PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] Five years after an $11.5 million federal grant launched the COBRE Center for Computational Biology of Human Disease at Brown University, the National Institutes of Health has awarded $10.8M in new funds to Brown to build on the centers early success.

The center a federal Center of Biomedical Research Excellence funded by the NIHs National Institute of General Medical Sciences uses sophisticated computer analyses to advance research aimed at understanding and fighting human diseases.

Director David Rand, a professor of biology at Brown, said the renewal funds will enhance the centers research infrastructure, enable strengthened collaboration among scientists working with computational and bioinformatics tools, and support four new research projects. Rand said there is a computational revolution happening in the biomedical sciences, as researchers need computational analyses to help them make sense of massive amounts of available data.

Even those working in wet labs or clinics who dont use computers in their daily work will at some point need assistance in analyzing complex data sets, he said.

Rand compared the current moment to the molecular biology revolution thats been changing science since the 1970s, when DNA cloning and sequencing became standard tools used by researchers across diverse fields. Computational analysis is bringing groups together today in a similar way, he said. For example, people working in engineering, computer science, basic biology and medicine will face situations where they need to convert data sets into information that can help them find solutions and answer questions. While their research projects are highly distinct, he said, the data analysis work shares common themes.

In addition to helping researchers with individual projects, we view the Center for Computational Biology of Human Disease as a vehicle for raising the level of computational ability for researchers in the community overall, Rand said.

To provide that service to COBRE project leaders and researchers across Brown, the center is home to a Computational Biology Core a group of four scientists, data analysts and software engineers who support data-intensive research. With the renewal grant, center leaders will work to build sustainable support for the group through continued funding to its scientists and support to ensure that four members are at the Ph.D.-level (past budget included support for two Ph.D.s and two masters-level scientists).

Everyone has large data sets and needs to convert these into useful information, and we aim to help people achieve that goal, Rand said. The center brings together researchers in the lab and clinic with exceptionally skilled and creative data scientists to turn data into information.

Funds from the grant will also support the research of junior faculty investigators and help position them to earn additional, longer-term funding for their work enabling them, Rand said, to build upon discoveries and continue their research while freeing up center funds to seed innovative new projects. With the initial $11.5 million from the NIH in the centers first phase, faculty projects at the Center for Computational Biology of Human Disease generated an additional $17.9 million in grants in areas of research such as human genomics, immunology and infectious disease, microbiome and machine learning approaches to complex genetics.

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NIH awards Brown $10.8M to expand data-informed research to fight human disease - Brown University

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Under the contract, Tracerco will deploy DiscoveryTM, a subsea computed tomography (CT) scanner designed for external scanning of pipelines and which operates along the same general principles as CT scanners used in hospitals.

As methods of oil and gas extraction have improved, many fields are still producing substantial quantities of oil and gas, and as such, operators are looking for methods to monitor and verify their risers condition to ensure ongoing integrity and extend their operational life. For life extension, regulators typically require a physical inspection to ensure the condition of the riser and CT, a technique which has an unparalleled ability to accurately and non-intrusively see through an item, can provide this information.

Technologies using CT such as DiscoveryTMprovide operators with valuable inspection data on the entire pipeline, spanning the range from product to coating and all areas in between. It is a non-intrusive external scanning technique and is easily capable of scanning through several inches of pipeline steel with no requirement to remove any protective coating, regardless of thickness and material.

Tracerco was the first company to develop a subsea CT system and still holds the fundamental patent for the concept of subsea CT scanning dating back to 2011, says Jim Bramlett, Commercial Manager North America for Tracerco, Over the years since, DiscoveryTMhas incorporated numerous additional patented innovations for optimizing the system.

DiscoveryTMwill be used to inspect the risers and determine whether they can be extended past their original design life by gathering real time data on a variety of integrity issues including pipeline corrosion, pitting and wall thinning. This will allow the operator to work with the local authorities to get their permit extended and potentially realise billions in continued revenues from the asset.

DiscoveryTMprovides the integrity insights to know the unknown enabling critical decisions regarding life extension to be made, continues Jim, and it does this while the risers are still in full operation. No need to interfere with production.

Link:
Tracerco secures subsea inspection for life extension project of over 18 risers in the Gulf of Mexico | Oil and Gas Technology - Oil & Gas...

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

News last week that after 20 years of an overcrowded courthouse, Smith County is purchasing property to build a new one, is a reminder of the move Henderson County made a decade ago.

After searching for years for the ideal space to put the overflow of Henderson County offices, Commissioners Court arrived with a solution. In February 2010, the county reached an agreement with Prosperity to purchase the building, with ideas of using it for offices and document-storage space. The cost was about $2.7 million.

In September 2011, the County Judge, County Clerk, Tax Assessor/ Collector, and other departments that had been in the Courthouse for nearly a century, relocated across South Prairieville Street to the Courthouse Annex, a 33,500 square-foot building that once housed the Prosperity Bank.

Then in October, Commissioners Court voted to begin holding meetings in the annex, first in a room next to the county judges office, then later in the larger County Courtroom that is used today.

Before deciding on the annex, the county discussed possible use of other properties that were available around the city and even looked at a site on Loop 7 North.

The bank building became vacant when Prosperity exited the property at the end of April 2011. Then, County Judge Richard Sanders, the County Commissioners, the IT Department and the Maintenance Office went to work getting the spacious structure ready for the move.

With space open in the courthouse, the county began moving out of the decaying annex building on North Palestine Street that held the tax office and the Texas Agri-Life Extension Office.

Not only did the move save the county money compared to other options, it also kept the county government presence downtown. Since then, downtown Athens has become a more vibrant area, with new businesses and the Texan Theater to draw people to the Central Business District.

We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story.

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County moved to annex 10 years ago | News | athensreview.com - Athens Daily Review

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

PERTH (miningweekly.com) Gold miner Evolution Mining has struck a A$90-million agreement with fellow listed Navarre Minerals to sell its Mt Carlton gold mine, in Queensland.

Mt Carlton was Evolutions first development project and has generated excellent returns for shareholders since it was commissioned in 2013. With the company focussed on delivery of growth projects at the cornerstone assets in the portfolio, we believe now is the time to hand Mt Carlton over to an emerging gold producer who can focus on extending the operations mine life, said Evolution executive chairperson Jake Klein.

Under the terms of the agreement, Evolution would be paid an initial A$40-million on the completion of the transaction, comprising a cash component and up to A$20.4-million worth of Navarre shares.

Up to A$25-million will be payable on cumulative gold production milestones from Crush Creek with A$5-million payable upon achievement of 50 000 oz, A$5-million payable upon achievement of 100 000 oz and A$15-million payable upon achievement of 175 000 oz, while up to A$25-million will be in the form of a 5% gold price linked royalty where the average spot gold price is greater than A$2 250/oz in a given quarter.

The royalty is payable on production from both Mt Carlton and Crush Creek from July 2023 for up to 15 years.

The exposure we have retained will enable Evolution shareholders to benefit from the future success of the operation. Evolution would like to thank our employees, contractors, suppliers, the traditional custodians of the land the Birriah People, and the local community for their contribution to Mt Carltons success. We are confident that Navarre will be a great partner for those stakeholders in the future, said Klein.

Navarre on Tuesday told shareholders that the transaction would instantly transform the company into a self-funded gold producer with premier exploration assets across Victoria and Queensland.

Mt Carlton is a proven, high-margin operation and an attractive vehicle for Navarre to transition from gold exploration company to producer particularly given the Mt Carlton operations successful history of production and its potential for significant mine life extension, said Navarre MD Ian Hollland.

Under the transaction, Navarre will inherit a well-established operation and a highly experienced site operating team and workforce which we are confident will fit in with Navarres own culture and focus on potential for further discovery and resource addition.

To fund the initial A$40-million up-front purchase price, Navarre will undertake a fully underwritten placement consisting of some 533-million shares, at a price of 7.5c each, to raise up to A$40-million.

Evolution has agreed to participate in the equity raise, with the companys shareholding in Navarre capped at 19.9%, with the final shareholding to be determined after the equity raise has been concluded.

Navarre on Tuesday said that the balance of the placement proceeds would go towards associated transaction costs and general corporate purposes.

The Mt Cartlon transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including Navarre acquiring shareholder approval to conduct the share placement, and to issue shares to Evolution.

The Mt Carlton operations comprise an openpit and underground mine, and a 950 000 t/y processing plant situated on a tenement package of approximately 815 km2.

Future mining operations at Mt Carlton will be supplemented by the nearby Crush Creek deposit, which hosts an initial high grade resource containing 126 000 oz goldat 3.5 g/t from only nine months of concentrated drilling. This asset was acquired by Evolution in late 2020.

In the 2021 financial year, the Mt Carlton operations produced 58 371 oz of gold at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of A$1 937/oz, including A$19.6-million of net mine cash flow in the fourth quarter alone. The operationis expected to produce between 45 000 oz and 50 000 oz of gold in the 2022 financial year at an AISC of A$1 650/oz to A$1 700/oz.

Evolution on Tuesday said that the sale of Mt Carlton lowers group AISC by A$40/oz to between A$1 180/oz and A$1 240/oz and reduces 2022 production to between 670 000 oz and 725 000 oz. Sustaining and major capital also reduce by between A$2-million and A$8-million and between A$10-million and A$15-million respectively.

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Evolution sells Mt Carlton - Creamer Media's Mining Weekly

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

ADG20 Continues to be Well Tolerated in Healthy Volunteers with Prolonged Half-Life and Serum Virus Neutralization Activity Observed out to Six Months in Ongoing Phase 1 Study

Data from Quantitative Systems Pharmacology/Whole-Body Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling Support Evaluation of 300 mg Intramuscular Dose of ADG20 Given as a Single Intramuscular Injection in Ongoing Phase 2/3 Studies

Data to be Presented During IDWeek 2021 and 19th Annual Discovery on Target Conference

WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Adagio Therapeutics, Inc., (Nasdaq: ADGI) a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of antibody-based solutions for infectious diseases with pandemic potential, today announced new data from the companys COVID-19 antibody program. Updated, six-month data from its ongoing Phase 1 study of ADG20 in healthy participants and data validating the selection of the 300 mg intramuscular (IM) dose given as a single injection that is being evaluated in the companys ongoing global Phase 2/3 treatment (STAMP) and prevention (EVADE) clinical trials will be presented during four poster sessions at the Infectious Disease Society of Americas IDWeek 2021, being held from Sept. 29 Oct. 3, 2021. In addition, Adagios chief scientific officer, Laura Walker, Ph.D., will present a subset of the ADG20 Phase 1 data as well as background on the identification and optimization of this differentiated antibody clinical candidate in an oral presentation at the 19th Annual Discovery on Target Conference on Sept. 30, 2021.

The continued strength of the safety and pharmacokinetic data from our Phase 1 study is encouraging and further underscores the potential impact an antibody like ADG20 which was designed to be potent, broadly neutralizing and delivered as a single IM injection could have on people with or at risk of COVID-19, said Lynn Connolly, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer of Adagio. These Phase 1 data combined with our dose selection strategy, which relied on our innovative modeling approach, have allowed us to initiate and advance our pivotal trials of ADG20 in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. We anticipate these data will support an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) application in the first quarter of 2022, which could enable us to bring an important treatment option to patients.

Phase 1 Trial UpdateAdagio is evaluating ADG20 in a Phase 1 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled single ascending-dose study to assess safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), immunogenicity, and serum virus neutralizing activity of ADG20 ex vivo against SARS-CoV-2. Data from a six-month evaluation timepoint confirmed the extended half-life of ADG20, which approached 100 days based on data from the 300 mg IM dose that was given as a single injection. In addition, 50% serum virus neutralization titers at six months after a 300 mg IM dose of ADG20 were similar to observed peak titers with the mRNA-1273 vaccine and exceeded those achieved with the AZD1222 vaccine series. Importantly, ADG20 was well tolerated with no study drug-related adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, or injection-site or hypersensitivity reactions reported through a minimum of three months follow-up across all cohorts. Participants will continue to be followed through 12 months to assess safety and tolerability, PK, immunogenicity and serum virus neutralizing activity.

Phase 1 Poster Information: (633) Preliminary Results from a Phase 1 Single Ascending-Dose Study Assessing Safety, Serum Viral Neutralizing Antibody Titers (sVNA), and Pharmacokinetic (PK) Profile of ADG20: an Extended Half-Life Monoclonal Antibody Being Developed for the Treatment and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Dose Selection StrategyTo support dose selection for Adagios global Phase 2/3 STAMP and EVADE clinical trials, the company modified an existing quantitative systems pharmacology whole-body physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (QSP/PBPK) model to better characterize the PK of extended half-life monoclonal antibodies in serum and key sites of viral replication in the respiratory tract. Adagios model adequately a priori predicted the observed ADG20 serum PK in non-human primates (NHPs) and humans. The model was further optimized based on data from Adagios Phase 1 clinical trial and then applied for dose selection for STAMP and EVADE.

For the STAMP treatment trial, data compiled to date suggest that the 300 mg IM regimen has a projected ability to rapidly achieve and maintain target concentrations at key tissue sites of viral replication, including the ability to attain near complete (> 90%) and durable (> 28-day) SARS-CoV-2 receptor occupancy across a range of baseline viral loads. Further, for the EVADE prevention trial, data compiled to date suggest the 300 mg IM regimen has a projected ability to rapidly exceed target serum concentrations in the majority of simulated patients and to maintain potentially effective concentrations for up to 12 months.

Dose Selection Poster Information

The STAMP and EVADE clinical trials are currently ongoing and enrolling patients globally. For more information, please visit clincialtrials.gov.

About ADG20ADG20, a monoclonal antibody targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses, is being developed for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. ADG20 was designed and engineered to possess high potency and broad neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 and additional clade 1 sarbecoviruses, by targeting a highly conserved epitope in the receptor binding domain. ADG20 displays potent neutralizing activity against the original SARS-CoV-2 strain as well as all known variants of concern. ADG20 has the potential to impact viral replication and subsequent disease through multiple mechanisms of action, including direct blocking of viral entry into the host cell (neutralization) and elimination of infected host cells through Fc-mediated innate immune effector activity. ADG20 is administered by a single intramuscular injection, and was engineered to have a long half-life, with a goal of providing both rapid and durable protection. Adagio is advancing ADG20 through multiple clinical trials on a global basis.

About Adagio TherapeuticsAdagio (Nasdaq: ADGI) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of antibody-based solutions for infectious diseases with pandemic potential. The companys portfolio of antibodies has been optimized using Adimabs industry-leading antibody engineering capabilities and is designed to provide patients and clinicians with a powerful combination of potency, breadth, durable protection (via half-life extension), manufacturability and affordability. Adagios portfolio of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies includes multiple, non-competing broadly neutralizing antibodies with distinct binding epitopes, led by ADG20. Adagio has secured manufacturing capacity for the production of ADG20 with third-party contract manufacturers to support the completion of clinical trials and initial commercial launch. For more information, please visit http://www.adagiotx.com.

Forward Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as anticipates, believes, expects, intends, projects, and future or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning, among other things, the timing, progress and results of our preclinical studies and clinical trials of ADG20, including the timing of our planned EUA application, initiation and completion of studies or trials and related preparatory work, the period during which the results of the trials will become available and our research and development programs; our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for, our product candidates; our ability to identify patients with the diseases treated by our product candidates and to enroll these patients in our clinical trials; our manufacturing capabilities and strategy; and our ability to successfully commercialize our product candidates. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those risks described under the heading Risk Factors in Adagios prospectus filed with theSecurities and Exchange Commission(SEC) on August 6, 2021and in Adagios future reports to be filed with theSEC, including Adagios Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. Such risks may be amplified by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of this date, and Adagio undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

Contacts:Media Contact:Dan Budwick, 1ABDan@1abmedia.com

Investor Contact:Monique Allaire, THRUST Strategic Communicationsmonique@thrustsc.com

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Adagio Therapeutics Announces New Data Highlighting the - GlobeNewswire

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

In conversation with Dr Koji Tanabe, Founder and CEO, I Peace, Inc., The United States/Japan

To make the trial investments more meaningful and to avoid ambivalence in animal models, medical science is adopting novel in vitro models of specialised human pluripotent cell lines. Pluripotent stem cells(PSCs) have the agility to expand indefinitely and differentiate into almost any organ-specific cell type. iPSC-derived organs andorganoidsare currently being evaluated in multiple medical research arena like drug development, toxicity testing, drug screening, drug repurposing, regenerative therapies, transgenic studies, disease modeling and more across clinical developments. Innovative pharmacovigilance methodologies are preferring induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for pre-clinical and clinical investigational studies. Global Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) market is expected to reach $2.3 B by 2026. The iPSC market inAsia-Pacificis estimated to witness fast growth due to increasing R&D projects across countries likeAustralia,JapanandSingapore.

I Peace, Inc. a Palo Alto-based global biotech company with its manufacturing base in Japan, has succeeded in developing and mass-producing clinical grade iPS cells through its proprietary iPS cell manufacturing services. The human iPSC (hiPSC) lines at I Peace leverage differentiated cells across clinical research and medical applications. Biopsectrum Asia discovered more about Japan's stem cell manufacturing ecosystem with Dr Koji Tanabe, Founder and CEO, I Peace, Inc., (The United States/Japan). Tanabe earned his doctorate under Dr Shinya Yamanaka, a Kyoto University researcher who received the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovery of reprogramming adult somatic cells to pluripotent cells. I Peace is focusing on this Nobel Prize-winning iPSCs technology where Tanabe had played a key role in generating the worlds first successful human iPSCs as one of the team members and is currently industrialising it in the US and Japan.

How do you define Japans Stem cell manufacturing dynamics aligning with regional and APAC market potential?

We believe that human cells play a pivotal role in next-generation drug therapy. Clinical trials of iPSC applications are in full swing not only in Japan, but worldwide as well. In the US, the momentum of clinical trial research is astounding. Yet, mass production of GMP compliant cell products remains a challenge. Entry into this venture is no easy task. As a contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), I Peace is geared to tackle that challenge and become the pioneer of mass production technology of clinical grade cell products.

Can you elaborate I Peaces cost-effective proprietary stem cell synthesis solution and its manufacturing scale?

The key advantage of iPSCs is the ability to create pluripotent cells from an individuals own cells. Furthermore, iPSCs can multiply indefinitely and evolve into any type of cell, making iPSCs an ideal tool for transplant and regenerative medicine and drug research. However, clinical applications of iPSCs to date, utilise heterogenic transplantation. It is because manufacturing of just one line of iPSCs requires a cost intensive clean room to be occupied for several months. Manufacturing process complexities also pose a barrier to cost reduction and mass production.

In contrast, I Peace has developed a proprietary, fully automated closed system for iPS manufacturing, enabling cost-effective production of multiple lines of iPSCs from multiple donors in a single room. Within a few years, we expect to manufacture several thousand lines of iPSCs simultaneously in a single room. With this technology, I Peace can efficiently generate an ample supply of various iPSCs for heterogenic transplant, while also fostering a society where everyone can bank their own iPSCs for potential medical use.

How does I-Peace better position its businesses objectives and go-to-market strategies?

I Peaces manufacturing facility and its processes have undergone rigorous audits and are certified to be in compliance with GMP guidelines of the US, Japan, and Europe. We have the capacity to manufacture clinical-grade iPSCs and iPSC-derived cells for clinical use in the global market. Our manufacturing staff have unparalleled expertise in the manufacturing of iPSCs, and their knowledge and experience make it possible to mass produce high quality clinical-grade iPSCs in the shortest possible time. Additionally, we streamlined the iPSC use licensing scheme to expedite collaborative ventures with downstream partners. We believe these strategies position I Peace as a global leader in iPSC technology.

How do you outline the concept of democratising access to iPSC manufacturing?

At I Peace, we envision a world in which everyone would possess their own iPSCs and if needed, receive autologous transplant medication using their own iPSC. We believe in the importance of raising awareness of Nobel Prize winning iPSC technology and we think much more needs to be done. We need to enlighten the public about iPSCs - what they are, how they are created, and how they play a role in next-generation medical therapies. We also need to underscore the benefits of early banking ones own iPSCs, such as autologous transplant and the fact that cells taken in the early stages of life are preferable over cells collected later in life.

To democratise iPSC access, it is also important to expedite application research. We work closely with downstream partners, and support their iPSC-derived drug therapy development efforts by providing iPSCs to meet their needs. We also collaborate with downstream partners in the development of promising therapies including the use of T-cells for cancer therapy, cardiomyocytes for the treatment of heart disease, and neurocytes for neurological disease.

What is your outlook around boosting public-private stakeholders initiatives to encourage awareness on stem-cell-based therapeutics?

iPSC research has advanced tremendously over the past 16 years, and even more so since Dr Shinya Yamanakas Nobel Prize award in 2012. The acceleration of applied research is paving the way for stem cell-based therapeutics to become a common treatment modality in the near future. As human cell manufacturing requires specialised professional skills and knowledge, it is important to promote functional specialisation. These specialisations include donor recruiting, cell manufacturing (where I Peace is the key player), and implementing cell transplant as a medical practice. We believe that creating a systematic industry structure will build awareness and further drive the growth of stem cell-based therapy.

Can you brief Japans licensing key notes to manufacture and process clinical-grade cells in the region?

Japan enacted three laws to promote the use of regenerative medicine as a national policy:

1) The Regenerative Medicine Promotion Act -- representing the country's determination to promote regenerative medicine;

2) The Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, and Other Therapeutic Products Act (PMD Act); and

3) The Act on the Safety of Regenerative Medicine (RM Act). The U.S. also has various tracks such as the Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) Designation, Breakthrough Therapy designation, and Fast Track designation.

Of significance, the PMD Act enables a fast-track for regulatory approval of regenerative medicalproducts in Japan. In compliance with the RM Act, I Peace was audited by the PMDA and licensed by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare to manufacture specific cell products.

Because cell product manufacturing regulations are not standardised globally, cell therapy developers are forced to source GMP iPSCs for each market. I Peace however, has overcome this hurdle. We have built in compliance with global GMP regulations, including FDA's cGMP regulations per 21 CFR 210/211 in our operation. As a result, we can provide cells for global use in multiple markets, accelerating both product development and regulatory approval.

Hithaishi C Bhaskar

hithaishi.cb@mmactiv.com

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"Stem cell-based therapeutics poised to become mainstream option - BSA bureau

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Someone with a family history of breast cancer or with an acquired mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, can get themselves tested.

Breast examinations are the easiest way to diagnose breast cancer. Your doctor will examine your breasts and lymph nodes in your armpit, feeling for lumps.

Other ways are a mammogram, an X-ray of the breast. Ultrasounds or a biopsy can also help diagnose breast cancer. Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an accurate method to check for breast cancer risks.

Those with inherited mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene can get a BRCA gene test, a blood test that's done to determine if you have changes (mutations) in your DNA that increase the risk of breast cancer.

BRCA genetic testing can also guide treatment options for women with breast or ovarian cancer. Women with one cancerous breast can opt to get both their breasts removed, instead of having surgery only on the affected breast.

If one is diagnosed with breast cancer, depending on your breasts, your doctor will recommend treatment.

Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or a targeted therapy are some of the common treatments for breast cancer. It is important to consult with your doctor before choosing any means of treatment.

Originally posted here:
Breast Cancer Awareness: What people with a family history of cancer should know about the risk of breast cancer? - Times of India

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Its nice [being back on campus] because now that we know what its like to leave, it makes being back all that more special, Becca Bucholz (COM20) (not pictured) said on Sunday. Photo by Jackie Ricciardi

COMMENCEMENTSpeaker Victor J. Dzau (Hon.20), National Academy of Medicine president: Apathy is a luxury we simply can no longer afford

Nearly a year and a half after receiving their diplomas, Boston Universitys Class of 2020 finally donned their scarlet caps and gowns and were honored for their four years of work and studyingthe COVID-postponed 147th Commencement was held on Nickerson Field Sunday afternoon.

COVID robbed you of a traditional senior year, speaker Victor J. Dzau (Hon.20), president of the National Academy of Medicine, said in his Commencement address to the 1,818 Class of 2020 graduates who returned to campus for the long-awaited ceremony. They traveled from 46 states and represented 61 countries. You have already demonstrated incredible resilience and fortitude, Dzau said. You have prevailed and are here today with each other.

Of the 6.2 billion doses of COVID vaccines administered worldwide, just 2 percent of people in low-income countries have been vaccinatedthats unacceptable Victor J. Dzau (Hon.20) said to applause. We cant end this pandemic anywhere until we end it everywhere. Video by BU Productions. Photo by Melissa Ostrow

He noted that an atypical ceremonycoming as it did in October, not Maywas fitting for the Class of 2020 since there is nothing typical about them. Their childhood was marked by 9/11, their adolescence defined by the 2008 global financial crisis, and now they enter adulthood during the greatest public health emergency in over a century. There will be even more crises and setbacks, Dzau said, and while painful, they can also present opportunities. If we can view adversity in this wayas a chance to learn, to grow, and to emerge stronger and wiser than we ever thought possiblethen we can face the future with confidence, he told the approximately 7,500 grads and guests on Nickerson.

Dzaus pioneering research in cardiovascular medicine is credited with helping millions around the world live longer, better lives. As a child he and his family fled communism in his home country of China during its civil war, and moved to Montreal. His research in cardiovascular medicine led to the development of lifesaving ACE inhibitors that treat hypertension and congestive heart failure and pioneered gene therapy for vascular disease. Now, as president of the National Academy of Medicine, he works to create a global system of quality, affordable healthcare and leads the academys response to COVID.

He shared what hes learned, sprinkled with anecdotes from his own life: keep going, find your purpose in life, surround yourself with people who help you persevere (and be sure to return the favor), and keep caring about, and improving, the world.

Growing up an immigrant and a refugee, Dzau said, he saw firsthand instances of injustice, discrimination, and suffering, and he noted that the current pandemic has led to more of the same, specifically regarding access to COVID-19 vaccines. Of the 6.2 billion doses of COVID vaccines administered worldwide, just 2 percent of people in low-income countries have been vaccinatedthats unacceptable, he said to applause. We cant end this pandemic anywhere until we end it everywhere. If we allow variants of the virus to keep emerging and spreading, we may even end up in a situation where the vaccines dont protect us anymore.

The National Academy of Medicine is working closely with the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (COVAX), the global immunization program, and national leaders, including the Biden administration, to ensure equitable access to COVID vaccines, treatment, and testing. Apathy is a luxury we simply can no longer afford, especially when we face big global challenges such as pandemics and climate change, Dzau said. We have to cooperate with each otherin our communities and across borders. We have to keep caring.

It was a busy weekend on campusin addition to Sundays All-University Commencement, individual schools and colleges held Class of 2020 recognition events (called convocations in past years), where the now-alumni had the traditional experience of hearing their names called and walking across the stage. The class also mingled with lots of fellow alums, as the University hosted its annual Alumni Weekend as well.

While the Class of 2020 received a virtual send-off in May 2020, when the state of the pandemic made large, in-person gatherings impossible, it wasnt a substitute for the real thing. It may have taken 17 months, but it is a pleasure to welcome to Nickerson Field the members of the Class of 2020 and your guests; you told us you wanted to return to campus, and you did, BU President Robert A. Brown said in his greeting. Your senior year was interrupted like no other, you were forced to move off campus and adapt to Zoom learning You then moved on to your careers, all with COVID-19 raging. I could not be more proud of youthere has never been a class more deserving of a Commencement.

Although COVID-19 restrictions were more relaxed than for last Mays Class of 2021 Commencement, University officials requested attendees be vaccinated and required masks be worn during indoor events. But many chose to wear masks on Nickerson Field, too. And unlike the 2021 graduation, where no guests were allowed, the Class of 2020 could have four guests.

For the first time in BU history, the Commencement student speakerMacken Murphy (CAS20)was an alum. It might feel, for many of you, that the sunset of your education was taken from you; I know none of you expected to graduate late from an online university, he joked, going on to say that his classmates time in school taught them how to become better citizens. Yes, we worked on our math and writing; we also reflected on our morals and values. Yes, we studied science; we also discovered the importance of service. Of course, we studied historywe also learned that we are living in it. Now, at last, it is time to concentrate on worthy goals, display our intelligence, and prove our character.

Following his address, Dzau received an honorary Doctor of Science from Brown. Also receiving honorary degrees were Thomas R. Insel (CAS72, MED74), former director of the National Institute of Mental Health, Doctor of Science; David Satcher, 16th US Surgeon General, former Secretary for Health in the Department of Health and Human Services, and former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Doctor of Laws; and Mark Volpe, who recently stepped down as president and CEO of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Doctor of Humane Letters.

Also honored were the winners of the 2020 Metcalf Cup and Prize and Metcalf Awards for Excellence in Teaching, the Universitys highest teaching awards. The Metcalf Cup and Prize went to Sarah Sherman-Stokes, a School of Law clinical associate professor of law, who is credited with helping make LAWs Immigrants Rights & Human Trafficking Program nationally recognized. Seth Blumenthal (GRS13), a College of Arts & Sciences Writing Program senior lecturer, and Courtney Goto, a School of Theology associate professor of religious education, were the recipients of the Metcalf Awards.

I think were all really excited to finally be having this moment of closure and to reunite with our friends, since a lot of us moved out of Boston, Kylie Umehira (COM20) said on her way into Nickerson Field.

Were reliving some of our glory days, added her friend Becca Bucholz (COM20). It had been a full year since the friends had been able to spend time together, so after the ceremony, they had a fancy dinner and champagne planned. A lot of us are working, so its nice to pretend that were back as students, she said. Its nice because now that we know what its like to leave, it makes being back all that more special.

Alene Bouranova contributed reporting to this story.

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Class of 2020 Gets Long-Awaited Send-off | BU Today - BU Today

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An extensive research report on the Hormone Replacement Therapy Market envisaged diligently by MarketResearch.Biz comprises a 360-degree view of the present market situation as well as its future growth survey. This report will offer you all the accurate data related to the different market bifurcations covering a crystal-clear idea on the Hormone Replacement Therapy market. In addition, we are literally promising you to give the perfect information on the distinct marketing angles and status over the upcoming duration of 2021-2030. There are some of the most important marketing aspects that are adequately boosting the growth of the worldwide market. They are gross margins, market penetrations, CAGR study, Porters 5 Force Model, descriptive and well-defined graphical representations, business strategies, etc.

A report comprising market current and future trends, market analyst opinions and perspectives, competitive scenario, and key regions from both regional and global aspects. This Global Hormone Replacement Therapy Market report offers an overview of the ongoing state of the market and forecasts of future progress. SWOT study is used to calculate strong market players performance and calculating their strengths and weaknesses. The report studied different factors, covering driving factors and challenges. Among its other features is the recognition of key players in the market and split study and forecasting. In addition to Hormone Replacement Therapy market new entrants, the study report helps them to estimates the market opportunity. Furthermore, the study focuses on the current issues, technical progress, and future opportunities that will influence the market. According to a study of upcoming trends, the global Hormone Replacement Therapy Market is projected to grow in the upcoming years.

Competitive Landscape with Key players:

Abbott Laboratories, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Mylan Laboratories, Merck and Co, Novo Nordisk, Bayer Healthcare, Eli Lilly, Genentech

Hormone Replacement Therapy Market Taxonomy

Segmentation by Product: Estrogen Hormone Replacement Therapy, Human Growth Hormone Replacement Therapy, Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy, Testosterone Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Segmentation by Route of Administration: Oral, Parenteral, Transdermal, Others.

Segmentation by Type of Disease: Menopause, Hypothyroidism, Male Hypogonadism, Growth Hormone Deficiency, Others.

Regional Outlook: The Hormone Replacement Therapy Market

The current study analyzes the Hormone Replacement Therapy Market thoroughly. Research is also conducted for Russia, China, the United States, Taiwan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Canada, France, Mexico, and Southeast Asia. It is expected that North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the rest of the world have the largest prudence in the Hormone Replacement Therapy market world.

Among other things, this report calculates factors that contribute to regional growth, such as the environment, Hormone Replacement Therapy market economic progress, and social factors. In the analysis, regional production records, revenue information, and manufacturer data were studied globally. Revenue and volume projection consider regional differences.

This report offers understanding into the accompanying variables:

Understanding Business Sector Development: This research provides a far-reaching outlook of the items provided by the top influencing players in the global Hormone Replacement Therapy market.

Advancement of new items: Reports anatomize the most latest innovative turns of events, innovative business strategies, and item dispatches.

Evaluating the cutthroat scene: Comprehensive investigation of market systems, geographic introduction, and item fragments of the markets prominent players.

Advancement of new business sectors: An cumulative manual for developing business sectors. Various areas are inspected across topographies in this report.

Market Expansion: The complete overview of progress and interests in the worldwide Hormone Replacement Therapy market, like new items, undiscovered topographies, and current patterns.

Get a Sample Copy Of Hormone Replacement Therapy Market Research Report Here: https://marketresearch.biz/report/hormone-replacement-therapy-market/request-sample

Significant incorporation in the Hormone Replacement Therapy market report:

Impacts of the Covid 19 on progress status, temporarily and long haul.

A portion of the business crucial patterns.

Income, volume, and deals insights are included in this report.

Mentioned development possibilities.

Market and submarket development estimations.

Roundabout and direct deals channels: positives and negatives.

Hormone Replacement Therapy market sellers, dealers, and merchants are on the top of the list.

The labor force size and rebuild spaces of each organization are crucial subtleties.

Items and administrations are provided by the important players on the lookout.

Data from each organization in regard to its calculating model, deals volumes, net income, working interest, and a portion of the complete industry.

Itemized information on showcasing strategies, highlight the market, commercialization rates, just as other business-related information.

Table of Content

Section 1: Global Hormone Replacement Therapy Industry Outlook

Section 2: Global Economic Effect on Hormone Replacement Therapy Industry

Section 3: Global Market Competition by Industry Key Players

Section 4: Global Productions, Revenue (Value), with respect to the Regions

Section 5: Global Supplies (Production), Consumption, Export, Import, globally

Section 6: Global Productions, Revenue (Value), Current Trend, Price, Product Type

Section 7: Global Market Study, on the basis of Application

Section 8: Hormone Replacement Therapy Market Pricing Study

Section 9: Market Chain Analysis, Sourcing Strategy, and Downstream Buyers

Section 10: Business strategies and vital policies by Distributors/Suppliers/Traders

Section 11: Key Marketing Strategy Study, by Key Vendors

Section 12: Market Growth Driver Analysis and Their Impact Study

Section 13: Global Hormone Replacement Therapy Market Forecast

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Hormone Replacement Therapy Market Rise in Sustainability Around The World 2021 2030 - Taiwan News

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Choosing The Right Supplement Will Help You Boost Your Testosterone With No Side Effects

The hormone which is called testosterone is produced naturally in the testicles of men and ovaries of women. For men, it plays an important role in the development of make male growth and bringing in masculine characters. As for women, it is produced in smaller amounts. During the adolescent years, this hormone is produced at its best level all the way until early adulthood. Once you reach the age of 30 and above, this natural hormone starts to drop slightly each year.

While in the younger years, these hormones help to develop facial hair, deeper voice, and overall all growth development, in the years after 30, the drop in this hormone can inhibit the quality of life. To stabilize the natural growth of this hormone, people often choose supplements that are the closest thing to steroids and are naturally safe as well. This helps them to regain muscle mass and improve bone density. It allows them to enjoy a healthy sex drive and also helps to alleviate their mood. The verbal memory and thinking ability are also enhanced with the balance of this hormone.

Before you start looking for a booster, your first step should be to get examined properly by a doctor. The natural effects of low testosterone are generally decreased muscle mass, weight gain, and other conditions. However, sometimes there can be other underlying medical conditions that could be having the same symptoms. If your doctor does indeed state after the tests that you have low levels of t-hormones or hypogonadism, then you can proceed towards purchasing a supplement for the same.

A t-hormone or testosterone hormone booster can help you to benefit in many ways. However, the most crucial part of it is to buy the right one that does not cause any negative side effects. Most people prefer to buy it online as it saves them both time and money. To make sure you buy the right one you must do your due research. This will ensure that you have bought the right supplement and the ingredients are of good quality. Below are 6 things to look for when buying the testosterone booster.

When it comes to buying such supplements, there are a galore of products to choose from. This can be confusing. When you want to have the best over-the-counter testosterone booster, start by ensuring that the seller and manufacturer are indeed legitimate. This ensures that the product that you receive is of superior quality and will benefit you from its use. Research a bit on the company to see if they have been long enough in the market so that their brand is well known. Most of these drugs have a shelf life of 5 years, so if the company has been around that long as well, then it is legit. Another way to see if the company is genuine, check if they have a money-back guarantee. This claim can only be made by companies that are confident about their product so that they will not sell any low-quality ingredients. Furthermore, if the supplement does not work for you, you will get a refund.

When you are looking to buy supplements, you will need to give a closer look at all the ingredients present in them. These should be more on the natural side and of high quality. With the right ingredients and quality, you will be able to get faster and better muscle recovery. There are many ingredients that you can cross-check to see if they are scientifically proven to boost testosterone levels. These ingredients generally are fenugreek, ginseng, zinc, Vitamin D3, and so on.

When buying a booster online or from a shop, you need to ensure that the dosage is right for you. Sometimes taking a higher dosage can have more effective results but at the same time can bring in higher risks of getting the side effects. So make sure the dosage is right before investing in a supplement. You can take medical advice or that of your gym instructor to help you understand what dosage is right for you.

Reviews are helpful for all sorts of purchases of goods or services. It allows you to understand how other people with similar problems like yours, felt about their experience with a particular product or service. The same principle can be used when buying supplements. You can check other consumer reviews to see what the experience of other people has been and then make a decision if they will be effective for you as well. Of course, boosters with more positive reviews are the ones that you should go for.

While reading the positive reviews is a good idea, if there are any negative testimonials, then you should read that too. If there are quite a few negative testimonies then it will be better to refrain from the supplement. This way you will not spend your hard-earned money on something that does not seem to work.

Firstly, you should look for supplements that have no side effects but there are chances that while buying one, you will end up taking one that has some potential side effects. This could be because there would be some harmful ingredients that can have negative side effects so check it properly before use. Also, check with your doctor what are the expected side effects that you can expect so that you are more prepared.

The above points must be kept in mind when you want to find the right product. A reputable seller who is offering the products at competitive prices and has good reviews to show should be your first choice. Compare a few supplements against each other and look for something that has the best potency. Simultaneously, you can also try some natural ways by eating the right food vitamins, and herbs to help you improve your testosterone level. After all, when it comes to your health, you want to put your best foot forward.

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6 Things To Look for In a Good Testosterone Booster Supplement - The Portugal News

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This article was originally published here

Curr Oncol. 2021 Aug 28;28(5):3331-3346. doi: 10.3390/curroncol28050289.

ABSTRACT

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is successfully used in patients with advanced prostatic cancer, but there are many concerns about its systemic side effects, especially due to advanced age and frequent comorbidities in most patients. In patients treated with ADT there are metabolic changes involving the glycaemic control and lipid metabolism, increased thrombotic risk, an increased risk of myocardial infarction, severe arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Still, these adverse effects can be also due to the subsequent hypogonadism. Men with heart failure or coronary artery disease have a lower level of serum testosterone than normal men of the same age, and hypogonadism is related to higher cardiovascular mortality. Many clinical studies compared the cardiovascular effects of hypogonadism post orchiectomy or radiotherapy with those of ADT but their results are controversial. However, current data suggest that more intensive treatment of cardiovascular risk factors and closer cardiological follow-up of older patients under ADT might be beneficial. Our paper is a narrative review of the literature data in this field.

PMID:34590590 | DOI:10.3390/curroncol28050289

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Androgen Deprivation Therapy, Hypogonadism and Cardiovascular Toxicity in Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer - DocWire News

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Superfood No 4: Tart cherry juice

Tart cherries have a high dietary melatonin concentration and have also been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory characteristics that may be beneficial in improving sleep quality, explains Kristine Dilley, a registered dietitian at TheOhioState University Wexner Medical Center. One small Louisiana State University study found that drinking 8 ounces of tart cherry juice twice a day for two weeks increased both sleep time and sleep efficiency in adults with insomnia. Another study had 20 volunteers drink tart cherry juice or a placebo for seven days. Those who drank the cherry juice had significantly higher melatonin levels than those who didnt.

As tart cherry juice contains natural sugars, Dilley warns that individuals with diabetes or conditions that make them sensitive to sugar intake should consult their physician before adding this to their daily routine. And when purchasing, opt for brands without added sugars.

Chamomile tea has been used for decades as a sleep aid for its calming and antioxidant properties. It comes from a flower and is full of calming scents, says Dana Ellis Hunnes, adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences at UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. Chamomile also contains apigenin, a flavonoid (plant nutrient) that promotes sleepiness, she adds.A recent study that examined the effect of chamomile extract on the sleep habits of adults age 60 and older found that when compared to the placebo group, those who drank chamomile had significantly improved sleep quality.

But this classic isnt the only type of herbal tea to try. Low-caffeine green tea contains theanine, an amino acid that research has found can help lower stress and significantly improve sleep quality. And teamade from the herb lemon balm contains naturally occurring oils with terpenes, organic compounds that can promote relaxation and better sleep, Hunnes says.

One study of Japanese men and women found that a high dietary glycemic index and high rice consumption was significantly associated with good sleep. The study also looked at bread, which was not associated with sleep quality and found that noodles were linked to poor sleep.

Dilley recommends brown rice, which is higher in fiber. In a study published in theJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine,eating a higher fiber diet was associated with less nighttime awakenings and more restorative slow-wave sleep, she explains. This effect, she says, could be due to the fact that fiber helps prevent blood sugar spikes that may lower melatonin. Sylvia Melendez-Klinger,a registered dietitian and founder of Hispanic Food Communications, recommends trying a rice-dairy combo of rice pudding with no added sugar or rice crackers or rice cakes with a glass of warm milk, as another optimal bedtime snack.

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Superfoods to Help You Sleep - AARP

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The FDA has granted fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (T-DXd; Enhertu) breakthrough therapy designation for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have received one or more HER2-targeting agents in prior lines of therapy, according to a press release from AstraZeneca.1

T-DXd demonstrated promising efficacy in this patient population in the phase 3 DESTINY-Breast03 trial (NCT03529110).2 The HER2-directed antibody drug conjugate yielded a 12-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate of 75.8% (95% CI, 69.8%-80.7%) compared with 34.1% (95% CI, 27.7%-40.5%) with ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1; Kadcyla). The median PFS was not reached in the T-DXd arm and was 6.8 months (95% CI, 5.6-8.2) in the T-DM1 arm.

The trial enrolled patients who had been diagnosed with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer and had been previously treated with trastuzumab (Herceptin) and a taxane in the advanced or metastatic setting. Additionally, patients were allowed to have clinically stable, treated brain metastases.

Patients were randomized 1:1 and were stratified based on hormone receptor status, prior treatment with pertuzumab (Perjeta), and history of visceral disease. The 2 treatment arms included a 5.4 mg/kg dose of T-DXd every 3 weeks (n = 261) or 3.6 mg of T-DM1 every 3 weeks (n = 263).

The primary end point of the study was PFS by blinded independent central review (BICR), with key secondary end points including overall response rate (ORR) by BICR, duration of response by BICR, investigator-assessed PFS, and safety.

Of the patients who were treated with T-DXd (n = 257), 132 are receiving ongoing treatment and 125 have discontinued due to death (n = 3), adverse effect (AE; n = 35), progressive disease (n = 66), clinical progression (n = 4), patient withdrawal (n = 13), or physician decision. Additionally, of the patients who were treated with T-DM1 (n = 261), 47 are receiving ongoing treatment and 214 have discontinued due to death (n = 3), AEs (n = 17), progressive disease (n = 158), clinical progression (n = 12), patient withdrawal (n = 11), or physician decision (n = 8). The median follow ups were 16.2 months and 15.3 months for the T-DXd and T-DM1 arms, respectively.

Additional findings from the trial indicated that patients in the T-DXd arm had an investigator-assessed median PFS of 76.3 months (95% CI, 22.1not evaluable [NE]) vs 7.2 months (95% CI, 6.8-8.3) reported in the T-DM1 arm (HR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.20-0.35; P = 6.5 10-24). Additionally, the 12-month investigator-assessed PFS rates were76.3% (95% CI, 70.4%-81.2%) and 34.9% (95% CI, 28.8%-41.2%) in the T-DXd and T-DM1 arms, respectively.

Moreover, the median OS was NE for both treatment arms, and the 12-month OS rates were 94.1% (95% CI, 90.3%-96.4%) and 85.9% (95% CI, 80.9%-89.7%) in the T-DXd and T-DM1 arms, respectively (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.36-0.86; P = .007172). Those who were treated with T-DXd had a confirmed ORR of 79.7%, including a complete response (CR) rate of 16.1% and partial response rate (PR) of 63.6%, compared with 34.2% in the T-DM1 cohort, including a CR rate of 8.7% and a PR rate of 25.5%.

The most common any-grade blood and lymphatic AEs were neutropenia (42.8%), anemia (30.4%), and leukopenia (30.0%) and common gastrointestinal toxicities included nausea (72.8%) and vomiting (44.0%). Moreover, the most common grade 3 or higher blood and lymphatic AEs included neutropenia (19.1%), thrombocytopenia (7.0%), and leukopenia (6.6%). Grade 3/4 gastrointestinal AEs included nausea (6.6%), vomiting (1.6%), and diarrhea (0.4%).

Originally posted here:
Trastuzumab Deruxtecan Granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by FDA for Pretreated Unresectable/Metastatic HER2-Positive Breast Cancer - Cancer...

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

However, the study -- which published in the BMJ medical journal Wednesday -- did show a slightly increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, a specific form of dementia, among women who used estrogen-progestogen therapies for between five and nine years and for 10 years or longer. That translated into five and seven extra dementia cases, respectively, per 10,000 women.

"While the observational nature of the study means we can't be sure of knowing what causes what, I think the results here can still reassure us that these hormone therapies mostly aren't associated with increased risk of dementias," Kevin McConway, emeritus professor of applied statistics at The Open University in the UK, told the Science Media Centre in London. He wasn't involved in the research.

"And where there is some evidence of an increased risk, the increase isn't very big at all," he said.

Previous research into dementia and HRT has been inconsistent, the study noted. Lab studies and small trials have suggested a beneficial link between estrogen and age-related brain decline. However, a large trial of HRT, the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study, found an increased risk of developing dementia among users of estrogen-progestogen treatments, but these women were all elderly. And a Finnish study that published in 2019 flagged an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease among users of both estrogen-only and estrogen-progestogen treatments.

Using UK medical records, the researchers involved in the new study identified 118,501 women age 55 and over who were diagnosed with dementia between 1998 and 2020. A control group consisted of 497,416 women matched by age and by the same medical practice, who had no records for dementia.

Of the women with a dementia diagnosis, they found that 16,291 -- 14% -- had used HRT. The same percentage of women in the control group, or 68,726 of them, also used the treatment.

Not definitive

Also known as menopausal hormone therapy, HRT is used when women experience hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia and mood changes due to the disappearance of sex hormones called estrogen and progesterone. That happens as women approach menopause, typically in their late 40s or early 50s.

According to the study, overall there were no increased risks of developing dementia associated with menopausal hormone therapy "regardless of hormone type, application, dose, or duration of treatment."

Other risk factors, such as family history, smoking, alcohol consumption, pre-existing medical conditions and other prescribed drugs, were taken into account as part of the analysis. As an observational study, it can only show an association and is not definitive.

There are different types of HRT, and the type used depends on whether a woman has a uterus. Women who don't have one must use estrogen-only HRT. Those who haven't had a hysterectomy must use a combination of estrogen and progesterone to avoid thickening of the lining of the womb. Recently, replacements for progesterone have broadened choices for women.

Study author Yana Vinogradova, a senior research fellow at the department of primary care at the University of Nottingham, said the new research found only a small risk association between using combined HRT for long periods and development of Alzheimer's.

"Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia which develops slowly, and some signs of it such as insomnia or memory loss are similar to menopausal symptoms," she said via email.

"The increased risk is very small and we also do not (and could not) claim that it was caused by MHT/HRT. It should not alarm users of MHT/HRT."

The study put the risk of dementia in context for doctors and their patients, wrote Pauline Maki, a professor in the University of Illinois at Chicago's department of psychiatry, psychology, and obstetrics & gynecology, and JoAnn Manson, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital, in an editorial that accompanied the study.

"The primary indication for hormone therapy continues to be the treatment of vasomotor symptoms, and the current study should provide reassurance for women and their providers when treatment is prescribed for that reason," they wrote. Vasomotor symptoms include hot flashes and night sweats.

Dr Haitham Hamoda, spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and chair of the British Menopause Society, told the UK's Science Media Centre that the findings "should be considered in the context of overall benefits and risk associated with HRT including symptom management and improvement in quality of life as well the bone and cardiovascular benefits associated with HRT intake.

"Every woman experiences the menopause differently. Symptoms can vary and be extremely debilitating, significantly impacting on their physical and psychological health, career, social life and relationships. Sadly, many women are still suffering in silence and are reluctant to seek advice and support due to concerns around HRT," Hamoda said to the Science Media Centre.

Not the last word

While McConway said the study was "very reassuring," he said it was unlikely to be the last word on a medical therapy that has been enveloped in mixed messages since doctors began being prescribing it widely in the late 1980s.

The use of HRT plummeted. A decade later, other data suggested that the news wasn't all bad, and that the risk of HRT might vary depending on a woman's age. The original Women's Health Initiative analysis looked at older women, who were already at risk for heart attacks, blood clots and stroke, meaning the findings might not apply to younger women.

Today, it's believed that HRT could be helpful in controlling menopausal symptoms at the time when most women begin to go through it -- in their late 40s and early 50s -- when their risk for chronic disease is lower.

Women who wish to take hormones later in life, when the risk for blood clots, stroke and cancer are higher, should discuss the options thoroughly with their doctor.

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Hormone replacement therapy not linked to an increased risk of developing dementia, study finds - CNN

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For women in the U.S., breast cancer is devastatingly common. One in eight women in America can expect to develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetimes. And for Black women in the U.S., what comes after the diagnosis is especially worrying. The mortality rate for Black women diagnosed with breast cancer is 42% higher than their white counterparts.

One big reason is access limited to lower-quality resources inside and outside the hospital system, said Dr. Arlene Richardson, chair of the department of radiology at Jackson Park Hospital. It contributes significantly to all of these disparities we see in our community. There are many different social determinants of health from economic instability, including unemployment, lower quality environment, including housing and transportation in our community, lower quality and lower level of education, lower access to high quality foods and also lower quality health care assistance in our community.

In addition to higher mortality rates, a particularly aggressive subtype called triple negative breast cancer is more likely to present itself in Black women.

Dr. Surbhi Warrior, a physician at Rush University Medical Center, says that the science on TNBC is still young. Dr. Warrior took part in aresearch studythat looked at data for over 20 years of breast cancer patients more than 8000 Chicago women.

One of the things that we found was that Black women were 1.5 times more likely to present with metastatic disease, meaning that the cancer had already spread to different parts of their body, meaning it was much less curable. But we also found that Black women were 2.1 times more likely to have triple negative breast cancer. And both of these are big areas that lead to higher occurrence and mortality rates and especially for triple negative breast cancer. What that means is that these breast tumors dont express the hormone receptors of estrogen or progesterone or HER2 protein. And this is what usually breast cancer directed therapies target.

Dr. Warrior notes that for breast cancer treatment, follow-up care is as critical as the initial diagnosis but it also presents barriers for many Black women.

When we did our analysis of why there were a lot of areas where patients werent following up, we found out it was due to difficulty with child care and transportation as well as even difficulty getting time off work to go to their doctors appointments. And a lot of these competing social and economic demands that patients go through make it difficult for patients who are already presenting with advanced disease to adhere to months and months of chemotherapy and radiation and overall breast cancer care, and this long term impacts their overall mortality and their cancer outcomes directly.

Its everyday needs like those that health care organizations must consider in order to improve health outcomes for Black women, says the American Cancer Societys Michelle Hicks-Turner.

We know that these disparities are rooted in policies that contributes to the barriers to care. Not everyone can take the time off during the week to go to doctors appointments, so offering weekend and evening mammogram appointments are crucial. Also, to ensure uninsured women receive the care they need, hospitals can strengthen their partnerships with faith-based organizations, referring providers and promote the utilization of the Illinois, breast and cervical cancer program. And this would allow low-income women across the state to get care.

Hicks-Turner adds that services for health care navigation and even child care or transportation can help boost patients ability to access health care.

Jackson Park Hospital is collaborating with nonprofits Black Womens Health Imperative, the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, and medical device company Hologic to bring state of the art 3D mammography equipment to patients for breast screening plus wraparound care services. Dr. Richardson says the initiative, calledProject Health Equality, is one way Jackson Park Hospital is trying to address disparities in prevention and treatment for breast cancer.

3D mammography has proved to be superior when compared with 2D mammography alone is for detecting breast cancer, particularly in dense breast which is more common in the Black and African American community. So in addition to this technology, theres other support of innovative care including public education and nursing navigation that will be added to our side to improve our screening and treatment for women in our community that might otherwise go without.

Ultimately, Hicks-Turners bottom-line advice to Black women hoping to protect their health is straightforward.

Go get your mammogram. Its very important. It saves lives.

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Doctors on Closing the Breast Cancer Mortality Gap for Black Women - WTTW News

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Consider this your 201-level guide to all the various leaves, seeds, powders, and potions that get so much buzz in the wellness scenethen discover how to actually incorporate them into your life. So whether you want to power up your smoothie with natural supplements, or you're just wondering how to use the cacao powder sitting in your pantry, you'll get the intel you need here. See All

With so many herbs, remedies, and supplements on the market, all with different and numerable benefits, it can sometimes be overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to creating the right routine for your body and its specific needs. So often patients ask herbalists to tell them "what they need" without asking themselves big questions first. On the latest episode of Plant-Based,herbalistRachelle Robinett discusses what questions to ask yourself in order to find the best herbal routine for your body and mind.

Some of the most common challenges that Robinett sees are digestion and gut health woes, sleep and energy problems, brain health struggles when it comes to mood regulation, stress, and anxiety, general wellness, and hormone imbalances. To start, it's important to understand that there's no one size fits all herbal solution for everyone. It's vital to look at your life and reflect on what support your body, brain, and lifestyle are craving. Do you need help with a specific ailment or a more preventative practice? Both are so important, explains Robinett.

Next, you have to think about what is realistic for you. What sorts of herbs will you actually stick to? How often? When? In what form? Everyone's daily routine is different, so check in with yourself to see what you can commit to, since these remedies work most efficaciously when taken regularly, and there are so many options to choose froma few big capsules, more smaller capsules, teas, additions to your morning diet, changes to your nighttime routine, etc.

Finally, what do you have around you? See what is available in your area and what role your climate, geography, and environment have in your ailments or concerns. Herbs don't only work if they are ingested. Sometimes it can be helpful to see more herbs or green around you in the form of a house plant, more time outside, lifestyle or diet changes, or more sensory in the form of essential oils. Watch the full episode to learn more about Robinett's opinions as a registered herbalist, but be sure to check in with your physician before starting any new supplements.

For more healthy recipes and cooking ideas from our community, join Well+Good's Cook With Us Facebook group.

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This Is How To Choose the Right Herbs for Your Body and Its Needs, According to an Herbalist - Well+Good

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Problems that arose at a Connecticut weight-loss camp before it closed in July included missing campers and falsified documents, newly released investigative records indicate.

After weeks of investigations, a witness list 34 people deep, and pages upon pages of interviews and inspection notes, a fuller picture of the goings-on at Camp Shane informed by state documents obtained by Hearst Connecticut through a Freedom of Information Act request is taking shape.

The state document release included an investigation narrative, interview summaries, a case summary, a license surrender affidavit, and the Notice of Proposed Licensure Action and Statement of Charges sent to camp owner David Ettenberg.

The weight-loss camp located at the South Kent School abruptly shuttered on July 13, and surrendered its 11-day-old license on Aug. 23, at which point the Office of Early Childhood and Department of Children and Families terminated their joint investigation. The investigation was announced in July after the camp closed its doors, but the OEC officially launched its investigation on July 8.

Since Ettenberg legally surrendered the license prior to the completion of the state investigation, violations that would be substantiated were not formally presented to the owner, the investigation summary explained.

In the affidavit surrendering his license, Ettenberg denies all charges set forth, but agreed that if he tried to reinstate or obtain a new license from the agency in the future, it would mean that the allegations would be deemed true.

Ettenberg has not responded to multiple requests for comment since mid-July when he said he shut camp down due to staffing issues.

The allegations in the records also include:

A camper sleeping on a common area couch.

Campers walking around unsupervised at night and in lightning storms, and who were encouraged to work out until they vomited.

Counselors leaving campers unsupervised to hang out and party in the lounge.

A counselor who yelled at and threatened to fight a camper.

Falsified medication administration training documents presented to the state.

Inappropriate comments of a sexual nature by a male camper toward a female camper.

Multiple reports of campers being bullied.

And the day before camp officially shut down, an 8-year-old girl suffered a serious head injury at camp. Her parents were leaving to pick her up when they got the phone call.

The OEC investigation summary states that multiple families, many from out of state, reported trying to contact the camp about concerns with their child and not receiving any response via email, text or phone for extended periods of time.

The most continuously reported investigation concerns, which were repeated throughout interviews with parents, campers, and a counselor, were lack of proper medical oversight and mishandling of medication.

In the final summary, the camp licensing specialist summed up her medical concerns: Serious medical needs of the campers were not met when the operator failed to provide anyone trained to provide the necessary medications, failed to prepare the staff for emergency situations, and failed to seek medical assistance from trained professionals in a timely manner. Lack of supervision and untrained/uninformed staff led to campers being injured and not properly cared for.

Earlier in the report, the investigation revealed that multiple campers had reported experiencing injuries, including sprains, knee injuries, smashed toes, and serious sunburn.

Campers were not allowed to seek medical attention for up to a week in some instances. Other campers were told if they left camp to seek medical assistance, they could not return due to COVID-19 restrictions, the documents read.

Despite multiple requests from the state, the operator of the camp never located a medically trained individual to administer medications, according to the documents. Additionally, the camp presented the state with falsified medication administration training documents, allegedly signed by a doctor who ran a training in 2019. The physician whose name was presented on the training certificate said that the signature on the certificate is not his, the report states.

The doctor, whose name is redacted, provided the OEC with samples of his signature.

The certificate submitted by Camp Shane indicates a full training for oral, topical, inhaled and injectable medications as well as auto-inject medication. The signature is found to NOT be the signature of the physician, the documents said.

Former camp director and girls head counselor Jennifer DAmbrosio, who goes by Bella, quit her job on June 29 because she was concerned about camp administration and the safety and well-being of campers, she said in an interview with Hearst Connecticut Media.

DAmbrosio was also interviewed at least two times by the OEC. Her name has been redacted in the report, labeled as first director, but her identification was independently confirmed by Hearst Connecticut Media.

DAmbrosio said she was hired two days before arriving at the camp, claiming the camp was in disorder when she arrived and that there was no paperwork ready for opening.

The summary of the conversation between the investigator and DAmbrosio included concerns about not having appropriate staff, no guidance counselor, no paperwork about medical problems, no paperwork to the nutritionist regarding allergies and food restrictions, no certified medical staff on site, and no trained person for the behavior therapy program.

The fact that there was no medical person on campus, no information for counselors about the serious medical conditions of some of the campers and that there was a lot of medication concerns contributed to [redacted] deciding to leave the camp, the summary states.

The OEC interview summary included a physician whose name was redacted from documents, along with parts of the summary of his interview.

The doctor told the OEC, according to the documents, that he had been asked to serve as camp doctor 10 days before the start of camp but declined due to the fact that he had a family vacation scheduled. He assumed the camp had found another physician. This was not the case.

The doctor agreed to help out until a replacement was found.

After an initial visit to the camp on June 30, the doctor reported having immediate concerns about the way medications were being administered.

The doctor also said that he recommended that the camp close on more than one occasion to due to lack of safety.

The new state investigation documents also show repeated instances of camper discomfort, at times the result of alleged comments of a sexual nature made by male campers towards female campers, and at others a result of bullying and a counselors alleged prior arrest that a camper found online.

One violation description reads: operator took pictures of campers during Zumba class without their consent causing them to feel uncomfortable and ill at ease.

When Ettenberg was asked about this, he explained that he took pictures of a lot of the activities on the camp for the purpose of posting on an advertising website, the interview summary reads.

In interviews with an OEC employee, a male counselor whose name has been redacted said that a female camper informed him that a male camper had made her feel uncomfortable when he made sexual remarks about her.

Another male counselor who was hired to do Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) despite not being trained in the technique prior to camp reported that he had a conversation with a female camper who told him that an older boy (who left the camp prior to [REDACTED] arriving at camp) tried to force her to have sex.

Further details were not revealed to the CBT counselor, but he told investigators that he felt he should report what he was told. The counselor estimated that the female camper was around 15 or 16 years old.

Issues persisted through the camps official shut-down on July 13. Parents were alerted of the camp's closure via email at 7:51 a.m. on July 11. The email, obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media, said the children had to leave by the following Tuesday.

In interviews, parents said they tried to figure out how to get their kids home safely with little notice booking expensive flights, calling relatives nearby or driving to the camp themselves.

On the day the camp closed, according to the investigation documents, one parent drove onto campus and picked up not only her own child, but another child as well without being asked for any identification. The records also indicate that another parent picked up her child earlier on June 30 and did not have to sign the child out or show any identification.

Camper Stellan Petto, 14, said in an interview that his general experience at camp, which included getting the wrong dosage of his essential hormone medication, definitely left me with some trauma.

Now at home with his mother in North Carolina, Stellan has entered his freshman year of high school. With some distance from his camp experience, he said hes feeling better.

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Missing campers, falsified documents and other issues revealed in CT weight-loss camp investigation - Danbury News Times

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High in sugar. Zero fiber. Spikes your blood sugar. Can you think of other reasons to avoid becoming a regular juice drinker?

Vegetable and fruit juices sound super healthy (and they are actually excellent sources of vitamins and antioxidants), but as we've warned at Eatthis.com many times before, it is possible to sip a lot of juice calories in a sitting without even knowing it and experience many of those aforementioned downsides.

"Juice lacks the fiber found in whole fruits and vegetables [because] the juicing process strips fruit and vegetables of their fiber,"Sarah Rueven, MS, RD, founder ofRooted Wellness tells us. That's why she always recommends grabbing a piece of fruit over a glass of fruit juice. Or, if you'd still prefer to drink your produce, consider blending whole fruits and vegetables into smoothies, which will retain the fiber that's missing from the juicing process. (Related: Dangerous Signs You're Not Getting Enough Fiber.)

While experts may recommend whole fruit over juice whenever possible, that doesn't mean you need to avoid the fruit beverage entirelyespecially since juice can provide your diet with extra antioxidant vitamins and minerals hidden in plants. To get the most out of this juice, we wondered, what is the best juice to drink?

"If you are going to drink juice, be sure it's cold-pressed juice from fresh fruits and vegetables," says nutritionist Heather Hanks, who specializes in holistic nutrition for USA Rx. "Cold-pressed juices are not heated to high temperatures, meaning that they still contain most of the antioxidants and vitamins that are killed off during pasteurization."

Cold-pressed juices are just thatthey are made with a hydraulic press that squeezes the juice from fruits and vegetables cold, unlike juices that go through the pasteurization process, which involves high heat. While the heat and oxygen used in pasteurization kill off harmful bacteria in the liquid, it also destroys many of the nutrients in the process. The upside of pasteurized juice is its long shelf-life, whereas cold-pressed juice needs to be consumed quickly, within a day or two.

Unless you make the cold-pressed juice yourself, "make sure your juice contains no added sugars, colors, or food dyes," says Hanks. "The ingredients should be fruits and vegetables only with no fillers or preservatives."

As for types of fruits and vegetables that make the healthiest juice, nutrition research points to these. Read on, and for more on how to eat healthy, don't miss 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.

Tart cherries contain anthocyanins, red and purple plant pigments that offer strong antioxidant activity that reduces inflammation. In animal studies published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, rats were fed a high fat diet and either freeze-dried tart cherry powder or a control diet of equal calories but without the tart cherry addition. Only those fed the tart cherries experienced a 9% reduction in abdominal fat and other markers of metabolic disease. Tart cherry juice is also a sleep enhancer, the anthocyanins and tryptophan compounds in the juice boost production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin.

RELATED:Popular Drinks That Fight Inflammation, Say Dietitians

Another juice that's rich in anthocyanins (you can tell by the red color) is cranberry. Registered nutritionist Jay Cowin, director of formulations for ASYSTEM calls it one of the healthiest juices you can drink. Loaded with cell-protecting antioxidants, including vitamins C and E,"cranberry juice has also be found to be anti-inflammatory and may help to ease symptoms ofrheumatoid arthritis (RA) and offer protection against heart disease," he says.

When buying cranberry juice, it's important to check the label and make sure that it says, "Contains 100 percent juice" and does not contain added sugar, preservatives, or additives.

RELATED: Sign up for our newsletter to get daily recipes and food news in your inbox!

If you have high blood pressure, ask your doctor about drinking beetroot juice, which contains nitrates that have been proven to improve blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. "Beetroot juice is low in sugar content in comparison to other juices and is also an amazing source of vitamin B-6, calcium, and iron," says Elliot Reimers, a sports nutritionist certified by the International Society of Sports Nutrition and the National Academy of Sports Medicine. The deep red of beets is due to pigments called betalains, phytonutrients that "inhibit signaling pathways that are connected to many inflammatory diseases," Reimers says.

Turning a couple of stalks of celery into pulpy juice may help with weight loss because it has only about 30 calories in 16 ounces and delivers 3 grams of filling fiber. Plus, celery has been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties to remove free radicals, according to a study in The Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine.

Watermelon juice is touted as an excellent low-sugar beverage for sports rehydration by physician Mark Hyman, MD, the New York Times best-selling author of Food: What The Heck Should I Eat? The amino acid L-citrulline found in watermelon helps move lactic acid out of muscles, reducing soreness and fatigue, another reason to drink it after a tough workout. Researchers in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that athletes who drank watermelon juice as an exercise beverage reported less soreness and slower heart rate 24 hours after working out.

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The #1 Best Juice to Drink, Says Nutritionist | Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

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Q. Im a 63 year old man and I hate exercise. My physician and wife urge me to do so. Okay, Im a little overweight, but Im doing well all of these years. What encouragement and justification for exercising? PA

Getting Started: We cant let people do what they dont want. There is always a reason to disagree with the facts, find exceptions, and ignore advice. At the same time, it is important to recognize that it is difficult to change lifelong behavior and attitudes.

So when will health behavior change? When written on the prescription, they often change with the next verbal message from the doctor: Living past the age of 75 or attending a daughters wedding, grandsons blessing, or grandsons Bar Mitzvah. If you want to, we strongly recommend the following:

During the pandemic, the sofa became a close friend of many.according to Pew Research CenterPeople over the age of 60 spend about half of their leisure time in front of the screen. In most cases, TV is about 4 hours a day.

Its time to get up from the couch and start a simple exercise, walking. You dont need equipment, you just need good walking shoes. No special clothing or training required, its free. We know that taking certain steps each day can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes. It can lower blood pressure, increase muscle strength, prevent falls and injuries, reduce depression and burn calories.

This is a bonus benefit. People who are physically active tend to live longer than those who are not. One way to define physical activity is the number of steps you take each day. Ive heard about the magical daily goal of 10,000 steps that you can easily record on your smartwatch, iPhone, or Fitbits. There is some controversy over the exact number of daily steps to improve health and longevity.

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the CDC, and other institutions have found a strong link between steps and mortality. They found that men and women who accumulated 7,000 steps a day were about 50% less likely to die than those who walked less than that number. At 9,000 steps, the chances of premature death were 70% lower than those with less than 9,000 steps. With 10,000 steps, the benefits were leveled. People who take more than 10,000 steps a day rarely live longer than those who take at least 7,000 steps. For each story of the New York Times on September 21st..

There is still more to confuse the problem. The JAMA Internal Medicine online publication contains a study of over 16,000 women with an average age of 72 years. Women with an average of about 4400 steps per day had significantly lower mortality than the least active women with an average of about 2700 steps per day. ..

And there is one more from National Institute on Aging.. They recommend that adults require 150 minutes or 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week to stay healthy. Active walking is a good example. The 30 minutes can be divided into three 10 minute walks.

This is the benefit of the Super Bonus. Walking is good for your brain health. Dr. Dean Sherzai, a clinical neurologist and co-director of the Loma Linda University Brain Health and Alzheimers Disease Prevention Program, identified three links between exercise and improved brain health. He said exercise increases blood flow to the brain, providing more oxygen and nutrients. At the same time, it flushes inflammatory and oxidative elements from the brain, increasing chemicals like neuronal growth hormone, but especially for connections between neurons. PBS Next Avenue, A digital platform for information for baby boomers. Both aerobic and anaerobic exercise are effective, he added.

The bottom line is that walking is a good exercise to add brain health benefits and improve overall health, function, fitness and longevity. These remedies and interventions are not purchased at local CVS or Walgreens.

AP Thank you for your important question. I would appreciate your encouragement. Now, after stretching, put on your shoes and get out of the door. Take a walk with your friends and dogs, greet your neighbors, smell the roses and enjoy the beautiful weather. Stay safe and get well. Of course, be kind to yourself and others.

Note: Check with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program.

Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader in new retirement issues with aging, employment, and academic, corporate, and non-profit experience. Contact Helen with any questions or comments at Helendenn@gmail.com. Visit Helen on HelenMdennis.com and follow her on facebook.com / Successfulaging Community.

Need motivation to exercise? Here are some reasons to get moving Press Telegram Source link Need motivation to exercise? Here are some reasons to get moving Press Telegram

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Need motivation to exercise? Here are some reasons to get moving Press Telegram - California News Times

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RICHLAND PUBLIC HEALTH FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT

Richland Public Health flu vaccines will be available by appointment starting in October through our Public Health Clinic. Call 419-774-4700 to schedule a flu shot for you and your family.

Everyone from age six months and up should get an annual flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting your flu shot in October, but if you miss that month, get one as soon as possible.

Influenza is a contagious disease that spreads around the United States every year, usually between October and May. Flu is caused by influenza viruses, and is spread mainly by coughing, sneezing, and close contact. Anyone can get the flu. Flu strikes suddenly and can last several days. Symptoms vary by age, but can include: fever/chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, and runny or stuffy nose.

Flu is more dangerous for some people. Infants and young children, people 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions or a weakened immune system are at greatest risk.

No one likes to be sick. Getting the flu will cause you to miss work or school, along with your favorite activities, Amy Schmidt, Director of Nursing at Richland Public Health, said. You might also pass the flu on to your family, friends, or co-workers. Protect yourself and others. Get your flu shot.

According to the CDC, cold and flu season runs from approximately October to May, with a peak somewhere between December and February. Flu can be widespread, with up to 49 million cases each year in the United States.

Last year, the flu season was very mild due to restrictions in place for COVID-19 such as masking, social distancing, closing of mass events, and remote learning for schools. With most of those restrictions not in place, health experts are predicting a rise in flu cases. Thats worrisome, considering the strain hospitals are already experiencing with COVID cases. Its another reason to make sure to get your flu shot in October.

For additional information about influenza, visit the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/or talk with your pediatrician or family physician. For special home-bound services, call 419-774-4540.

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October Health and Safety | Richland Health - Richland Public Health

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Every person, every mouse, every dog, has one unmistakable sign of aging: hair loss. But why does that happen?

Rui Yi, a professor of pathology at Northwestern University, set out to answer the question.

A generally accepted hypothesis about stem cells says they replenish tissues and organs, including hair, but they will eventually be exhausted and then die in place. This process is seen as an integral part of aging.

Instead Dr. Yi and his colleagues made a surprising discovery that, at least in the hair of aging animals, stem cells escape from the structures that house them.

Its a new way of thinking about aging, said Dr. Cheng-Ming Chuong, a skin cell researcher and professor of pathology at the University of Southern California, who was not involved in Dr. Yis study, which was published on Monday in the journal Nature Aging.

The study also identifies two genes involved in the aging of hair, opening up new possibilities for stopping the process by preventing stem cells from escaping.

Charles K.F. Chan, a stem cell researcher at Stanford University, called the paper very important, noting that in science, everything about aging seems so complicated we dont know where to start. By showing a pathway and a mechanism for explaining aging hair, Dr. Yi and colleagues may have provided a toehold.

Stem cells play a crucial role in the growth of hair in mice and in humans. Hair follicles, the tunnel-shaped miniature organs from which hairs grow, go through cyclical periods of growth in which a population of stem cells living in a specialized region called the bulge divide and become rapidly growing hair cells.

Sarah Millar, director of the Black Family Stem Cell Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, who was not involved in Dr. Yis paper, explained that those cells give rise to the hair shaft and its sheath. Then, after a period of time, which is short for human body hair and much longer for hair on a persons head, the follicle becomes inactive and its lower part degenerates. The hair shaft stops growing and is shed, only to be replaced by a new strand of hair as the cycle repeats.

But while the rest of the follicle dies, a collection of stem cells remains in the bulge, ready to start turning into hair cells to grow a new strand of hair.

Dr. Yi, like most scientists, had assumed that with age the stem cells died in a process known as stem cell exhaustion. He expected that the death of a hair follicles stem cells meant that the hair would turn white and, when enough stem cells were lost, the strand of hair would die. But this hypothesis had not been fully tested.

Together with a graduate student, Chi Zhang, Dr. Yi decided that to understand the aging process in hair, he needed to watch individual strands of hair as they grew and aged.

Ordinarily, researchers who study aging take chunks of tissue from animals of different ages and examine the changes. There are two drawbacks to this approach, Dr. Yi said. First, the tissue is already dead. And it is not clear what led to the changes that are observed or what will come after them.

He decided his team would use a different method. They watched the growth of individual hair follicles in the ears of mice using a long wavelength laser that can penetrate deep into tissue. They labeled hair follicles with a green fluorescent protein, anesthetized the animals so they did not move, put their ear under the microscope and went back again and again to watch what was happening to the same hair follicle.

What they saw was a surprise: When the animals started to grow old and gray and lose their hair, their stem cells started to escape their little homes in the bulge. The cells changed their shapes from round to amoeba-like and squeezed out of tiny holes in the follicle. Then they recovered their normal shapes and darted away.

Sometimes, the escaping stem cells leapt long distances, in cellular terms, from the niche where they lived.

If I did not see it for myself I would not have believed it, Dr. Yi said. Its almost crazy in my mind.

The stem cells then vanished, perhaps consumed by the immune system.

Dr. Chan compared an animal's body to a car. If you run it long enough and dont replace parts, things wear out, he said. In the body, stem cells are like a mechanic, providing replacement parts, and in some organs like hair, blood and bone, the replacement is continual.

But with hair, it now looks as if the mechanic the stem cells simply walks off the job one day.

But why? Dr. Yi and his colleagues next step was to ask if genes are controlling the process. They discovered two FOXC1 and NFATC1 that were less active in older hair follicle cells. Their role was to imprison stem cells in the bulge. So the researchers bred mice that lacked those genes to see if they were the master controllers.

By the time the mice were 4 to 5 months old, they started losing hair. By age 16 months, when the animals were middle-aged, they looked ancient: They had lost a lot of hair and the sparse strands remaining were gray.

Now the researchers want to save the hair stem cells in aging mice.

This story of the discovery of a completely unexpected natural process makes Dr. Chuong wonder what remains to be learned about living creatures.

Nature has endless surprises waiting for us, he said. You can see fantastic things.

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Losing Your Hair? You Might Blame the Great Stem Cell Escape. - The New York Times

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It is too late for conservation efforts to save the northern white rhinoceros, but with recent scientific advancements there may still be hope to bring back this beloved species. In a recently published paper, scientist Marisa Korody and her colleagues at San Diego Zoo Global (USA) and at the Department of Molecular Medicine at Scripps Research (USA) describe their exciting progress on using stem cells to revive the northern white rhino.

The northern white rhino is functionally extinct, meaning there are not enough of these rhinos left to save the species. In fact there are only two northern white rhinos left: a mother and a daughter. But for decades, scientists have preserved cell samples from 15 northern white rhinos containing enough genetic material to potentially bring this species back from the brink. These preserved samples hold fibroblast cells the type of skin cells that secrete collagen from white rhinos. With these scientists newly developed methods, fibroblast cells can be converted into something much more valuable: induced pluripotent stem cells. These stem cells can differentiate into any cell type in the body including heart cells, muscle cells, and reproductive cells.

In theory, by converting fibroblast cells into reproductive cells, scientists could create genetically unique rhino embryos. Alongside other assisted reproduction technologies, scientists could implant a new embryo into a closely-related southern white rhino, where the baby northern white rhino could develop as an otherwise normal pregnancy. By completing this process multiple times, scientists may be able to establish a stable population of northern white rhinos.

In 2011, this research team generated induced pluripotent stem cells from the samples of another endangered species, but unfortunately since this process was found to harm the recipient genomes, this method was largely unsuccessful. Despite this setback, in 2015 the authors met with colleagues worldwide to consider ways to save the northern white rhino, and they concluded that methods involving induced pluripotent stem cells may still be the most promising solution. Over the following years, the scientists worked to improve their methods, and these improvements are documented in their recent paper. These experiments represent the first step in a long-term plan to bring the northern white rhino back through assisted reproduction techniques.

Right from the start, the scientists faced a whole host of challenges. Through trial and error they modified the growth medium for the cells, optimizing it for rhinoceros cells. With their improved growth medium, scientists successfully generated induced pluripotent stem cell lines from 11 rhinoceros individuals. This has never been done before and represents a huge stride forward in the path to recovering this species.

Before trying to make their first rhino, the scientists needed to stress these induced pluripotent stem cells and sequence their genomes to determine if the cell quality is good enough to potentially produce new, viable rhinos. They maintained colonies of these cells in long-term cultures and exposed these colonies to different conditions to give insight into how resilient these cells could be. These tests demonstrated that long-term culture did not affect the potential for these cells to differentiate into cardiac lineage cells, confirming that these cells are stable long-term. The researchers also confirmed that these pluripotent cells could potentially produce gametes, the egg and sperm cells that are used for sexual reproduction. These advancements indicate that with these newly developed protocols, induced pluripotent stem cells are a promising tool that could someday help recover the northern white rhino.

Although this study includes some exciting results, there is still much work to do. For example, scientists must now sequence the genomes of the northern and southern white rhino so other researchers can analyze the stem cells ability to stay the same over time. Despite the work that still needs to be done, these promising advancements could someday help the northern white rhino population recover. This method may also work for saving other endangered or extinct species, as long as the genetic material needed is available. Long-term, these scientists plan to continue a series of experiments that could ultimately bring this beloved rhino, and potentially other endangered species, back from the brink of extinction.

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Stem cells may be the key to saving white rhinos from extinction - Sciworthy

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As a beauty writer and longtime skincare fanatic, Ive subscribed to various multi-step routines. Fast forward to having a baby and the general day-to-day life upheaval that comes along with it, and my definition of a worthwhile personal beauty regimen has changed a bit. While I still enjoy trying new products and learning about innovations in the beauty space, I find myself with less time (and patience) for the more laborious treatments and layering routines, and more interest in noticeable efficacy and multitasking capabilities.

The most effective skincare products and tools are great for paring down your routineand also ... [+] saving you some precious minutes in your day.

And whether youre a busy mom or simply short on me time these days (who isnt?), there are a myriad of tried-and-true products that get the job done without requiring a ton of effort on your part. From Herauxs next-level anti-inflammaging serum to NuFaces skin-smoothing device, these standout skincare products and tools are ideal for a results-driven regimen thats effective enough to knock a few steps off your routineand save you some precious minutes in your day.

Since its launch seven years ago, this antioxidant-rich hydrating facial oil has remained a cult favorite for anyone who wants an instant glow, with the added benefit of skin soothing, balancing and repair. Infused with 22 active botanical and essential oils, the lightweight yet potent treatment can help with everything from acne to sun damage. And when applied using founder April Gargiulos signature push-press technique, it feels like a simple yet luxurious way to start and end the day.

Like the brands Trinity device, the NuFace Fix uses microcurrent technology at a gentler level to help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles on the more delicate areas of the face: on the forehead, between brows and around the eyes and lips (filler-free plumping, anyone?). Its sleek, compact shape combined with ease of use makes it a no-brainer for skin smoothing results in a matter of minutes. Plus, it holds an ample 120-minute charge, which amounts to a couple months worth of use before needing to plug it ini.e. no fumbling with cords or a hefty device on a regular basis.

The latest product in Kate McLeods sustainably packaged, handcrafted self care collection and the first to focus on skincare, the Face Stone is essentially a waterless moisturizer that melts on contact with skin. A rich blend of nourishing and antioxidant ingredients like blue tansy, kokum butter and plum kernal borage helps even and soothe stressed skinsomething we could all use these days. An added bonus? Its solid form and shape makes it a natural massaging tool, making it ideal for a morning pick-me-up or the start of an evening wind-down ritual.

While it covers your mineral-based broad spectrum sunscreen needs, this multitasker does much more than that. The unique product uses the U Beautys proprietary Sun-Siren Capsule Technology to help reduce hyperpigmentation, discoloration and dark spots (whether from pregnancy melasma or suntanning sins of the past) while also shielding against UVA, UVB, infrared and blue light exposure. A little goes a long way with this rich balm-cream formula, and its hydrating enough to double as a moisturizer or primer by day and also great as an overnight spot treatment.

An excellent (and cleaner) dupe for Biologique Recherches oft-elusive Lotion P50, this Moon Juice exfoliator is a skin savior in its own right. The liquid formula includes glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids for gentle, pore-minimizing exfoliation paired with niacinamide and adaptogenic reishi to help boost the skins natural barrier. And besides looking pretty, the packaging is completely recyclable, from the sculptural cap and glass bottle to the outer carton.

January Labs is a clean beauty favorite for its science-backed, results-driven products that have long been favored by top aestheticians. Even those with more sensitive (or dry) skin can use this retinol serum without dealing with typical downsides (like redness, drying or peeling) thanks to its use of Retistar, a .5% retinol thats super effective yet non-irritating.

This at-home peel is as easy as can be, requiring a single once-over with the pre-soaked pad to revive dull skin. The duo of glycolic and salicylic acids provide skin-smoothing exfoliation while ingredients like chamomile and bilberry extract calm, soothe and help even skin tone. Pro tip: Use up excess product on any dry, flakey patches on arms and legs.

Created by stem cell biologists at the University of Southern California, this innovative serum features an anti-inflammaging HX-1 molecule thats combined with tried-and-tested ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, peptides and red maple bark. The result? A silky, lightweight formula thats both rejuvenating (designed to help reduce the effects of stress and aging factors on skin) and preventative (strengthening stem cells on a molecular level).

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The Best Skincare Treatments For Time-Crunched Moms (Or Anyone Else Who Only Has Five Minutes To Spare) - Forbes

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A recent article in the journal Nature credits Stanford physician-neuroscientist Sergiu Pasca, MD, with blazing a trail toward a more profound understanding of early brain development, and of what can go wrong in the process, using a cell-based research innovation he named "assembloids."

In 2015, Pasca and his colleagues published a paper in Nature Methods describing a fascinating feat: His tinkering with induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells -- former skin cells transformed so that they've acquired an almost magical capacity to generate all the tissues in the body -- had borne a three-dimensional product. From these "magic" iPS cells grew a complex conglomerate of cells capable of modeling specific organs.

Pasca's particular interest was in the brain, and in the experiments detailed in the study, his lab had caused human iPS cells to multiply and differentiate into small spherical clusters of brain tissue suspended in laboratory glassware.

These clusters recapitulated the architecture and physiology of the human cerebral cortex -- the outermost layer of brain tissue, critical to perception, cognition and action. Pasca named these clusters, which grew to several millimeters in diameter and contained millions of cells, "cortical spheroids." Today, researchers around the world are using similar methodology to create models, broadly known as "organoids," to study other parts of the human body.

Two years later, in a study published in Nature, Pasca upped the ante by, first, generating a second kind of neural spheroid -- this time, representative of a deeper part of the developing forebrain called the subpallium -- and, second, by growing this kind of spheroid in conjunction with cortical spheroids, in the same dish.

To the researchers' amazement, spheroids of both types fused together, with nerve cells from subpallial spheroids migrating and poking extensions into the cortical spheroids and establishing working connections with nerve cells of a different type in the latter spheroids, just as occurs in fetal development.

"It's amazing that these cells already self-organize and know what they need to do," Pasca marveled in "Brain Balls," an article I wrote for our magazine, Stanford Medicine, a few years ago.

Pasca sensibly dubbed the two-fused-spheroid combos "assembloids," the Nature recap notes.

But why stop at two? Pasca has since created three-element assembloids composed of spheroids representative of cerebral cortex, spinal cord and skeletal muscle in order to model the circuitry of voluntary movement. He's also shown that stimulating the "cerebral cortex" spheroid can result in contraction of the "muscle" spheroid. (This accomplishment was published in Cell in late 2020.) He has explored other assembloid combinations, as well, such as the fusing of cortical spheroids with spheroids representing the striatum, a brain structure implicated in regulating our movements and responses to rewarding and aversive stimuli.

Because each spheroid begins with skin cells, they can be grown on a personalized basis -- and can therefore be extracted from patients with neurological disorders known or suspected to spring from early developmental aberrations (such as autism or schizophrenia). The cells can then be used to create models to probe these disorders' molecular, cellular and circuit-based deviations from the pathways of normal brain development, allowing scientists to study the brain in way they could never do with a living patient.

From the Nature article:

Assembloids are now at the leading edge of stem-cell research. Scientists are using them to investigate early events in organ development as tools for studying not only psychiatric disorders, but other types of disease as well.

An assembloid is by no means a complete, working brain. But, the article notes, "Pasca stands by the aphorism that all models are wrong, and some are useful. 'There's been important progress in the field in a short period of time,' he says."

Photo courtesy of the Pasca laboratory

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Stanford neuroscientist's 'assembloids' pave the way for innovative brain research - Scope

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

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Kimberly Fisher is a Pursuitist contributor. As a freelance writer and on-camera host, Kimberly has traveled the world and has published over 400 articles in over 44 publications including Sherman's Travel, Huffington Post, Just Luxe, Luxury Lifestyles UK, eHow, Examiner, Food Wine Travel Magazine, Luxe Beat, NiteGuide, Ocean View, and USA Today. Disclosure: Kimberly is employed by Remy Cointreau Americas.

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3 of the Best Fall Beauty Buys - Pursuitist

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith