Researchers provide overall estimates on the prevalence of HCV genotype

Researchers provide overall estimates on the prevalence of HCV genotype -

non-genotype 1 infections account for over 50 percent of all HCV cases

in one of the largest to date of prevalence studies, UK researchers provide national estimates, regional and global prevalence of the genotype of hepatitis C (HCV). The results published in Hepatology, a journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, indicate that genotype 1 is the most common worldwide, with more than 83 million infected a third of which reside in Asia from the east. Genotype 3, a little over 54 million cases, is the most common next, followed by genotypes 2, 4, 6 and 5.

Despite efforts against HCV, there remains one of the most widespread diseases in the world, with up to 150 million patients living with chronic infection according to world health Organization (WHO). Previous research shows that chronic HCV leads to cirrhosis development, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or liver cancer, liver failure and death. WHO reports that 350,000 to 500,000 deaths each year are caused by liver disease related to HCV.

"While the rate of HCV infection is decreasing in developed countries, deaths due to HCV liver disease secondary continue increasing over the next 20 years," says lead co Messina-author Dr Jane with Oxford University in the UK "Understanding global trends in the genetic makeup of HCV is the object of our study and imperative to develop new treatment strategies that can save millions of lives around the world. "

researchers identified 1,217 medical studies between 1989 (HCV years was discovered) and 2013 who reported the genotypes of HCV. The data were then combined with estimates of HCV prevalence of wHO on the global burden of disease.. about 0% of the world population, representing 117 countries were included in this study

the analysis showed that genotype 1 HCV is the most prevalent in 46% of all HCV cases, followed by genotype 3 to 30%. genotypes 2, 4 and 6 with a combined total of 23% and genotype 5 to less than 1% the researchers stress that genotypes 1 and 3 are status whatever the most dominant economic, but found the low-income countries had higher concentrations of genotypes 4 and 5.

Dr. Eleanor Barnes with Oxford University adds: . "the trials of new treatments depends not yet aware of the viral genotype HCV genotype 1, comprises more than half of all cases of HCV Our study provides evidence of the prevalence of the genotype for specific countries. areas that will help improve access to new viral therapies to fight against HCV. "

Monday, July 28, 2014, will no-Day World Hepatitis Day was organized by WHO to increase awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis.

DNA test free of cells could help identify liver transplant patients with acute rejection

DNA test free of cells could help identify liver transplant patients with acute rejection -

Today, researchers presented the results of the 68th Annual Scientific Meeting AACC that the DNA found circulating in the bloodstream- known as DNA-free cells name can be used to identify liver transplant patients with acute rejection with a greater precision than the conventional liver function tests. This test DNA without cells could help liver transplant patients receive essential treatment for the fastest rejection, and has the potential to improve the prognosis of kidney and heart transplant patients.

-acute rejection episodes of rejection that occurs in the first months after organ transplants-are relatively frequent. In liver transplant patients in particular, acute rejection develops in about 20% of those treated with standard immunosuppressive therapy. Monitoring the occurrence of rejection so that health care providers can quickly counter, it is essential for the long-term survival of recipients of organ transplants. However, the gold standard for identifying rejection is a biopsy, which is invasive and expensive, and at present there is no effective blood test to take his place.

A team of researchers led by Ekkehard Schütz, MD, PhD, biomedical Chronix in Göttingen, Germany sought to determine whether a blood test for graft derived cell-free DNA which is a DNA-free cells from an organ transplant could identify liver transplant patients with acute rejection. In a first of its kind prospective multicenter trial, they followed without DNA cells derived graft in the blood of liver transplant recipients 106 adults post transplant at least one year. They found that in the 87 stable patients with no evidence of injury to the graft and that were negative for infection with hepatitis C, the percentage of DNA without median cell derived graft decreased in the first week at a level of <10% of the reference cell gluten-free DNA concentrations. However, in the 20 patients with samples taken during periods of acute rejection confirmed by biopsy, DNA levels without derivatives grafted cells were about 10 times higher than those observed in stable patients.

in all, Schütz and colleagues determined by tests for derivatives grafted DNA levels free of cells> 10%, they were able to identify more than 0% of liver transplant patients with acute rejection which is a significantly higher percentage than conventional tests of liver function can identify. They also believe that this test could detect heart and kidney transplant rejection, and are conducting additional studies to confirm.

"This is really a universal test, you can use it for all types of solid organ transplantation because it is simply detect the DNA of the graft, and is independent of this plugin you look, "said Schütz. "This will allow us to start treating these patients as soon as possible, which not only impact on acute condition that the patient at the time, but also an impact on long-term graft survival. If we are able to diagnose rejection rather quickly-in a day or a day and a half the attending physician can react, then we can really avoid the high quality releases further down the line. "

in Besides this study, the researchers will present the latest in DNA tests without cells AACC annual scientific meeting and clinical Lab Expo, including:

• demonstrate research that a blood test for genetic mutations in DNA-free cells of lung cancer patients can be used to inform the choice of treatment and serve as an alternative to tissue biopsy. "The analysis of EGFR in cfDNA reflect tumor heterogeneity and has prognostic value in non-small cell lung cancer" (A-013)

• New findings that high levels home of the free cellular DNA in patients with prostate cancer could predict which patients are less likely to survive and need more aggressive treatment. "Circulating evaluation free DNA of prognostic biomarkers in prostate cancer" (A-019)

• A new generation of sequencing assay for DNA without cells derived graft which can also be used for monitoring of organ transplantation. "Analytical Validation of a new clinical grade generation sequencing test to evaluate allograft injury in recipients of solid organ transplants" (B-365)

FDA Approves Eylea injection for the treatment of diabetic macular edema

FDA Approves Eylea injection for the treatment of diabetic macular edema -

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN ) announced today ' hui that the US Food and Drug administration (FDA) approved Eylea ^® (aflibercept) injection for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). The recommended dose of Eylea in patients with DME is 2 milligrams (mg) every two months (8 weeks) after five initial monthly injections. Although Eylea may be administered as frequently as 2 mg every 4 weeks, additional efficacy was not demonstrated when Eylea was administered every 4 weeks compared to every 8 weeks.

"Diabetic macular edema is a leading cause of vision loss in adults of working age in the United States, and we are pleased to offer a new treatment option for these patients," said George D. Yancopoulos, MD, Ph.D., Chief scientific Officer of Regeneron and President of Regeneron Laboratories. "Our clinical studies have shown that treatment with Eylea can help improve and maintain the vision with every eight weeks dosing after 5 doses initial monthly. Eylea is the first VEGF inhibitor approved for dosing on a less than monthly for the treatment of DME. "

approval Eylea in DME was based on one-year data from Phase 3 VISTA-DME and VIVID-DME study of 862 patients, which compared Eylea 2 mg administered per month, Eylea 2mg every two months (after five initial monthly injections), or photocoagulation macular laser (at start and then as needed). in DME studies, after one year, the mean changes in best corrected visual acuity (of BCVA), as measured by the array of early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) for the month and both groups the month of Eylea were statistically significantly improved compared to the control group and were similar to each other. through the two trials, patients in both Eylea dosing groups gained, on average, the ability to read about two more lines on an eye chart compared to almost no change in the control group.

In these tests, Eylea had a similar overall incidence of adverse events (AEs), serious AEs eye, and ocular non-serious AEs in all treatment groups and the control group. Arterial thromboembolic events, as defined by the cooperation of the Anti-Platelet Trialists (nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and vascular death) also occurred at similar rates in the treatment groups and the a group of witnesses. The most common side effects of emerging eye treatment (EIT) observed in the VISTA-DME and test VIVID-DME included conjunctival hemorrhage, eye pain, cataracts and floaters. The most common non-ocular TEAEs included hypertension and nasopharyngitis, which occurred with similar frequency in the treatment group and the control group.

Eylea is available in one, the strength of 2 mg intravitreal injection for all approved indications. Eylea was approved in the US for the treatment of neovascular (wet) related macular degeneration age (AMD) in 2011, and for the treatment of macular edema following Retinal Vein Occlusion Central (CRVO) in 2012 . Eylea was also approved the EU and other countries for use in wet AMD and macular edema following CRVO. In Europe, the human use of medications Committee gave a positive opinion recommending approval of Eylea for the treatment of DME. Requests have also been made in Japan, Asia Pacific and Latin America for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. In Japan, Eylea was also subject to regulatory approval for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization secondary to pathologic myopia (MCNV). A regulatory submission was made to the US and EU for Eylea for the treatment of macular edema following retinal vein occlusion Directorate (BRVO).

Phase 3 Study details
In phase 3 VISTA-DME and test VIVID-DME, Eylea ^® (aflibercept) Injection 2 mg dosed monthly and Eylea 2mg dosed every two months after 5 initial monthly doses achieved statistically significant improvements in the primary endpoint of mean change in BCVA at one and the secondary endpoint of proportion of patients who gained at least 15 letters in BCVA compared departing from control.

in the VISTA-DME trial, patients receiving Eylea 2mg monthly had a mean change from baseline BCVA of 12.5 letters ( P less than 0.01 vs. witness ), patients receiving Eylea 2mg every two months (after 5 initial monthly injections) had a mean change from baseline BCVA of 10.7 letters ( P less than 0, 01 compared to control ), and patients receiving control treatment had a mean change from baseline BCVA of 0.2 letters. In test VISTA-DME, the percentage of patients who gained at least 15 letters of BCVA baseline, or three lines of vision, was 41.6 percent in the Eylea 2mg monthly groups ( P less than 0.01 compared to control ), 31.1 percent in the Eylea 2 mg to each group of 2 months (after 5 initial monthly injections) ( P less than 0.01 by compared to control ) and 7.8 percent in the control group.

in Test VIVID-DME, patients receiving Eylea 2mg monthly had a mean change from baseline BCVA of 10.5 letters ( P less than 0.01 vs. witness ), patients receiving Eylea 2mg every two months (after 5 initial monthly injections) had a mean change from baseline BCVA of 10.7 letters ( P less than 0, 01 compared to control ), and patients receiving control had a mean change from baseline in BCVA of 1.2 letters. In Test VIVID-DME, the percentage of patients who gained at least 15 letters of BCVA baseline, or three lines of vision, was 32.4 percent in the Eylea 2mg monthly groups ( P less than 0.01 compared to control ), 33.3 percent in the Eylea 2 mg to each group of 2 months (after 5 initial monthly injections) ( P less than 0.01 by compared to control ) and 9.1 percent in the control group.

In these tests, Eylea had similar overall incidence of adverse events (AEs), serious AEs eye, and ocular non-serious AEs in all treatment groups and the control group. Arterial thromboembolic events, as defined by the cooperation of the Anti-Platelet Trialists (nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and vascular death) also occurred at similar rates in the treatment groups and the a group of witnesses. The most common side effects of emerging eye treatment (EIT) observed in the VISTA-DME and VIVID-DME trial to one year included conjunctival hemorrhage, eye pain, cataracts and floaters. The most common non-ocular TEAEs one year included hypertension and nasopharyngitis, which occurred with similar frequency in the treatment group and the control group.

The VISTA-DME and VIVID-DME study will continue as planned for a total of three years.

Metabolic-checkpoint combined approach of the inhibitor may improve cancer therapies

Metabolic-checkpoint combined approach of the inhibitor may improve cancer therapies -

Reprogramming normal metabolism underlying molecular pathways is essential for the function of T cells fight against infection and the immune system to form a "memory" of microbes that already met. But exactly how the metabolism in T cells remained depleted in chronic infections and cancer is a missing element in this line of research. Now, a new study suggests that tweaking metabolic steps in combination with checkpoint blockade medications can improve certain cancer treatments, according to a new study from the School of Medicine Perelman University of Pennsylvania. The team published their results this week in immunity.

When T cells are activated due to a microbe or a tumor in a host, "they have a lot of work to do. They need to make many copies of themselves in generating building blocks to manufacture new cells, "said lead author E. John Wherry, PhD, director of the Institute of immunology, Microbiology professor and co-director of the Institute for cancer Parker Penn immunotherapy. "T cells must radically change their energetic lifestyles, ranging from sedentary couch potato existence to be a marathoner in a very short time."

Physiologically, this transformation involves going from one existence "catabolic" slow metabolism to burn to "anabolic" one in which the body starts to produce chemical intermediates to build new cells. But the T cells are wired to stop the rapid anabolic pathway mode after a certain time because the operation at this level is unsustainable.

"We found that, in the first week of a chronic viral infection, even before severe dysfunction of T cells is established, the virus specific T cells are already unable to meet the demands of bioenergy T cells generated during the height of the fight against viral infection although contained in a mouse model, "said Wherry.

PD-1, a cell surface receptor and the target of anticancer drugs currently used, indicating the T cells to turn off the anabolic pathway, but other molecular signals say keep this pathway activated because infection chronic or to growing tumors are still present. "Now we have cell metabolically confused T," says Wherry.

Many tumors produce proteins that bind to PD-1 to stop the T cell signal, and drugs that block this process is one of the most prolific areas of cancer research.

infection of the team induced in mice using two different strains of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), a well-studied model system for exploring the biology of T cells in a group of mice, the virus has been cleared in a week by healthy cells or effector T and another group, the game has derailed T cells become exhausted. effector T cells allow a greater amount of anti-tumor cytokine or anti-microbial and do accelerating cell replication. . exhausted T cells, on the other hand, as their name suggests, have lost this ability

The study identified the time - earlier than previously thought - when PD-1 disables signal anabolic metabolism. This discovery has implications for the clinic, because it identifies the altered metabolism as a separate item in the development of T cell depleted from the following later exhausted T cells.

These results also identify PD-1's role in the metabolic switch off anabolic pathways and characterize the metabolic regulation of downstream targets PD-1. For example, the restriction of glucose uptake and use (required for production of new cells), despite the upregulation of multiple metabolic pathways backup, is a metabolic disorder of the exhausted T cells. PD-1 partially control the development of this defect at the beginning of the use of glucose as a fuel, and the size and quality of the mitochondrion, the powerhouse of the cell.

A second route suppressed by PD-1 involved PGC-1 , a protein that regulates genes involved in metabolism. Correcting this defect PD-1 induced PGC-1α enhanced overexpression bioenergy exhausted T cells

One area on the horizon of research, Wherry says, is to find a way to improve T cells depleted by testing drugs that manipulate metabolism such as activators of PGC-1 or related pathways that could be targeted by drugs such as metformin or resveratrol. The team will also explore ways to improve the health of pharmacologically mitochondria.

Researchers find promising technique with type 1 diabetes to restore insulin-producing cells

Researchers find promising technique with type 1 diabetes to restore insulin-producing cells -

A new study by researchers at the Medical Research Institute Sanford- Burnham (Sanford-Burnham) found that a peptide called caerulein can convert existing cells in the pancreas in these cells destroyed in type 1 insulin-producing beta cells in diabetes. The study, published July 31 visit in cell death and disease , suggests a new approach to treating some 3 million people in the US and over 300 million worldwide, live with type 1 diabetes

"We found a promising technique for type 1 diabetes to restore the body's ability to produce insulin. caerulein introducing the pancreas, we were able to generate new cells beta cells that produce insulin potentially freeing patients daily doses of insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. " said Fred Levine, MD, Ph.D., professor and director of the Health Research Center of Sanford Children Sanford-Burnham.

The first study examined how mice in which nearly all of the beta cells have been destroyed, similar to humans with type 1 diabetes-a caerulein responded to injections. In these mice, but not in normal mice, they found that caerulein caused by existing alpha cells in the pancreas to differentiate into insulin-producing beta cells. alpha cells and beta cells are both endocrine cells meaning that they synthesize and secret-hormones and they exist just next to each other in the pancreas in structures called islets. However, the alpha cells do not normally become beta cells.

The research team then examined human pancreatic tissue type 1 diabetes, to find strong evidence that the same process induced caerulein also occurred in the pancreas of these people. The process of beta cell conversion of alpha cells does not appear to have limitations she Age occurred in young and old individuals, including some who had type 1 diabetes for decades.

"When caerulein is administered to humans, it can cause pancreatitis. Therefore, our next step is to know what molecule (s) caerulein target the alpha cells that triggers their transformation into beta cells. We we need to know this to develop a more specific drug, "said Levine.

caerulein is a peptide originally discovered in the skin of frogs Blue Mountains Australia. It stimulates the stomach, biliary and pancreatic secretions, and has been used in humans as a diagnostic tool in pancreatic diseases.

"In addition to creating new beta cells, another issue that must be addressed to achieve a cure for type 1 diabetes is that the new beta cells are attacked by this autoimmune response in all patients with type 1 diabetes we are working with Linda Bradley, Ph.D., professor of immunity and the pathogenesis program co author of the study, to combine our approach with reining approach in response autoimmune, "said Levine.

Brazilian study finds therapeutic target and promising diagnostic for the treatment of melanoma

Brazilian study finds therapeutic target and promising diagnostic for the treatment of melanoma -

A Brazilian study shows that the inhibition of RNA called RMEL3, which is encoded by a gene uncharacterized (also the name RMEL3), can reduce the viability of cultured melanoma cells up to 95%.

Although RMEL3 is a non-coding RNA and therefore does not contain information for protein synthesis, it appears to modulate the major signaling pathways related to cell proliferation and survival. How it does this is not fully understood.

"Our research suggests RMEL3 is expressed in most cases of melanoma. Furthermore, this RNA is rarely found in other tumor types, or even in healthy cells, so it is a diagnostic and therapeutic target very specific considerable promise for development, "said Enilza Espreafico, professor at the University of Ribeirão Preto medical school of São Paulo (FMRP-USP) and principal investigator of the FAPESP-funded study.

These results are from the doctoral research by two beneficiaries of FAPESP scholarships, Lucas Goedert and Cristiano Gonçalves Pereira, in collaboration with Cibele Cardoso and other researchers in Brazil and abroad. the existence RMEL3 of and association with melanoma, however, had already been identified in earlier research by Espreafico group.

"at that time, our goal was to identify genes expressed only in cases of melanoma . We used bioinformatics tools to explore the databases created from sequencing projects of the tumor, "said Espreafico.

first analyzes revealed the existence of 29 RNA sequences transcribed only in melanoma cells. three of them appeared most important for the group :. RMEL1 Ribeirao Preto, RMEL2 and RMEL3

the study showed that the three non-coding RNA are proteins present both in melanoma cell lines and patients. RMEL3 of tumor samples even appears in precancerous skin lesions considered.

Next, the researchers conducted in vitro experiments to study how the presence or the absence of these three RNAs changed the cell phenotype. the first results have shown that inhibition of RMEL3 provided the most intense reduction in the viability of melanoma cells in culture, and this RNA has become their favorite target.

To silence RMEL3 in cultured cells, the group deployed RNA interference, a technique of using small molecules noncoding RNA can bind to the RNA transcribed from the target gene (in this case, RMEL3) and inducing its degradation. The effects of this procedure were compared in five different cell lines. The first three were melanoma cell lines with a mutation known to be associated with cancer in a gene called BRAF. The fourth line, also a melanoma cell line, lacking the BRAF mutation. The fifth, regarded as a kind of control group was an ovarian cancer line that did not express RMEL3 and also lacked the BRAF mutation.

"BRAF is the principal proto-oncogene associated with the development of melanoma. About 60% of cases of this type of cancer involves a BRAF mutation, which encodes a protein kinase that initiates the signaling pathway MAPK , an important trigger of cell proliferation, "said Espreafico.

" the mutation changes a single letter of the genetic code in BRAF, which results in the substitution of an amino acid in the polypeptide chain , which is enough to create the protein BRAF V0E proto-oncogene. in its mutant form, this enzyme is intrinsically active, so that the cell enters the replication cycle, even without receiving any external signal for proliferation. " He was in melanoma cells in culture with the BRAF V0E mutation that inhibition of RMEL3 had the most dramatic effect, which reduced cell survival and proliferation to 95%. In the melanoma cell line that did not have the mutation, cell viability decreased by about 40%. In the line of control cells, RNA interference had no effect, and the cells continued proliferating normally.

The researchers still can not say exactly what role that RNA plays in the cell or why it is often present in melanoma cells. However, they found evidence of what happens in the cell when the expression of this RNA is interrupted.

"When we shut RMEL3, there is a decrease in levels of the oncogene BRAF protein kinase and Akt (pAkt), a key protein in the survival of PI3K signaling cells. the opposite effect is observed for PTEN protein, the main inhibitor of this pathway, "said Espreafico.

They also observed increased levels of ACC -pS79, a substrate of AMPK enzyme which is a nutrient deficiency sensor.

"This suggests the absence of RMEL3 induces a state that mimics nutrient deprivation, similar to that reported for pharmacological inhibition of BRAF V0E. In accordance with such changes, cell cycle effectors are altered. There are decreased levels of cyclin B1 protein, important in the activation of cell mitosis. secondly, there are increased levels of proteins that inhibit the cell cycle, such as p27 and p21. These and other changes are consistent with the fact that we have observed in the cells: an increase in cell death and cell cycle arrest, "said Espreafico

To better understand the role of RMEL3 in cells, the. researchers are conducting new experiments in vitro in which its expression is induced artificially in both melanoma cells and healthy cells, where it is normally expressed. The results are due for publication soon.

The group also put on how often RMEL3 is expressed in melanoma cases by analyzing nearly 500 samples from patients with this cancer of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), a consortium linked to the National Institute of the United States of cancer that collects genomic, epigenomic and clinical patients in many countries.

"We observed that RMEL3 was expressed in a greater or lesser extent over 0% of the melanoma samples available. Together with the fact that it is not present in healthy tissue in the rest of the body, which makes a very interesting therapeutic target, "Espreafico said.

RNA interference itself could have therapeutic uses, she said, noting that many technical barriers should be overcome first.

The bacteria that aid digestion help keep intact mucosa

The bacteria that aid digestion help keep intact mucosa -

Scientists at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University have found that bacteria that help digestion help keep intact intestinal lining. The findings, reported online in the journal Immunity , could provide new therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and a range of other disorders.

The research involved the gut microbiome, which contains some 100000000000000 bacteria. The role of these microorganisms in the promotion or disease prevention is an important area of ​​study. Einstein scientists discovered that the absorption of a specific bacterial by-product is essential for the maintenance of the integrity of the epithelium, intestinal monolayer responsible for preservation of gut bacteria and their toxins within the intestines and away from the body. Crossings of the intact intestinal epithelium is associated with a number of diseases.

"Intestinal bacteria secrete a variety of chemicals known as metabolites," said Sridhar Mani, MD, author of co-corresponding paper. "These bacteria and their metabolites have been known to influence the integrity of the intestinal epithelium, but exactly how they did it was not known. " Dr. Mani is a professor of medicine and genetics and Miriam Mandel Faculty Scholar in Cancer Research at Einstein and attending physician, oncology at Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer and Montefiore Medical Center.

Dr. Mani and his colleagues suspected that the bacterial metabolites exert their influence by binding to and activating a protein in the nuclei of epithelial cells of the intestine called pregnane X receptor (PXR ). PXR was known to be activated by chemicals in the body (as bile acids), as well as drugs, including steroids and antibiotics.

In a series of studies on mice, researchers found that a metabolite called indole 3-propionic acid (IPA) -is produced exclusively by what is called commensal bacteria, which help digestion, both strengthens the barrier function of the intestinal epithelium and prevents the inflammation by activating PXR. Specifically, PXR activation suppresses production of inflammatory called tumor necrosis factor protein (TNF-α), while increasing the levels of a protein which enhances the transitions between adjacent intestinal epithelial cells.

"By adding probiotic bacteria in the form of intestinal or by direct administration IPA IPA-production, we may be able to prevent or treat IBD and other inflammatory disorders that occur when the intestinal epithelium has been compromised, "said Dr. Mani. "Such a strategy could also be considered for other health problems that can occur when the intestinal epithelium breaks down, including some forms of liver disease, diabetes, asthma, allergies, obesity and heart disease. "

The team of Dr. Mani is currently developing new probiotic to restore the barrier function of the intestinal epithelium by promoting interaction with PXR IPA.

NorthShore launching the first clinical trial to examine GRS test for the risk assessment of cancer

NorthShore launching the first clinical trial to examine GRS test for the risk assessment of cancer -

Researchers at NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) launched the first test clinic to investigate a genetic risk score (GRS) test to predict the risk of breast, prostate and colorectal cancer within primary care. The test was developed by NorthShore researcher Jianfeng Xu, DrPH, to provide primary care physicians with a tool to better understand how to prevent and treat cancer, and learn how patients react after learning of the increased risk of Cancer. The results of the clinical trial will inform the integration of the test the genetic risk score in practice by about 150 doctors of primary health care system.

While evaluating the responses of patients to discover their genetic score breast cancer risk, colorectal and prostate cancer, the trial also examined whether patients with results that indicate an increased risk of cancer adhere to modified cancer screening guidelines Northshore. For those who have a high risk of cancer, screening plan more intensive cancer will be discussed.

"The goal of the study is to evaluate several practical aspects of the implementation of genomic information for personalized treatments. With our genetic risk assessment, patients will better understand their own individual risk of developing certain cancers, "said Dr. Xu, who is vice president of translational research at NorthShore and program director for Personalized Cancer.." they will be screened if necessary, appropriate or reduce to expand their scope of medical care this is an important part of what makes personalized care at NorthShore unique: that is, offering targeted treatments based on genomics prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of early disease and at an advanced stage. "

Dr. Xu used his 20 years of experience in genomics research to conduct test development which provides a numerical risk score for patients, regardless of family history.

"genetic information can be a powerful tool in understanding the risks and recommend earlier projections in especially when used in the main access points for patients to health care - primary care physicians, "said Peter Hulick, MD, medical director for the NorthShore Center for personalized medicine. "While the history of the family often informs cancer screening guidelines, many patients are either unaware of the history of the family or of developing diseases despite the lack of history. It is integral to the success of NorthShore and our patients that their doctors use genetic information accurately, appropriately and at the beginning of the process. "

clinical trial will enroll 500 consenting patients who submitted blood samples through genomic NorthShore health Initiative, a research program to gather a large number of blood samples to better compare genomic data through a variety of health conditions to improve the prevention and treatment of enlarged diseases. Participants in the trial were between 40 and 70 years without previous diagnosis of colorectal cancer, breast or prostate cancer. Results are expected in about a year.

NorthShore takes this proactive, preventive approach to health care with the intent to make a genetic risk score test available to all interested Northshore patients in the future. The test will eventually include a broader range of cancers and other diseases, as well.

Furthermore, NorthShore contemplates using genetic risk score to improve the efficiency of how patients are treated. "In the next phase of the test, some patients with early cancer, especially those with prostate cancer will not need aggressive treatment interventions based on their genetic risk score results," said Dr.Hulick . the results will guide the more specific treatments for each patient, he added.

NorthShore partnership with Counsyl, a healthcare technology company offering DNA testing for colorectal, breast and risk prostate cancer, which is currently processing the test results. patients will be able to check their results on NorthShoreConnect, a patient's secure portal. Meeting with a primary care doctor or a genetic counselor to discuss results is optional.

"the test of the genetic risk score is another example of how we advance our approach to personalized medicine," said Dr. Hulick. "To have the opportunity to be one of the first health systems in the country that offer genetic testing for the evaluation of customized risk screening processes and effective interventions at the primary care physician is very exciting and promising. It speaks to our vision of an integrated, personalized approach to care. "

Researchers are studying the effect of alcohol on neural activity by using fruit flies

Researchers are studying the effect of alcohol on neural activity by using fruit flies -

The search for possible solutions to problems ranging from alcoholism, cancer and Alzheimer's to find better ways to clean contact lenses and use Lego models to build bridges, University of Houston (UH) students spent the summer in some serious scholarship.

Delving into a number of complex projects over the 10 weeks, 61 students in a variety of disciplines each received $ 3,500 grants for full-time intensive research experience in the first Summer Program Student research fellowships (SURF) under the supervision of members of the UH faculty.

"Cancer is something I've known through many family members and we have seen in the helpless children in the pediatric ward of the hospital I proposed," said biomedical sciences sophomore Radhini Abeysekera. "When I saw the opportunity to work in a laboratory doing research on osteosarcoma, a cancer that usually target children and adolescents, I am very interested to get a look in behind the scenes."

Work under the supervision of professor Preethi Gunaratne in the Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Abeysekera studying a specific type of RNA that may be able to control what a cell matures into, perhaps able to convert cancer cells to fat cells, which are easier to remove than cancer.

In another project of the Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Khadeeja Tarique studied under Professor Gregg Roman as the beneficiary of an additional grant from the Biology Institute behavior.

"In Roman lab, we try to understand how alcohol alters the activity of neurons in the brain to cause tolerance and other behavioral changes that can lead to alcohol abuse and addiction, "said Tarique." We are studying the effect of alcohol on neural activity by using fruit flies. once we understand how alcohol interacts with proteins to make these changes, we can then use these proteins to develop drugs to interfere with this interaction, which can inhibit the formation of tolerance and help stop people from becoming addicted to alcohol. "

another senior biology, Sina Rezaei, working with the College of Pharmacy professor Jason Eriksen, research on one aspect less studied Alzheimer's disease. He works with Eriksen to analyze 3-D images of brain tissue using a computer program that will give them a better understanding of changes in the blood vessels of the brain, these changes are and how they relate to d other effects of Alzheimer's disease.

"SURF allowed me to spend a lot more time in the lab, which made me more confident in my work," said Rezaei. "Hopefully this technology will pave the way for future studies to give us a more complete picture of how the brain is affected by Alzheimer's disease, with the ultimate goal of creating new treatments. "

echoing the sentiments of Rezaei on the value of the laboratory experiment, the senior biology and biotechnology double major Elchehabi Sara said, "working in the lab gave me the opportunity to exercise my skills in problem solving and developing a conceptual understanding of what I am student in my classes. "

Embarking on what can be more immediately applicable research, working under Elchehabi College of Optometry Professor Alison McDermott on what can be an effective alternative for the cleaning of contact lenses. It is to analyze whether the addition of a particular antimicrobial agent for contact lens solution can inhibit the growth of common bacteria known to develop on the contacts.

"contact lens wearers are particularly susceptible to infections caused by bacteria," said Elchehabi. "While solutions containing hydrogen peroxide are best to protect the wearer against infection, they require a minimum soak time and complicated preparation process. A solution that resists bacterial growth effectively, could offer the holders of greater protection lenses they want without the constraints of traditional maintenance contact lenses. "

on a lighter note, the major computer science Anson Jablinski uses his knowledge in the design of software to create an iPad application that Lego model building guide. While his summer project is more for entertainment value, it plans future versions of it and being able to scan 3-D object and design of a Lego model for her.

"I imagine building protein biology students or students in physical modeling bridges. Custom templates for any educational application could be created and sent automatically to classrooms everywhere," he said. "Eventually, we may even be able to scan a Lego model to create life-size plans for the actual buildings."

Work under the supervision of Professor Ioannis Kakadiaris in Biomedicine Lab computational, Jablinski said his experience SURF has helped him decide what to do after completing his undergraduate studies at UH in him providing insight into the mindset and dedication necessary to pursue graduate studies at the master's and doctoral levels.

Pap tests can be beneficial for the prevention of cervical cancer in older women

Pap tests can be beneficial for the prevention of cervical cancer in older women -

A new study from the University of Illinois confirms a link between Pap screenings and a lower risk of developing cervical cancer in women over 65. However, most US health guidelines discourage women in this age group receive screenings unless they have risk factors preexisting.

new findings are published in the journal Gynecologic Oncology .

"Some studies suggest that Pap smears are not needed in the elderly, while others show that there is an advantage in the over 65 age group," said Karin Rosenblatt, an epidemiologist cancer and professor of kinesiology and community health at Illinois. "There was a big debate about it."

early research on the Pap test recommended not not test women over 50 years the suggested age limit for screening has increased in recent years as the factors of the disease and the risks are better understood.

"Although the incidence cervical cancer is greater among women aged adults under 65, over 65 tend to be cases of death from the disease, "said Rosenblatt.

When detected early - often via a Pap test -. premalignant tissue of cervical cancer can be removed or treated so that it does not progress to malignancy

Rosenblatt assessed whether Pap tests reduce the risk of cervical cancer, especially in women over 65 years, she and her team looked at Medicare billing data from 1991 to 1999 and extracts information on more than 10 women who were recently diagnosed with cervical cancer. The researchers compared their background screening of those with more than 10,000 patients witnesses who had no diagnosis of cancer and were matched on age and geographic location. The team determined that the patients had received a Pap test two to seven years before diagnosis. The results were adjusted for race and income in areas where subjects lived.

"We found that the group of newly diagnosed cancer of the cervix were 36 percent less likely to have had a Pap test, compared to the control group," says Rosenblatt. "Reducing risk was 52 percent after the inclusion of women in the control group who may have had a hysterectomy before age 65. both results were statistically significant. "

These results suggest that Pap tests can be beneficial for the prevention of malignant cervical cancer in women over 65 years, she said.

the possibility of having a Pap test should be weighed against the potential complications of a psychological pre diagnosis -malignes, other concomitant diseases or handicaps and general life expectancy, Rosenblatt said.

"It is also a further cost-benefit analysis to achieve the projections in older women," she said . Medicare covered a Pap test every three years at the time of the study and now covers a Pap test every 2 years, she said.

"There should be further study of the advantages and risks of doing Pap smear in the elderly," Rosenblatt said future studies should comprehensively assess the Pap test in elderly women and specifically to inform policy recommendations of health, she said.

drink whey protein can control the erratic glucose levels associated with diabetes type 2

drink whey protein can control the erratic glucose levels associated with diabetes type 2 -

glucose surges - glucose after meals "points" - can be life threatening for the 29 million Americans with diabetes. Diabetic sugar spikes in the blood have been associated with cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, kidney failure and retinal damage. Now a new study from Tel Aviv University, published in Diabetologia , suggests a new way to remove these post-meal glucose surges mortal: whey protein consumption concentrated, found in separate aqueous part milk cheese curds, before breakfast.

According TAU Prof. Daniela Jakubowicz and Dr. Julio Wainstein Unit Diabetes Wolfson Medical Center, Professor Oren Froy of Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Professor Bo Ahr-n of Lund University in Sweden, protein consumption whey before a meal can even keep the need for insulin treatment for diabetics Bay.

"What is remarkable is that the consumption of whey protein before meals reduces blood sugar spikes seen after meals. It also improves insulin response of the body, put it in the same range or even higher than that produced by the new anti-diabetic medications, "said Professor Jakubowicz. "High intake of milk has long been associated with a lower risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and milk whey protein increases the production of intestinal hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP -1) which stimulates insulin secretion. This, in turn, reduces the level of glucose in the blood increases after meals. "

a Whey Before Breakfast Cocktail

"We assumed that the GLP-1 production stimulation by consuming whey protein before a meal would improve insulin secretion and have beneficial hypoglycemic effects in type 2 diabetes," said Professor Jakubowicz.

the study was conducted on 15 people with type 2 diabetes well controlled at Wolfson Medical Center. participants were randomized to receive either 50 grams of whey in 250 ml of water or a placebo, followed by a white breakfast standardized high glycemic index of three slices of bread and sweet jelly - a meal designed to produce the maximum peak postprandial blood glucose.

Blood samples were collected 30 minutes before the meal, when the whey protein or placebo drinks were consumed. Other blood samples to evaluate plasma glucose concentration, concentrations of GLP-1 and insulin intact, were taken when breakfast was served and at 15, 30, 60, 0, 0 , 150 and 180 minute intervals after the meal.

the most important meal of the day?

researchers found that glucose levels were reduced by 28 percent after pre-load whey on the 180 minutes after the meal, with a uniform reduction in the early and late phases. precharge whey, insulin and GLP-1 responses were also significantly higher (105 and 141 percent, respectively), producing an increase of 96 percent in the early insulin response.

"The early insulin response which is generally insufficient in type 2 diabetes was significantly higher after whey protein than with placebo, and reduced preload of whey protein significantly elevated blood sugar after breakfast, "said Professor Jakubowicz. "Whey protein may therefore represent a new approach to improve the glucose lowering strategies in type 2 diabetes"

Based on the results of this study, the authors envisage a long-term clinical trial to test the lasting benefits of whey protein consumption for diabetics.

Highlights of the study are to deepen the health reforms in China

Highlights of the study are to deepen the health reforms in China -

China must continue reforming its health system with a number of critical steps to meet the growing health needs of the population and control the increase in spending, despite impressive results in the reform of health care and rapid progress towards universal health coverage. These include systemic and institutional reform and innovation, adopting a tiered service delivery system, a return to greater reliance on community care and less on health care more expensive hospital, according to a two-year scan study by the World Bank Group, the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Finance, the national Health and family planning, and the Ministry of human Resources and social security of China.

"the report's recommendations, built on robust, extensive research and close collaboration by five organizations representing three partners will contribute positively to the formation of the 13th five-year plan on health care reform. We look forward to the study and application of the findings of the report carefully, it will help us move forward on health reform, "said Liu Yandong, Vice Premier of the State Council of China.

The study Deepening health reform in China, high quality building and Value-Based Service Delivery, China has lifted more than 0 million people out of poverty over the past three decades and achieved remarkable success in health

Since the launch of the 09 health reforms, China has significantly increased investment to develop health infrastructure. strengthen the primary health care system; achieved almost universal coverage of health insurance in a relatively short period; reduced the share of out-of-pocket spending - a major cause of poverty induced by the disease - of total health expenditure; continued to promote equal access to basic public health services; deepen reform of public hospitals; and improving the availability, equity and accessibility of health services. It also significantly reduces child and maternal mortality and infectious disease rates, and improved life expectancy and health of the Chinese people.

As in much of the rest of the world, China also faces many challenges in the reform and development of its health system. The population is aging and there is a sharp increase in non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. The number of people over 65 years in China is now at 140 million and is expected to increase to 230 million by 2030.

Rice, Baylor scientists analyze how proteins help from the flu infect cells

Rice, Baylor scientists analyze how proteins help from the flu infect cells -

A influenza virus acts like a Trojan horse because it attacks and infects cells hosts. Scientists at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have developed a clearer picture of the hidden mechanism involved.

Their computer simulations may lead to new strategies to stop the flu, maybe even a one-size-fits-all vaccine.

detailed the discovery this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows the path the hemagglutinin glycoprotein that overlaps the surface of the influenza virus, because it releases the fusion peptides to invade a host cell.

the release mechanism has been many theories, but none have explained the experimental observations and the new work of biophysicist Jos- Onuchic and biochemists at Rice Qinghua Wang at Baylor and My Jianpeng who has a joint appointment at the two institutions.

The Rice-Baylor team applied protein folding algorithms developed by Onuchic and colleagues to analyze how the hemagglutinin reconfigures as it infects a cell.

hemagglutinin is completely folded early in the process of interest to researchers studying viral infection, Ma said. "It may be the only known case of humans, a protein which begins at a fixed point and literally collapses completely," he said.

Proteins are the molecular motors Spring DNA and perform tasks essential to life, and they are the main object of study for Onuchic and colleagues at Rice Centre biological theoretical physics (CTBP). Researchers use their energy landscape theory to determine the path of a folded strand of amino acids takes as he collapses in a final protein functional. This involves calculating energy preferences of each acid in the chain, and the influence of the environment that the folding progresses.

When Ma met Onuchic few years ago, he recognized the opportunity. "I told him that there is a very important element of the viral system that would be ideal for his approach to the energy landscape." Ma said.

Researchers have long observed the initial and final structures of hemagglutinin by X-ray crystallography But because change happens so quickly, it was impossible to capture an image of the glycoprotein in transit. Ma said the key to stopping the flu could be attacking these intermediate structures.

energy theory predicts landscape of how a protein folds no matter how fast it happens. In the case of HA, the unfolding and folding occurs in seconds. In the process, part of the "cracks" protein and fusion peptides releases.

"The fusion peptides are the most important part of the molecule," said Rice postdoctoral researcher and co-author Jeffrey Christmas. "The hemagglutinin is committed to the viral membrane, and when these peptides are released, they drown in the membrane of the target cell, creating a link between the two."

"The purpose of hemagglutinin is to drill a hole between the two membranes," said Ma. "They need to melt so that the genetic material is injected into the human cell."

is recognized by hemagglutinin receptors on host cells polysaccharides and is absorbed when cells engulf. initially, a portion of the protein forms a cap which protects the segments inside.

the acidic conditions cause the cap to fall, and the protein begins to reconfigure themselves. "the release of the fusion peptide, which is initially hidden inside hemagglutinin, is triggered by this conformational change giant," said Ma.

"When the cap is on, the whole protein is stable," said Noel. "What we see in the simulation is that the hydrophobic pocket where the fusion peptides are buried is very unstable and will break when the cap comes off."

Using the experimental structural information from X-ray crystallography to bring the entire energy landscape hemagglutinin, researchers can now capture a rough picture of the stages of its reconfiguration, including the point at which the peptides are released. "We now, for the first time, have the entire route of the process from the state A to state B, and energetics along the way," said Ma.

Ma said frequent mutations with the antibodies prevent viruses cap;. this is the reason people need vaccines against influenza every year, but he suspects the inner part of the protein is highly conserved "We aim the part. the virus can not afford to change. therefore, it offers no hope for the development of therapeutic agents, "he said. These agents could lead to a vaccine against pandemic influenza that would last a lifetime.

He stated that the membrane fusion mechanism is widely shared by many biological systems, which makes the flu a good model for studying other diseases. "HIV is one. Ebola has a. And it is also shared by intercellular transmission in the nervous system, "said Ma.

He noted the work could not be done without CTBP, who moved to Rice University of California San Diego, there are three years to take advantage of collaborations with researchers at the Texas Medical Center. - one of the priorities of rice for the new century "This demonstrates a very interesting collaboration between TMC and rice," said Ma ". We are very happy."

Researchers identify genetic variants linked to radiotherapy side effects in patients with prostate cancer

Researchers identify genetic variants linked to radiotherapy side effects in patients with prostate cancer -

A new study involving researchers from the University of Manchester looked the genetic information of more than 1,500 prostate cancer patients and identified two variants linked to increased risk of radiotherapy side effects.

Nearly 50% of the 1.1 million people worldwide a year diagnosed with prostate cancer undergo radiation therapy. It is an effective treatment, but between 10 and 50 percent of men suffer from side effects that radiation can cause long term problems with urination or rectal bleeding.

It is not known why some people are more sensitive to side effects following doses are kept low to minimize the risk in all patients - reduce the effectiveness of treatment. The new study Radiogenomics Consortium coordinated Manchester was to identify if there were genetic markers that might explain it.

genetic profiling was performed on 1,564 patients from four centers based in Europe and North America. It examined genetic variants described as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are part of the subunits of DNA.

Two years after radiation therapy, 17.8% of the group had suffered from rectal bleeding, 15% increase in urinary frequency and a 8.1% decrease in urine flow.

professor of radiobiology, Catharine West of the University of Manchester Institute of Science Cancer led the research. She said: "The first studies of the SNPs were smaller We had to show we could combine them to increase the number of patients studied and improve our ability to identify genetic variants centers give radiotherapy in different ways and we need to show this variability was .. not a problem. "

found two variants were associated with increased frequency of urination and decreased the flow of urine.

causes associations are not clear, but both identified SNPs are located in genes regions that are expressed in tissues exposed to radiation.

results show radiation cohorts can be combined and larger studies should identify enough variants to develop a test to predict the risk of radiotherapy side-a cancer patient effects

Professor West added :. "There are currently more than 32 million people alive five years after cancer, so that the side effects of their treatment is an important issue for them. If we can develop a test which means that people can reduce the risk these problems will be of huge benefit to this group. "

Study reveals link between common respiratory disease and an increased risk of lung cancer

Study reveals link between common respiratory disease and an increased risk of lung cancer -

The links between a number of common respiratory disease and an increased risk of cancer of developing lung have been found in a large pooled analysis of seven studies involving more than 25,000 people.

"associations between various respiratory diseases and lung cancer has been shown in previous studies, but few of these studies considered simultaneously several respiratory diseases," said researcher Ann Olsson, PhD, of the international Agency for research on cancer in Lyon, France. "In our pooled analysis of seven case-control studies involving more than 12,500 cases and 14,00 controls, we found associations between lung cancer and chronic bronchitis, emphysema and pneumonia, with a greater risk of cancer lung increased in subjects with all three of these conditions. "

results were published in American Journal of the American Thoracic Society of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine .

data on five previous respiratory diseases (chronic bronchitis, emphysema, tuberculosis, pneumonia and asthma) were collected through self-evaluation. the statistical analyzes were adjusted for study center, the age, employment in occupations with an excess risk of lung cancer, the level of education and detailed smoking habits.

pneumonia and chronic bronchitis were the previous respiratory diseases most frequently reported. In the setting of tests for other respiratory diseases and smoking, chronic bronchitis and emphysema were positively associated with lung cancer, with odds ratios of 1.33 among men (95% CI 1 20 to 1.48) for bronchitis and 1.50 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.87) for emphysema. A positive association was also found between pneumonia diagnosed two years or less before cancer and lung (OR = 3.31, CI 2.33 to 4.70 for men), asthma was an inverse association with risk of lung cancer, and no association was found between TB and lung cancer.

patients with concomitant chronic bronchitis, emphysema and pneumonia had a higher risk of lung cancer than those who have chronic bronchitis only. There was no association between chronic bronchitis and lung cancer in patients with co-occurring asthma or tuberculosis.

"Changes in the associations between lung cancer and models from previous respiratory diseases we observed in our study may indicate differences in etiologic mechanisms underlying" said Dr. Olsson. "A better understanding of these associations can help guide the type and frequency of clinical monitoring required for patients with each disease."

Lung Health Test Online: Interview with Professor Stephen Holgate

Lung Health Test Online: Interview with Professor Stephen Holgate -

Prof. Stephen Holgate THOUGHT LEADERS SERIES ... overview of the world's foremost experts

Interview conducted by April Cashin-Garbutt , MA (Cantab)

How many people are thought to be living with lung disease and why many people are unaware their poor lung health

in our last report - the Battle for Breath - the impact of lung disease in the UK, the figures suggest that 1 to 5 (about 12.7 million) have been diagnosed with lung disease in the UK. If you are aged over 70, this figure rises to 1 in 3.

© British lung Foundation

poor lung health can sometimes come gradually and adjust their lives around it. For example, a key of lung disease sign increases dyspnea. Anecdotal evidence suggests that people tend to change their behavior and adapt to their dyspnea rather than getting medical advice. They can stop doing something they normally do and just accept as normal dyspnea.

Breathlessness is different from pain eg where people do not usually ask for help. Shortness of breath is a symptom that normally comes with the effort, so that people start sometimes do less instead of seeking advice.

The point is that people do not know when they have crossed the line between what is normal and what is abnormal. The questionnaire of the British Lung Foundation allows people to determine this by a small number of questions.

© British Lung Foundation

Can you please describe the "breath test" in line British lung Foundation are running to raise awareness of lung health. How to test the job done?

Listen to your lungs is the public health campaign BLF to find the millions of people living with undiagnosed lung disease. The campaign will encourage people not to ignore the feeling of breath doing everyday tasks and take a breath test singles online to see if they may need to see a GP.

People are asked to answer ten questions based around the dyspnea scale of the Medical Research Council. This test will support the campaign by helping people to decide if they need to see a GP. The aim is to reassure people that do not have a problem and guide those significant dyspnea to make an appointment with their GP. To take the breath test visit: www.blf.org.uk/breathtest

Listen to your lungs supports the launch of national Be Clear on Cancer campaign July 14 Health England public, raising awareness of persistent cough and dyspnea inappropriate as possible symptoms of lung disease, including lung cancer and heart disease.

© British Lung Foundation

where people access the test and what the ratings will give it

breath test is online here: www.blf.org.uk/breathtest

test provides an overall view overall health and well-being of a person. If someone scores 1 or above, they should visit their GP and gave some advice to help improve their health, such as exercise more, stop smoking and lose weight.

Why is the test recently launched in the House of Commons?

This launch is the basis of our parliamentary campaign to increase awareness of lung disease in the United Kingdom between our policy and officials. We launched with the support of public health for England minister Jane Ellison MP, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Respiratory Stephen McPartland.

© British Lung Foundation

What impact do you hope the test will?

We hope to have at least 100,000 people taking the test and the advice to improve their lung health. This may increase the number of people diagnosed with lung diseases and provides a prevention and early diagnosis setting point.

Who should get tested?

Anyone who feels out of breath doing everyday tasks. Lung disease does not discriminate and could develop in any age, socioeconomic group and race.

A child may have asthma for example, they can get out of breath and wake up at night or when they exercise. Cancer, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis, pulmonary hypertension are among many other lung diseases that can present as dyspnea

© British Lung Foundation

Getting people to the GP in the first instance is crucial. It is also important to educate health professionals also ensure that when people raise concerns about dyspnea, they also study for pulmonary underlying disease.

Have Health professionals were informed about the test?

Yes, the British Lung Foundation sent packs of breathlessness every GP practice in the UK. We will also work with health professional organizations later this year to help raise awareness.

© British Lung Foundation

What are the signs of lung disease people should be concerned?

There are many signs of lung disease, the main ones are shortness of breath and cough that lasts more than three weeks and no improvement after medication or significant breathlessness doing everyday tasks.

How can we know what is normal versus abnormal?

It is abnormal when people experience shortness of breath to do normal daily activities. Each person has their own normal daily routine.

Instead of reducing their activity due to dyspnea, they should consult their doctor.

How can we differentiate between lung function decline of normal aging and lung disease?

decline in lung function due to aging happens very gradually to all of us for many years. In this campaign, we are talking about changes that may occur gradually, but more severely or more quickly in the weeks or months for example.

© British Lung Foundation

if someone visit their doctor if they experience shortness of breath when running, a daily activity normal?

It depends on how active they are. We advise them to take the test of the first term, he will tell them if they need to be worried or make an appointment with their GP.

where readers find more information on lung test and eHealth lung?

Visit: www.blf.org.uk details of the campaign and our statistics on lung health are available to display

Could you please explain how you work with the public health England.?

public health in England want to increase the diagnosis of lung disease, so they are starting their own initiative dyspnea, including dyspnea as a potential symptom of lung and heart disease and cancer . It is rare that dyspnea is one symptom of lung cancer; Other symptoms include coughing and weight loss.

© British Lung Foundation

where readers find more information?

Visit our website: www.blf.org.uk

The British Lung Foundation also have a hotline: 03000 030 555

We will also provide details on our social media pages through Facebook and Twitter.

about Professor Stephen Holgate

Professor Stephen Holgate's Medical Research Council (MRC) Clinical Professor of immunopharmacology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK.

Stephen spent two years at Harvard Medical School to become proficient in the mechanisms of allergic diseases. Back in Southampton, Stephen has set up a research group focused on asthma mechanisms.

He is a former president of the British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and British Thoracic Society.

Free screening of Loyola prostate cancer September 17

Free screening of Loyola prostate cancer September 17 -

As part of the awareness of prostate cancer month, Loyola University Medical Center will offer free prostate cancer screening Wednesday, September 17

the screenings will take place from 3 to 7 pm in Cardinal Bernardin cancer Center of Loyola, 20 S. First Ave., Maywood.

The screenings will be confidential and will include blood tests and examinations by board certified urologists. Participants will be informed of the results of their blood tests by mail. If a test is abnormal, Loyola medical staff will contact the individual to organize additional care.

"When caught early, prostate cancer is very treatable," said Robert C. Flanigan, MD, chair of urology department at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine of. "early detection can dramatically increase the chances of surviving prostate cancer."

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. This year nearly 30,000 men are expected to die of the disease. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. In the United States, 1 to 36 men will die of prostate cancer. Among cancers, the lung cancer is deadlier for men.

The prostate is the gland below the bladder that produces fluid for semen. Symptoms of prostate cancer include:

• Difficulty starting to urinate

• Weak or interrupted flow of urine

• Difficulty emptying the bladder

• frequent urination, especially at night

• pain or burning during urination

• blood in the urine or semen

• pain back, hips or pelvis that does not go away

• painful ejaculation

the American Urological Association recommends routine prostate cancer screening for men aged 55 to 69 years. A projection may be recommended every two years after the initial test unless needed sooner. The decision to undergo a screening is to weigh the benefits and risks. The projections are not recommended in men under 40, among those aged 40 to 54 at average risk of the disease and usually not in men 70 or older or those who have a life expectancy under 10 to 15 years. Men under 55 who are African American or have a family history of prostate cancer should consult a doctor to determine if they should be examined.

Introduction of lung CT screening of high-risk individuals could reduce cancer deaths

Introduction of lung CT screening of high-risk individuals could reduce cancer deaths -

The introduction of lung cancer screening in the UK could significantly reduce deaths in high-risk groups, participants without causing excessive stress sometimes associated with medical tests.

Released today in Thorax, a trial conducted by Cardiff University looked at the long-term psychosocial outcomes of CT screening for lung cancer and found that it does not cause unnecessary anxiety, although the fear and stigma can sometimes be barriers to participation in screening.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the UK, killing nearly 40,000 people a year. In addition, nearly three-quarters of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage when fewer treatment options are available. . With early detection of lung cancer about seven out of ten patients survive for a year or more

Dr Kate brain Cardiff University said:

"with the survival rate 5 years in the UK for lung cancer is less than many other countries with similar health care systems, it is important that we do more to introduce early detection strategies that help ensure treatment is delivered before patients present with advanced disease.

"Sometimes, fear of medical procedures and the results they might bring can prevent people from seeking rescue tests. However, that our experiment shows is that CT screening for lung cancer is in fact no negative psychosocial long-term impact on patients, making it an excellent tool to catch lung cancer early, when it is a better chance of survival. "

. The UK Lung cancer screening trial (UKLS) recruited over 4,000 men and women aged 50-75, high risk of lung cancer This group was randomized into two groups, one of which received a CT screen and who does not. Participants in both groups were assessed two weeks in the study and again two years later. To assess emotional responses to people screening CT lung distress standard measures of lung cancer, anxiety, depression and satisfaction were used. research has shown that lung cancer screening did not cause undue concern when people were followed during the period of two years. participants who need to have a repeat scan reported slightly higher cancer distress, but it was temporary. the results revealed that about two points higher group participants who did not receive scans were dissatisfied with their decision to take part in the trial. It also found, regardless of group allocation, distress cancer was higher among women, participants under 65, current smokers and those with lung cancer experience.

The trial was conducted at Liverpool and Papworth, while the in-depth analysis of the psychosocial data was carried out in Cardiff. The evidence will contribute to clinical and policy decisions related to successful and fair implementation of potential future low lung CT screening dose for people at high risk.

Study uncovers mechanism by which the influence bioscaffolds

Study uncovers mechanism by which the influence bioscaffolds - cell behavior

A study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine identifies a mechanism by which bioscaffolds used in regenerative medicine cell behavior influence, a question that has remained unanswered since the technology was developed several decades ago. The results were recently published online in Science Advances .

Bioscaffolds composed of the extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from pig tissue to promote tissue repair and reconstruction. At present, these bioscaffolds are used to treat a variety of diseases such hernias and esophageal cancer, and to regrow muscle tissue lost in the wounds of the battlefield and other serious injuries.

"Bioscaffolds fill an unmet medical need, and have already changed millions of lives," said lead study investigator Stephen Badylak, DVM, MD, Ph.D., professor of surgery at Pitt and deputy director of the McGowan Institute, a joint effort of Pitt and UPMC.

researchers know that the ECM is able to load the human body to replace the injured tissue or missing, but exactly how the ECM material influences the cells to cause regrowth of functional fabrics remained an unanswered fundamental response in the field of regenerative medicine.

in the new study, Dr. Badylak and his team have shown that cellular communication occurs using nanovesicles, extremely tiny fluid-filled sacs which bud off from the outer surface of a cell and allow cells to communicate by transferring proteins, DNA and other "cargo" of one cell to another.

exosomes are present in biological fluids such as blood, saliva and urine, as they affect a variety of cellular behaviors, but researchers have yet to identify them in solid tissues.

"We always thought exosomes are floating freely, but recently wondered if they are also present in the solid and could facilitate cellular communication ECM is essential for the regeneration process," said the Dr Badylak.

to explore this possibility, the researchers used specialized proteins to break ECM, similar to the process that occurs when a bioscaffold is incorporated into the recipient tissue

the research team then outlined two different cell types. - immune cells and neural stem cells - isolated linked matrix vesicles, finding that they caused the two cell types to mimic their behavior normal regrowth

"Indeed, we found that the vesicles are integrated within the ECM .. in fact, these bioscaffolds are responsible for these vesicles," said Dr. Badylak. "This study has shown that the matrix vesicles linked are clearly active, can influence cell behavior and may be the primary mechanism by which bioscaffolds cause regrowth of tissues in the body. "

The researchers also found that the isolated vesicles from different original tissues have distinct molecular signatures, and they are now focusing on the operation of this new information for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.

Ames successfully adapted for use with cigarette smoke and other complex aerosols

Ames successfully adapted for use with cigarette smoke and other complex aerosols -

The Ames test, a widely used method for determining whether a chemical has the potential to cause cancer, was successfully adapted for use with cigarette smoke and other aerosols complex.

the traditional Ames test is not suitable for use with aerosols and gas, which means that in the past, cigarette smoke toxicity was tested using only the extracted particles of the smoke and not all smoke giving an incomplete picture of the toxic profile. The particulate fraction is only a small part of the whole smoke aerosol, which also comprises a vapor phase and a 6,000 chemicals, including volatile or insoluble components and short duration of combustion products.

The Ames test works by observing the amount of a chemical causes bacteria used in the test to mutate. The standard test comprises up to five strains of bacteria that are mutated in different ways and are genetically modified to require an additional amino acid for growth. Bacteria are embedded in agar at the same time that the test chemical and a small amount of amino acid to enable them to grow and mutate. Mutagenicity test compound is proportional to the number of so-called revertant colonies present at the end of the trial period, ie the number of colonies that have mutated (back) to the state of origin and do not require the amino acid survive.

Now, researchers at British American Tobacco and Covance Laboratories have shown that a modified Ames test can be successfully used to evaluate the toxicological impact of regular cigarette smoke.

researchers have modified the test by changing the bacterial strains used and the method by which they are exposed to the test substance.

Two strains of Salmonella typhimurium and one of Escherichia coli were used -. accepted in accordance with current regulatory guidelines -in more than two S. typhimurium derivatives selected for increased sensitivity to nitroarenes and aromatic amines, known mutagens in cigarette smoke

researchers also modified test by spreading the bacteria over the agar to ensure that they were exposed directly to all the smoke aerosols - greater exposure that submerging. An aerosol system commercially available (10 Vitrocell robot VC) was used to dilute the mainstream cigarette smoke in an adjustable constant flow of air which has been introduced into the bacteria. To quantify the exposure to smoke, quartz microbalances, a tool of newly emerging dosimetry, were loaded into separate wells to measure landing solid particles on the surface.

After exposure to concentrations of four ordinary cigarette smoke, researchers found increases related to the concentration of the number of revertant colonies for Salmonella strains, indicating that smoke causes (some) mutations a dose-dependent manner (doi: 10.1016 / j.mrgentox.2014.04.017).

We have shown activity in a number of strains, some with greater sensitivity than others. We believe this will provide an exhibition platform, as well as more detail the conditions for the test to allow others to use the method in their own lab, "says Debbie Dillon BAT, lead author. "The method is now illustrated with the aid of smoke together, but can be modified to test other aerosols and gases.

The next step is to investigate additional Ames strains and integrate the most effective in a test battery acceptable controller to cigarette smoking.

Ames Test, is widely used for screening the initial genotoxicity of pharmaceuticals and chemicals. The test is governed by (/ ICH OECD) international guidelines, and is a basic element of a preclinical data packet expected by the regulatory bodies for many consumer goods.

targeted therapy for melanoma could help speed the healing of chronic wounds, acute

targeted therapy for melanoma could help speed the healing of chronic wounds, acute -

One type of targeted therapy that has shown promising results in advanced melanoma treatment could also be used to help speed up how itself repairs the skin against injuries, UCLA researchers have found, providing a potential new way to speed healing of acute and chronic wounds.

in the United States alone, chronic wounds affect more than 6.5 million people and about $ 50 billion is spent each year treating these conditions. Many areas of medicine - from improved recovery time after surgery to reduce the side effects related to skin cancer treatment and other diseases - can benefit accelerate skin healing process

Aiming to answer this urgent unmet. need, UCLA researchers have investigated a new class called BRAF inhibitors for cancer therapy. These drugs work by blocking a mutated gene in melanoma, which quickly shrinks the tumor. However, this can trigger a cellular waterfall in other skin cells in a process called paradoxical MAPK activation, which can lead to a variety of side effects to the skin, said Dr. Antoni Ribas, director of 'tumor immunology UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center Program and lead author of the study.

"We wanted to leverage our understanding of the mechanisms of these drugs and see if we could turn a side effect in a potentially beneficial effect," Ribas said. "These agents have great potential to be used to develop topical treatments to greatly accelerate the healing of wounds."

The three-year study will be published online August 1, 2016 the journal Nature Communications.

Directed by Helena Escuin-Ordinas, first author of the study and researcher in the laboratory Ribas, the first hypothesis research team that by inducing activation of MAPK paradoxical in the cells of the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis, which plays a major role in the first stage of wound healing), they could restore the skin's barrier function. The team conducted experiments to demonstrate that the local application of the BRAF inhibitor drug vemurafenib (Zelboraf brand name) to the skin may accelerate the healing of skin wounds.

The scientists then conducted a series of other tests to confirm that vemurafenib has turned the skin cells, leading to faster wound healing, Escuin-Ordinas said.

"Finding a cure for acute and chronic wounds remains a global challenge," Escuin-Ordinas said. "Topical BRAF inhibitors are promising to promote the restoration of the skin, not only after injury such as abrasions, ulcers or surgery, but the side effects related to skin resulting from treatment for a wide variety of diseases such as cancer and diabetes, where current therapies are not very effective. "

researchers plan to develop preclinical models to further study these mechanisms in order to start clinical trials of potential treatments BRAF news in the near future, Ribas said.

Millions of women suffer in silence with hot flashes

Millions of women suffer in silence with hot flashes -

The sharp decline in the use of hormone therapy has led to a widespread but preventable side effect: millions of women who suffer in silence hot flashes, according to a study by Yale school of medicine researcher and his colleagues.

in the study published in August 27 online edition of the journal Menopause , the team found that moderate to severe hot flashes - also called vasomotor symptoms (VMS) - do are not covered in most women. Women with VMS experience more heat sensation; other symptoms appearing frequently include fatigue, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and short-term memory problems.

"Do not treat these symptoms common causes many women to abandon the labor market at a time when their careers are on the rise," said Philip Sarrel, MD, Professor Emeritus in the Departments of Obstetrics , gynecology and reproductive sciences and of psychiatry. "It also places health care requirements and increased insurance costs."

Sarrel and colleagues used data on health insurance compare claims more than 500,000 women, half with and half without hot flashes. the team calculated the costs of health care and lost work over a period of 12 months. the participants were all provided by Fortune 500.

the team found that women who experienced hot flashes were more than 1.5 million healthcare visits than women without hot flashes. the costs for care additional health was $ 339,559,458. The cost of lost work was another $ 27,668,410 during the period of 12-month study.

Hot flashes are the result of the loss of ovarian hormones in the years just before and after natural menopause. For women who have a hysterectomy, symptoms can occur almost immediately after surgery and are usually more severe and long lasting. Over 70% of all postmenopausal women and over 0% of those who underwent hysterectomy experience VMS affecting daily function.

In the past, hot flashes were easily treated with either hormone therapy or other approaches. However, after the publication of results in the Initiative study on the health of women in 02, there was a sharp decline in the use of hormone therapy because of unfounded fears of cancer risks, according Sarrel.

"Women do not talk to their health care providers, and suppliers are not implemented," said Sarrel. "The symptoms can be easily treated in a variety of ways, such as with patches low dose, non-hormonal hormonal drugs, and simple environmental adjustments such as cooling the workplace."

New analysis tool online process re-engineering cells for biomedical research reinforces

New analysis tool online process re-engineering cells for biomedical research reinforces -

A Mayo Clinic researcher and his collaborators have developed an analysis tool online that will accelerate and improve the process of re-engineering cells for biomedical research. CellNet is a platform Internet self-service that uses network biology methods to help stem cell engineering. Details Cellnet and its application to stem cell engineering are described in two back-to-back papers in the journal Cell .

"This free platform has a wide range of uses for all types of surveys based on cells and can potentially provide assistance to those working on all types of cancer," said Hu Li , Ph.D., a researcher at the Mayo Clinic Center for individualized medicine and Department of experimental molecular pharmacology and therapeutics, and co principal investigator in both works. "CellNet show how an engineering cell resembles the actual consideration and even suggests ways to solve engineering. "

the network biology platform contains data on a wide range of cells and details on what is known about cell types. researchers say that the platform can be applied to almost any study and allows users to refine the engineering process. in the long term, it should provide a reliable shortcut to the early drug development phases, individualized cancer therapies and pharmacogenetics.

Cellnet uses 21 types of tissues and cells and data from 56 published studies in human genius and mouse as a basis for the analysis and prediction of cell fate and corresponding engineering strategies. Also the platform offers classification scores to determine differentiation and conversion of induced pluripotent stem cells. It reveals incomplete conversion microphagous and engineering hepatocytes. CellNet can be used to query the cell fate after expression profiling, classifying each type of cell entry, gene quantification state regulatory system, and identification of outliers regulators affecting the engineering process . All this is useful for predicting the success of transplantation of cancerous tumors in the mouse avatars for cancer research and drug development.

research finding opens the door to potential clinical approaches that can stimulate the body's ability to fight against cancer

research finding opens the door to potential clinical approaches that can stimulate the body's ability to fight against cancer -

The microenvironment that supports a cancerous tumor starves also immune cells that the body sends to destroy cancer, University of Pittsburgh cancer Institute (UPCI) scientists has revealed in a discovery that has the potential to significantly increase the performance of the revolutionary immunotherapy drugs.

UPCI team has shown that when the immune T cells enter the microenvironment of the tumor, their mitochondria - which act as mini-mills inside the cells, which makes the energy and critical reagents a cell needs to survive - begin to shrink and disappear, which indicates that the T cell is fuel and can not do its job destroying tumor. The finding, reported online today and planned for the next week's issue of Immunity , opens the door to several clinical approaches that could help maintain the functioning T cells and enhance the capacity of the body fight against cancer.

"Immunotherapy to stimulate the body's immune system is increasingly the way we treat people with aggressive cancers. It is effective in a subset of patients, but the truth is that only about 20 to 40 percent of patients respond to treatment, and it still does not know why, "said lead author Greg M. Delgoffe, Ph.D., assistant professor of immunology and a member of the tumor microenvironment in Centre PUIC in partnership with UPMC CancerCenter. "It is a huge issue in the field of cancer immunotherapy, and we think we have found a large part of the answer."

As tumors grow, they build a microenvironment, which develops its own blood supply and maintained. tumor prosperous, protected and greedily consuming all available nutrients

When T cells enter the microenvironment, it is as if they are "automobiles that had suddenly applied the emergency brake; they can not continue rolling, "explained Dr. Delgoffe. immunotherapies, such as those that target negative regulators on the surface of T cells, take these brakes off." However, what we find in many cases is that even if the brakes have been removed, there is no fuel in the tank, "said Dr. Delgoffe. Or - in scientific terms -. The absence of mitochondria in T cells infiltrating tumors that prevents run

"This is an exciting discovery because we have various strategies to" fill the fuel tank "and support T cell function in the microenvironment of the tumor, "said Dr. Delgoffe.

in laboratory experiments and tests with mice, Dr. Delgoffe and his team found that when they stimulated mitochondria in T cells, they were better able to clear the tumor.

Dr. Delgoffe is in partnership with other scientists to test different strategies stimulate mitochondria, including the use of drugs that have already been proven safe in humans, such as diabetes type 2, to boost metabolism of cells T. He also works with existing immunotherapy studies to further modify T cells so that their better metabolic functions in the tumor microenvironment.

A study shows striking differences in the volume of white matter between obese and lean people

A study shows striking differences in the volume of white matter between obese and lean people -

In middle age, the brains of obese people have differences in white matter similar to that of lean individuals ten years their senior, according to a new study by the University of Cambridge. White matter is the tissue that connects the brain areas and allows information to communicate between the regions

Our brains shrink naturally with age, but scientists increasingly recognize that obesity -. already linked to conditions such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease - may also influence the onset and progression of brain aging; however, direct studies to support this link is lacking

In a cross-sectional study -. In other words, a study examining data from individuals at some point in time - the researchers examined the impact of obesity on brain structure throughout adult life whether the obesity has been associated with brain changes characteristic of aging. The team studied data from 473 people between the ages of 20 and 87, recruited by the Cambridge Center for Aging and neuroscience. The results are published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging

The researchers divided the data into two categories based on the weight :. Lean and overweight. They found striking differences in the volume of white matter in the brains of overweight people compared to those of their leaner counterparts. Overweight people had a general reduction of white matter compared to support people.

The team then calculated how the white matter volume associated with age in both groups. They found that overweight person to, say, 50 years was a white matter volume comparable to a skinny person aged 60 years, which implies a difference in the brain the age of 10 years.

Strikingly, however, the researchers observed the following means and age differences, which suggests that our brains may be especially vulnerable during this period of aging.

"As our brains age, they naturally shrink in size, but we do not know why people who are overweight have a greater reduction in the amount of white matter," says first author Dr. Lisa Ronan of the psychiatry department at the University of Cambridge, "We can only speculate whether obesity might cause these changes in a manner or whether obesity is a consequence of changes in the brain"

Senior author Professor Paul Fletcher, Department of psychiatry, adds. "We live in an aging population, with increasing levels of obesity, so it is essential that we establish how these factors might interact, because the health consequences are potentially serious.

"the fact that we only saw the average age differences from raises the possibility that we may be particularly vulnerable at this age. It will also be important to know whether these changes may be reversible with weight loss, which may well be the case. "

Despite the obvious differences in the volume of white matter between lean and obese individuals, researchers found no link between being overweight or obese and cognitive abilities of an individual, as measured in . using a similar standard to test an IQ test

Co-author Professor Sadaf Farooqi, of the Institute Council of medical research Wellcome Trust-of Metabolic science in Cambridge, said: "We yet know the implications of these changes in brain structure. obviously, this must be a starting point for us to further explore the effects of weight, diet and exercise on the brain and memory ".