example, scientists must find better ways to deliver genes and target them to particular cells. They must also ensure that new genes are precisely controlled by the body.

A new gene is injected into an adenovirus vector, which is used to introduce the modified DNA into a human cell. If the treatment is successful, the new gene will make a functional protein.

The Genetic Science Learning Center at the University of Utah provides information about various technical aspects of gene therapy in Gene Delivery: Tools of the Trade. They also discuss other approaches to gene therapy and offer a related learning activity called Space Doctor.

The Better Health Channel from the State Government of Victoria (Australia) provides a brief introduction to gene therapy, including the gene therapy process and delivery techniques.

Penn Medicines Oncolink describes how gene therapy works and how it is administered to patients.

Next: Is gene therapy safe?

See original here:
How does gene therapy work? - Genetics Home Reference

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

2

Pauline Brenholz Integrated Oncology 521 W 57th St Fl 6 New York, NY 10019 (212) 698-0300

3

Melissa P. Wasserstein Comprehensive Gaucher Dis Treatment 1 Gustave L Levy Pl # 1497 New York, NY 10029 (212) 241-0915

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Amy Yang Comprehensive Gaucher Dis Treatment 1 Gustave L Levy Pl # 1497 New York, NY 10029 (212) 241-0915

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Manisha C. Balwani Comprehensive Gaucher Dis Treatment 1 Gustave L Levy Pl # 1497 New York, NY 10029 (212) 241-0915

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Chanan Stauffer Mount Sinai Medical Center Genetics 1 Gustave L Levy Pl FL 12 New York, NY 10029 (212) 241-0915

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Ethylin W. Jabs Comprehensive Gaucher Dis Treatment 1 Gustave L Levy Pl # 1497 New York, NY 10029 (212) 241-0915

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Keith A. Eddleman Faculty Practice Associates Obstetrics & Gynecology 5 E 98th St FL 2 New York, NY 10029 (212) 241-9393

9

George A. Diaz Mount Sinai Medical Center Genetics 1428 Madison Ave RM 12 New York, NY 10029 (212) 241-6947

10

Bryn Webb Mount Sinai Medical Center Genetics 1428 Madison Ave RM 12 New York, NY 10029 (212) 241-6947

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Any C. Yang Mount Sinai Medical Center Genetics 1428 Madison Ave RM 12 New York, NY 10029 (212) 241-6947

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Lakshmi C. Mehta Mount Sinai Medical Center Genetics 1428 Madison Ave RM 12 New York, NY 10029 (212) 241-6947

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Eric Schadt Mount Sinai Medical Center Genetics 1428 Madison Ave RM 12 New York, NY 10029 (212) 241-6947

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Robert J. Desnick Mount Sinai Medical Center Genetics 1428 Madison Ave RM 12 New York, NY 10029 (212) 241-6947

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Kimihiko Oishi Mount Sinai Medical Center Genetics 1428 Madison Ave RM 12 New York, NY 10029 (212) 241-6947

16

Mark I. Evans Mark I Evans MD 131 E 65th St New York, NY 10065 (212) 744-2590

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Noah Kauff Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Clinical Genetics 222 E 70th St Lowr LEVEL New York, NY 10021 (646) 888-4050

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Kenneth Offit Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Clinical Genetics 222 E 70th St Lowr LEVEL New York, NY 10021 (646) 888-4050

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Nelly J. Oundjian Harlem Hospital Center-Pediatric Clinic 46 W 137th St New York, NY 10037 (212) 939-8005

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Michel Sadelain Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center 1275 York Ave New York, NY 10065 (212) 639-2000

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Zsofia K. Stadler Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center 1275 York Ave New York, NY 10065 (212) 639-2000

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Jessica G. Davis New York Presbyterian Hospital Genetics 505 E 70th St FL 3T3 New York, NY 10021 (646) 962-2205

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Lilian L. Cohen New York Presbyterian Hospital Genetics 505 E 70th St FL 3T3 New York, NY 10021 (646) 962-2205

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Jennifer Bassetti New York Presbyterian Hospital Genetics 505 E 70th St FL 3T3 New York, NY 10021 (646) 962-2205

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Christopher M. Cunniff New York Presbyterian Hospital Genetics 505 E 70th St FL 3T3 New York, NY 10021 (646) 962-2205

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Uta Lichter-Konecki New York Presbyterian Hospital Pediatrics 3959 Broadway New York, NY 10032 (212) 305-8504

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Naomi Yachelebich New York University Medical Center Medical Genetics 145 E 32nd St FL 14 New York, NY 10016 (646) 754-2222

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John G. Pappas New York University Medical Center Medical Genetics 145 E 32nd St FL 14 New York, NY 10016 (646) 754-2222

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Narasimha R. Marella Cancer Genetics Inc 201 State Rt 17 FL 2 Rutherford, NJ 07070 (201) 528-9200

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Helio F. Pedro Hackensack Medical Center Genetics 30 Prospect Ave Ste 1 Hackensack, NJ 07601 (551) 996-5264

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Ivan Bilbao-lavieja Hackensack Medical Center Genetics 30 Prospect Ave Ste 1 Hackensack, NJ 07601 (551) 996-5264

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Fredrick J. Gilbreth Pediatrics 121 Dekalb Ave Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 250-6911

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Paul A. Levy Childrens Hospital At Montefiore Medical Center Specialty Clinic 3415 Bainbridge Ave FL 4-5 Bronx, NY 10467 (718) 741-2450

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Robert W. Marion Childrens Evaluation & Rehabilitation Center 1410 Pelham Pkwy S FL 1 Bronx, NY 10461 (718) 430-8600

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Joy M. Samanich Childrens Hospital At Montefiore Medical Center Specialty Clinic 3415 Bainbridge Ave FL 4-5 Bronx, NY 10467 (718) 741-2450

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Elaine M. Pereira Childrens Hospital At Montefiore Medical Center Specialty Clinic 3415 Bainbridge Ave FL 4-5 Bronx, NY 10467 (718) 741-2450

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Susan D. Klugman Montefiore Medical Center Genetics 1695 Eastchester Rd Ste 301 Bronx, NY 10461 (718) 405-8150

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Siobhan M. Dolan Montefiore Medical Center Genetics 1695 Eastchester Rd Ste 301 Bronx, NY 10461 (718) 405-8150

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Yiping Geng Yiping Geng MD 13304 41st Ave Ste A Flushing, NY 11355 (718) 353-7265

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Robin Russell Marble Hill Family Practice 4256 Bronx Blvd Bronx, NY 10466 (646) 329-8220

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Beth A. Pletcher Genetic Center 90 Bergen St Ste 5400 Newark, NJ 07103 (973) 972-3300

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Franklin T. Desposito Genetic Center 90 Bergen St Ste 5400 Newark, NJ 07103 (973) 972-3300

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Punita Gupta St Josephs Regional Medical Center Genetics 703 Main St Paterson, NJ 07503 (973) 754-2727

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Simon G. Kupchick MMC Pediatrics 948 48th St FL 3 Brooklyn, NY 11219 (718) 283-8260

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Jackie L. Roberts Diagnostic Perinatal Testing Obstetrics & Gynecology Ultrasound 5014 Fort Hamilton Pkwy Fl 1 Brooklyn, NY 11219 (718) 283-7979

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Milen T. Velinov George A Jervis Clinic 1050 Forest Hill Rd Staten Island, NY 10314 (718) 494-5151

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William T. Brown George A Jervis Clinic 1050 Forest Hill Rd Staten Island, NY 10314 (718) 494-5151

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Joyce E. Fox CLL Research & Treatment Program 1554 Northern Blvd Ste 204 Manhasset, NY 11030 (516) 365-3996

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Martin G. Bialer CLL Research & Treatment Program 1554 Northern Blvd Ste 204 Manhasset, NY 11030 (516) 365-3996

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Brian S. Cooperman Northern Obstetrics & Gynecology 3111 New Hyde Park Rd Ste 2 North Hills, NY 11042 (516) 365-6100

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David H. Tegay Academic Healthcare Center 500 Northern Blvd Greenvale, NY 11548 (516) 686-3700

Go here to see the original:
Genetic Counseling Center - North Bergen, NJ

Recommendation and review posted by sam

One of the most advanced screening procedures available, genetic testing and screening provides patients with the knowledge they need to make better decisions about their health.

Doctors may recommend genetic testing if the patients family has a history of the condition

Many patients are screened for genetic disorders to determine if they are at higher risk for developing these disorders or if they may carry the gene to pass along to children.

While genetic testing may be recommended by your doctor, you should fully understand the implications of this testing before making your choice. In fact, doctors at Florida Hospital recommend seeking pre-test counseling to understand these important factors:

Remember, even if you test positive for the gene, it does not mean you will develop the disease. Likewise, if you do not test positive for the gene, you may still develop the disease. Your doctor can help interpret the results for you.

Genetic testing and screening can be completed on samples of your skin, blood, hair, urine or other tissues. You may be asked to give a blood sample or have a swab from the inside of your mouth.

While the test procedures are considered safe, the results can affect your emotions, your job and even your health care coverage. Its important to determine how you will react if you have a positive or negative test.

For more information, schedule an appointmentat Florida Hospital to speak with one of the specialists.

Read the rest here:
Genetic Testing and Screening | Florida Hospital

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Who Gets the Test?

Genetic testing is an option for any woman before or during pregnancy. Sometimes the baby's father gets tested, too. Your doctor may suggest genetic testing if family history puts your baby at a higher risk of inherited diseases.

The tests you need may depend on your heritage. Certain ethnic groups have a higher risk of certain diseases. For instance, people with eastern European or Ashkenazi backgrounds have a higher risk of Tay-Sachs disease and Canavan disease. African-Americans have a higher risk of sickle cell disease. Whites have a higher risk of cystic fibrosis.

Doctors use different types of genetic testing. Standard screenings check your baby's risk of birth defects such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, trisomy 13, neural tube defects, and others. Carrier tests can show if you -- or the baby's father -- could carry genetic diseases. These include cystic fibrosis, Fragile X syndrome, sickle cell disease, Tay-Sachs, and others.

A nurse or phlebotomist will take a sample of your blood or saliva. There is no risk to you or your baby.

Genetic tests don't diagnose your baby with a disease. They only tell you if your baby has a higher risk. Your doctor may suggest follow-up tests, such as amniocentesis or CVS, to get more information.

Testing the father can also help. Some diseases can be inherited only if both parents carry the gene. Your doctor can rule out some problems, such as Tay-Sachs, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anemia, if the father tests negative -- even if you test positive.

Just once.

Carrier Screening, Triple Screen, Quad Screen, Multiple Marker Screening

Amniocentesis, CVS

Originally posted here:
Genetic testing - WebMD

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Published studies have proven that those who eat more fruits and vegetables have less health problems. Few people, however, eat enough plant food to protect against common age-related decline. At the same time, commercialmultivitaminsdo not provide all vital plant components needed to maintain good health. Life Extension Mix offers a broad array of vegetable/fruit extracts. The newLife Extension Mixnow includes nicotinamide riboside as well as medium-chain triglycerides.

Nicotinamide ribosideis a substance naturally found inmilk that has been shownto support mitochondrial health and thereby our energy generating processes. Moreover research suggests thatNicotinamide riboside alsopromotes pathways of longevity. Life Extension multivitamis are the only multivitamin formulas to contain nicotinamide riboside. The amount of nicotinamide riboside in the updated Life Extension Mix is equivalent to 13 cups of milk.

Medium-chain triglycerides are special fats that are easily absorbed by the body. Upon absorption they enter the bloodstream and are directly transported to the liver where they serve as an energy source.

Scientists have identified multiple mechanisms by whichgreen teaextract helps protect against LDL oxidation, neuronal oxidation and other age-related changes. Life Extension Mix provides more green tea extract than in commercial formulations.Vitamin D3helps maintain healthy bone density and DNA. There is five times more vitamin D in Life Extension Mix compared to conventional multivitamins.

Broccoliis one of the vegetables best documented to protect healthy DNA. The concentrate in Life Extension Mix is standardised to provide compounds that lie behind broccolis protective benefits. D-glucarate, found in grapefruit, apples, oranges, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, helps to remove DNA toxins.Olive polyphenolshelp protect against LDL oxidation, quench free radicals and stabilise cell membranes. Life Extension Mix contains an olive extract that provides the best-documented polyphenol, called hydroxytyrosol.Luteolinis a flavonoid found in parsley, artichoke, basil, celery and other food. It helps to protect against DNA oxidative damage and has been proven as the most beneficial flavonoid at maintaining healthy DNA. Life Extension Mix contains a standardised dose of 8 mg of luteolin.

Lycopeneis the red carotenoid found in tomatoes. It supports a healthy prostate and helps to promote healthy lipid profiles. Lutein is found in spinach and collard greens and has been shown to help maintain eye macula pigment structure.Pomegranatemay be the most effective plant for maintaining optimal endothelial function. This pomegranate extract provides punicalagins and other polyphenols found in up to 2.6 ounces of pomegranate juice. Sesame lignans increase tissue levels of vitamin E, including gamma tocopherol, and inhibit the formation of an inflammatory precursor, called arachidonic acid.

Wildblueberryextract assists in maintaining optimal neuronal function. Pterostilbene is a compound naturally found in blueberries and grapes that has been shown to have anti-ageing effects. Cyanidin-3-Glucoside is a berry compound that promotes healthy function of the retina to help support night vision.Pyridoxal 5-phosphatehelps to protect against glycation, a toxic process involved in accelerated ageing. Life Extension Mix contains nowmethylcobalaminethat allows for superior absorption compared to other forms of B12. Life Extension Mix utilises natural mixed tocopherols that providenatural vitamin Efrom alpha tocopherol and a small amount of gamma tocopherol (40 mg). Compared to synthetic vitamin E, the natural form is far more bioavailable to the body.

N-acetyl-L-cysteinesuppresses free radicals inside the cell and maintains healthy glutathione levels.Taurinemay protect cells against free radicals and supports eye health. Life Extension Mix contains the sodium selenite, selenomethionine and Se-methyl L-selenocysteine forms ofselenium. Some scientific evidence suggests that consumption of selenium may reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer.Zincis often poorly absorbed. To aid with this issue, Life Extension Mix provides two of the most bioavailable forms of zinc.Boronis not only needed to maintain healthy bone density, but may also help promote healthy prostate cell function.

Life Extension Mix provides a high amount of an optimal form ofchromiumto help maintain arterial wall structure and already normal glucose levels. Magnesium helps to protect arteries and heart valves and supports heart and brain cells. Life Extension Mix provides high potency of six different forms ofmagnesiumto saturate the body with this mineral. Maintaining high levels of acetylcholine in the brain contributes to better cognitive function and memory. Life Extension Mix contains two types of choline, which are used by your body for the formation of acetylcholine.

Life Extension Mix is by far the most completemulti-nutrient formulaanywhere with the most popular vitamin and mineral supplements, antioxidants, water and fat soluble vitamin C, the ideal forms of vitamin E and phyto-extracts that help protect against cellular DNA damage and age related problems.

See the rest here:
Vitamins & Supplements | Life Extension Europe

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Select an Issue Date: August, 2015 July, 2015 June, 2015 May, 2015 April, 2015 November, 2014 September, 2014 August, 2014 July, 2014 June, 2014 May, 2014 April, 2014 February, 2014 January, 2014 December, 2013 November, 2013 October, 2013 September, 2013 August, 2013 July, 2013 June, 2013 May, 2013 April, 2013 March, 2013 February, 2013 January, 2013 December, 2012 October, 2012 September, 2012 August, 2012 July, 2012 May, 2012 April, 2012 January, 2012 November, 2011 September, 2011 June, 2011 April, 2011 February, 2011 December, 2010 October, 2010 August, 2010 June, 2010 April, 2010 January, 2010 December, 2009 October, 2009 August, 2009 June, 2009 April, 2009 February, 2009 December, 2008 November, 2008 September, 2008 July, 2008 May, 2008 March, 2008 January, 2008 September, 2007 June, 2007 February, 2007 October, 2006 July, 2006 March, 2006 December, 2005 September, 2005 June, 2005 March, 2005 November, 2004 August, 2004 July, 2004 April, 2004 February, 2004 November, 2003 August, 2003 June, 2003 April, 2003 February, 2003 January, 2003 November, 2002 March, 2002 February, 2002 January, 2002 November, 2001 September, 2001 July, 2001 June, 2001 May, 2001 March, 2001 November, 2000 October, 2000 August, 2000 June, 2000 April, 2000 February, 2000 December, 1999 November, 1999

APPETIZERS

Reversal of Androgen Inhibition of Estrogen-Activated Sexual Behavior by Cholinergic Agents

In the News: Womens Dementia Worsens Faster Than Mens

Battle of the Sexes

SENSITIVITY TO PUNISHMENT REQUIRES SEROTONIN SIGNALING

Remembering a Pleasant Experience Protects Mice Against Stress Whereas Experiencing the Pleasant Experience Does Not

After a Heart Attack: Promoting Cardiac Repair and Reducing Cardiac Dysfunction

Using Sleep to Brainwash

The Logic of Increasing Freedom By Appealing to the Scientifically PROVEN Human Desire to Punish Bad Actors

Authors Summary of Why the Niacin Flush May Be Surprisingly Beneficial to Your Health

See the original post here:
Life Extension News - Life Enhancement Products

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Life extension involves learning how to make use of the knowledge that modern medicine has provided in order to live longer and healthier lives. We can use knowledge about DNA and personalized medicine, nutritional supplements, maintenance of hormone levels-- and other medical information-- in order to live a longer healthspan. By living longer, we can be alive long enough to take advantage of medical advances that are yet to be developed. Life extension is an aggressive form of preventive medicine.

The Life Extension Manual began as a handout for seminars on Life Extension I was doing once or twice a year during the early 1990s. As the "handout" grew in size to that of a small book, I began to convert it into a stand-alone document and to distribute it separately from the seminars.

I won't be doing any more of these seminars, but I have done significant updates occasionally of the online Life Extension Manual and I plan to do some more updates, including adding new chapters, during the coming months.

I cannot predict when new material will be added. I earn very little from this Life Extension Manual, so I don't have much incentive to put additional effort into it. I still find this subject to be of upmost personal interest to me, though, and I enjoy sharing this information.

Whatever I may do with this information in the future, this basic Life Extension Manual will remain only available online. There are no plans at the present time to make any printed copies available.

Whenever I can make enough time, I'll be adding chapters on the additional subjects currently listed in the Table of Contents.

Life Extension is a new form of applied science that is filled with uncertainties; but in the short history of this applied science, many of those who have learned to manage the uncertainties have already benefited greatly from it.

Science is the one successful method that has been developed for managing uncertainty. Knowledge and certainty are mutually exclusive. Certainty is a myth of unscientific worldviews.

Those of us who have been practicing state-of-the-art Life Extension for more than a decade have been pleased, and sometimes pleasantly surprised, at just how well these techniques work. (I've been at it to some extent for more than 45 years, beginning when I was about 20 years old.)

In many respects, though, the true science of anti-aging medicine is just now in its infancy. In the past, we have only been able to slow down some of the manifestations of aging. In the near future, we may finally begin to be able to do something about aging at a more fundamental level. In fact, we can now begin to attack aging at its most fundamental level, but we can currently only make perhaps a five percent dent in the most fundamental causes of aging.

At this point in time, the very small number of us who have been at this life extension process for several decades, and have succeeded to some extent in making our biological age much less than our chronological age, are regarded (to some extent) as social freaks. So one must be psychologically prepared to deal with this. (This problem is actually much more pervasive and difficult than most people would think. It is a major disincentive for aggressively continuing a life extension program.)

Long before we completely conquer aging at its most fundamental level, we are likely to encounter what scientist Aubrey de Grey calls the Methuselarity, which is a point in time where expected human lifespan increases by more than one year for each year of elapsed time. At this point, one's expected remaining lifetime stops decreasing and begins increasing. This certainly does not mean immortality or the end of death. It basically means, though, that you will have no real idea of how much longer you have to live. Some people will find this situation very uncomfortable or disconcerting. It is likely that most people alive today will live to see the Methuselarity.

I had intended that the Life Extension Manual would be revised and updated frequently, but this has proven to be quite time-consuming and difficult. I realize that some sections are inadequately referenced to the primary medical literature. I have added a number of important references during the past two years. I hope to be able to remedy this problem further over the next several months, although it is likely to be a slow process.

I had my genome analyzed in May, 2008 by deCODEme.com, a division of Decode Genetics in Reykjavik, Iceland. (DeCode was purchased by Amgen in December 2012, and they have since discontinued their DecodeMe personal genetics testing services for new customers.) In November, 2008, I had a further analysis done by 23andMe. These companies did not decode the entire genome, but they did decode the points of human DNA that are the most common variations among different individuals.

At the time of my DNA scans, DeCODEme.com decoded 1,013,349 points on an individual's DNA, and 23andMe version 2 decoded 579,751 points. These points are among the points known as single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs (pronounced "snips"). There is a lot of overlap in the SNPs that were decoded by the two companies. To learn more about SNPs, see SNPedia, which is a Wikipedia-like encyclopedia about single nucleotide polymorphisms.

One result of my DNA tests was that I was able to identify an unusual variant in a gene that codes for the aromatase enzyme. A malfunctioning aromatase gene was causing me to lose bone density, especially spinal bone density. As a direct result of the discovery of that variant, I had further testing done, and I discovered that my estradiol level was far too low. Estradiol is an estrogen that is necessary for health in both males and females. After using supplementary estradiol for 10 months, the bone mineral density in my lumbar spine increased by more than 20 percent. By June 2012, my lumbar bone mineral density had increased by 42.5 percent above the bone density just before I started using topical estradiol. You can read more details about my DNA tests, including medical references about the problem of estrogen deficiency in males, at:

I already knew that I had a genetic propensity for spinal osteoporosis, a disease which resulted in my father's death in 2005 after a long period of severe disability. Shortly after my father's death, I had a DEXA bone scan that revealed that my bone density was also abnormally low, primarily in the spine, but also to a certain extent at the hip.

By May of 2008, my spinal bone density had decreased to the point that it met the technical definition of osteoporosis. I was able to identify the most significant probable causes as variants in the IGF-1 and aromatase genes.

Results of a DEXA bone density scan on May 6, 2009 indicated an increase in lumbar spinal bone density of 20.1 percent during the previous year as the result of using supplemental transdermal estradiol and injectable growth hormone. DEXA bone density scans in December 2010 and June 2012 showed a continuing increase in my spinal bone density. My spinal bone density is 42.5 percent higher (as of June 2012) as compared with its was lowest point in May 2008. I am no longer in the osteoporosis range.

Progress in medicine is expanding so rapidly that the doubling time for medical knowledge is now about four years (although there no means of really measuring a moving target like expanding knowledge with any degree of accuracy). That means that during the next four years, we will learn as much about medicine as was discovered from the beginning of human existence until now.

The field of human genomics is currently advancing faster than any area of information that I have seen in my lifetime (and I have spent the last four decades imbedded deeply in the rapidly-moving electronics revolution). The 20th century was the century of electricity and electronics, but the 21st century promises to be the century of biology and medicine.

Figuring out how to manage and apply all of the information is an enormous challenge, a challenge made even more complex by biochemical individuality: the fact that each of us is unique. In both preventive medicine and traditional "curative" medicine, what works well for most people may have adverse effects on any given individual. If we can stop FDA obstruction, the new science of human genomics will help us to sort this out, and this process of individualized medicine is beginning already.

23andMe no longer provides any details on health risks for new customers. They still allow you to download your complete DNA SNP file, plus ancestry information.

If you want to obtain your health risk information from your DNA file, you will have to either consult with a professional, or else analyze your raw 23andMe DNA file as I have done (as described elsewhere on this site). The FDA will not allow 23andMe to directly provide any health risk information of any kind for customers ordering after November 22, 2013. The DNA scan price is still $99.

My Promethease analysis, mentioned above, has a lot of information about how I am likely to react to various medicines. In the future, DNA analysis will also be able to give some valuable information about how any specific individual is likely to respond to various foods and nutritional supplements. Promethease is software for comparing a person's individual genetic data from a DNA scan with the known information about the effects of different variations in DNA.

There is a 23 minute video tutorial on downloading a 23andMe file and obtaining information from that file on health risks and your personal pharmaceutical idiosyncrasies by using Promethease at:

Traditional one-size-fits-all medicine is rapidly becoming obsolete, and it will soon come to be generally regarded as dangerous.

I usually began my Life Extension Seminars by passing around a printed copy of the Index Medicus, the index of most of the medical research reports published in the world for any particular month. During the 1990s, the typical Subject Index for one month was a 9-inch by 11.5-inch book that was more than 2 inches thick and weighed more than 6 pounds (nearly 3 kilograms). (The separate Author Index was only a little over one inch thick.) This book was only the index for a single month of medical research reports in scientifically-respected peer-reviewed publications. It is no longer feasible to publish a printed index of new medical reports due to the ever increasing volume of new information. After December, 2004, printed copies of the Index Medicus were no longer published. That information is now only available electronically.

The information in the Life Extension Manual is derived from information in those research reports that you don't usually hear much about. I personally do make use of most of the information that is contained in the Life Extension Manual; but I am not recommending that anyone else do the same. I am a medical experiment-in-progress, and so is anyone else who decides to make use of relatively new medical information.

The decision whether, and to what extent, to personally make use of information about life extension and anti-aging medicine is a difficult one. While there is an abundance of data pointing to the benefit of, for example, the regular use of melatonin or certain other particular hormones, but there are also a large amount of unanswered questions.

I am frequently asked about my personal life extension program and about to what extent it has worked. I've always been reluctant to publish my own experimental regimen since it would be inappropriate for anyone to use it without medical supervision. I once had it online at this site, but too many people foolishly tried to use it inappropriately for their own program-- so I have deleted it. I have put a page back up about the core nutritional supplements that I consider important. That page is not a complete summary of what I take (since what I take changes as circumstances evolve), but contains information that I believe will be useful to others.

I have put the results of my latest personal blood chemistry tests, with comments online. That set of blood chemistry data shows the results of my 2010 blood tests and link to another page showing my blood tests for the earlier three years. I will have even more updated personal medical information available here later.

This online manual is heavily linked to many other interesting web sites, especially in the Recommended Reading and Resources section.

The Life Extension Foundation has also provided Futurescience with an article about natural means of increasing human growth hormone for those who do not wish to (or cannot afford to) use HGH injections.

The Life Extension Manual is written by Jerry Emanuelson.

If you send me an email, please be patient. I do carefully read all of my email, but I find it impossible to respond to every one.

Futurescience.com has an affiliate relationship with the Life Extension Foundation. I have been a member of this organization since very shortly after it was founded more than three decades ago. That organization provides a number of very valuable products and services, which you can purchase whether you become a member or not (although you get a significantly discounted price if you are a member.) One of those services is the ability to order your own blood tests of your choosing at a price that is lower than you will generally pay at a doctor's office. In this free Life Extension Manual, one of the major goals is to enable individuals to take greater control of their own health and medical care.

The Life Extension Foundation offers discount pricing on a wide variety of blood testing by one of the largest testing laboratories in the United States. The samples are taken at any one of the more than 1600 Labcorp sites all across the United States. This is a great opportunity to choose your own medical testing.

You can't really achieve optimal health and extend your life span without knowing the things about the true state of your health that only blood testing can tell you.

(If you have a problem taking blood tests because of problems with needle procedures, please see the Needle Phobia Page for many possible solutions to this very common, and often extremely difficult, problem. It is a problem that has been significant for me in the past, but I have largely overcome it.)

Read the original:
Life Extension Manual - A Guide to Anti-aging, Genomes, and ...

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

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Life Extension - Reviews - eVitamins.com

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Stem Cell Therapy: Helping the Body Heal Itself

Stem cells are natures own transformers. When the body is injured, stem cells travel the scene of the accident. Some come from the bone marrow, a modest number of others, from the heart itself. Additionally, theyre not all the same. There, they may help heal damaged tissue. They do this by secreting local hormones to rescue damaged heart cells and occasionally turning into heart muscle cells themselves. Stem cells do a fairly good job. But they could do better for some reason, the heart stops signaling for heart cells after only a week or so after the damage has occurred, leaving the repair job mostly undone. The partially repaired tissue becomes a burden to the heart, forcing it to work harder and less efficiently, leading to heart failure.

Initial research used a patients own stem cells, derived from the bone marrow, mainly because they were readily available and had worked in animal studies. Careful study revealed only a very modest benefit, so researchers have moved on to evaluate more promising approaches, including:

No matter what you may read, stem cell therapy for damaged hearts has yet to be proven fully safe and beneficial. It is important to know that many patients are not receiving the most current and optimal therapies available for their heart failure. If you have heart failure, and wondering about treatment options, an evaluation or a second opinion at a Center of Excellence can be worthwhile.

Randomized clinical trials evaluating these different approaches typically allow enrollment of only a few patients from each hospital, and hence what may be available at the Cleveland Clinic varies from time to time. To inquire about current trials, please call 866-289-6911 and speak to our Resource Nurses.

Cleveland Clinic is a large referral center for advanced heart disease and heart failure we offer a wide range of therapies including medications, devices and surgery. Patients will be evaluated for the treatments that best address their condition. Whether patients meet the criteria for stem cell therapy or not, they will be offered the most advanced array of treatment options.

Allogenic: from one person to another (for example: organ transplant)

Autogenic: use of one's own tissue

Myoblasts: immature muscle cells, may be able to change into functioning heart muscle cells

Stem Cells: cells that have the ability to reproduce, generate new cells, and send signals to promote healing

Transgenic: Use of tissue from another species. (for example: some heart valves from porcine or bovine tissue)

Read this article:
Stem Cell Therapy for Heart Disease - Cleveland Clinic

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Human beings have cells with 46 chromosomes -- 2 chromosomes that determine what sex they are (X and Y chromosomes), and 22 pairs of nonsex (autosomal) chromosomes. Males are "46,XY" and females are "46,XX." The chromosomes are made up of strands of genetic information called DNA. Each chromosome contains sections of DNA called genes, which carry the information needed by your body to make certain proteins.

Each pair of autosomal chromosomes contains one chromosome from the mother and one from the father. Each chromosome in a pair carries basically the same information; that is, each chromosome pair has the same genes. Sometimes there are slight variations of these genes. These variations occur in less than 1% of the DNA sequence. The genes that have these variations are called alleles.

Some of these variations can result in a gene that is abnormal. An abnormal gene may lead to an abnormal protein or an abnormal amount of a normal protein. In a pair of autosomal chromosomes, there are two copies of each gene, one from each parent. If one of these genes is abnormal, the other one may make enough protein so that no disease develops. When this happens, the abnormal gene is called recessive, and the other gene in the pair is called dominant. Recessive genes are said to be inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.

However, if only one abnormal gene is needed to produce a disease, it leads to a dominant hereditary disorder. In the case of a dominant disorder, if one abnormal gene is inherited from mom or dad, the child will likely show the disease.

A person with one abnormal gene is called heterozygous for that gene. If a child receives an abnormal recessive disease gene from both parents, the child will show the disease and will be homozygous (or compound heterozygous) for that gene.

GENETIC DISORDERS

Almost all diseases have a genetic component. However, the importance of that component varies. Disorders in which genes play an important role (genetic diseases) can be classified as:

A single-gene disorder (also called Mendelian disorder) is caused by a defect in one particular gene. Single gene defects are rare. But since there are about 4,000 known single gene disorders, their combined impact is significant.

Single-gene disorders are characterized by how they are passed down in families. There are six basic patterns of single gene inheritance:

The observed effect of a gene (the appearance of a disorder) is called the phenotype.

In autosomal dominant inheritance, the abnormality or abnormalities usually appear in every generation. Each time an affected woman has a child, that child has a 50% chance of inheriting the disease.

People with one copy of a recessive disease gene are called carriers. Carriers usually don't have symptoms of the disease. But, the gene can often be found by sensitive laboratory tests.

In autosomal recessive inheritance, the parents of an affected individual may not show the disease (they are carriers). On average, the chance that carrier parents could have children who develop the disease is 25% with each pregnancy. Male and female children are equally likely to be affected. For a child to have symptoms of an autosomal recessive disorder, the child must receive the abnormal gene from both parents. Because most recessive disorders are rare, a child is at increased risk of a recessive disease if the parents are related. Related individuals are more likely to have inherited the same rare gene from a common ancestor.

In X-linked recessive inheritance, the chance of getting the disease is much higher in males than females. Since the abnormal gene is carried on the X (female) chromosome, males do not transmit it to their sons (who will receive the Y chromosome from their fathers). However, they do transmit it to their daughters. In females, the presence of one normal X chromosome masks the effects of the X chromosome with the abnormal gene. So, almost all of the daughters of an affected man appear normal, but they are all carriers of the abnormal gene. Each time these daughters bear a son, there is a 50% chance the son will receive the abnormal gene.

In X-linked dominant inheritance, the abnormal gene appears in females even if there is also a normal X chromosome present. Since males pass the Y chromosome to their sons, affected males will not have affected sons. All of their daughters will be affected, however. Sons or daughters of affected females will have a 50% chance of getting the disease.

EXAMPLES OF SINGLE GENE DISORDERS

Autosomal recessive:

X-linked recessive:

Autosomal dominant:

X-linked dominant:

Only a few, rare, disorders are X-linked dominant. One of these is hypophosphatemic rickets, also called vitamin D -resistant rickets.

CHROMOSOMAL DISORDERS

In chromosomal disorders, the defect is due to either an excess or lack of the genes contained in a whole chromosome or chromosome segment.

Chromosomal disorders include:

MULTIFACTORIAL DISORDERS

Many of the most common diseasesare caused byinteractions of several genes and factors in the the environment (for example, illnesses in the mother and medications). These include:

MITOCHONDRIAL DNA-LINKED DISORDERS

Mitochondria are small organisms found in most of the body's cells. They are responsible for energy production inside cells. Mitochondria contain their own private DNA.

In recent years, many disorders have been shown to result from changes (mutations) in mitochondrial DNA. Because mitochondria come only from the female egg, most mitochondrial DNA-related disorders are passed down from the mother.

Mitochondrial DNA-related disorders can appear at any age. They have a wide variety of symptoms and signs. These disorders may cause:

Some other disorders are also known as mitochondrial disorders, but they do not involve mutations in the mitochondrial DNA. These disorders are usually single gene defects and they follow the same pattern of inheritance as other single gene disorders.

Read more from the original source:
Genetics: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Photos: DNA, ladybug, brown eye, blue eye, PCR, Gregor Mendel, peas: AMNH; Starfish: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services K4508; Perch fish: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services PK241; Illustrations: Louis Pappas, Steve Thurston, Eric Hamilton; DNA, nature/nurture: Kelvin Chan Boy at computer: Jim Steck; Fruit fly: courtesy of Flybase

Did you know that DNA carries all the information a cell needs to make you uniquely you? Take a look at the science of where it ALL begins.

Illustrations Steve Gray

Solve genetic riddles as you wind your way through the star-studded park.

Photos: Dr. Ian Wilmut and Dolly; Dolly and her birth mother, courtesy of the Roslin Institute; Illustrations: Clay Meyer

Investigate the how and why of cloning. This Web page helps kids understand cloning and explains some of the ethical issues involved.

Photos: George Barrowclough: courtesy of R.J. Gutierrez; Humpback whales, Howard Rosenbaum: courtesy of Peter J. Ersts, Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, AMNH; Owl: John and Karen Hollingsworth, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Yael Wyner: courtesy of Yael Wyner; Joel Cracraft: courtesy of Joel Cracraft; Sumatran Tiger: courtesy of Jessie Cohen, Smithsonian's National Zoo; Lemur: courtesy of Duke University Primate Center; Daniela Calcagnotto: Courtesy of Daniela Calcagnotto; Pacu: courtesy of Leonard Lovshin, Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures, Auburn University; St. Vincent parrots, Mike Russello: courtesy of Mike Russello; Illustrations: Louis Pappas, Steve Thurston, Eric Hamilton

Travel around the world with museum scientists: from Madagascar to the Western U.S. to the island of Sumatra in Indonesia.

Photos: George Amato, Lab machines: courtesy of Denis Finnin, AMNH; Caimans: courtesy of Santos Breyer, Crocodilian Photo Gallery; Elephant: courtesy of Jason Lelchuk, AMNH; American Crocodile: courtesy of Julio Caballeros Sigme, Florida Museum of Natural History; Tibetan Antelope: courtesy of George B. Schaller; Products: courtesy of Meg Carlough

Join scientist George Amato on his quest to stop criminals smuggling illegal goods.

All photos: AMNH

Here's a very cool experiment that just might bring a tear to your eye. Use a blender to separate the DNA from an onion.

Illustrations: Daryl Collins

Find out what makes you different from a snail, a tree, or even your best friend!

Photos: Salmon, Florida Panther: courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Ruffed lemur: courtesy of Duke University Primate Center; Congo Gorilla: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services 1636; Spotted owl: courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / photo by J&K Hollingsworth; Sumatran tiger: courtesy of Jessie Cohen, Smithsonian's National Zoo; Grevy's zebra: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services K10684; Asian Elephant: courtesy of Jason Lelchuk, AMNH; DNA, tongue curling, earlobe, thumb: courtesy of Denis Finnin, AMNH; Dolly: courtesy of the Roslin Institute; Corn, bananas, dog, bird, eye, flowers, buildings, glacier, human, tomato, cupcake, none: AMNH; Guinea pig: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services PK326; Mars: courtesy of David Crisp and the WFPC2 Science Team (Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology)/NSSDC and NASA; Dusky Seaside Sparrow: courtesy of P.W. Sykes, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Antelope: courtesy of George B. Schaller; Crocodile: courtesy of Santos Breyer, the Crocodilian Photo Gallery; Sea turtle: courtesy of David Vogel, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Illustrations: Cell, Chromosome, DNA: Stephen Blue; Gene: Kelvin Chan; Mononykus dinosaur: Mick Ellison, AMNH; Woolly Mammoth: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services 2431, painting by Charles. R. Knight; Dodo Bird: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services 6261, Jean Pretre, from Henri-Marie Ducrotay de Blainville, Nouvelles annales du Museum d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris; Sabre tooth tiger: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services 1017; painting by Charles R. Knight

Make your opinion count!

Explore the gene scene with these seven books.

Photos: Rob De Salle: courtesy of Denis Finnin, AMNH; Illustrations: Daniel Guidera

Step into the future for a look at what cloning might do for you.

Illustrations: Animals: Steve Thurston; Journal Page: Carl Mehling

Want to figure out the wildlife in your area and the impact of genetics? Start a field journal, and track how your favorite critter looks and behaves.

Illustrations: Eric Hamilton

Send a note to a friend with these colorful letterheads.

Photos: Physics Notebook, Questions, Molecular Lab, Dog: AMNH; Narwhal: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services, 26177, Photo by A.S. Rudland and Sons, copied by Thos. Lunt, Feb. 19, 1910 from "The Living Animals of the World," Hutchinson and Co., London; Fruit fly: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services 101321; The Genomic Revolution AMNH exhibit pictures: Preparation, DNA Learning Lab, Nature/Nurture wall, Yeast: courtesy of Denis Finnin, AMNH; Chimpanzee: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services K12658 Salmon: courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Find out where Rob has followed his born curiosity.

Photos: Rob DeSalle: Physics Notebook, Questions, Molecular Lab, Dog: AMNH; Narwhal: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services, 26177, Photo by A.S. Rudland and Sons, copied by Thos. Lunt, Feb. 19, 1910 from "The Living Animals of the World," Hutchinson and Co., London; Fruit fly: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services 101321; The Genomic Revolution AMNH exhibit pictures: Preparation, DNA Learning Lab, Nature/Nurture wall, Yeast: courtesy of Denis Finnin, AMNH; Chimpanzee: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services K12658 Salmon: courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Kids: All people pictures and drawings: courtesy of subjects; Woolly Mammoth: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services 2431, painting by Charles. R. Knight Cat: courtesy of subject Farm: AMNH

Find out where Rob, Emily, Logan, and Seth have followed their born curiosity.

Illustrations: Wayne Vincent

What's the human genome project and what does it mean to you? Toby, Annie, and Claudia uncovered the answers.

Illustrations: Daryl Collins

The next time you eat a tomato, ask yourself: What would it taste like if there were a bit of flounder in it? Learn how scientists are using genetics to change the food you eat.

Photos: Monarch Butterfly, courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services K14898; Grizzly Bear: courtesy of NPS; Sunflower: courtesy of Bruce Fritz, ARS; Chimpanzee: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services K12658; African Elephant: courtesy of Miriam Westervelt, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Apple tree: courtesy of Doug Wilson, USDA; Red flour beetle: courtesy of Cereal Research Centre, AAFC; Brown trout: courtesy of Duane River, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Supplies: AMNH; What to Do: (All photos): AMNH; DNA Model, Lady beetle: courtesy of Scott Bauer, ARS Fish, Daisy: AMNH; What You Need illustrations: Stephen Blue

How can you wear a chimp on your wristwithout getting primate elbow? The answer to this riddle is not as tough as it may seem.

Photos: DNA, AMNH; The Genomic Revolution Exhibit: courtesy of Denis Finnin, AMNH; Gene: AMNH; Dolly: courtesy of the Roslin Institute; Chimpanzee: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services K12658

How much do you know about what makes you you? Test your genetics knowledge with this interactive quiz.

Photos: People: courtesy of Denis Finnin, AMNH; Illustrations: Louis Pappas, Steve Thurston, Eric Hamilton; People: Jim Steck Genetics illustrations: Stephen Blue

Zoom inside your cells for a fascinating look at chromosomes, DNA, genes, and more!

Photos: Frozen Tissue Collection: All specimens from the Frozen Tissue Collection, frilled leaf-tailed gecko: AMNH / Denis Finnin cryovat, test tubes: AMNH / Craig Chesek humpback whale: John J. Mosesso / NBII coyote: AMNH; Gold: gold sheet mouflon, miniature sacrificial figurine, Spanish coins: AMNH / Craig Chesek Inca necklace: AMNH / Denis Finnin Eureka Bar: AMNH / Roderick Mickens astronaut in space: NASA computer chip: stock.xchng; Leeches: jaw: Eye of Science / Photo Researchers, Inc. bite mark: Geoff Tompkinson / Photo Researchers, Inc. leech feeding on snail: Edward Hendrycks, reproduce courtesy of the Canadian Museum of Nature leeches before and after blood meal, leeches on foot, American Medicinal Leech, Malagobdella vagans, Mark Siddall in swamp: courtesy of Mark Siddall; Dioramas: AMNH / Roderick Mickens; Mythic Creatures: All photos courtesy of American Museum of Natural History; Vietnam: pygmi loris, Tonkin snub-nosed monkey: Tilo Nadler / Frankfurt Zoological Society Oriental pit viper: Robert W. Murphy / Royal Ontario Museum scientists with camera trap: Kevin Frey / AMNH Center for Biodiversity and Conservation saola: European Commission, Social Forestry and Nature Conservation

Put your viewing skills to the test with this mystery photo challenge.

Tracking a gorilla can get hairy. Literally. Just ask George Amato.

See the original post:
Ology Genetics - AMNH

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

The information in genomes provides the instruction set for producing each living organism on the planet. While we have a growing understanding of the basic biochemical functions of many of the individual genes in genomes, understanding the complex processes by which this encoded information is read out to orchestrate production of incredibly diverse cell types and organ functions, and how different species use strikingly similar gene sets to nonetheless produce fantastically diverse organismal morphologies with distinct survival and reproductive strategies, comprise many of the deepest questions in all of science. Moreover, we recognize that inherited or acquired variation in DNA sequence and changes in epigenetic states contribute to the causation of virtually every disease that afflicts our species. Spectacular advances in genetic and genomic analysis now provide the tools to answer these fundamental questions.

Members of the Department of Genetics conduct basic research using genetics and genomics of model organisms (yeast, fruit fly, worm, zebrafish, mouse) and humans to understand fundamental mechanisms of biology and disease. Areas of active investigation include genetic and epigenetic regulation of development, molecular genetics, genomics and cell biology of stem cells, the biochemistry of micro RNA production and their regulation of gene expression, and genetic and genomic analysis of diseases in model systems and humans including cancer, cardiovascular and kidney disease, neurodegeneration and regeneration, and neuropsychiatric disease. Members of the Department have also been at the forefront of technology development in the use of new methods for genetic analysis, including new methods for engineering mutations as well as new methods for production and analysis of large genomic data sets.

The Department sponsors a graduate program leading to the PhD in the areas of molecular genetics and genomics, development, and stem cell biology. Admission to the Graduate Program is through the Combined Programs in Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS).

In addition to these basic science efforts, the Department is also responsible for providing clinical care in Medical Genetics in the Yale New Haven Health System. Clinical genetics services include inpatient consultation and care, general, subspecialty, cancer and prenatal genetics clinics, and clinical laboratories for cytogenetics, DNA diagnostics, and biochemical diagnostics. The Department sponsors a Medical Genetics Residency program leading to certification by the American Board of Medical Genetics. Admission to the Genetics Residency is directly through the Department.

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Home > Genetics | Yale School of Medicine

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

What are genes?

Genes are the part of a body cell that contain the biological information that parents pass to their children. Genes control the growth and development of cells. Genes are contained in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), a substance inside the center (nucleus) of cells that contains instructions for the development of the cell.

You inherit half of your genetic information from your mother and the other half from your father. Genes, alone or in combination, determine what features (genetic traits) a person inherits from his or her parents, such as blood type, hair color, eye color, and other characteristics, including risks of developing certain diseases. Certain changes in genes or chromosomes may cause problems in various body processes or functions.

Many genes together make up larger structures within the cell called chromosomes. Each cell normally contains 23 pairs of chromosomes.

A human has 46 chromosomes (23 pairs). One chromosome from each pair comes from the mother, and one chromosome from each pair comes from the father. One of the 23 pairs determines your sex. These sex chromosomes are called X and Y.

Some genetic disorders are caused when all or part of a chromosome is missing or when an extra chromosome or chromosome fragment is present.

Genetic testing examines a DNA sample for gene changes, or it may analyze the number, arrangement, and characteristics of the chromosomes. Testing may be performed on samples of blood, semen, urine, saliva, stool, body tissues, bone, or hair.

Read more here:
Genetics and Genetic Disorders and Diseases - WebMD

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent further joint damage. The underlying cause often cannot be cured.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Lifestyle changes are the preferred treatment for osteoarthritis and other types of joint swelling. Exercise can help relieve stiffness, reduce pain and fatigue, and improve muscle and bone strength. Your health care team can help you design an exercise program that is best for you.

Exercise programs may include:

Your health care provider may suggest physical therapy. This might include:

Other things you can do include:

MEDICINES

Medicines may be prescribed along with lifestyle changes. All medicines have some risks. You should be closely followed by a doctor when taking arthritis medicines.

Over-the-counter medicines:

Prescription medicines:

It is very important to take your medicines as directed by your doctor. If you are having problems doing so (for example, because of side effects), you should talk to your doctor. Also make sure your doctor knows about all the medicines you are taking, including vitamins and supplements bought without a prescription.

SURGERY AND OTHER TREATMENTS

In some cases, surgery may be done if other treatments have not worked. This may include:

Link:
Arthritis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Recommendation and review posted by simmons

A major genetic study Tuesday confirmed a link between low vitamin D and a higher risk of multiple sclerosis, a finding which experts say could lead to better treatment and prevention.

Previous observational studies have found an association between a person's level of vitamin D, which comes from sunlight and from certain foods, and MS, a debilitating autoimmune disease that affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord, and has no known cause or cure.

But the problem with these studies was that they could not prove that low vitamin D caused MS, and may indeed have been showing simply that people who were sick tended to stay inside more and get less sunlight.

The latest study by Brent Richards, from McGill University, Canada, and colleagues published this week in PLOS Medicine, gets around that obstacle by analyzing the association between genetically reduced vitamin D levels and the likelihood of MS in a pool of 14,498 people with multiple sclerosis and 24,091 healthy controls.

The study found that people with genetically lower vitamin D levels face double the risk of getting MS, which is often diagnosed between age 20 and 50.

"The results show that if a baby is born with genes associated with vitamin D deficiency they are twice as likely as other babies to develop MS as an adult," explained Benjamin Jacobs, director of Children's Service at the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital in London.

Jacobs, who was not involved in the study, described its findings as "important."

"This could be because vitamin D deficiency causes MS or possibly because there are other complex genetic interactions," he said.

"We do not yet know if giving healthy children and adults vitamin D will decrease their risk of developing MS, but clinical trials are being conducted now to study this."

MS is a chronic disease that affects some 2.3 million people worldwide, causing blurred vision, slurred speech, tremors, extreme fatigue, problems with memory, paralysis and blindness.

Read more here:
Low Vitamin D Tied to Multiple Sclerosis

Recommendation and review posted by simmons

You probably know your nerves carry messages around your body. So if you stub your toe, your nerves deliver the message to your brain that says "Ouch!" Nerves also send signals that tell your muscles what to do when you want to walk and run.

In someone who has multiple sclerosis (MS), there are roadblocks in the pathways so the messages don't get to the brain like they should.

That leads to problems like:

MS is mostly a disease that adults get and is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. It is more common in women than men.

If you know someone who has MS, you probably want to know what the disease will be like for them. The disease does tend to get slowly worse over time, but most people with MS have mild symptoms and live to be as old as people without MS.

Let's talk about what's causing those roadblocks for the signals. If a person has MS, the immune system which usually fights germs attacks nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It damages the layer of tissue, called myelin, which surrounds and protects the nerves.

When myelin becomes damaged, scars develop. The word sclerosis comes from the Greek word for scarring or hardening. And those scars can act like stones in the road, creating a bumpy ride for signals as they travel between the brain and body.

When those signals get slowed down or blocked, people with MS feel one or more symptoms, such as vision problems or feeling unsteady on their feet. The symptoms will vary depending on what nerves are affected.

There are four different categories of MS:

MS is rare in kids. About 5% of cases of MS are diagnosed in children. MS in kids tends to progress more slowly than MS diagnosed in adults.

Nobody knows exactly why a person gets multiple sclerosis. It is not contagious, so you can't catch it from someone who has it. And it's not hereditary. That means the disease is not passed on directly from one generation to the next, like eye color.

But your chances of developing MS are greater if a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has it. Scientists are still studying why.

When people begin to experience what could be early signs of MS, such as vision or balance problems, doctors will take a careful history and do a complete physical exam. Since there is no one test that can determine if a person has MS, the doctor may order several tests, including blood tests, cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord) tests, and brain scans.

A brain MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging test, lets a doctor check for evidence of scars in the brain and spinal cord by taking detailed pictures of these body areas.

Another frequent stop on the way to an MS diagnosis is a series of evoked potentials (EP) tests, which test the time it takes for nerves to respond. If the response time is slow, the chances are greater that there's damage along the nerve pathways.

Currently, there is no known cure for multiple sclerosis, but medicines can help control symptoms. When a flare-up or relapse happens, steroids lessen inflammation and help speed up recovery. Several medicines can be given to reduce the number of relapses and slow down progression of the disease.

People with MS can take steps to manage symptoms, including physical and occupational therapy. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly are also important when it comes to overall health and well-being for people living with MS.

If someone you love has MS, you can be supportive in lots of ways. The person might appreciate some help with stuff like opening doors. If you live with this person, it's great to be quiet when he or she is resting.

As you get older, you might be able to help with other stuff, like getting groceries or doing other stuff around the house. But most of all, the person will like knowing that you're understanding and ready to help.

Reviewed by: Rupal Christine Gupta, MD Date reviewed: January 2015

More here:
Multiple Sclerosis - KidsHealth

Recommendation and review posted by simmons

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Multiple Sclerosis | GreenMedInfo | Disease | Natural Medicine

Recommendation and review posted by simmons

What do constant headaches, gum disease, sleep disorders, sore joints and other serious health conditions have in common? They all have chronic inflammation as the root cause.

Inflammation isnt always a bad thing. In fact, acute inflammation is normal for your body such aswhen you suffer a painful cut or bruise and your body fights to heal itself. The real trouble begins when inflammation becomes chronic. When this occurs, your immune system begins fighting against its own cells, leading to harmful effects on your health. (1)

Right now, if youre enduring one of the seven symptoms below, dont ignore them! These can be tell-tale signs that your body is chronically inflamed. Instead, try my favorite ways to help reduce inflammation and begin healing your body from the inside out.

Remember, one of the best things you can do to reduce overall inflammation is overhauling the way you eat. My healing foods dietwhich focuses on clean protein, healthy fats and low-glycemic carbohydrates is naturally anti-inflammatory. Give it a go if you have one of these seven symptoms!

If you find your head constantly throbbing, inflammation might be the cause. Not only are migraines and frequent headachesespecially painful, but they can also be precursors to more serious conditions. (2)

Help fight these headaches naturally by seeking out organic proteins like grass-fed beef and ingesting more high-fiber foods. In addition,because magnesium plays a vital role in keeping our bodies functioning properly and a deficiency can lead to headaches, takinga magnesium supplement mayhelp prevent recurring pains and reduce symptoms.

Constantly worried about bad breath or have you been diagnosed with gingivitis? Inflammation might be to blame. These periodontal diseases begin as bacterial infections that progress into inflammation. Not only are these conditions socially embarrassing, but they are also symptoms of inflammation that can lead to more widespread, systemic diseases in the body. (3)

Skip expensive treatments and help cure gum diseases naturally. Begin by flossing at least daily to get rid of errant food that can lead to bacterial growth. Usehomemade toothpaste,which can also help heal gum disease and even brighten teeth; or try coconut oil pulling to fight gum disease and keep gingivitis at bay.

Gut diseases are probably the most common of symptoms, andALL have inflammation at their roots. Unfortunately, these types of diseases are also becoming more common in society. (4) Things like preservatives in foods, toxin overload and an imbalance in bacteria are all to blame. (5,6)

My number one tried-and-true method of overcoming gut diseases is by sipping on bone broth. Its healing properties help sooth your guts lining, keeping toxins out of your bloodstream. Probiotics and enzymes are also useful in treating inflammatory bowel diseases naturally.

Have you been feeling the blues or been extra moody or anxious recently? Although it may surprise you, inflammation could be playing a role. Research shows that inflammatory cytokines, or proteins released by cells, can spur depression-like behavior. (7)

Help reduce anxiety by introducing ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, into your daily routine to ease stress. Eating more vitamin B-12 and omega-3 fatty foods are also great ways to fight depression and anxiety through nutrition.

Tossing and turning at night can also be attributed to inflammation. Persistent insomnia afflicts about 10 percent of American adults and has serious consequences; its been linked to a higher inflammation and a higher mortality rate. (8) (9)

Luckily, there are steps you can take to help fall asleep without habit-forming drugs. Setting the right room temperature, using essential oils and limiting caffeine can all help bring on the ZZZs. Check out my 20 favorite strategies to fall asleep fast.

No part of the body is safe from the effects of inflammation. Inflammation in other areas of the body can actually affect how tired you feel. One study found that in mice with inflamed livers behavioral changes like fatigue followed. (10) Gut inflammation is one of the symptoms that has also been linked with chronic fatigue syndrome. (11)

If youre just feeling plain ole drained all the time, try these 10 ways to boost energy levels. Those with chronic fatigue syndrome might opt for avoiding sugar, caffeine and gluten-containing grains, and instead addsuperfood powder and ashwagandha to their diets.

Both inflammatory arthritis (such as rheumatoid and psoriatic) and basic joint pain can be attributed to joint inflammation. (12) Help ease the effects of these taxing symptomsand reduce joint pain naturally by taking proteolytic enzyme supplements, eating more essential fatty acids, like those found in wild-caught salmon and grass-fed beef, and increasing your intake of potassium and sodium to revitalize your bodys cells and eliminate toxins.

Remember, your body is constantly communicating with you about what it needs its up to you to listen to what its saying!If you have any one of these symptoms, theres no need to suffer. Instead, start reducing inflammation and feeling better today.

Visit link:
What 7 Symptoms You Have Now That You Shouldn't Ignore

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

People usually volunteer to donate stem cells for an allogeneic transplant either because they have a loved one or friend who needs a match or because they want to help people. Some people give their stem cells so they can get them back later for an autologous transplant.

People who want to donate stem cells or join a volunteer registry can speak with their doctors or contact the National Marrow Donor Program to find the nearest donor center. Potential donors are asked questions to make sure they are healthy enough to donate and dont pose a risk of infection to the recipient. For more information about donor eligibility guidelines, contact the National Marrow Donor Program or the donor center in your area (see the To learn more section for contact information).

A simple blood test is done to learn the potential donors HLA type. There may be a one-time, tax-deductible fee of about $75 to $100 for this test. People who join a volunteer donor registry will most likely have their tissue type kept on file until they reach age 60.

Pregnant women who want to donate their babys cord blood should make arrangements for it early in the pregnancy, at least before the third trimester. Donation is safe, free, and does not affect the birth process. For more, see the section called How umbilical cord blood is collected.

If a possible stem cell donor is a good match for a recipient, steps are taken to teach the donor about the transplant process and make sure he or she is making an informed decision. If a person decides to donate, a consent form must be signed after the risks of donating are fully discussed. The donor is not pressured take part. Its always a choice.

If a person decides to donate, a medical exam and blood tests will be done to make sure the donor is in good health.

This process is often called bone marrow harvest, and its done in an operating room. The donor is put under general anesthesia (given medicine to put them into a deep sleep so they dont feel pain) while bone marrow is taken. The marrow cells are taken from the back of the pelvic (hip) bone. A large needle is put through the skin and into the back of the hip bone. Its pushed through the bone to the center and the thick, liquid marrow is pulled out through the needle. This is repeated several times until enough marrow has been taken out (harvested). The amount taken depends on the donors weight. Often, about 10% of the donors marrow, or about 2 pints, are collected. This takes about 1 to 2 hours. The body will replace these cells within 4 to 6 weeks. If blood was taken from the donor before the marrow donation, its often given back to the donor at this time.

After the bone marrow is harvested, the donor is taken to the recovery room while the anesthesia wears off. The donor may then be taken to a hospital room and watched until fully alert and able to eat and drink. In most cases, the donor is free to leave the hospital within a few hours or by the next morning.

The donor may have soreness, bruising, and aching at the back of the hips and lower back for a few days. Over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen) are helpful. Some people may feel tired or weak, and have trouble walking for a few days. The donor might be told to take iron supplements until the number of red blood cells returns to normal. Most donors are back to their usual schedule in 2 to 3 days. But it could take 2 or 3 weeks before they feel completely back to normal.

There are few risks for donors and serious complications are rare. But bone marrow donation is a surgical procedure. Rare complications could include anesthesia reactions, infection, transfusion reactions (if a blood transfusion of someone elses blood is needed this doesnt happen if you get your own blood), or injury at the needle insertion sites. Problems such as sore throat or nausea may be caused by anesthesia.

Allogeneic stem cell donors do not have to pay for the harvesting because the recipients insurance company usually covers the cost.

Once the cells are collected, they are filtered through fine mesh screens. This prevents bone or fat particles from being given to the recipient. For an allogeneic or syngeneic transplant, the cells may be given to the recipient through a vein soon after they are harvested. Sometimes they are frozen, such as when the donor lives far away from the recipient.

For several days before starting the donation process, the donor is given a daily injection (shot) of filgrastim (Neupogen). This is a growth-factor drug that causes the bone marrow to make and release stem cells into the blood. Filgrastim can cause some side effects, the most common being bone pain and headaches. These may be helped by over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like aspirin or ibuprofen). Nausea, sleeping problems, low-grade (mild) fevers, and tiredness are other possible effects. These go away once the injections are finished and collection is completed.

Blood is removed through a catheter (a thin, flexible plastic tube) that is put in a large vein in the arm or chest. Its then cycled through a machine that separates the stem cells from the other blood cells. The stem cells are kept while the rest of the blood is returned to the donor through the same catheter. This process is called apheresis (a-fur-REE-sis). It takes about 2 to 4 hours and is done as an outpatient procedure. Often the process needs to be repeated daily for a few days, until enough stem cells have been collected.

Possible side effects of the catheter can include trouble placing the catheter in the vein, a collapsed lung from catheter placement, blockage of the catheter, or infection of the catheter or at the area where it enters the vein. Blood clots are another possible side effect. During the apheresis procedure donors may have problems caused by low calcium levels from the anti-coagulant drug used to keep the blood from clotting in the machine. These can include feeling lightheaded or tingly, and having chills or muscle cramps. These go away after donation is complete, but may be treated by giving the donor calcium supplements.

The process of donating cells for yourself (autologous stem cell donation) is pretty much the same as when someone donates them for someone else (allogeneic donation). Its just that in autologous stem cell donation the donor is also the recipient, giving stem cells for his or her own use later on. For some people, there are a few differences. For instance, sometimes chemotherapy (chemo) is given before the filgrastim is used to tell the body to make stem cells. Also, sometimes it can be hard to get enough stem cells from a person with cancer. Even after several days of apheresis, there may not be enough for the transplant. This is more likely to be a problem if the patient has had certain kinds of chemo in the past, or if they have an illness that affects their bone marrow.

Sometimes a second drug called plerixafor (Mozobil) is used along with filgrastim in people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma or multiple myeloma. This boosts the stem cell numbers in the blood, and helps reduce the number of apheresis sessions needed to get enough stem cells. It may cause nausea, diarrhea, and sometimes, vomiting. There are medicines to help if these symptoms become a problem. Rarely the spleen can enlarge and even rupture. This can cause severe internal bleeding and requires emergency medical care. The patient should tell the doctor right away if they have any pain in their left shoulder or under their left rib cage which can be symptoms of this emergency.

Parents can donate their newborns cord blood to volunteer or public cord blood banks at no cost. This process does not pose any health risk to the infant. Cord blood transplants use blood that would otherwise be thrown away.

After the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, the placenta and umbilical cord are cleaned. The cord blood is put into a sterile container, mixed with a preservative, and frozen until needed.

Remember that if you want to donate or bank (save) your childs cord blood, you will need to arrange it before the baby is born. Some banks require you to set it up before the 28th week of pregnancy, although others accept later setups. Among other things, you will be asked to answer health questions and sign a consent form.

Many hospitals collect cord blood for donation, which makes it easier for parents to donate. For more about donating your newborns cord blood, call 1-800-MARROW2 (1-800-627-7692) or visit Be the Match.

Privately storing a babys cord blood for future use is not the same as donating cord blood. Its covered in the section called Other transplant issues.

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Whats it like to donate stem cells?

Recommendation and review posted by sam

Although the word "arthritis" means joint inflammation, the term is used to describe around 200 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues that surround the joint, and other connective tissue.5

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Other common rheumatic conditions include gout, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.4

You will also see introductions at the end of some sections to any recent developments that have been covered by MNT's news stories. Also look out for links to information about related conditions.

Fast facts on arthritis

Here are some key points about arthritis. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.

Typically, pain, aching, stiffness and swelling in and around one or more joints characterize rheumatic conditions. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. Certain rheumatic conditions can also involve the immune system and various internal organs of the body.6

Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can affect multiple organs and cause widespread symptoms.

Arthritis is more common among adults aged 65 years or older, but people of all ages (including children) can be affected.

There are 52.5 million adults in the US, equating to 22.7% of the population, reported to have a form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus or fibromyalgia.1

With people living longer in the US, the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis is expected to increase. It has been estimated that by the year 2030, 67 million, 25% of the projected total adult population aged 18 years and older, will have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

Arthritis has a significantly higher age-adjusted prevalence in women (23.9%) than men (18.6%), with the prevalence increasing with age and higher among women than men in every age group.

An estimated 294,000 children under the age of 18 have some form of arthritis or rheumatic condition; this represents approximately 1 in every 250 children in the US.4

Arthritis has a significant impact on individuals, for example:1

Impairment in the ability of people with arthritis to perform essential daily tasks may interfere with their work, their purpose in their community, or the care they can provide for their family.

Around 18% of total disabilities are caused by arthritis or rheumatism, making it the most common cause of disability in the US.

Arthritis has a strong association with major depression, with a risk of 18.1%. This could be due to its role in creating functional limitation. Around 6.6% of adults with arthritis report severe psychological distress.

Prevalence of arthritis increases with body mass index (BMI). Prevalence increases from 16.3% among underweight and normal adults to 20.3% of overweight adults and 28.9% of obese adults.

Reports among adults by BMI show the following groups express activity limitations:

Physical activity and exercise have been shown to benefit people with arthritis by improving pain, function and mental health. However, around 24% of adults with arthritis report being physically inactive compared with 18.6% of adults without arthritis.

By partaking in low levels of exercise, individuals with arthritis face placing themselves at risk of conditions associated with lack of activity such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and functional limitations.

Certain factors have been shown to be associated with a greater risk of arthritis. Some of these risk factors are modifiable while others are not.

Non-modifiable risk factors:

Modifiable risk factors:

Cost attributable to arthritis and other rheumatic conditions (AORC) in the US in 2003 was approximately:2

The CDC reports that 47% of US adults with arthritis also have at least one comorbid condition (the presence of more than one disease or condition in the same person at the same time).3

Among people with arthritis the most common comorbidities are:

Risk factors for other chronic conditions are common among US adults with arthritis, such as:

More than half (53%) of US adult with arthritis report high blood pressure. High blood pressure is associated with heart disease - the most common comorbidity among adults with arthritis.

Approximately 1 in 5 (19%) of US adults with arthritis are smokers. Smoking is associated with chronic respiratory conditions - the second most common comorbidity among adults with arthritis.

In 2004, there were an estimated:4

In 2004, joint replacements for arthritis included:4

Between the years of 1979-1998, the AORC deaths increased from 5,537 to 9,367.4 The approximate death rate from AORC in 1979 was 2.46 per 100,000 population and 3.48 per 100,000 population in 1998. Both rates age-standardized to the year 2000 population were 2.75 and 3.51, respectively.

Using 10 categories of AORC, just three categories accounted for almost 80% of deaths:9

There is no one cause for arthritis; the cause depends on the type or form of arthritis. Potential causes for arthritis may include:

For many arthritis conditions, there is a strong element of chance involved as to what is the main cause. However, for most types of arthritis, the cause is a combination of many factors working together.

A person may naturally be more susceptible to certain conditions due to genetic makeup. If more susceptible, external factors such as previous injury, infection, smoking and physically demanding occupations could play a part.

There are some foods that appear to exacerbate arthritis, although diet or food sensitivity or intolerance is unlikely to cause arthritis.

Cartilage is a flexible, connective tissue in joints that absorb the pressure and shock created from movement like running and walking. It also protects the joints and allows for smooth movement.34

Some types of arthritis are caused by a reduction in the normal amount of cartilage tissue through wear and tear throughout life, such as osteoarthritis.

RA, on the other hand, occurs when the body's immune system attacks the tissues of the body.

On the next two pages we look at the types of arthritis, the signs and symptoms and the possible treatment options for arthritis.

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Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments - Medical News Today

Recommendation and review posted by simmons

All About Multiple Sclerosis aims to provide accurate and comprehensive medical information about multiple sclerosis (MS) written in plain English by people living with the disease and its symptoms. It contains a detailed description of multiple sclerosis, a large archive of news stories about MS, an MS encyclopedia and a large links section containing hundreds of commented and rated links. It also has a list of famous people with multiple sclerosis and personal accounts, poems and essays by people with MS. The site receives no sponsorship from pharmaceutical or other financially interested companies and maintains absolute editorial independence.

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Recommendation and review posted by simmons

http://www.baumanmedical.com - Hair loss affects tens of millions of American women, but new diagnostic procedures, effective treatments and tracking methods are available.

LaserCap delivers an effective, clinical dose of laser therapy anywhere, anytime because it is the first cordless, rechargeable, portable laser that has 224 separate laser diodes (not LEDs) that fits conveniently under a standard baseball hat. Laser treatments with LaserCap are 30 minutes, every other day. 650nm wavelength, 5mW per laser diode. Laser therapy does not regrow dead hair follicles, but it makes weaker hair follicles produce thicker, stronger and longer hair fibers. All laser patients should be measured in three areas using a HairCheck(TM) Cross sectional hair bundle measurement tool.

Female Androgen Sensitivity Genetic Testing is performed to determine if a women is likely to experience severe female hereditary hair loss and predict a post-menopausal woman's response to the off-label treatment finasteride (propecia). The female Androgen Sensitivity test is performed in minutes in the doctor's office using a cheek swab.

For more information on LaserCap, visit http://www.lasercap.info

To learn more about Hair Restoration Physician, Dr. Alan J. Bauman, M.D. visit http://www.baumanmedical.com

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Female Hereditary Hair Loss Treatment & Genetic Testing ...

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith