Following spinal cord injury, astrocyte proliferation and scar formation are the main factors inhibiting the regeneration and growth of spinal cord axons, leading to motor and sensory function loss below the level of spinal cord injury.
Cell transplantation, bioengineering technology, drugs and other methods can reduce voids of injured spinal cord and suppress glial scar formation, but clinical application results show these methods used alone have no obvious effects. http://fortalent.com/blog/view/s/2014-02-03-face-masks-skin-care/
Liang Wu and
colleagues from Capital Medical University used rat models of T8 spinal cord contusion, which were subjected to combined transplantation of bone morphogenetic protein-4-induced glial-restricted precursor-derived astrocytes and human recombinant decorin transplantation.
This combined transplantation promoted axonal regeneration and growth of injured motor and sensory neurons by inhibiting astrocyte proliferation and glial scar formation, with astrocytes forming a linear arrangement in the contused spinal cord, thus providing axonal regeneration channels.
This combined transplantation provides a potential new therapy for experimental research and clinical transformation for the repair of spinal cord injury.
These findings were published in the Neural Regeneration Research (Vol. 8, No. 24, 2013).
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Analysis suggests saline shots may do just as well as steroids for lower back pain
New research from Johns Hopkins suggests that it may not be the steroids in spinal shots that provide relief from lower back pain, but the mere introduction of any of a number of fluids, such as anesthetics and saline, to the space around the spinal cord.
For decades, epidural steroid injections have been the most common nonsurgical treatment for lower back pain even though extensive research shows mixed results. Placebo-controlled studies have found benefit only 60 percent of the time and it remains unclear whether the epidural steroids provide long-term pain control or reduce the need for surgery. Meanwhile, experts warn, steroids are a less-than-ideal treatment for some as they can raise blood sugar in diabetic back patients, slow wound healing in those who need surgery and accelerate bone disease in older women. http://fortalent.com/blog/view/s/2014-02-03-tips-for-disposing-of-grease-from-your-face/
In a bid to lend some clarity, Johns Hopkins anesthesiologist Steven P. Cohen, M.D., and his colleagues reviewed dozens of published studies on the subject. As expected, they found that epidural steroid shots were more than twice as likely to bring relief as injections of steroids, saline or a local anesthetic like Lidocaine into muscle near the spinal canal. What was less expected, they report in the October issue of the journal Anesthesiology, was that epidural injections of any kind were also twice as good as intramuscular injections of steroids.
"Just injecting liquid into the epidural space appears to work," says Cohen, a professor of anesthesiology and critical care medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "This shows us that most of the relief may not be from the steroid, which everyone worries about."
Cohen says concerns increased in 2012 when more than 740 people in 20 states became ill with fungal meningitis and 55 people died after getting epidural injections of contaminated steroids made by a compounding pharmacy. Although better oversight might allay that concern, Cohen notes that patients can only get a limited number of steroid injections each year, even if their pain returns.
Cohen and Mark C. Bicket, M.D., an anesthesiology and critical care medicine chief resident at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, say it is too soon to recommend that patients stop receiving epidural steroids, but add that their analysis also suggests that smaller steroid doses can be just as beneficial. Larger studies are needed, they say, to determine whether steroid alternatives can be just as helpful for back pain patients.
"Our evidence does support the notion that, for now, reducing the amount of steroids for patients at risk may be advisable," says Bicket, the study's first author.
Spinal pain is a leading cause of disability in the industrialized world, with lifetime prevalence for lower back pain ranging from 50 to 80 percent. Epidural steroid injections have been the standard treatment for debilitating back pain for over 50 years.
The Johns Hopkins review covered medical records of 3,641 patients from 43 studies conducted through October 2012. The studies compared epidural steroid injections to other sorts of epidural and intramuscular injections.
Cohen says his new analysis suggests that decades of mixed results of research on epidural steroid injections may have been due to the use of saline or anesthetic injections as the comparison "placebo" treatment. "It's likely that those studies were actually comparing two treatments, rather than placebo versus treatment," he says. "Researchers may be wasting millions of dollars and precious time on such studies."
For decades, epidural steroid injections have been the most common nonsurgical treatment for lower back pain even though extensive research shows mixed results. Placebo-controlled studies have found benefit only 60 percent of the time and it remains unclear whether the epidural steroids provide long-term pain control or reduce the need for surgery. Meanwhile, experts warn, steroids are a less-than-ideal treatment for some as they can raise blood sugar in diabetic back patients, slow wound healing in those who need surgery and accelerate bone disease in older women. http://fortalent.com/blog/view/s/2014-02-03-tips-for-disposing-of-grease-from-your-face/
In a bid to lend some clarity, Johns Hopkins anesthesiologist Steven P. Cohen, M.D., and his colleagues reviewed dozens of published studies on the subject. As expected, they found that epidural steroid shots were more than twice as likely to bring relief as injections of steroids, saline or a local anesthetic like Lidocaine into muscle near the spinal canal. What was less expected, they report in the October issue of the journal Anesthesiology, was that epidural injections of any kind were also twice as good as intramuscular injections of steroids.
"Just injecting liquid into the epidural space appears to work," says Cohen, a professor of anesthesiology and critical care medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "This shows us that most of the relief may not be from the steroid, which everyone worries about."
Cohen says concerns increased in 2012 when more than 740 people in 20 states became ill with fungal meningitis and 55 people died after getting epidural injections of contaminated steroids made by a compounding pharmacy. Although better oversight might allay that concern, Cohen notes that patients can only get a limited number of steroid injections each year, even if their pain returns.
Cohen and Mark C. Bicket, M.D., an anesthesiology and critical care medicine chief resident at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, say it is too soon to recommend that patients stop receiving epidural steroids, but add that their analysis also suggests that smaller steroid doses can be just as beneficial. Larger studies are needed, they say, to determine whether steroid alternatives can be just as helpful for back pain patients.
"Our evidence does support the notion that, for now, reducing the amount of steroids for patients at risk may be advisable," says Bicket, the study's first author.
Spinal pain is a leading cause of disability in the industrialized world, with lifetime prevalence for lower back pain ranging from 50 to 80 percent. Epidural steroid injections have been the standard treatment for debilitating back pain for over 50 years.
The Johns Hopkins review covered medical records of 3,641 patients from 43 studies conducted through October 2012. The studies compared epidural steroid injections to other sorts of epidural and intramuscular injections.
Cohen says his new analysis suggests that decades of mixed results of research on epidural steroid injections may have been due to the use of saline or anesthetic injections as the comparison "placebo" treatment. "It's likely that those studies were actually comparing two treatments, rather than placebo versus treatment," he says. "Researchers may be wasting millions of dollars and precious time on such studies."
Brain abnormality 'predictor of chronic pain'
Scientists say that people who have a certain abnormality in their brain structure are more likely to develop chronic pain following a lower back injury, according to a study published in the journal Pain.
Researchers from the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine say their findings may initiate changes to the way physicians treat patients for pain.
In their study, the researchers were able to identify a "specific irregularity" or "marker" in the axons of the brain. http://skincareprogram.soup.io/post/396174658/Erase-Eye-Wrinkles
These are pathways in the brain's white matter that connect brain cells, allowing them to communicate. Some of the axons surround the nucleus accumbens and medial prefrontal cortex. These are two areas of the brain responsible for processing emotion and pain.
The researchers say that the "marker" allowed them to predict patients' persistent back pain with up to 85% accuracy.
Previous research from the team showed that the psychological properties of these two regions can identify which patients will suffer persistent back pain. However, the researchers say that this new study reveals a "pre-existing culprit" for these psychological responses to injury.
Brain irregularities 'trigger vulnerability to pain'
For the study, the researchers conducted MRI scans on 46 patients who had developed a lower back injury within the past 4 weeks, and who had not experienced any back pain in the previous year.
In order for the participants to continue in the study, they had to report a minimum of 5 out of 10 on a pain scale. These patients were then followed for a year.
MRI scans were taken again at the baseline of the study and then again at the end.
After the 1-year follow-up period, around 50% of the patients showed improvements in their back pain, regardless of whether they took anything to treat it.
However, patients who were experiencing persistent back pain showed the same structural abnormality "markers" in their white matter, both at the onset of injury and 1 year later.
A. Vania Apkarian, professor of psychology at Northwestern University Feinburg School of Medicine and senior author of the study, explains:
"The abnormality makes them vulnerable and predisposes them to enhanced emotional learning that then amplifies the pain and makes it more emotionally significant.
We've found the pain is triggered by these irregularities in the brain. We've shown abnormalities in brain structure connections may be enough to push someone to develop chronic pain once they have an injury."
Research may 'reduce burden' of chronic pain in US
According to the researchers, almost 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, and the illness is one of the most expensive health care conditions to treat, costing up to $635 billion a year.
"Pain is becoming an enormous burden on the public. The US government recently outlined steps to reduce the future burden of pain through broad-ranging efforts, including enhanced research," says Linda Porter, pain and policy advisor at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and leader of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Pain Consortium, which funded the study.
"This study is a good example of the kind of innovative research we hope will reduce chronic pain, which affects a huge portion of the population."
Researchers from the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine say their findings may initiate changes to the way physicians treat patients for pain.
In their study, the researchers were able to identify a "specific irregularity" or "marker" in the axons of the brain. http://skincareprogram.soup.io/post/396174658/Erase-Eye-Wrinkles
These are pathways in the brain's white matter that connect brain cells, allowing them to communicate. Some of the axons surround the nucleus accumbens and medial prefrontal cortex. These are two areas of the brain responsible for processing emotion and pain.
The researchers say that the "marker" allowed them to predict patients' persistent back pain with up to 85% accuracy.
Previous research from the team showed that the psychological properties of these two regions can identify which patients will suffer persistent back pain. However, the researchers say that this new study reveals a "pre-existing culprit" for these psychological responses to injury.
Brain irregularities 'trigger vulnerability to pain'
For the study, the researchers conducted MRI scans on 46 patients who had developed a lower back injury within the past 4 weeks, and who had not experienced any back pain in the previous year.
In order for the participants to continue in the study, they had to report a minimum of 5 out of 10 on a pain scale. These patients were then followed for a year.
MRI scans were taken again at the baseline of the study and then again at the end.
After the 1-year follow-up period, around 50% of the patients showed improvements in their back pain, regardless of whether they took anything to treat it.
However, patients who were experiencing persistent back pain showed the same structural abnormality "markers" in their white matter, both at the onset of injury and 1 year later.
A. Vania Apkarian, professor of psychology at Northwestern University Feinburg School of Medicine and senior author of the study, explains:
"The abnormality makes them vulnerable and predisposes them to enhanced emotional learning that then amplifies the pain and makes it more emotionally significant.
We've found the pain is triggered by these irregularities in the brain. We've shown abnormalities in brain structure connections may be enough to push someone to develop chronic pain once they have an injury."
Research may 'reduce burden' of chronic pain in US
According to the researchers, almost 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, and the illness is one of the most expensive health care conditions to treat, costing up to $635 billion a year.
"Pain is becoming an enormous burden on the public. The US government recently outlined steps to reduce the future burden of pain through broad-ranging efforts, including enhanced research," says Linda Porter, pain and policy advisor at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and leader of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Pain Consortium, which funded the study.
"This study is a good example of the kind of innovative research we hope will reduce chronic pain, which affects a huge portion of the population."
Bracing 'effective in reducing adolescent scoliosis'
Scientists say that the use of bracing in adolescents suffering from idiopathic scoliosis may reduce the risk of the condition progressing to the point that surgery is needed.
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine abnormally curves to the right or left. When it occurrs in a child or teen, the condition is referred to as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).
It is unknown what causes the disorder, but severe cases of the condition, if untreated, may cause pain and disability, particularly if a child is still growing.
According to the National Scoliosis Foundation, scoliosis affects approximately 6 million people of all age groups in the US. There is no cure for the disorder, but bracing is the usual treatment for children and adolescents with a spine curvature of between 25-40 degrees. http://storify.com/maxwellrebecca/peeling-skin-naturally-combination-skin-tips
However, the researchers say that while this is the preferred treatment for AIS, evidence regarding its impact has been inconclusive.
For the study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers from the Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Trial (BrAIST) wanted to compare the risk of curve progression in adolescents with AIS who wore a brace, and those who did not.
The study was funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), part of the National Institutes of Health.
The research team analyzed 242 patients aged 10-15-years, from 25 institutions in the US and Canada between 2007 and 2011. Patients were recruited who were at high risk for continued worsening of their curved spines, based on their age, skeletal immaturity and the severity of their curvature.
The study originally began as a randomized study, the researchers say, but they later added a "preference cohort," meaning that the patients and their families were able to choose their own treatments.
Of the 242 patients included, 116 were randomly assigned to either bracing or observation - where they received no specific treatment. The other 126 chose between bracing and observation.
Patients in the bracing group were required to wear them 18 hours a day. The researchers defined the treatment as unsuccessful when a patient's curve progressed to 50 degrees or more.
This is a point at which surgery is usually recommended. If a child reached "skeletal maturity" with a spinal curve less than 50 degrees, the treatment was classed as successful.
Bracing 'significantly reduces progression of AIS'
The researchers say that in January 2013, the trial was stopped early due to the signifiant success the braces had on reducing the risk of curve progression and the need for surgery.
Of patients who wore braces, 72% were defined as having successful treatment. Furthermore, it was found that the more hours the patients wore the braces, the better the success rate. Wearing a brace for more than an average of 13 hours a day was linked to a 90-93% success rate.
Stuart Weinstein, of the University of Iowa and lead study author, says:
"This study presents important evidence addressing the fundamental question facing families and clinicians dealing with the diagnosis of AIS - to brace or not to brace. Now we can say with confidence that bracing prevents the need for surgery."
The researchers also report that 48% of patients in the observation group showed successful outcomes, as well as 41% of patients in the bracing group who wore the braces infrequently.
The study authors note that, as others have suggested, current bracing indications may be too broad, resulting in unnecessary treatment for many patients.
They add:
"It is important to identify patients at high risk for clinically significant curve progression who are also most likely to benefit from bracing."
Last year, Medical News Today reported a study that showed how magnetically controlled growing rods may be successful in treating scoliosis in children.
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine abnormally curves to the right or left. When it occurrs in a child or teen, the condition is referred to as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).
It is unknown what causes the disorder, but severe cases of the condition, if untreated, may cause pain and disability, particularly if a child is still growing.
According to the National Scoliosis Foundation, scoliosis affects approximately 6 million people of all age groups in the US. There is no cure for the disorder, but bracing is the usual treatment for children and adolescents with a spine curvature of between 25-40 degrees. http://storify.com/maxwellrebecca/peeling-skin-naturally-combination-skin-tips
However, the researchers say that while this is the preferred treatment for AIS, evidence regarding its impact has been inconclusive.
For the study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers from the Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Trial (BrAIST) wanted to compare the risk of curve progression in adolescents with AIS who wore a brace, and those who did not.
The study was funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), part of the National Institutes of Health.
The research team analyzed 242 patients aged 10-15-years, from 25 institutions in the US and Canada between 2007 and 2011. Patients were recruited who were at high risk for continued worsening of their curved spines, based on their age, skeletal immaturity and the severity of their curvature.
The study originally began as a randomized study, the researchers say, but they later added a "preference cohort," meaning that the patients and their families were able to choose their own treatments.
Of the 242 patients included, 116 were randomly assigned to either bracing or observation - where they received no specific treatment. The other 126 chose between bracing and observation.
Patients in the bracing group were required to wear them 18 hours a day. The researchers defined the treatment as unsuccessful when a patient's curve progressed to 50 degrees or more.
This is a point at which surgery is usually recommended. If a child reached "skeletal maturity" with a spinal curve less than 50 degrees, the treatment was classed as successful.
Bracing 'significantly reduces progression of AIS'
The researchers say that in January 2013, the trial was stopped early due to the signifiant success the braces had on reducing the risk of curve progression and the need for surgery.
Of patients who wore braces, 72% were defined as having successful treatment. Furthermore, it was found that the more hours the patients wore the braces, the better the success rate. Wearing a brace for more than an average of 13 hours a day was linked to a 90-93% success rate.
Stuart Weinstein, of the University of Iowa and lead study author, says:
"This study presents important evidence addressing the fundamental question facing families and clinicians dealing with the diagnosis of AIS - to brace or not to brace. Now we can say with confidence that bracing prevents the need for surgery."
The researchers also report that 48% of patients in the observation group showed successful outcomes, as well as 41% of patients in the bracing group who wore the braces infrequently.
The study authors note that, as others have suggested, current bracing indications may be too broad, resulting in unnecessary treatment for many patients.
They add:
"It is important to identify patients at high risk for clinically significant curve progression who are also most likely to benefit from bracing."
Last year, Medical News Today reported a study that showed how magnetically controlled growing rods may be successful in treating scoliosis in children.
UCB receives CHMP positive opinion for Cimzia
UCB has announced that the European Medicines Agency's (EMA's) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has adopted a positive opinion recommending extending the European Union marketing authorization for the use of Cimzia® (certolizumab pegol) in the treatment of adult patients with severe active axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).
AxSpA is a form of spondyloarthritis that affects mainly the spine and sacroiliac joints, and comprises both ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and axSpA without X ray evidence of AS (non-radiographic axSpA [nr-axSpA]) sub-groups.[1] An approval for adult patients living with severe active axial spondyloarthritis would represent the second indication for Cimzia in countries of the European Union. In general, the European Commission follows the recommendations of the CHMP and usually delivers its final decision within two months of the CHMP recommendation. http://fortalent.com/blog/view/s/2014-02-03-tips-for-disposing-of-grease-from-your-face/
"The CHMP positive opinion is an important milestone since people living with severe active axSpA in Europe may soon have a new treatment option whether or not they have X ray evidence of structural damage to their sacroiliac joints," said Professor Dr. Iris Loew-Friedrich, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President, UCB.
"This is particularly important for patients living with axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of AS, whose symptoms may be just as debilitating as those with AS but for whom treatment options are currently limited."
The positive opinion for severe active axSpA comprising AS and axSpA without radiographic evidence of AS follows the EMA's review of data from the RAPID™-axSpA study which was the first randomized, controlled, Phase 3 study of an anti-TNF to enroll both AS and axSpA without radiographic evidence of AS patients.2 The study is an on-going, Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of certolizumab pegol in patients with active axSpA.[3] The primary endpoint of the RAPIDT™-axSpA study was ASAS20 at week 12, and was achieved with clinical and statistically significant improvements in ASAS20 responses in both dosing arms (200 mg every 2 weeks and 400 mg every 4 weeks) vs. placebo (p≤0.004).[2] The safety profile for axial spondyloarthritis patients treated with certolizumab pegol was consistent with the safety profile of certolizumab pegol reported in rheumatoid arthritis trials.[2]
In the European Union, certolizumab pegol is approved in combination with methotrexate (MTX) for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients inadequately responsive to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, including MTX. Certolizumab pegol can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to MTX or when continued treatment with MTX is inappropriate.[4]
Ads by Google
How To Self-Publish - Download a Free Author's Guide and Learn How to Publish Your Book. - www.friesenpress.com/How-to-Publish
Worst Food For Joint Pain - Renowned Doctor Reveals The Worst Food for Joint Inflammation - medixselect.com
Discount Self-Load Moving - Cheaper Than Driving Yourself. Fuel & Tolls Included in Price. - www.upack.com/ABF
The EMA is currently reviewing another filing for certolizumab pegol in the treatment of adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis. In the US, both PsA and axSpA filings are currently under review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
About RAPID™-axSpA study[3]
The RAPID™-axSpA study is an ongoing Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of certolizumab pegol in patients with active axSpA. Patients (n=325) were randomized 1:1:1 to placebo, or 400 mg certolizumab pegol at week 0, 2 and 4 loading dose followed by either 200 mg certolizumab pegol every two weeks or 400 mg certolizumab pegol every four weeks. Patients enrolled in the study must have active disease and failed at least one non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Within the placebo arm, patients who failed to achieve an ASAS20 response at weeks 14 and 16 were re-randomized at week 16 to receive certolizumab pegol 200 mg every 2 weeks or 400 mg every 4 weeks, following the loading dose.
AxSpA is a form of spondyloarthritis that affects mainly the spine and sacroiliac joints, and comprises both ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and axSpA without X ray evidence of AS (non-radiographic axSpA [nr-axSpA]) sub-groups.[1] An approval for adult patients living with severe active axial spondyloarthritis would represent the second indication for Cimzia in countries of the European Union. In general, the European Commission follows the recommendations of the CHMP and usually delivers its final decision within two months of the CHMP recommendation. http://fortalent.com/blog/view/s/2014-02-03-tips-for-disposing-of-grease-from-your-face/
"The CHMP positive opinion is an important milestone since people living with severe active axSpA in Europe may soon have a new treatment option whether or not they have X ray evidence of structural damage to their sacroiliac joints," said Professor Dr. Iris Loew-Friedrich, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President, UCB.
"This is particularly important for patients living with axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of AS, whose symptoms may be just as debilitating as those with AS but for whom treatment options are currently limited."
The positive opinion for severe active axSpA comprising AS and axSpA without radiographic evidence of AS follows the EMA's review of data from the RAPID™-axSpA study which was the first randomized, controlled, Phase 3 study of an anti-TNF to enroll both AS and axSpA without radiographic evidence of AS patients.2 The study is an on-going, Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of certolizumab pegol in patients with active axSpA.[3] The primary endpoint of the RAPIDT™-axSpA study was ASAS20 at week 12, and was achieved with clinical and statistically significant improvements in ASAS20 responses in both dosing arms (200 mg every 2 weeks and 400 mg every 4 weeks) vs. placebo (p≤0.004).[2] The safety profile for axial spondyloarthritis patients treated with certolizumab pegol was consistent with the safety profile of certolizumab pegol reported in rheumatoid arthritis trials.[2]
In the European Union, certolizumab pegol is approved in combination with methotrexate (MTX) for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients inadequately responsive to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, including MTX. Certolizumab pegol can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to MTX or when continued treatment with MTX is inappropriate.[4]
Ads by Google
How To Self-Publish - Download a Free Author's Guide and Learn How to Publish Your Book. - www.friesenpress.com/How-to-Publish
Worst Food For Joint Pain - Renowned Doctor Reveals The Worst Food for Joint Inflammation - medixselect.com
Discount Self-Load Moving - Cheaper Than Driving Yourself. Fuel & Tolls Included in Price. - www.upack.com/ABF
The EMA is currently reviewing another filing for certolizumab pegol in the treatment of adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis. In the US, both PsA and axSpA filings are currently under review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
About RAPID™-axSpA study[3]
The RAPID™-axSpA study is an ongoing Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of certolizumab pegol in patients with active axSpA. Patients (n=325) were randomized 1:1:1 to placebo, or 400 mg certolizumab pegol at week 0, 2 and 4 loading dose followed by either 200 mg certolizumab pegol every two weeks or 400 mg certolizumab pegol every four weeks. Patients enrolled in the study must have active disease and failed at least one non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Within the placebo arm, patients who failed to achieve an ASAS20 response at weeks 14 and 16 were re-randomized at week 16 to receive certolizumab pegol 200 mg every 2 weeks or 400 mg every 4 weeks, following the loading dose.
What is degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc disease refers to the degeneration of at least one of the intervertebral discs of the spinal column. Some people may call it degenerative disc disorder.
This Medical News Today article includes an introduction into degenerative disc disease, a brief description, some basic information on intervertebral discs, details on the most common signs and symptoms, its causes, how the disease is diagnosed, and possible treatment options.
What is degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc disease is a "disease of aging", an age related disease.
Over the years and decades, the repeated daily stresses on the spine and occasional minor, unnoticed injuries, as well as major ones, begin to take their toll. http://skincareprogram.soup.io/post/396174658/Erase-Eye-Wrinkles
For most people the gradual degeneration of the discs is not a problem. However, in some cases it eventually causes severe, chronic and debilitating discogenic pain. Back specialists refer to pain caused by a damaged intervertebral disc as "discogenic pain".
Some people have degenerative disc disease and never experience any related symptoms.
What are the intervertebral discs?
Spinal readjustment 3
Model of a healthy spine
The intervertebral discs (orange) act as cushions
between each vertebra (white)
Intervertebral discs, also known as intervertebral fibrocartilage or spinal discs, are the padding between each vertebra of the spine. They have an elastic structure, made of fibrocartilage tissue.
The outer part of the disc - annulus fibrosus - is tough and fibrous, and is composed of several overlapping layers.
The inner core of the disc - nucleus pulposus - is soft and gelatinous.
The intervertebral discs form the vertebrae's shock absorbers. They act as padding, and cushion the stress when the spine moves or bears weight.
These spinal discs also help the spine bend and then bend back to its normal curves.
In a healthy young adult the intervertebral discs consist of about 90% water. As we age the water content goes down, the padding becomes less thick and the spine becomes slightly shorter as a result. Sometimes the disc might bulge.
What are the signs and symptoms of degenerative disc disease?
A symptom is something the patient feels and describes, while a sign is something others can detect. Pain is an example of a symptom, and a rash is a an example of a sign.
Many people may have degeneration of the disc and have no symptoms. Others, on the other hand, may experience pain that is so intense that they are unable to carry out their daily activities.
The University of Maryland Medical Center1 explains that the most common early symptom is usually pain in the back that spreads to the buttocks and upper thighs (sciatica).
Apart from pain, there may also be tingling and/or numbness in the leg or foot.
Most patients find that the pain is worse when they are sitting. This is because the discs have more weight on them when the body is sitting.
When specialist doctors talk about degenerative disc disease, they are usually referring to a combination of spinal problems that start with damage to the disc, and eventually spread to other parts of the spine.
The Mayfield Clinic2 in Cincinnati, Ohio, says that degenerative disc disease pain frequently starts in one of three ways:
A major injury - which is followed by sudden and unexpected pain.
A minor injury - which is also followed by sudden and unexpected back pain.
Progressive pain - the patient starts feeling slight back pain, which over time gradually gets worse.
What are the causes degenerative disc disease?
As the human body ages, the intervertebral discs degenerate (break down), which leads to degenerative disc disease in some individuals.
The changes that occur, due to aging, include:
Loss of fluid - the intervertebral discs of a healthy young adult consist mainly of fluid, up to 90%. As we age the disc's fluid content decreases, making it thinner. This means the distance between each vertebra becomes smaller.
Put simply, the cushion or shock-absorber between each vertebra becomes less effective.
Disc structure is affected - very small tears or cracks develop in the annulus fibrous (outer layer) of the disc. The soft and gelatinous material in the nucleus pulposus (inner part of the disc) may make its way through the cracks or tears, resulting in a bulging or rupturing disc. Sometimes it may break into fragments.
This degeneration of the disc occurs more rapidly in obese individuals, people who do strenuous physical work, and regular tobacco smokers.
An acute (sudden) injury, as may occur after a fall, may accelerate the process of degeneration.
When the vertebrae have less padding between them the whole spine becomes less stable. The body tries to cope with this by building osteophytes, also called bone spurs. Bone spurs are small bony projections that develop along the edge of bones. These projections can press against the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots, which undermine nerve function and cause pain.
There is a condition called spinal stenosis, which occurs when the bone spurs grow into the spinal canal and press into the spinal cord and nerves.
Diagnosing degenerative disc disease
The doctor will ask the patient about symptoms, where pain, tingling or numbness is felt and when, and which situations cause the most pain. Questions will also be asked about the patient's medical history and whether he or she had any falls, injuries or accidents.
The doctor will also carry out a physical examination, which may include:
Checking nerve function - different areas are tapped with a reflex hammer. If there is poor or no reaction, it could mean there is a compressed nerve root.
Hot and cold stimuli may also be used to see how well the nerves sense temperature changes.
Checking muscle strength - the patient may be asked to undress so the doctor can view the muscles and check for atrophy (wasting) or abnormal movements.
Checking for pain with motion or palpation - palpation means examining or exploring by touching. The patient will also be made to move in specific ways. If pressure applied to the lower back causes pain, it could mean there is a degenerated disc.
The doctor may order the following diagnostic tests to either confirm a preliminary diagnosis, rule out some conditions or illnesses, or to gain more information:
CT (computerized tomography) scan - a medical imaging method that employs tomography, the process of generating a 2-dimensional image of a section/slice through a 3-dimensional object (tomogram).
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan - a machine that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body on a monitor. MRIs scans give the doctor information on the state of the spinal nerves, discs and how they are aligned.
Discogram - a dye is injected into the nucleus pulposus, the soft center of the disc. Sometimes several disks are injected. The aim is to see whether the disc is painful. The dye shows up on a CT scan or X-ray. According to the Mayo Clinic3, discogram usage is controversial because cracked discs do not always cause symptoms.
What are the treatment options for degenerative disc disease?
Treatment for degenerative disc disease may include occupational and/or physical therapy, special exercises, medications, losing weight, stem cell therapy, and surgery.
Non-surgical therapies
Lifting-techniques
With proper lifting techniques patients will experience less severe and less frequent pain
Kneeling or reclining - rather than sitting is less painful. Patients can be taught how to position themselves so that their symptoms are less severe.
Lifting weights - this needs to be done without bending the body.
Medications - the patient may benefit from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids and sometimes muscle relaxers.
Examples of NSAIDs include celecoxib, ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin.
Acetaminophen (paracetamol, Tylenol) is a painkiller but not an anti-inflammatory.
Steroids may help reduce swelling and inflammation around the nerves.
Wearing a corset or brace
Doing special exercises to build the back and stomach muscles - according to UCLA Neurosurgery4, yoga, Pilates, and swimming are effective, as are some other core strengthening programs.
Specialized health care professionals, such as physiatrists, neuroradiologists and pain management specialists can help with more aggressive treatments that do not require surgery.
The joints next to the bad disc can be injected with steroids and a local anesthetic. These are called facet joint injections and can provide effective pain relief.
Facet rhizotomy - a radiofrequency current deadens the nerves around the facet joint, preventing pain signals from reaching the brain. This may be recommended if the patient responded to facet joint injections. Facet rhizotomy may provide pain relief that lasts for more than a year.
Intradiscal electrothermal annuloplasty (IDET) - painful discs are heated up using discography CT with a copper coil; when the right temperature is reached the disc hardens, making it better at resisting weight-bearing movements. According to UCLA Neurosurgery, this procedure is effective in 70% of cases.
Surgery
Surgery may be recommended if the patient did not respond to conservative therapies within about three months.
Surgery may be considered as an option if:
Back or leg pain stops the patient from going about normal activity.
There is numbness in the legs.
There is weakness in the legs.
Standing or walking is difficult.
The patient did not respond to physical therapy.
Medication was not effective.
The following surgical options are available:
Stabilization surgery - spinal fusion - two vertebrae of the spine are fused together. This provides stability for the spine. The procedure can be done at any level of the spine, but is more common in the lower back area (lumbar region) and the neck area (cervical region) - these are the most movable parts of the spine.
Spinal fusion can be done from the back, with rods and screws in the spine and adjacent bone graft. If done from the front, the disc is removed and graph materials are placed.
This procedure is very effective for patients in extreme pain whose spine cannot bear their own weight. However, spinal fusion can speed up the degeneration of the discs next to the fused vertebrae.
Decompression surgery - examples include facectomy (removing the facet joint), foraminotomy (enlarging the opening of the foramen so the nerve is not compressed), laminectomy (removing all or part of the lamina to relieve pressure on the spinal cord), laminotomy (like a laminectomy, but the opening is larger, giving the nerves more room).
In the decompression procedures described above, the surgeon comes in from the back of the spine. Sometimes decompression surgery has to be done from the front (anterior), as may occur if the patient has a bulging disc or herniated disc that pushes into the spinal canal.
Anterior decompression techniques include discectomy (removal of all or part of the disc), corpectomy (the vertebral bodies and adjacent discs are removed in order to reduce the pressure on the spinal cord).
Stem cell therapy
Researchers at the University of Queensland, Australia, set out to determine whether a tissue engineering-based approach using stem cells, coupled with an advanced delivery system might encourage functional fibrocartilage generation.
The scientists developed an injectable hydrogel system based on enzymatically-crosslinked polyethylene glycol (gel) and hyaluronic acid.
After adding more substances to the hydrogel they injected it into patients. Their aim was to induce chondrogenesis (formation of cartilage) in mesnchymal precursor cells.
The researchers concluded in the journal Biomaterials5 that stem cell therapy has potential for intervertebral disc regeneration.
This Medical News Today article includes an introduction into degenerative disc disease, a brief description, some basic information on intervertebral discs, details on the most common signs and symptoms, its causes, how the disease is diagnosed, and possible treatment options.
What is degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc disease is a "disease of aging", an age related disease.
Over the years and decades, the repeated daily stresses on the spine and occasional minor, unnoticed injuries, as well as major ones, begin to take their toll. http://skincareprogram.soup.io/post/396174658/Erase-Eye-Wrinkles
For most people the gradual degeneration of the discs is not a problem. However, in some cases it eventually causes severe, chronic and debilitating discogenic pain. Back specialists refer to pain caused by a damaged intervertebral disc as "discogenic pain".
Some people have degenerative disc disease and never experience any related symptoms.
What are the intervertebral discs?
Spinal readjustment 3
Model of a healthy spine
The intervertebral discs (orange) act as cushions
between each vertebra (white)
Intervertebral discs, also known as intervertebral fibrocartilage or spinal discs, are the padding between each vertebra of the spine. They have an elastic structure, made of fibrocartilage tissue.
The outer part of the disc - annulus fibrosus - is tough and fibrous, and is composed of several overlapping layers.
The inner core of the disc - nucleus pulposus - is soft and gelatinous.
The intervertebral discs form the vertebrae's shock absorbers. They act as padding, and cushion the stress when the spine moves or bears weight.
These spinal discs also help the spine bend and then bend back to its normal curves.
In a healthy young adult the intervertebral discs consist of about 90% water. As we age the water content goes down, the padding becomes less thick and the spine becomes slightly shorter as a result. Sometimes the disc might bulge.
What are the signs and symptoms of degenerative disc disease?
A symptom is something the patient feels and describes, while a sign is something others can detect. Pain is an example of a symptom, and a rash is a an example of a sign.
Many people may have degeneration of the disc and have no symptoms. Others, on the other hand, may experience pain that is so intense that they are unable to carry out their daily activities.
The University of Maryland Medical Center1 explains that the most common early symptom is usually pain in the back that spreads to the buttocks and upper thighs (sciatica).
Apart from pain, there may also be tingling and/or numbness in the leg or foot.
Most patients find that the pain is worse when they are sitting. This is because the discs have more weight on them when the body is sitting.
When specialist doctors talk about degenerative disc disease, they are usually referring to a combination of spinal problems that start with damage to the disc, and eventually spread to other parts of the spine.
The Mayfield Clinic2 in Cincinnati, Ohio, says that degenerative disc disease pain frequently starts in one of three ways:
A major injury - which is followed by sudden and unexpected pain.
A minor injury - which is also followed by sudden and unexpected back pain.
Progressive pain - the patient starts feeling slight back pain, which over time gradually gets worse.
What are the causes degenerative disc disease?
As the human body ages, the intervertebral discs degenerate (break down), which leads to degenerative disc disease in some individuals.
The changes that occur, due to aging, include:
Loss of fluid - the intervertebral discs of a healthy young adult consist mainly of fluid, up to 90%. As we age the disc's fluid content decreases, making it thinner. This means the distance between each vertebra becomes smaller.
Put simply, the cushion or shock-absorber between each vertebra becomes less effective.
Disc structure is affected - very small tears or cracks develop in the annulus fibrous (outer layer) of the disc. The soft and gelatinous material in the nucleus pulposus (inner part of the disc) may make its way through the cracks or tears, resulting in a bulging or rupturing disc. Sometimes it may break into fragments.
This degeneration of the disc occurs more rapidly in obese individuals, people who do strenuous physical work, and regular tobacco smokers.
An acute (sudden) injury, as may occur after a fall, may accelerate the process of degeneration.
When the vertebrae have less padding between them the whole spine becomes less stable. The body tries to cope with this by building osteophytes, also called bone spurs. Bone spurs are small bony projections that develop along the edge of bones. These projections can press against the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots, which undermine nerve function and cause pain.
There is a condition called spinal stenosis, which occurs when the bone spurs grow into the spinal canal and press into the spinal cord and nerves.
Diagnosing degenerative disc disease
The doctor will ask the patient about symptoms, where pain, tingling or numbness is felt and when, and which situations cause the most pain. Questions will also be asked about the patient's medical history and whether he or she had any falls, injuries or accidents.
The doctor will also carry out a physical examination, which may include:
Checking nerve function - different areas are tapped with a reflex hammer. If there is poor or no reaction, it could mean there is a compressed nerve root.
Hot and cold stimuli may also be used to see how well the nerves sense temperature changes.
Checking muscle strength - the patient may be asked to undress so the doctor can view the muscles and check for atrophy (wasting) or abnormal movements.
Checking for pain with motion or palpation - palpation means examining or exploring by touching. The patient will also be made to move in specific ways. If pressure applied to the lower back causes pain, it could mean there is a degenerated disc.
The doctor may order the following diagnostic tests to either confirm a preliminary diagnosis, rule out some conditions or illnesses, or to gain more information:
CT (computerized tomography) scan - a medical imaging method that employs tomography, the process of generating a 2-dimensional image of a section/slice through a 3-dimensional object (tomogram).
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan - a machine that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body on a monitor. MRIs scans give the doctor information on the state of the spinal nerves, discs and how they are aligned.
Discogram - a dye is injected into the nucleus pulposus, the soft center of the disc. Sometimes several disks are injected. The aim is to see whether the disc is painful. The dye shows up on a CT scan or X-ray. According to the Mayo Clinic3, discogram usage is controversial because cracked discs do not always cause symptoms.
What are the treatment options for degenerative disc disease?
Treatment for degenerative disc disease may include occupational and/or physical therapy, special exercises, medications, losing weight, stem cell therapy, and surgery.
Non-surgical therapies
Lifting-techniques
With proper lifting techniques patients will experience less severe and less frequent pain
Kneeling or reclining - rather than sitting is less painful. Patients can be taught how to position themselves so that their symptoms are less severe.
Lifting weights - this needs to be done without bending the body.
Medications - the patient may benefit from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids and sometimes muscle relaxers.
Examples of NSAIDs include celecoxib, ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin.
Acetaminophen (paracetamol, Tylenol) is a painkiller but not an anti-inflammatory.
Steroids may help reduce swelling and inflammation around the nerves.
Wearing a corset or brace
Doing special exercises to build the back and stomach muscles - according to UCLA Neurosurgery4, yoga, Pilates, and swimming are effective, as are some other core strengthening programs.
Specialized health care professionals, such as physiatrists, neuroradiologists and pain management specialists can help with more aggressive treatments that do not require surgery.
The joints next to the bad disc can be injected with steroids and a local anesthetic. These are called facet joint injections and can provide effective pain relief.
Facet rhizotomy - a radiofrequency current deadens the nerves around the facet joint, preventing pain signals from reaching the brain. This may be recommended if the patient responded to facet joint injections. Facet rhizotomy may provide pain relief that lasts for more than a year.
Intradiscal electrothermal annuloplasty (IDET) - painful discs are heated up using discography CT with a copper coil; when the right temperature is reached the disc hardens, making it better at resisting weight-bearing movements. According to UCLA Neurosurgery, this procedure is effective in 70% of cases.
Surgery
Surgery may be recommended if the patient did not respond to conservative therapies within about three months.
Surgery may be considered as an option if:
Back or leg pain stops the patient from going about normal activity.
There is numbness in the legs.
There is weakness in the legs.
Standing or walking is difficult.
The patient did not respond to physical therapy.
Medication was not effective.
The following surgical options are available:
Stabilization surgery - spinal fusion - two vertebrae of the spine are fused together. This provides stability for the spine. The procedure can be done at any level of the spine, but is more common in the lower back area (lumbar region) and the neck area (cervical region) - these are the most movable parts of the spine.
Spinal fusion can be done from the back, with rods and screws in the spine and adjacent bone graft. If done from the front, the disc is removed and graph materials are placed.
This procedure is very effective for patients in extreme pain whose spine cannot bear their own weight. However, spinal fusion can speed up the degeneration of the discs next to the fused vertebrae.
Decompression surgery - examples include facectomy (removing the facet joint), foraminotomy (enlarging the opening of the foramen so the nerve is not compressed), laminectomy (removing all or part of the lamina to relieve pressure on the spinal cord), laminotomy (like a laminectomy, but the opening is larger, giving the nerves more room).
In the decompression procedures described above, the surgeon comes in from the back of the spine. Sometimes decompression surgery has to be done from the front (anterior), as may occur if the patient has a bulging disc or herniated disc that pushes into the spinal canal.
Anterior decompression techniques include discectomy (removal of all or part of the disc), corpectomy (the vertebral bodies and adjacent discs are removed in order to reduce the pressure on the spinal cord).
Stem cell therapy
Researchers at the University of Queensland, Australia, set out to determine whether a tissue engineering-based approach using stem cells, coupled with an advanced delivery system might encourage functional fibrocartilage generation.
The scientists developed an injectable hydrogel system based on enzymatically-crosslinked polyethylene glycol (gel) and hyaluronic acid.
After adding more substances to the hydrogel they injected it into patients. Their aim was to induce chondrogenesis (formation of cartilage) in mesnchymal precursor cells.
The researchers concluded in the journal Biomaterials5 that stem cell therapy has potential for intervertebral disc regeneration.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Scripps Research Institute scientists
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have invented a new method for designing artificial proteins, and have used it to make key ingredients for a candidate vaccine against a dangerous virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a significant cause of infant mortality. The virus has been resistant to current vaccine-design strategies.
With the help of collaborating laboratories, the scientists were able to apply the new method, which uses a "rational design" approach to making vaccines focused on specific binding areas (epitopes) on the virus. The result was designer vaccine proteins that the scientists showed stimulate the production of the desired virus-neutralizing antibodies in rhesus macaques. http://skincareprograms.tumblr.com/post/75567159015/skin-care-products-how-to-skin-care
"This was a proof-of-principle demonstration of a technology that could be very useful against HIV, influenza and other highly variable viruses that have been difficult to stop using traditional vaccine-design strategies," said William R. Schief, associate professor of immunology at TSRI.
The research is reported in by the journal Nature.
Folding from Loops
The new protein-design method represents a significant advance over previous methods.
"One approach we and others have taken has been to transplant a protein fragment of interest, for example one that mimics a particular structure on a virus, onto an existing protein 'scaffold,'" said TSRI Research Associate Bruno E. Correia, a member of the Schief laboratory at the time of the study and lead author of the new report. "While this approach often works well to mimic the structure of a viral epitope, it has never successfully induced neutralizing antibodies, and in some cases this method falls short of even producing viable vaccine candidates."
In these difficult cases, the scaffold structure fails to stabilize the transplanted fragment, resulting in an imperfect mimic of the virus and consequent loss of immune-stimulating properties.
The TSRI scientists wanted a way to design scaffold proteins from scratch - proteins that would fit around their functional fragments more naturally, and would do a better job of stabilizing them.
The result was a new software app, "Fold from Loops," for designing proteins that fold up around a functional fragment of interest. For a proof-of-principle demonstration, the scientists decided to attempt one of the most important current protein-design challenges: making a new protein that mimics a particular epitope on a virus, and thus can serve as a key component of a vaccine.
The Promise of Rational Vaccine Design
Researchers want to be able to stimulate antibody reactions against highly specific epitopes because some infectious agents seem unstoppable by traditional methods of immunization.
With the help of collaborating laboratories, the scientists were able to apply the new method, which uses a "rational design" approach to making vaccines focused on specific binding areas (epitopes) on the virus. The result was designer vaccine proteins that the scientists showed stimulate the production of the desired virus-neutralizing antibodies in rhesus macaques. http://skincareprograms.tumblr.com/post/75567159015/skin-care-products-how-to-skin-care
"This was a proof-of-principle demonstration of a technology that could be very useful against HIV, influenza and other highly variable viruses that have been difficult to stop using traditional vaccine-design strategies," said William R. Schief, associate professor of immunology at TSRI.
The research is reported in by the journal Nature.
Folding from Loops
The new protein-design method represents a significant advance over previous methods.
"One approach we and others have taken has been to transplant a protein fragment of interest, for example one that mimics a particular structure on a virus, onto an existing protein 'scaffold,'" said TSRI Research Associate Bruno E. Correia, a member of the Schief laboratory at the time of the study and lead author of the new report. "While this approach often works well to mimic the structure of a viral epitope, it has never successfully induced neutralizing antibodies, and in some cases this method falls short of even producing viable vaccine candidates."
In these difficult cases, the scaffold structure fails to stabilize the transplanted fragment, resulting in an imperfect mimic of the virus and consequent loss of immune-stimulating properties.
The TSRI scientists wanted a way to design scaffold proteins from scratch - proteins that would fit around their functional fragments more naturally, and would do a better job of stabilizing them.
The result was a new software app, "Fold from Loops," for designing proteins that fold up around a functional fragment of interest. For a proof-of-principle demonstration, the scientists decided to attempt one of the most important current protein-design challenges: making a new protein that mimics a particular epitope on a virus, and thus can serve as a key component of a vaccine.
The Promise of Rational Vaccine Design
Researchers want to be able to stimulate antibody reactions against highly specific epitopes because some infectious agents seem unstoppable by traditional methods of immunization.
Data on more than 10,000 cancer genomes released by the International Cancer Genome Consortium
The International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) has announced that it has made available to the scientific community data from more than 10,000 cancer genomes. The data can be used by cancer researchers around the world to better understand the genomic basis of cancer, accelerate cancer research and aid in the development of more targeted treatments.
"In 2012 an estimated 14 million people around the world were diagnosed with cancer and 8.2 million people died of the disease, according to GLOBOCAN. By 2025 it is expected that more than 20 million new cancer cases per year will be diagnosed due to growth and ageing of the population," said Dr. Tom Hudson, President and Scientific Director of the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) and a founder of the ICGC. "There is a clear need for new solutions to the cancer problem. Better understanding the genomic basis of cancer will lead to better cancer prevention and control measures, key priorities set out in the World Cancer Report 2014." http://skincarereviewsprogram.blogspot.com/2014/02/how-to-skin-care-avocado-mask-for-body.html
The World Cancer Report 2014 was released on February 3, 2014 in London, in advance of World Cancer Day. It is published every five years to provide accessible information on cancer to policy-makers and healthcare professionals outside of the cancer field. It is also intended to update cancer specialists on the most recent and important developments in cancer research and control. Hudson contributed a chapter to this year's report, where he describes how cancer can be viewed as a disease of the genome and how mutations within the genome drive tumor growth. He also explains how these mutations can vary between people and across different populations because of genetic diversity and factors such as environmental exposures and diet. This diversity leads to the many different types and subtypes of cancer seen today. The chapter also describes how the ICGC is sequencing more than 25,000 tumor samples to generate a catalogue of cancer mutations related to 50 types of cancer.
"Ontario's investments have secured our position as a leading jurisdiction in cancer research," said The Hon. Reza Moridi, Ontario Minister of Research and Innovation. "This attracts world-leading researchers - scientists who are improving the lives of people in Ontario and around the world. The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research has been instrumental in creating important collaborations and enabling critical progress in moving discoveries out of the lab and into clinics. Not only does this help patients, it also contributes significantly to Ontario's innovation economy." Researchers at OICR have been conducting large-scale cancer genome studies as part of the ICGC. Global cancer genome projects of the ICGC have made several important discoveries, including the identification of many new cancer processes and genes. These studies have shown that the mutation rates vary by 1,000-fold across cancer types and that cancers possess a combination of distinct mutational patterns, some of which are linked to known mutagens such as cigarette smoke and UV light.
"Cancer is incredibly complex, with significant heterogeneity among patients, even with tumors of similar characteristics, and there is significant intra-tumoral heterogeneity that evolves over time and in response to therapy," said Dr. Lincoln Stein, Director of OICR's Informatics and Bio-Computing Program and Director of the ICGC's Data Coordination Centre housed in Toronto, Canada. "There is still a lot to learn, but we are on the right path and we are making important advances in our understanding of cancer."
"In 2012 an estimated 14 million people around the world were diagnosed with cancer and 8.2 million people died of the disease, according to GLOBOCAN. By 2025 it is expected that more than 20 million new cancer cases per year will be diagnosed due to growth and ageing of the population," said Dr. Tom Hudson, President and Scientific Director of the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) and a founder of the ICGC. "There is a clear need for new solutions to the cancer problem. Better understanding the genomic basis of cancer will lead to better cancer prevention and control measures, key priorities set out in the World Cancer Report 2014." http://skincarereviewsprogram.blogspot.com/2014/02/how-to-skin-care-avocado-mask-for-body.html
The World Cancer Report 2014 was released on February 3, 2014 in London, in advance of World Cancer Day. It is published every five years to provide accessible information on cancer to policy-makers and healthcare professionals outside of the cancer field. It is also intended to update cancer specialists on the most recent and important developments in cancer research and control. Hudson contributed a chapter to this year's report, where he describes how cancer can be viewed as a disease of the genome and how mutations within the genome drive tumor growth. He also explains how these mutations can vary between people and across different populations because of genetic diversity and factors such as environmental exposures and diet. This diversity leads to the many different types and subtypes of cancer seen today. The chapter also describes how the ICGC is sequencing more than 25,000 tumor samples to generate a catalogue of cancer mutations related to 50 types of cancer.
"Ontario's investments have secured our position as a leading jurisdiction in cancer research," said The Hon. Reza Moridi, Ontario Minister of Research and Innovation. "This attracts world-leading researchers - scientists who are improving the lives of people in Ontario and around the world. The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research has been instrumental in creating important collaborations and enabling critical progress in moving discoveries out of the lab and into clinics. Not only does this help patients, it also contributes significantly to Ontario's innovation economy." Researchers at OICR have been conducting large-scale cancer genome studies as part of the ICGC. Global cancer genome projects of the ICGC have made several important discoveries, including the identification of many new cancer processes and genes. These studies have shown that the mutation rates vary by 1,000-fold across cancer types and that cancers possess a combination of distinct mutational patterns, some of which are linked to known mutagens such as cigarette smoke and UV light.
"Cancer is incredibly complex, with significant heterogeneity among patients, even with tumors of similar characteristics, and there is significant intra-tumoral heterogeneity that evolves over time and in response to therapy," said Dr. Lincoln Stein, Director of OICR's Informatics and Bio-Computing Program and Director of the ICGC's Data Coordination Centre housed in Toronto, Canada. "There is still a lot to learn, but we are on the right path and we are making important advances in our understanding of cancer."
Unique High throughput sequencing
Scientists at A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) and the US-based Stanford University's School of Medicine have successfully produced one of the first ever genome-wide views of Ribonucleic acid (RNA) shape patterns in humans. The visualisation of RNA shape paves the way for scientists to better understand the basis of human mutations, the impact of gene regulation and the causes of diseases. The study was reported in the 30th January 2014 issue of the scientific journal, Nature. http://skincarereviewsprogram.blogspot.com/2014/02/how-to-skin-care-avocado-mask-for-body.html
RNA is one of the major molecules in the cell that functions by folding into complex shapes. Not much is known as to why disruptions in RNA folding from mutations affect RNA's shape and function. Disruptions in RNA shape in human transcriptomes can have serious consequences towards human health, with implications in cancer and other genetic diseases. While many mutations are known to be the cause of diseases, not much is known about mutations that stems from affected RNA shapes.
GIS Fellow and first author Dr Wan Yue said, "Studying the impact of human variations on global RNA structure is the first step towards understanding the contribution of structural mutations in human diseases." Professor Sir David Lane, A*STAR Chief Scientist stressed the significance of Dr Wan Yue's research, "Today, scientists around the world are rapidly realising the significant impact of RNA mutation on human health. The GIS study on RNA shape patterns leads the global charge among scientists in unravelling the mystery linking RNA mutation to the causes of diseases."
Scientists have long been interested in the function of the RNA and on its ability to fold into diverse shapes to execute their respective functions. However, RNA structure probing had been a slow and tedious process, taking many days to obtain the secondary structure of a single RNA. In order to understand the nature of many RNAs in a cell, structure probing has to be done across hundreds or thousands of RNAs over a short time - a task previously thought impossible. The scientists at GIS and Stanford made it possible by scaling up RNA structure probing with the coupling of tradition probing and engaging a unique high throughput sequencing technology that allowed tens of thousands of nucleotides to be read simultaneously.
As thousands of RNA shapes were analysed, the scientists were able to identify many shape patterns vital for post-transcriptional RNA regulatory activities. The results show that around 15 per cent of mutations in the human transcriptome caused alterations in RNA shapes - a much higher percentage than previously estimated.
Prof Howard Chang of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, and lead author of the study, added, "This work shows that gene differences that change RNA shape are far more prevalent than previously appreciated, and may be involved in many human diseases."
The study was also done in collaboration with researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.
RNA is one of the major molecules in the cell that functions by folding into complex shapes. Not much is known as to why disruptions in RNA folding from mutations affect RNA's shape and function. Disruptions in RNA shape in human transcriptomes can have serious consequences towards human health, with implications in cancer and other genetic diseases. While many mutations are known to be the cause of diseases, not much is known about mutations that stems from affected RNA shapes.
GIS Fellow and first author Dr Wan Yue said, "Studying the impact of human variations on global RNA structure is the first step towards understanding the contribution of structural mutations in human diseases." Professor Sir David Lane, A*STAR Chief Scientist stressed the significance of Dr Wan Yue's research, "Today, scientists around the world are rapidly realising the significant impact of RNA mutation on human health. The GIS study on RNA shape patterns leads the global charge among scientists in unravelling the mystery linking RNA mutation to the causes of diseases."
Scientists have long been interested in the function of the RNA and on its ability to fold into diverse shapes to execute their respective functions. However, RNA structure probing had been a slow and tedious process, taking many days to obtain the secondary structure of a single RNA. In order to understand the nature of many RNAs in a cell, structure probing has to be done across hundreds or thousands of RNAs over a short time - a task previously thought impossible. The scientists at GIS and Stanford made it possible by scaling up RNA structure probing with the coupling of tradition probing and engaging a unique high throughput sequencing technology that allowed tens of thousands of nucleotides to be read simultaneously.
As thousands of RNA shapes were analysed, the scientists were able to identify many shape patterns vital for post-transcriptional RNA regulatory activities. The results show that around 15 per cent of mutations in the human transcriptome caused alterations in RNA shapes - a much higher percentage than previously estimated.
Prof Howard Chang of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, and lead author of the study, added, "This work shows that gene differences that change RNA shape are far more prevalent than previously appreciated, and may be involved in many human diseases."
The study was also done in collaboration with researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.
Is this the next vaccine revolution?
Vaccines are the safest, cheapest and most effective way to protect against infectious diseases. But to make a good one is still a challenge, and traditional approaches are now stretched to the limit while fatal diseases, like HIV and malaria, remain without vaccine. But a major breakthrough that turns vaccine design on its head is being published in Nature; a computational method that, from the protective antibodies of patients designs the vaccine specific to induce them (and protect against the disease).
http://skincareprogram.snack.ws/
\But not only that, showing the potential of their new method Bruno Correia from the Instituto Gulbenkian Ciência and Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica (IQTB) in Portugal and colleagues from the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Washington and The Scripps Research Institute designed a
vaccine for the human-infecting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The vaccine was tested in rhesus monkeys (which have a very similar immune system to us), and shown to induce protective antibodies. RSV was a particular good example of the vaccine potential because not only it causes an often deadly respiratory infection among very young children so it is a dangerous virus, but is also one with which scientists have struggled to make a vaccine for a long time without success.
So how do vaccines normally work, and why there are some more difficult to make?
Nature is full of disease-inducing agents, like viruses or bacteria (collectively known as pathogens or germs) and it is easy to get infected. If we do, our immune system (the cells and organs that protect us against disease) mounts a protective response that, once the pathogen is eliminated, will leave behind a protective immune memory. This memory, if we reencounter the pathogen, can now trigger a much faster and effective attack (called secondary response) that eliminates the threat before disease develops. That is why often we only have a disease once.
Vaccines work similarly, the difference being that that first encounter is not with a live infectious pathogen, but instead with a vaccine that contains a dead, attenuated (weaken) or partial pathogen. Without giving disease these are enough, nevertheless, to create an immune memory that protects the individual if he/she ever comes in contact with the "real thing".
But despite all vaccines already developed, some serious diseases, in particular some by fast changing/mutating viruses, like HIV or hepatitis C, remain without protection. The problem is that these viruses change so fast that vaccines (and the immune memory they trigger) become obsolete very quickly. Unless that it is, if they are against those epitopes (the parts of the pathogen targeted by the immune system) crucial for viral survival, what means that they cannot be changed. This is why flu vaccines only work for one year - because the flu virus (influenza) has an extremely high mutation rate.
http://skincareprogram.snack.ws/
\But not only that, showing the potential of their new method Bruno Correia from the Instituto Gulbenkian Ciência and Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica (IQTB) in Portugal and colleagues from the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Washington and The Scripps Research Institute designed a
vaccine for the human-infecting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The vaccine was tested in rhesus monkeys (which have a very similar immune system to us), and shown to induce protective antibodies. RSV was a particular good example of the vaccine potential because not only it causes an often deadly respiratory infection among very young children so it is a dangerous virus, but is also one with which scientists have struggled to make a vaccine for a long time without success.
So how do vaccines normally work, and why there are some more difficult to make?
Nature is full of disease-inducing agents, like viruses or bacteria (collectively known as pathogens or germs) and it is easy to get infected. If we do, our immune system (the cells and organs that protect us against disease) mounts a protective response that, once the pathogen is eliminated, will leave behind a protective immune memory. This memory, if we reencounter the pathogen, can now trigger a much faster and effective attack (called secondary response) that eliminates the threat before disease develops. That is why often we only have a disease once.
Vaccines work similarly, the difference being that that first encounter is not with a live infectious pathogen, but instead with a vaccine that contains a dead, attenuated (weaken) or partial pathogen. Without giving disease these are enough, nevertheless, to create an immune memory that protects the individual if he/she ever comes in contact with the "real thing".
But despite all vaccines already developed, some serious diseases, in particular some by fast changing/mutating viruses, like HIV or hepatitis C, remain without protection. The problem is that these viruses change so fast that vaccines (and the immune memory they trigger) become obsolete very quickly. Unless that it is, if they are against those epitopes (the parts of the pathogen targeted by the immune system) crucial for viral survival, what means that they cannot be changed. This is why flu vaccines only work for one year - because the flu virus (influenza) has an extremely high mutation rate.
Being mindful online shown to dramatically reduce stress, anxiety and depression
Practicing mindfulness online reduces stress, anxiety and depression, finds the University of Oxford in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation.
Research published in BMJ Open reveals participants saw a 58% reduction in anxiety, 57% in depression and 40% in perceived stress.
There was a further decrease in stress, anxiety and depression levels one month after completing the course, suggesting continued practice of the skills learnt.
The benefits were comparable to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services and face-to-face mindfulness courses despite the expected benefits of group and therapist interaction for recovery. http://skincareprograms.tumblr.com/post/75567159015/skin-care-products-how-to-skin-care
An individual's ability to access support of their own accord and in familiar surroundings enables them to use the skills learnt more effectively and often to recall them more easily.
Adele Krusche, of the University of Oxford's school of Department of Psychiatry, said:
"The study shows great potential for the role of online technology in delivering mindfulness courses to decrease stress, anxiety and depression.
"This is the first known study to measure how much time spent practicing mindfulness online will bring about a positive change, with more mindfulness practice significantly improving stress, anxiety and depression."
Dr Eva Cyhlarova, Head of Research at the Mental Health Foundation said:
"The concept of mindfulness has really hit the headlines in the last few years. Not only is it seen as an accessible, non-stigmatising way of protecting our wellbeing, but now even more evidence points to its ability to improve people's mental health.
"We hope this is just the beginning of a range of online interventions which are convenient, appropriate and cost-effective in supporting those seeking mental health support."
For more information about the course visit: www.bemindfulonline.com
Research published in BMJ Open reveals participants saw a 58% reduction in anxiety, 57% in depression and 40% in perceived stress.
There was a further decrease in stress, anxiety and depression levels one month after completing the course, suggesting continued practice of the skills learnt.
The benefits were comparable to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services and face-to-face mindfulness courses despite the expected benefits of group and therapist interaction for recovery. http://skincareprograms.tumblr.com/post/75567159015/skin-care-products-how-to-skin-care
An individual's ability to access support of their own accord and in familiar surroundings enables them to use the skills learnt more effectively and often to recall them more easily.
Adele Krusche, of the University of Oxford's school of Department of Psychiatry, said:
"The study shows great potential for the role of online technology in delivering mindfulness courses to decrease stress, anxiety and depression.
"This is the first known study to measure how much time spent practicing mindfulness online will bring about a positive change, with more mindfulness practice significantly improving stress, anxiety and depression."
Dr Eva Cyhlarova, Head of Research at the Mental Health Foundation said:
"The concept of mindfulness has really hit the headlines in the last few years. Not only is it seen as an accessible, non-stigmatising way of protecting our wellbeing, but now even more evidence points to its ability to improve people's mental health.
"We hope this is just the beginning of a range of online interventions which are convenient, appropriate and cost-effective in supporting those seeking mental health support."
For more information about the course visit: www.bemindfulonline.com
"False memories" - the hidden side of our good memory
Justice blindly trusts human memory. Every year throughout the world hundreds of thousands of court cases are heard based solely on the testimony of somebody who swears that they are reproducing exactly an event that they witnessed in a more or less not too distant past. Nevertheless, various recent studies in cognitive neuroscience indicate both the strengths and weaknesses in this ability of recall of the human brain.
Memory is a cognitive process which is intrinsically linked to language. One of the fundamental tasks that the brain carries out when undertaking a linguistic activity - holding a conversation, for example - is the semantic process. http://skincareprograms.tumblr.com/post/75567159015/skin-care-products-how-to-skin-care
On carrying out this task, the brain compares the words it hears with those that it recalls from previous events, in order to recognise them and to unravel their meaning. This semantic process is a fundamental task for enabling the storing of memories in our brain, helping us to recognise words and to memorise names and episodes in our mind. However, as everyone knows, this is not a process that functions 100% perfectly at times; a lack of precision that, on occasions, gives rise to the creation of false memories.
Two pieces of research, recently published by Kepa Paz-Alonso at the Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language (BCBL) in the Journal of International Neuropsychological Society and Schizophrenia Research scientific journals, have shown that this semantic process linked to the subsequent recognition of such words amongst children as well as amongst adult schizophrenics, is less efficient than that produced in a normal adult brain. Moreover, both studies have shown that children are less prone to producing this type of false memory in their brains, and something similar occurs in patients with schizophrenia.
One of the reasons for this phenomenon is that children do not have this semantic process as automated and developed as adults. That is, the adult brain, after making the same connections over and over again between various zones of the brain concerned with memory, has mechanised the process of semantically linking new information for its storage. Nonetheless, according to the results of Mr. Paz-Alonso's research, this process is more likely to generate false memories in the brain of an adult than in a child's brain.
According to the researcher, "in reality, the same processes that produce these "false memories" amongst healthy adults are also responsible for their having better memory. Rather than a memory defect, this effect is an example of the price that we sometimes have to pay for the virtues or merits of our memory; the two sides of the same coin, and the study of both of which enables us to better understand how our memory works as well as the cerebral mechanisms on which it is based."
In the case of the research amongst children, Mr. Paz-Alonso tested the capacity for memory of a group of 8-9 years-old children and a group of adults using functional magnetic resonance techniques. In the case of the group of persons suffering from schizophrenia, these were compared with adults without psychiatric disorders, using similar materials as in the study on children, although behavioural techniques were used in this case and the scanner was not employed.
Memory is a cognitive process which is intrinsically linked to language. One of the fundamental tasks that the brain carries out when undertaking a linguistic activity - holding a conversation, for example - is the semantic process. http://skincareprograms.tumblr.com/post/75567159015/skin-care-products-how-to-skin-care
On carrying out this task, the brain compares the words it hears with those that it recalls from previous events, in order to recognise them and to unravel their meaning. This semantic process is a fundamental task for enabling the storing of memories in our brain, helping us to recognise words and to memorise names and episodes in our mind. However, as everyone knows, this is not a process that functions 100% perfectly at times; a lack of precision that, on occasions, gives rise to the creation of false memories.
Two pieces of research, recently published by Kepa Paz-Alonso at the Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language (BCBL) in the Journal of International Neuropsychological Society and Schizophrenia Research scientific journals, have shown that this semantic process linked to the subsequent recognition of such words amongst children as well as amongst adult schizophrenics, is less efficient than that produced in a normal adult brain. Moreover, both studies have shown that children are less prone to producing this type of false memory in their brains, and something similar occurs in patients with schizophrenia.
One of the reasons for this phenomenon is that children do not have this semantic process as automated and developed as adults. That is, the adult brain, after making the same connections over and over again between various zones of the brain concerned with memory, has mechanised the process of semantically linking new information for its storage. Nonetheless, according to the results of Mr. Paz-Alonso's research, this process is more likely to generate false memories in the brain of an adult than in a child's brain.
According to the researcher, "in reality, the same processes that produce these "false memories" amongst healthy adults are also responsible for their having better memory. Rather than a memory defect, this effect is an example of the price that we sometimes have to pay for the virtues or merits of our memory; the two sides of the same coin, and the study of both of which enables us to better understand how our memory works as well as the cerebral mechanisms on which it is based."
In the case of the research amongst children, Mr. Paz-Alonso tested the capacity for memory of a group of 8-9 years-old children and a group of adults using functional magnetic resonance techniques. In the case of the group of persons suffering from schizophrenia, these were compared with adults without psychiatric disorders, using similar materials as in the study on children, although behavioural techniques were used in this case and the scanner was not employed.
WHO: cancer growing at 'alarming pace'
A new report from the World Health Organization's cancer agency reveals that cancer rates are growing at an "alarming pace" around the world and urges stronger efforts on prevention measures to curb the disease.
The World Cancer Report 2014, from the World Health Organization's (WHO's) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), estimates that the global burden of cancer will rise from an estimated 14 million new cases per year in 2012 to 22 million within the next 20 years.
http://skincarereviewsprogram.blogspot.com/2014/02/how-to-skin-care-avocado-mask-for-body.html
Due to growing and aging populations, developing countries are disproportionately affected by the growing numbers of cancers. Over 60% of the global burden is in Africa, Asia and Central and South America, where 70% of cancer deaths occur, and where lack of early detection and treatment is a growing problem.
There is an urgent need to put in place measures to prevent the disease, says the report, adding that half of all cancers could be avoided if we use what we already know more effectively.
Dr. Christopher Wild, report co-editor and director of the IARC, says:
"Despite exciting advances, this Report shows that we cannot treat our way out of the cancer problem. More commitment to prevention and early detection is desperately needed in order to complement improved treatments and address the alarming rise in cancer burden globally."
Leading cause of deaths worldwide, costs spiralling out of control
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide - in 2012 the WHO estimates there were 8.2 million deaths to cancer, with lung cancer claiming the most lives (1.59 million), followed by liver (745,000 deaths), stomach (723,000 deaths), colorectal (694,000 deaths), breast (521,000 deaths) and esophageal cancer (400 000 deaths).
Access to effective and affordable cancer treatment, including for childhood cancers, would have a significant impact, even where health care is not so advanced, say the report authors.
However, the "spiralling costs" of dealing with cancer are damaging the economies of even the richest nations and are way beyond the pockets of countries that are less well off.
In 2010, the total global annual cost of cancer reached an estimated US$1.16 trillion.
Half of all cancers could be avoided by using current knowledge
Many cancers have a high chance of cure if detected early and if we were to effectively implement what we already know. The report says we could avoid about half of all cancers in this way.
The main risk factors for cancer worldwide are use of tobacco and alcohol, unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity, says the report, while chronic infections from viruses like hepatitis B, hepatitis C and some types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) are leading risk factors in low- and middle-income countries.
Tobacco use has the single biggest impact. It accounts for 22% of global cancer deaths and over 70% of global lung cancer deaths.
In many poorer countries, infection by hepatitis B and HPV account for up to one fifth of cancer deaths.
More than 30% of cancer deaths could be prevented by modifying or avoiding known risk factors, including:
Stopping use of tobacco
Preventing or reducing being overweight or obese
Reducing alcohol consumption
Increasing physical activity
Eating a healthy diet with high intake of fruits and vegetables
Protecting against sexually trasmitted Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection - which can cause cervical cancer, a leading cause of cancer death in women in low-income countries
Reducing urban air pollution and indoor household smoke from solid fuels.
Dr. Wild adds:
"The rise of cancer worldwide is a major obstacle to human development and well-being. These new figures and projections send a strong signal that immediate action is needed to confront this human disaster, which touches every community worldwide, without exception."
The World Cancer Report 2014, from the World Health Organization's (WHO's) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), estimates that the global burden of cancer will rise from an estimated 14 million new cases per year in 2012 to 22 million within the next 20 years.
http://skincarereviewsprogram.blogspot.com/2014/02/how-to-skin-care-avocado-mask-for-body.html
Due to growing and aging populations, developing countries are disproportionately affected by the growing numbers of cancers. Over 60% of the global burden is in Africa, Asia and Central and South America, where 70% of cancer deaths occur, and where lack of early detection and treatment is a growing problem.
There is an urgent need to put in place measures to prevent the disease, says the report, adding that half of all cancers could be avoided if we use what we already know more effectively.
Dr. Christopher Wild, report co-editor and director of the IARC, says:
"Despite exciting advances, this Report shows that we cannot treat our way out of the cancer problem. More commitment to prevention and early detection is desperately needed in order to complement improved treatments and address the alarming rise in cancer burden globally."
Leading cause of deaths worldwide, costs spiralling out of control
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide - in 2012 the WHO estimates there were 8.2 million deaths to cancer, with lung cancer claiming the most lives (1.59 million), followed by liver (745,000 deaths), stomach (723,000 deaths), colorectal (694,000 deaths), breast (521,000 deaths) and esophageal cancer (400 000 deaths).
Access to effective and affordable cancer treatment, including for childhood cancers, would have a significant impact, even where health care is not so advanced, say the report authors.
However, the "spiralling costs" of dealing with cancer are damaging the economies of even the richest nations and are way beyond the pockets of countries that are less well off.
In 2010, the total global annual cost of cancer reached an estimated US$1.16 trillion.
Half of all cancers could be avoided by using current knowledge
Many cancers have a high chance of cure if detected early and if we were to effectively implement what we already know. The report says we could avoid about half of all cancers in this way.
The main risk factors for cancer worldwide are use of tobacco and alcohol, unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity, says the report, while chronic infections from viruses like hepatitis B, hepatitis C and some types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) are leading risk factors in low- and middle-income countries.
Tobacco use has the single biggest impact. It accounts for 22% of global cancer deaths and over 70% of global lung cancer deaths.
In many poorer countries, infection by hepatitis B and HPV account for up to one fifth of cancer deaths.
More than 30% of cancer deaths could be prevented by modifying or avoiding known risk factors, including:
Stopping use of tobacco
Preventing or reducing being overweight or obese
Reducing alcohol consumption
Increasing physical activity
Eating a healthy diet with high intake of fruits and vegetables
Protecting against sexually trasmitted Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection - which can cause cervical cancer, a leading cause of cancer death in women in low-income countries
Reducing urban air pollution and indoor household smoke from solid fuels.
Dr. Wild adds:
"The rise of cancer worldwide is a major obstacle to human development and well-being. These new figures and projections send a strong signal that immediate action is needed to confront this human disaster, which touches every community worldwide, without exception."
High added sugar intake 'increases CVD mortality'
New research recently published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that individuals who consume high amounts of added sugar in their diet may be at increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, the average American consumes around 22 teaspoons of added sugar a day - the equivalent to an extra 350 calories.
http://skincareprogram.webs.com/skincarereviewsprogram
Added sugars are most commonly found in foods such as sweets, cakes, biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks.
The research team, led by Quanhe Yang of the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), notes that a regular can of soda contains around 35g of sugar (approximately 140 calories).
Previous research has associated a high added sugar intake with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). But the investigators say that few studies have looked at the link between added sugar intake and CVD mortality.
For their study, the researchers analyzed data from national health surveys in order to determine exactly how much added sugar is consumed as a percentage of daily calories among US adults.
The research team then estimated the association between added sugar consumption and CVD mortality.
Significant increase in CVD mortality with high added sugar consumption
The researchers found that the average percentage of daily calories from added sugar increased from 15.7% in 1988-94 to 16.8% in 1999-2004. This decreased to 14.9% in 2005-10.
Selection of soda cans
Researchers found that regular consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks, such as soda, increased CVD mortality.
Around 71.4% of adults consumed 10% or more of their daily calories from added sugar, while 10% of adults consumed 25% or more of their daily calories from added sugar.
The research team found that people who consumed between 17-21% of daily calories from added sugar had a 38% higher risk of CVD mortality, compared with those who consumed around 8% of daily calories from added sugar.
Those who consumed more than 21% of daily calories from added sugar had double the risk of CVD mortality, compared with those who consumed 8% of daily calories from added sugar, while the risk was almost tripled for those who consumed 25% of daily calories from added sugar.
Furthermore, the investigators found that regular consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks - defined as 7 or more servings every week - was linked to increased risk of CVD mortality.
These results remained significant after adjusting for conventional CVD risk factors, including total serum cholesterol and high blood pressure, as well as other factors, such as physical activity levels and body mass index (BMI).
The study authors write:
"Our findings indicate that most US adults consume more added sugar than is recommended for a healthy diet. A higher percentage of calories from added sugar is associated with significantly increased risk of CVD mortality.
In addition, regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with elevated CVD mortality."
'Less than 10% of daily calories should be from added sugar'
The investigators note that at present, there is no universally accepted level in which added sugar consumption is considered unhealthy.
The American Heart Association recommend that women should consume no more than 100 calories (6 teaspoons) a day from added sugar, while men should consume no more than 150 calories (9 teaspoons) a day from added sugar.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that less than 10% of a person's total daily calorie intake should be from added sugar, while the US Institute of Medicine state that added sugar should make up no more than 25% of total daily calories.
The researchers say their findings suggest that individuals in the US should consume less than 10% of their daily calories from added sugar - an intake that is in line with recommendations from the American Heart Association and the WHO.
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, the average American consumes around 22 teaspoons of added sugar a day - the equivalent to an extra 350 calories.
http://skincareprogram.webs.com/skincarereviewsprogram
Added sugars are most commonly found in foods such as sweets, cakes, biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks.
The research team, led by Quanhe Yang of the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), notes that a regular can of soda contains around 35g of sugar (approximately 140 calories).
Previous research has associated a high added sugar intake with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). But the investigators say that few studies have looked at the link between added sugar intake and CVD mortality.
For their study, the researchers analyzed data from national health surveys in order to determine exactly how much added sugar is consumed as a percentage of daily calories among US adults.
The research team then estimated the association between added sugar consumption and CVD mortality.
Significant increase in CVD mortality with high added sugar consumption
The researchers found that the average percentage of daily calories from added sugar increased from 15.7% in 1988-94 to 16.8% in 1999-2004. This decreased to 14.9% in 2005-10.
Selection of soda cans
Researchers found that regular consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks, such as soda, increased CVD mortality.
Around 71.4% of adults consumed 10% or more of their daily calories from added sugar, while 10% of adults consumed 25% or more of their daily calories from added sugar.
The research team found that people who consumed between 17-21% of daily calories from added sugar had a 38% higher risk of CVD mortality, compared with those who consumed around 8% of daily calories from added sugar.
Those who consumed more than 21% of daily calories from added sugar had double the risk of CVD mortality, compared with those who consumed 8% of daily calories from added sugar, while the risk was almost tripled for those who consumed 25% of daily calories from added sugar.
Furthermore, the investigators found that regular consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks - defined as 7 or more servings every week - was linked to increased risk of CVD mortality.
These results remained significant after adjusting for conventional CVD risk factors, including total serum cholesterol and high blood pressure, as well as other factors, such as physical activity levels and body mass index (BMI).
The study authors write:
"Our findings indicate that most US adults consume more added sugar than is recommended for a healthy diet. A higher percentage of calories from added sugar is associated with significantly increased risk of CVD mortality.
In addition, regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with elevated CVD mortality."
'Less than 10% of daily calories should be from added sugar'
The investigators note that at present, there is no universally accepted level in which added sugar consumption is considered unhealthy.
The American Heart Association recommend that women should consume no more than 100 calories (6 teaspoons) a day from added sugar, while men should consume no more than 150 calories (9 teaspoons) a day from added sugar.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that less than 10% of a person's total daily calorie intake should be from added sugar, while the US Institute of Medicine state that added sugar should make up no more than 25% of total daily calories.
The researchers say their findings suggest that individuals in the US should consume less than 10% of their daily calories from added sugar - an intake that is in line with recommendations from the American Heart Association and the WHO.
Toddlers suffer 10 times as many burns and scalds as older children
According to new research in the UK, 1-year-old children receive 10 times the amount of burns and scalds as their older siblings.
The authors of the new study, which is published in Archives of Diseases in Childhood, say that half of all burns and scalds cases seen in European hospitals are made up of injuries to children.
Such cases have the potential for lifelong scarring or even death, so the researchers wanted to see what could be done to prevent these severe burns from occurring. https://www.rebelmouse.com/skincareprogram/plans-
The researchers reviewed the medical records of 1,215 children under the age of 16 who were treated in emergency care departments and specialist burns units in the UK. The majority (58%) of the children had been scalded, while 32% had sustained contact burns. The remaining children had burns from other causes.
All of the scald injuries in the study occurred at home. This most often happened when a child reached up and pulled down a cup of tea or other hot drink - 48% of these injuries happened this way.
In children aged between 5 and 16, scalds were more likely to occur as a result of spilling hot water during food preparation - this accounted for 76% of scalds in this age group.
Two thirds of all contact burns were to the hands In the under-5s, and 81% of these burns were caused by touching hot items - such as hair straighteners and clothes irons - in the home. In older children, however, half of the contact burns occurred outside of the home.
The majority of burns and scalds occur in 1 year olds
Toddler with pacifier
After the age of 3, children seem to be much less likely to suffer burns or scalds.
Overall, three quarters of the children suffering burns were under 5 years old. The majority of injuries occurred in 1 year olds, who were 10 times more likely to be injured than older children. Nearly 1 in 5 burns were serious enough for the child to be admitted to a specialist burns unit.
The researchers noticed that after the age of 3, children seem to be much less likely to suffer burns or scalds.
They think this might be because by this age, the children are more aware of the dangers of heat - because their parents become more vigilant or because at that age, the children are spending less time in the home.
Some of the children were also injured intentionally - about 8% of the children in the study were referred to social services as abuse victims, though as this study was investigating how to prevent accidental burns and scalds, data from these children was not included in the analysis.
What could be done to minimize risk?
The authors of the study make several recommendations that they hope will help reduce the number of these injuries.
A previous study taken into account by the authors suggests that hot drinks can cause disfiguring scalds for up to 11 minutes after being poured. Although the authors concede that it might not be practical to enforce a universal product modification for some items responsible for childhood burns, such as mugs, they think it could be effective in products such as clothes irons or hair straighteners.
Hair straighteners retain enough heat for up to 8 minutes after being switched off to cause severe burns, so manufacturers may be able to make their products more safe for being around toddlers.
"Successful prevention is most likely to involve product design or environmental modification," the researchers say, "and should be considered for hair straightener, iron, and oven-related burns."
"Public information messages, children's centers, health visitor or family nurse practitioners should address safety education as a matter of routine," they add.
A 2012 study found that the risk of burn injuries to children may be linked with housing quality.
Written by David McNamee
The authors of the new study, which is published in Archives of Diseases in Childhood, say that half of all burns and scalds cases seen in European hospitals are made up of injuries to children.
Such cases have the potential for lifelong scarring or even death, so the researchers wanted to see what could be done to prevent these severe burns from occurring. https://www.rebelmouse.com/skincareprogram/plans-
The researchers reviewed the medical records of 1,215 children under the age of 16 who were treated in emergency care departments and specialist burns units in the UK. The majority (58%) of the children had been scalded, while 32% had sustained contact burns. The remaining children had burns from other causes.
All of the scald injuries in the study occurred at home. This most often happened when a child reached up and pulled down a cup of tea or other hot drink - 48% of these injuries happened this way.
In children aged between 5 and 16, scalds were more likely to occur as a result of spilling hot water during food preparation - this accounted for 76% of scalds in this age group.
Two thirds of all contact burns were to the hands In the under-5s, and 81% of these burns were caused by touching hot items - such as hair straighteners and clothes irons - in the home. In older children, however, half of the contact burns occurred outside of the home.
The majority of burns and scalds occur in 1 year olds
Toddler with pacifier
After the age of 3, children seem to be much less likely to suffer burns or scalds.
Overall, three quarters of the children suffering burns were under 5 years old. The majority of injuries occurred in 1 year olds, who were 10 times more likely to be injured than older children. Nearly 1 in 5 burns were serious enough for the child to be admitted to a specialist burns unit.
The researchers noticed that after the age of 3, children seem to be much less likely to suffer burns or scalds.
They think this might be because by this age, the children are more aware of the dangers of heat - because their parents become more vigilant or because at that age, the children are spending less time in the home.
Some of the children were also injured intentionally - about 8% of the children in the study were referred to social services as abuse victims, though as this study was investigating how to prevent accidental burns and scalds, data from these children was not included in the analysis.
What could be done to minimize risk?
The authors of the study make several recommendations that they hope will help reduce the number of these injuries.
A previous study taken into account by the authors suggests that hot drinks can cause disfiguring scalds for up to 11 minutes after being poured. Although the authors concede that it might not be practical to enforce a universal product modification for some items responsible for childhood burns, such as mugs, they think it could be effective in products such as clothes irons or hair straighteners.
Hair straighteners retain enough heat for up to 8 minutes after being switched off to cause severe burns, so manufacturers may be able to make their products more safe for being around toddlers.
"Successful prevention is most likely to involve product design or environmental modification," the researchers say, "and should be considered for hair straightener, iron, and oven-related burns."
"Public information messages, children's centers, health visitor or family nurse practitioners should address safety education as a matter of routine," they add.
A 2012 study found that the risk of burn injuries to children may be linked with housing quality.
Written by David McNamee
Depression is 'a causal risk of coronary heart disease'
Symptoms of depression may be causally linked to the risk of coronary heart disease. This is according to new research recently published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
The research team, including Dr. Eric Brunner of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London in the UK, says the findings indicate that depressive symptoms should be considered potential risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD).
The investigators say previous research that has assessed the link between depression and cardiovascular disease is diverse, in that some studies have shown strong associations between the two while others have been inconclusive. http://skincarereviewsprogram.blogspot.com/2014/02/how-to-skin-care-avocado-mask-for-body.html
The team notes that some studies in dispute of the association may be biased as a result of "reverse causation." This means that vascular disease has not been deemed as the consequence of depressive symptoms, but as the influence.
Furthermore, the investigators question the accuracy of depressive symptoms assessed in previous research.
For their study, the researchers decided to exclude reverse causation as an explanation for the association between depression and vascular events.
They also set out to determine whether there is any evidence that the likelihood or severity of depressive symptoms are a direct cause of vascular events. This is known as a "dose-response" effect.
The investigators analyzed data of 10,308 civil servants in the UK who were a part of the Whitehall II study.
All participants underwent clinical examination and were required to complete a 30-item General Health Questionnaire.
Subjects were followed up for 20 years. During this time, health assessments were carried out every 2-3 years and any major stroke or CHD events were recorded. Participants were also measured for their "exposure" to depression on six separate occasions.
'No causal relationship between depression and stroke'
From their analysis, the researchers found that participants who showed depressive symptoms in the first one or two assessments demonstrated no increased risk of CHD. But those who had symptoms of depression in the third or fourth assessments showed a 100% increase in risk of CHD.
However, the researchers found that the link between depressive symptoms and stroke only appeared after a short follow-up period. This suggests that the link between depression and stroke is a reverse causation effect.
"In other words, depressive symptoms may be a sign of imminent stroke, but are not causally related," says Dr. Brunner.
Furthermore, the investigators say they found no evidence of a dose-response effect with stroke, indicating that depressive symptoms are not a cause of vascular disease when it comes to stroke, but they are a consequence.
From this, the researchers say their findings provide "evidence supporting a causal relationship between depression and CHD, in contrast to the findings in relation to stroke."
Commenting on the findings, Dr. Brunner says:
"European prevention guidelines refer to depression as a coronary risk factor, and in our study repeated episodes of depressive symptoms accounted for 10% of all CHD events in the study population.
However, this figure relies on the strong assumption of a direct causal mechanism. Whether or not the association is causal, supporting individuals to recover from chronic or repeated episodes of depression has merit, particularly if the individual is then better able to reduce any vascular risk, for example by quitting smoking."
Last year, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that depression is the second leading cause of disability worldwide.
The research team, including Dr. Eric Brunner of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London in the UK, says the findings indicate that depressive symptoms should be considered potential risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD).
The investigators say previous research that has assessed the link between depression and cardiovascular disease is diverse, in that some studies have shown strong associations between the two while others have been inconclusive. http://skincarereviewsprogram.blogspot.com/2014/02/how-to-skin-care-avocado-mask-for-body.html
The team notes that some studies in dispute of the association may be biased as a result of "reverse causation." This means that vascular disease has not been deemed as the consequence of depressive symptoms, but as the influence.
Furthermore, the investigators question the accuracy of depressive symptoms assessed in previous research.
For their study, the researchers decided to exclude reverse causation as an explanation for the association between depression and vascular events.
They also set out to determine whether there is any evidence that the likelihood or severity of depressive symptoms are a direct cause of vascular events. This is known as a "dose-response" effect.
The investigators analyzed data of 10,308 civil servants in the UK who were a part of the Whitehall II study.
All participants underwent clinical examination and were required to complete a 30-item General Health Questionnaire.
Subjects were followed up for 20 years. During this time, health assessments were carried out every 2-3 years and any major stroke or CHD events were recorded. Participants were also measured for their "exposure" to depression on six separate occasions.
'No causal relationship between depression and stroke'
From their analysis, the researchers found that participants who showed depressive symptoms in the first one or two assessments demonstrated no increased risk of CHD. But those who had symptoms of depression in the third or fourth assessments showed a 100% increase in risk of CHD.
However, the researchers found that the link between depressive symptoms and stroke only appeared after a short follow-up period. This suggests that the link between depression and stroke is a reverse causation effect.
"In other words, depressive symptoms may be a sign of imminent stroke, but are not causally related," says Dr. Brunner.
Furthermore, the investigators say they found no evidence of a dose-response effect with stroke, indicating that depressive symptoms are not a cause of vascular disease when it comes to stroke, but they are a consequence.
From this, the researchers say their findings provide "evidence supporting a causal relationship between depression and CHD, in contrast to the findings in relation to stroke."
Commenting on the findings, Dr. Brunner says:
"European prevention guidelines refer to depression as a coronary risk factor, and in our study repeated episodes of depressive symptoms accounted for 10% of all CHD events in the study population.
However, this figure relies on the strong assumption of a direct causal mechanism. Whether or not the association is causal, supporting individuals to recover from chronic or repeated episodes of depression has merit, particularly if the individual is then better able to reduce any vascular risk, for example by quitting smoking."
Last year, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that depression is the second leading cause of disability worldwide.
'Mammograms every 2 years, not annually,' suggest scientists
In 2009, the US Preventive Services Task Force created guidelines recommending biennial mammography screening for women between the ages of 50 and 74. And now, scientists suggest that following this guideline would be equally effective and save the US health care system $4.3 billion a year.
The researchers, led by Dr. Laura J. Esserman, professor of surgery and radiology at the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF), also support other aspects of the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines, which recommend women between the ages of 40 and 49 are screened according to other risk factors and women over 75 are screened depending on presence or absence of other diseases.
The team says around 70% of women in the US were screened for breast cancer in 2010, costing around $7.8 billion. http://skincareprogram.webs.com/
While some women are screened annually, some are screened biennially and others are screened on an "irregular basis."
Published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, the study employs three possible screening strategies with simulated models:
Following Amercian Cancer Society recommendations: annual screening of 85% of women aged 40-84; annual estimated cost at $10.1 billion
Following guidelines from many European countries: biennial screening of 85% of women aged 50-70; annual estimated cost $2.6 billion
Following USPSTF recommendations: at a screening rate of 85%; annual estimated cost at $3.5 billion.
The team found that the largest factors for cost were screening frequency, percentage of women screened, cost of mammography, percentage of women screened with digital mammography and percentage of mammography recalls.
Dr. Esserman notes that the "USPSTF guidelines are based on the best scientific evidence to date," adding that we need "a better way to assess breast cancer risk and implement a more risk-based approach to screening."
'Billions saved could be used for women's health'
Lady undergoing a mammogram
The researchers say screening normal-risk women biennially could save billions and "makes sense" from the viewpoint of women's health.
The topic of reducing screening appointments has understandably been a controversial one. However, the researchers note that apart from high-risk groups, less frequent screening has been proven as effective, which is why they wanted to look into the cost differences between screening policies.
Dr. Esserman says that "annual screening is associated with a greater likelihood of false positive results, which have an adverse impact on women's well-being and quality of life."
"From the viewpoint of women's health," she adds, "the USPSTF screening recommendations make sense."
Dr. Cristina O'Donoghue, now from the University of Illinois-Chicago, but who was with UCSF during the study, says the billions saved could be used toward women's health:
"We could increase women's participation in screening, improve routine assessment of breast cancer risk and referral services for women at high risk, offer better genetic counseling for women with a family history of breast cancer and work on improving the quality of screening, with an emphasis on higher-quality mammography read by specialized mammographers."
'National organizations have been hesitant to talk about costs'
In a linked editorial to the study, Drs. Joann G. Elmore and Cary P. Gross, from the University of Washington and Yale School of Medicine, applaud the study authors for "meticulously assessing the total cost of breast cancer screening in the US."
They add that though "there is often cause to be skeptical about simulation models because results are based on numerous assumptions," they found the study "to be reasonable and conservative."
However, they point out a few topics not covered by the study:
"Beneficial patient-centered issues, such as the reassurance women feel after being screened, the early detection of lesions that allows for more treatment options, and the potential to save lives, are beyond the scope of the accompanying economic modeling study. However, they should be considered."
Drs. Elmore and Gross emphasize that other countries do not screen women annually, such as the UK, which invites women to be screened every 3 years, starting at 50 years of age.
"Women and their providers do not know the costs associated with breast cancer screening," they add, "and national organizations have been hesitant to discuss this issue."
Medical News Today recently reported on a study that suggested recommendations on breast abnormalities need to be revised.
The researchers, led by Dr. Laura J. Esserman, professor of surgery and radiology at the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF), also support other aspects of the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines, which recommend women between the ages of 40 and 49 are screened according to other risk factors and women over 75 are screened depending on presence or absence of other diseases.
The team says around 70% of women in the US were screened for breast cancer in 2010, costing around $7.8 billion. http://skincareprogram.webs.com/
While some women are screened annually, some are screened biennially and others are screened on an "irregular basis."
Published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, the study employs three possible screening strategies with simulated models:
Following Amercian Cancer Society recommendations: annual screening of 85% of women aged 40-84; annual estimated cost at $10.1 billion
Following guidelines from many European countries: biennial screening of 85% of women aged 50-70; annual estimated cost $2.6 billion
Following USPSTF recommendations: at a screening rate of 85%; annual estimated cost at $3.5 billion.
The team found that the largest factors for cost were screening frequency, percentage of women screened, cost of mammography, percentage of women screened with digital mammography and percentage of mammography recalls.
Dr. Esserman notes that the "USPSTF guidelines are based on the best scientific evidence to date," adding that we need "a better way to assess breast cancer risk and implement a more risk-based approach to screening."
'Billions saved could be used for women's health'
Lady undergoing a mammogram
The researchers say screening normal-risk women biennially could save billions and "makes sense" from the viewpoint of women's health.
The topic of reducing screening appointments has understandably been a controversial one. However, the researchers note that apart from high-risk groups, less frequent screening has been proven as effective, which is why they wanted to look into the cost differences between screening policies.
Dr. Esserman says that "annual screening is associated with a greater likelihood of false positive results, which have an adverse impact on women's well-being and quality of life."
"From the viewpoint of women's health," she adds, "the USPSTF screening recommendations make sense."
Dr. Cristina O'Donoghue, now from the University of Illinois-Chicago, but who was with UCSF during the study, says the billions saved could be used toward women's health:
"We could increase women's participation in screening, improve routine assessment of breast cancer risk and referral services for women at high risk, offer better genetic counseling for women with a family history of breast cancer and work on improving the quality of screening, with an emphasis on higher-quality mammography read by specialized mammographers."
'National organizations have been hesitant to talk about costs'
In a linked editorial to the study, Drs. Joann G. Elmore and Cary P. Gross, from the University of Washington and Yale School of Medicine, applaud the study authors for "meticulously assessing the total cost of breast cancer screening in the US."
They add that though "there is often cause to be skeptical about simulation models because results are based on numerous assumptions," they found the study "to be reasonable and conservative."
However, they point out a few topics not covered by the study:
"Beneficial patient-centered issues, such as the reassurance women feel after being screened, the early detection of lesions that allows for more treatment options, and the potential to save lives, are beyond the scope of the accompanying economic modeling study. However, they should be considered."
Drs. Elmore and Gross emphasize that other countries do not screen women annually, such as the UK, which invites women to be screened every 3 years, starting at 50 years of age.
"Women and their providers do not know the costs associated with breast cancer screening," they add, "and national organizations have been hesitant to discuss this issue."
Medical News Today recently reported on a study that suggested recommendations on breast abnormalities need to be revised.
First human case of new bird flu virus confirmed in China
A new report published in The Lancet details the world's first confirmed case of human infection with a new avian influenza virus that has genetically evolved from the H10N8 virus. A 73-year-old woman from Nanchang City in China died 9 days after the onset of illness from the infection.
On November 30th, 2013, the woman visited a hospital with symptoms of fever and severe pneumonia. Although she was treated with antibiotics and antiviral medication, she quickly deteriorated and developed multiple organ failure before passing away.
After collecting tracheal swab samples from the woman, clinicians discovered that she died from an avian virus that is a new strain of the H10N8 virus, which researchers have called JX346.
http://skincareprogram.snack.ws/
"The microbe culture and deep sequencing data showed that the avian influenza A H10N8 virus was overwhelmingly dominant in tracheal aspirate specimens, indicating that the JX346 virus infection was associated with the illness and death of the patient," the study authors say.
The H10N8 virus had previously been isolated from a water sample taken at Dongting Lake in Hunan Province, China, in 2007 and had also been identified at a live poultry market in the Guangdong province of China in 2010. However, no human infection with this virus has ever been reported.
Chickens in an enclosure
Scientists have reported on the world's first case of human infection with a new bird flu virus called JX346 - a genetic evolution from the H10N8 avian virus.
On carrying out genome sequencing on the samples of the new strain, investigators found that all the genes of the JX346 virus were of avian origin and that six internal genes came from avian H9N2 viruses that are already circulating poultry in China.
Researchers found that 4 days before infection, the woman had visited a live poultry market. This indicates there is a 4-day incubation time from infection - similar to that of other bird flu infections.
However, on collecting samples from the live poultry market that the woman visited, scientists found no H10N8 virus present, meaning the infection source cannot be identified.
JX346 has 'evolved for human adaption'
The study authors say that the JX346 strain is distinct from previously reported H10N8 viruses. They believed it has evolved to adopt enhanced genetic characteristics that may lead to more effective replication in humans.
"[The results suggested that] JX346 might originate from multiple reassortments between different avian influenza viruses," explains Dr. Yuelong Shu, from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Beijing and co-author of the report.
"The H10 and H8 gene segments might have derived from different wild bird influenza viruses reassorted to give rise to a hypothetical H10N8 virus in wild birds, which infected poultry and then reassorted with H9N2 viruses in poultry to give rise to the novel reassortant JX346 (H10N8) virus."
Furthermore, the researchers say the JX346 virus has a mutation in the PB2 gene, which scientists believe is linked to increased infection and adaption in mammals. This means the virus has the potential to become more infectious in humans.
Pandemic potential 'should not be underestimated'
Dr. Mingbin Liu, of the Nanchang City Center for Disease Control and Prevention in China, notes that a second case of H10N8 infection was found in Jiangxi Province in China on January 26th, 2014.
"This is of great concern because it reveals that the H10N8 virus has continued to circulate and may cause more human infections in future," he adds.
The researchers conclude:
A H5N1 virus infection in Hong Kong in 1997 preceded the next 17 cases by 6 months, so more human cases of H10N8 infection might occur in the future. The pandemic potential of this novel virus should not be underestimated."
Last year, Medical News Today reported on the world's first case of a wild influenza A H6N1 virus in a 20-year-old Taiwanese woman.
On November 30th, 2013, the woman visited a hospital with symptoms of fever and severe pneumonia. Although she was treated with antibiotics and antiviral medication, she quickly deteriorated and developed multiple organ failure before passing away.
After collecting tracheal swab samples from the woman, clinicians discovered that she died from an avian virus that is a new strain of the H10N8 virus, which researchers have called JX346.
http://skincareprogram.snack.ws/
"The microbe culture and deep sequencing data showed that the avian influenza A H10N8 virus was overwhelmingly dominant in tracheal aspirate specimens, indicating that the JX346 virus infection was associated with the illness and death of the patient," the study authors say.
The H10N8 virus had previously been isolated from a water sample taken at Dongting Lake in Hunan Province, China, in 2007 and had also been identified at a live poultry market in the Guangdong province of China in 2010. However, no human infection with this virus has ever been reported.
Chickens in an enclosure
Scientists have reported on the world's first case of human infection with a new bird flu virus called JX346 - a genetic evolution from the H10N8 avian virus.
On carrying out genome sequencing on the samples of the new strain, investigators found that all the genes of the JX346 virus were of avian origin and that six internal genes came from avian H9N2 viruses that are already circulating poultry in China.
Researchers found that 4 days before infection, the woman had visited a live poultry market. This indicates there is a 4-day incubation time from infection - similar to that of other bird flu infections.
However, on collecting samples from the live poultry market that the woman visited, scientists found no H10N8 virus present, meaning the infection source cannot be identified.
JX346 has 'evolved for human adaption'
The study authors say that the JX346 strain is distinct from previously reported H10N8 viruses. They believed it has evolved to adopt enhanced genetic characteristics that may lead to more effective replication in humans.
"[The results suggested that] JX346 might originate from multiple reassortments between different avian influenza viruses," explains Dr. Yuelong Shu, from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Beijing and co-author of the report.
"The H10 and H8 gene segments might have derived from different wild bird influenza viruses reassorted to give rise to a hypothetical H10N8 virus in wild birds, which infected poultry and then reassorted with H9N2 viruses in poultry to give rise to the novel reassortant JX346 (H10N8) virus."
Furthermore, the researchers say the JX346 virus has a mutation in the PB2 gene, which scientists believe is linked to increased infection and adaption in mammals. This means the virus has the potential to become more infectious in humans.
Pandemic potential 'should not be underestimated'
Dr. Mingbin Liu, of the Nanchang City Center for Disease Control and Prevention in China, notes that a second case of H10N8 infection was found in Jiangxi Province in China on January 26th, 2014.
"This is of great concern because it reveals that the H10N8 virus has continued to circulate and may cause more human infections in future," he adds.
The researchers conclude:
A H5N1 virus infection in Hong Kong in 1997 preceded the next 17 cases by 6 months, so more human cases of H10N8 infection might occur in the future. The pandemic potential of this novel virus should not be underestimated."
Last year, Medical News Today reported on the world's first case of a wild influenza A H6N1 virus in a 20-year-old Taiwanese woman.
Atherosclerosis may be predicted by high blood pressure in early adulthood
According to a new study published in JAMA, people who have escalating levels of high blood pressure over a 25-year period beginning in early adulthood are more likely to develop atherosclerosis and associated heart problems in later life.
Atherosclerosis is when plaque - made up of fat, cholesterol and calcium, among other things - builds up inside a person's arteries. These plaque build-ups can limit the flow of blood, leading to serious and potentially fatal problems, such as disease of the heart or arteries.
Because atherosclerosis does not usually cause symptoms until it blocks an artery, many people do not know they have this condition until it causes a medical emergency.
Experts know that high blood pressure is a risk factor for atherosclerosis and heart disease, though it is usually only taken into account by doctors in middle or older age. But recent studies have shown that the larger the changes in blood pressure in an individual over time, the greater the likelihood of that person developing heart disease. http://skincareprograms.tumblr.com/post/75567159015/skin-care-products-how-to-skin-careBlood pressure 'trajectories'
The researchers behind this new study wanted to see if, based on people's blood pressure readings over time, they could plot a blood pressure "trajectory" that is associated with developing atherosclerosis and associated heart problems.
This trajectory could act as a warning sign, telling doctors that a person is likely to develop heart disease in later life.
To measure this likelihood of heart disease, the researchers examined how much "coronary artery calcification" (CAC) the patients had - this is the extent to which atherosclerosis had affected the arteries of the heart.
The study tracked the blood pressure readings of 4,681 people over a 25-year period, beginning in the mid-1980s, when the people in the study were aged between 18 and 30.
From this data, the researchers were able to detect five distinct blood pressure trajectories. These were:
22% of participants maintained low blood pressure throughout the period of the study
42% had moderate blood pressure levels throughout the study
19% had fairly high blood pressure throughout
5% started the study with high blood pressure, which increased over the study period.
The group that had the highest levels of CAC were the participants whose blood pressure increased over the study period - about 25% of these people had a high CAC score.
By contrast, in the group that maintained low blood pressure, only 4% had a high CAC score.
High blood pressure has been used to predict stroke risk and likelihood of fatal heart attack, so the authors of the study think that blood pressure patterns could also be used in this way to predict how atherosclerosis could cause heart-damaging calcification of the coronary arteries in later life.
"Although BP has been a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease for decades, these findings suggest that an individual's long-term patterns of change in blood pressure starting in early adulthood may provide additional information about his or her risk of development of coronary calcium," the authors say, adding:
"Additional research is needed to examine the utility of specific blood pressure trajectories in risk prediction for clinical cardiovascular disease events and to explore the effect of lifestyle modification, treatment and timing of intervention on lifetime trajectories in BP and outcomes."
In 2012, Medical News Today reported on a study finding that one of the main causes of atherosclerosis are disease-causing cells called "macrophages."
Atherosclerosis is when plaque - made up of fat, cholesterol and calcium, among other things - builds up inside a person's arteries. These plaque build-ups can limit the flow of blood, leading to serious and potentially fatal problems, such as disease of the heart or arteries.
Because atherosclerosis does not usually cause symptoms until it blocks an artery, many people do not know they have this condition until it causes a medical emergency.
Experts know that high blood pressure is a risk factor for atherosclerosis and heart disease, though it is usually only taken into account by doctors in middle or older age. But recent studies have shown that the larger the changes in blood pressure in an individual over time, the greater the likelihood of that person developing heart disease. http://skincareprograms.tumblr.com/post/75567159015/skin-care-products-how-to-skin-careBlood pressure 'trajectories'
The researchers behind this new study wanted to see if, based on people's blood pressure readings over time, they could plot a blood pressure "trajectory" that is associated with developing atherosclerosis and associated heart problems.
This trajectory could act as a warning sign, telling doctors that a person is likely to develop heart disease in later life.
To measure this likelihood of heart disease, the researchers examined how much "coronary artery calcification" (CAC) the patients had - this is the extent to which atherosclerosis had affected the arteries of the heart.
The study tracked the blood pressure readings of 4,681 people over a 25-year period, beginning in the mid-1980s, when the people in the study were aged between 18 and 30.
From this data, the researchers were able to detect five distinct blood pressure trajectories. These were:
22% of participants maintained low blood pressure throughout the period of the study
42% had moderate blood pressure levels throughout the study
19% had fairly high blood pressure throughout
5% started the study with high blood pressure, which increased over the study period.
The group that had the highest levels of CAC were the participants whose blood pressure increased over the study period - about 25% of these people had a high CAC score.
By contrast, in the group that maintained low blood pressure, only 4% had a high CAC score.
High blood pressure has been used to predict stroke risk and likelihood of fatal heart attack, so the authors of the study think that blood pressure patterns could also be used in this way to predict how atherosclerosis could cause heart-damaging calcification of the coronary arteries in later life.
"Although BP has been a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease for decades, these findings suggest that an individual's long-term patterns of change in blood pressure starting in early adulthood may provide additional information about his or her risk of development of coronary calcium," the authors say, adding:
"Additional research is needed to examine the utility of specific blood pressure trajectories in risk prediction for clinical cardiovascular disease events and to explore the effect of lifestyle modification, treatment and timing of intervention on lifetime trajectories in BP and outcomes."
In 2012, Medical News Today reported on a study finding that one of the main causes of atherosclerosis are disease-causing cells called "macrophages."
Pain sensitivity may be alterable
Chronic pain affects people all over the world, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms that govern it are not well understood. Now, a new UK study of twins finds that people's sensitivity to pain may be altered by changes in lifestyle and environment through life.
Individuals who are more sensitive to pain are at higher risk of developing chronic pain.
The discovery lies in a relatively new field of investigation called epigenetics, where scientists study how genes are switched on and off in response to changes in the body. http://skincarereviewsprogram.blogspot.com/2014/02/how-to-skin-care-avocado-mask-for-body.html
The study, led by Dr. Jordana Bell, of the Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology at King's College London, and published in Nature Communications, is the first to find that pain sensitivity may not be as inflexible as previously thought.
The findings raise the possibility that pain sensitivity might be treatable by drugs that switch certain genes off.
Identical twins' genes differ epigenetically
Unlike non-identical twins, who on average share only 50% of their genes, identical twins share 100%. So it follows that any differences in gene expression must result from processes that act on those genes, such as epigenetics, which can come through differences in environment and lifestyles. This makes identical twins ideal subjects for studying the effects of epigenetics.
For this study, the researchers recruited 25 pairs of identical twins and tested their sensitivity to pain by applying a heat probe to an arm on each twin.
They asked the participants to press a button when the heat became painful - this established their pain threshold.
Then, by sequencing the DNA obtained from participants' blood samples, the researchers pinpointed 5.2 million locations where epigenetic changes had occurred across the whole genome and compared them with those of 50 unrelated individuals.
By doing this, they could identify which parts of the genome carried epigenetic changes differentially associated with high and low pain sensitivity.
The team found epigenetic modifications in nine genes related to pain sensitivity that were different between individual twins in a pair.
Epigenetic change is a 'dimmer switch' for gene expression
One of the study's corresponding authors, Tim Spector, professor of Genetic Epidemiology at King's College London, says:
"Epigenetic switching is like a dimmer switch for gene expression. This landmark study shows how identical twins, when combined with the latest technology to look at millions of epigenetic signals, can be used to find the small chemical switches in our genes that make us all unique - and in this case respond to pain differently."
One gene in particular, TRPA1, which is already known to be involved with pain sensitivity and a target in the development of analgesics or painkillers, showed the most epigenetic changes.
However, although TRPA1 is already known to be involved with pain sensitivity, this is the first time that pain sensitivity has been linked to epigenetic changes in the gene.
Finding opens possibility of drugs that work epigenetically to change pain sensitivity
The finding is important because it suggests it may be possible to switch the gene on and off with drugs and thereby change a person's pain sensitivity.
This could help people with chronic pain, Dr. Bell says:
"The potential to epigenetically regulate the behaviour of TRPA1 and other genes involved in pain sensitivity is very exciting and could lead to a more effective pain relief treatment for patients suffering with chronic pain."
Meanhwile, Medical News Today recently reported a study where a team of researchers in the US found that people's sensitivity to pain is linked to brain structure differences.
Individuals who are more sensitive to pain are at higher risk of developing chronic pain.
The discovery lies in a relatively new field of investigation called epigenetics, where scientists study how genes are switched on and off in response to changes in the body. http://skincarereviewsprogram.blogspot.com/2014/02/how-to-skin-care-avocado-mask-for-body.html
The study, led by Dr. Jordana Bell, of the Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology at King's College London, and published in Nature Communications, is the first to find that pain sensitivity may not be as inflexible as previously thought.
The findings raise the possibility that pain sensitivity might be treatable by drugs that switch certain genes off.
Identical twins' genes differ epigenetically
Unlike non-identical twins, who on average share only 50% of their genes, identical twins share 100%. So it follows that any differences in gene expression must result from processes that act on those genes, such as epigenetics, which can come through differences in environment and lifestyles. This makes identical twins ideal subjects for studying the effects of epigenetics.
For this study, the researchers recruited 25 pairs of identical twins and tested their sensitivity to pain by applying a heat probe to an arm on each twin.
They asked the participants to press a button when the heat became painful - this established their pain threshold.
Then, by sequencing the DNA obtained from participants' blood samples, the researchers pinpointed 5.2 million locations where epigenetic changes had occurred across the whole genome and compared them with those of 50 unrelated individuals.
By doing this, they could identify which parts of the genome carried epigenetic changes differentially associated with high and low pain sensitivity.
The team found epigenetic modifications in nine genes related to pain sensitivity that were different between individual twins in a pair.
Epigenetic change is a 'dimmer switch' for gene expression
One of the study's corresponding authors, Tim Spector, professor of Genetic Epidemiology at King's College London, says:
"Epigenetic switching is like a dimmer switch for gene expression. This landmark study shows how identical twins, when combined with the latest technology to look at millions of epigenetic signals, can be used to find the small chemical switches in our genes that make us all unique - and in this case respond to pain differently."
One gene in particular, TRPA1, which is already known to be involved with pain sensitivity and a target in the development of analgesics or painkillers, showed the most epigenetic changes.
However, although TRPA1 is already known to be involved with pain sensitivity, this is the first time that pain sensitivity has been linked to epigenetic changes in the gene.
Finding opens possibility of drugs that work epigenetically to change pain sensitivity
The finding is important because it suggests it may be possible to switch the gene on and off with drugs and thereby change a person's pain sensitivity.
This could help people with chronic pain, Dr. Bell says:
"The potential to epigenetically regulate the behaviour of TRPA1 and other genes involved in pain sensitivity is very exciting and could lead to a more effective pain relief treatment for patients suffering with chronic pain."
Meanhwile, Medical News Today recently reported a study where a team of researchers in the US found that people's sensitivity to pain is linked to brain structure differences.
Lack of sleep and exercise, too much TV affects teens' mental health
In these modern times, it can be hard to prise away teenagers from the clutches of TV or video games. Now, new research suggests that high media use, combined with low physical activity and lack of sleep, may increase the risk of mental illness for adolescents.
This is according to a study published in the journal World Psychiatry.
The research team, led by investigators from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, recruited 12,395 adolescents aged between 14 and 16 years from randomly selected schools across 11 European countries.
The researchers analyzed the participants for the prevalence of risk behaviors - such as excessive alcohol use, illegal drug use, reduced sleep, sedentary behavior and high use of TV, internet and video games not related to school or work - using a questionnaire called the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) http://skincareprograms.tumblr.com/post/75567159015/skin-care-products-how-to-skin-care
The research team wanted to see whether these behaviors were linked to mental illness - such as depression, anxiety and conduct problems - and self-destructive behaviors in the adolescents.
'Invisible' group at risk of mental health problems
On assessing the results, the investigators discovered three risk groups.
Teenager laying on the floor looking at a computer screen.
Researchers found that teenagers who had high media use, sedentary behavior and reduced sleep showed symptoms associated with mental illness.
The first group, labelled the "high-risk" group, scored high on all examined risk behaviors. This group was made up of 13% of the adolescents.
The second group, deemed the "low-risk" group, made up 58% of the adolescents. This group had no or very low frequency of risk behaviors.
The investigators were surprised by the third group, which they labelled the "invisible-risk" group. This was made up of 29% of adolescents who had high media use, sedentary behavior and reduced sleep.
Although these behaviors are not usually associated with mental health issues, the teenagers in this group showed similar levels of suicidal thoughts, anxiety, subthreshold depression (less than five symptoms of depression) and depression as adolescents in the "high-risk" group.
Unobtrusive behaviors 'should be considered as mental health risks'
The researchers note that based on these findings, child carers should consider what may appear to be less serious risk behaviors as potential mental health risks:
"While most parents, teachers and clinicians would react to an adolescent using drugs or getting drunk, they may easily overlook adolescents engaging in unobtrusive behaviors such as watching too much TV, not playing sports, or sleeping too little.
While discussions with adolescents often focus on substance abuse and delinquency, the risk behaviors identified here need to be considered, and special attention given to encouraging sufficient sleep, participation in sports and using new media moderately."
Overall, the researchers say their findings suggest that risk behaviors and mental health problems are relatively common among adolescents.
The study also revealed that all risk behaviors and symptoms of these increase with age, which the researchers say is in line with previous studies.
Furthermore, the investigators found that the most common risk factors among boys were drug and alcohol use, while reduced sleep and a sedentary lifestyle were more common among girls.
"In summary, the results of this study confirm the need for early prevention and intervention in the mental health field," the study authors add, "[...] preventive interventions should be tailored specifically for boys and girls."
Last year, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that exercise may boost teenagers' academic performance, while other research suggests that playing violent video games may reduce teenagers' self-control.
This is according to a study published in the journal World Psychiatry.
The research team, led by investigators from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, recruited 12,395 adolescents aged between 14 and 16 years from randomly selected schools across 11 European countries.
The researchers analyzed the participants for the prevalence of risk behaviors - such as excessive alcohol use, illegal drug use, reduced sleep, sedentary behavior and high use of TV, internet and video games not related to school or work - using a questionnaire called the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) http://skincareprograms.tumblr.com/post/75567159015/skin-care-products-how-to-skin-care
The research team wanted to see whether these behaviors were linked to mental illness - such as depression, anxiety and conduct problems - and self-destructive behaviors in the adolescents.
'Invisible' group at risk of mental health problems
On assessing the results, the investigators discovered three risk groups.
Teenager laying on the floor looking at a computer screen.
Researchers found that teenagers who had high media use, sedentary behavior and reduced sleep showed symptoms associated with mental illness.
The first group, labelled the "high-risk" group, scored high on all examined risk behaviors. This group was made up of 13% of the adolescents.
The second group, deemed the "low-risk" group, made up 58% of the adolescents. This group had no or very low frequency of risk behaviors.
The investigators were surprised by the third group, which they labelled the "invisible-risk" group. This was made up of 29% of adolescents who had high media use, sedentary behavior and reduced sleep.
Although these behaviors are not usually associated with mental health issues, the teenagers in this group showed similar levels of suicidal thoughts, anxiety, subthreshold depression (less than five symptoms of depression) and depression as adolescents in the "high-risk" group.
Unobtrusive behaviors 'should be considered as mental health risks'
The researchers note that based on these findings, child carers should consider what may appear to be less serious risk behaviors as potential mental health risks:
"While most parents, teachers and clinicians would react to an adolescent using drugs or getting drunk, they may easily overlook adolescents engaging in unobtrusive behaviors such as watching too much TV, not playing sports, or sleeping too little.
While discussions with adolescents often focus on substance abuse and delinquency, the risk behaviors identified here need to be considered, and special attention given to encouraging sufficient sleep, participation in sports and using new media moderately."
Overall, the researchers say their findings suggest that risk behaviors and mental health problems are relatively common among adolescents.
The study also revealed that all risk behaviors and symptoms of these increase with age, which the researchers say is in line with previous studies.
Furthermore, the investigators found that the most common risk factors among boys were drug and alcohol use, while reduced sleep and a sedentary lifestyle were more common among girls.
"In summary, the results of this study confirm the need for early prevention and intervention in the mental health field," the study authors add, "[...] preventive interventions should be tailored specifically for boys and girls."
Last year, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that exercise may boost teenagers' academic performance, while other research suggests that playing violent video games may reduce teenagers' self-control.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)