In the midst of the largest outbreak of food poisoning caused by bacteria enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) which Germany has never seen a group of doctors may have found a way to treat the most severe cases. The finding appears today in The New England Journal of Medicine ( NEJM ).

At least four people died in the outbreak, which was caused by the consumption of contaminated vegetables. To date, 276 patients developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The potentially fatal syndrome characterized by destruction of red blood cells and severe kidney problems caused by the toxin of the bacteria, is the most serious complication of EHEC infection.

The article Franz Schaefer, pediatric nephrologist at the Centre and Adolescent Medicine in Heidelberg, Germany, and other doctors describe how they successfully treated three children suffering from EHEC infection SHU with a new approach. They used monoclonal antibody eculizumab, which has been on the market since 07 to treat a disease rare blood. Eculizumab inhibits part of the human immune system called the complement system, which usually destroys invading cells that were marked for destruction by other parts of the immune system.

The complement system has been involved for some time in some patients who develop HUS no EHEC infection, known as atypical HUS patients, eculizumab has been successfully used to treat them. Recent research suggests that the complement system may also be involved in cases of HUS caused by EHEC.

last fall, Schaefer saw a girl suffering from HUS due to EHEC infection. He tried the first most common treatment, the substitution of blood plasma of patients with donor plasma to rid the body of toxins. (HUS patients are usually treated with antibiotics because antibiotics can worsen symptoms by releasing Shiga toxin of bacteria in large amounts.)

When the health of the girl has not improved Schaefer tried the antibody. "We had no other option. It has serious neurological symptoms, paralysis of one side of the body, cramps, then slipped into a coma," recalls Schaefer. "But when we finally gave her the antibody has improved tremendously within 24 hours," Schaefer said. "It was not a controlled experiment, of course," he said. "But the improvements were highly suggestive of be due to the treatment. "

Schaefer was apparently not the only one with this idea. When he wrote a case report NEJM , the publishers notified that two other groups had sent similar reports at the same time. "so we wrote something together and it was accepted for publication 14 days ago," said Schaefer. A few days later, the HUS cases began to appear en masse in northern Germany.

"I could not believe it," said Schaefer. "Cases of HUS with severe neurological symptoms are very rare, but now they are everywhere." He also informed his colleagues elsewhere. "Many of them asked about the new treatment, and some patients have been treated with it. "

at the university clinic in Essen, Andreas Kribben two HUS patients treated with the antibody. "We have seven HUS patients altogether, but we use only eculizumab on two patients who do not respond to plasmapheresis," he said. Kribben wrote the original document on the use of eculizumab to treat aHUS, so he had experience with drugs. "We started treating the first patient Wednesday before the Schaefer paper output. Unfortunately, we have not seen the kind of response that Schaefer described and we know atypical HUS patients, "he said.

Jens Nürnberger, a nephrologist in Schwerin Clinic is a little skeptical about treatment. "There is no real evidence for this treatment," he said. "It might work or it might not." The cases described in Schaefer document could also be spontaneous remissions, he warns. "The other problem is that this drug is extremely expensive, costing at least € 15,000 per patient, and Medicare is not going to pay for it."

However, in cases where no other option is, doctors have reason to try the new drug anyway, Nürnberger said. "But we should really be defining groups of patients who receive the drug and groups who are not and make a kind of controlled study, "he said. "Instead, many people will be treated in this way, some will get better, some will not. Ultimately, we will not have learned anything." But he, like everyone else, always hoping that it will prove to be the right treatment at the right time

You have a hobby for your health

With the fast lifestyle and stressful pace of today ' hui, more and more health experts believe that recreation serve to significantly reduce mental tension and stress. It is often difficult to take leave of our daily responsibilities; However, having a hobby is good for you. Medical science has documented the harmful effects of stress on our physical and mental and emotional health. Not only a hobby provides stress relief, but it can also stimulate creativity, self esteem, passion, pleasure and a sense of accomplishment. Hobbies keep your mind and body active and are big distractions stressors daily

Your hobbies should be unique for you. find things that you are good or if you have always wanted to learn. Hobbies can range from crafts, games, art, music, writing, collecting, dance, cooking, knitting, photography, gardening, fitness and sports. For inspiration, see www.discoverahobby.com for a list of over 225 points of interest.

• physical recreation such as exercise, sport and dance are a great way to workout the body and promote good health. Physical activity helps to stretch and tone muscles, blood pressure levels and cholesterol, burn fat, blood sugar balance, and reduce stress. Physical activities benefit not only the body but also help make your mind more alert. Most hobby also need strategy to reach your goal that keeps your brain working. It has been shown
• Outdoor activities where you can connect with nature to have health benefits. These types of activities include gardening, hiking, photography, camping or a walk in the park. The fresh air can help produce a healthy mind, clean the lungs, and a calming feeling.
• Art, music and writing allows us to develop our creative side that is valuable for overall health. Art allows us to stress and express, singing demands deep breathing, and writing allows us to express our feelings; which offer a sense of accomplishment.

Taking the time to get lost in a hobby offers a break from life day by day and allows you to learn new skills, discover hidden talents, and meet like-minded people. So why not take playing an instrument or sport? Join a social group, go ballroom dancing, bowling or cycling. Include the family in a good old card or board game, a puzzle or a walk. Get out in nature, breathe fresh air, get some sun and dig in the dirt.

Whatever hobby you choose should make you feel refreshed after the run. It is the result of the effort and the sense of accomplishment that provides great satisfaction and exit if necessary to end the stress and tension.

when they are older, lower patients develop syndrome a distinct form of dementia that mimics Alzheimer's disease. And of course, autopsies of patients with Down syndrome found proteins in their brains that build between nerve cells, called amyloid plaques and fibers twisted inside neurons, called tau tangles. Both are known physical manifestations of Alzheimer's disease that prevent neurons in the brain to function properly. When the researchers compared the levels of plaques and tangles in the brain healthy (center) with the young brains and middle-aged patients with Down syndrome dementia free (left) and with brain of Alzheimer's patients (right), they found such high levels of plaques and tangles in Alzheimer patients syndrome and down. But unlike Alzheimer's disease, the highest levels of amyloid and tau in the brain of Down syndrome were in the parietal and frontal regions of the brain, the team reports in the July issue of Archive of Neurology . These areas are associated not only with memory but with the behavior and reasoning. This could explain the change in the personality of a patient who arrived earlier in the Down dementia linked to Alzheimer's disease, the team said, offering researchers a new way to track dementia patients.

See Science Shots .

Exercise can help reduce your risk of falls

The exercise could be last thing on your mind after the first snowfall of the season. But do not let the cold temperatures cool your motivation to stay active. Since the bones and joints are more at risk of injury during the winter, it is important to keep them strong and healthy. Try these strength and balance simple exercises to improve your reflexes and reduce your risk of falls.

Exercises to improve strength

• Leg bends. Bend one knee so that your foot up behind you and at your knee. Slowly lower your foot to the floor. Repeat, using the other leg.
• knee bends. Hold on the back of your chair. Stand with your knees relaxed and your back straight. Your knees should face the same direction as your toes. Slowly bend your knees and lift your body by straightening your knees.
• Sit-to-stand. Sit in your chair, with the chair against a wall. Get up without using your hands. If this is too difficult, start with a pillow on the chair until you get stronger.

Exercises to improve balance

• balance Toe-heel. Hold on the sink, counter, or the back of your chair with both hands. Stand on your toes and hold this position for 10 seconds. Then the rock back to your heels, holding this position for 10 seconds. Repeat about 5 times.
• hip circles. Hold on the sink, counter, or the back of your chair with both hands. Without moving your shoulders or feet, make a large circle with your hips to the left (left). After making 5 circles on the left, do five circles to the right (clockwise).
• heel-toe walking. Stand with your left side toward the kitchen counter. You can use the counter for balance if you need. Place the heel of your left foot in front of the toes of your right foot so the heel and toes touching. Focus on a spot in front of you, and take a step to your right heel touches the toes of your left foot. Work up to 20 steps. You can turn around and go the other way, with the meter on the right.

For more strength and balance exercises, visit our health library here.

If you or a loved one suffers from a stiff painful knee or hip that interferes with your daily activities, learn Joint Replacement Center at Washington Adventist Hospital and the Adventist Hospital in Shady Grove can help.

SHANGHAI Regardless of where you stand on "Obamacare", the ironic term given the attempt of President Barack Obama to mandate health care for Americans, you'll be blown away by the scale of "Chinacare." In just 2 years, China's reform effort of health care has 1.27 billion Chinese to 95% ", the largest medical insurance system in the world" Health Minister Chen Zhu announced by 24 June the population on basic health insurance in the country, creating at the opening session of the Sino-US Symposium 2011 on translational and clinical medicine. And for scientists within China and abroad, the ambitious reform effort is about to get a whole lot more interesting. Chen invited researchers to participate in the 12 planned $ 130 billion overhaul health care. "Science and technology must play a major role in the reform of health care," he said.

Before the Chinese government launched the reform effort in 09, a common complaint, Chen noted, was that it was "too difficult and expensive to see a doctor in the said public hospitals. "one problem was that doctors had a direct interest in more than prescription drugs: for most drugs, Chen said, doctors would receive a 15% commission on the cost of the order." We stopped this practice, "said the minister. Doctors no longer receive a commission on 307 prescription drugs widely used. And over the past two years, Chen said, thousands of county hospitals and village clinics have been renovated. Rapid advances wowed the audience, including John Gallin, director of the US National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. "It is a very impressive achievement," said Science Insider.

The priorities in 2011, the government intends to make progress against two diseases that have hit China hard. hepatitis B and skeletal fluorosis, which is caused by the inhalation of fluorine released by coal stoves house in 2011, China plans to have completed the immunization of 66 million children under 15 years against hepatitis B, and completed the replacement of stoves to 1.63 million households, mainly in the southwest of China.

opportunities abound for biomedical research initiatives, the Minister Health noted. "the spectrum of disease is so diverse. We have everything in China, "said Chen, who welcomes cooperation with foreign researchers. He also cited the need to" strengthen the biobank of China. "" I want to reform health care is better here that he has done for us, "Harry Selker, dean of the Institute clinical and translational science at Tufts University in Boston, joked after the speech of Chen. by all measures, Chinacare is a flying start.

Best __gVirt_NP_NN_NNPS <__ exercise for heart health

Your biceps and abs are not the only muscles which benefit from the exercise; Physical activity is essential to strengthen and protect your heart muscle. Exercise helps prevent and cardiac disorders such as hypertension and coronary heart disease-may reverse some.

Regular exercise increases the amount and rate of blood that pumps through our heart to our body that improves circulation and helps our bodies function more efficiently. Exercise has also been shown to improve mood and reduce stress, which can also have a positive effect on our heart and overall health.

cardiovascular or aerobic exercise is one of the best types of exercise that we can do to strengthen our heart and our lung capacity. There are many forms of exercise that increases your heart rate; Examples include walking / running, cycling, weight training and sport. Strength training and stretching are also important elements of a healthy exercise routine for the heart.

The key to reaping the benefits for heart health of the exercise is to make it a habit! Find an activity you enjoy and make it a priority in your life

The recommended amount of weekly exercise for better heart health is as follows :.

• 150 minutes moderate intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, cycling at a moderate speed, water aerobics, and house hold activities like mopping or vacuuming. Otherwise, you can do 75 minutes of aerobic activity vigorous intensity such as jogging / running, swimming laps, tennis singles or play basketball.
• On at least two days of the week incorporate strength training activities that target all the major muscle groups such as your chest, back, arms, legs, abdominals and shoulders. There are many forms of strength training, such as using weights, resistance bands, kettle bells and medicine balls to name a few. Building the skeletal muscle endurance and strength helps us in performing aerobic activity. It also contributes to the circulation of healthy blood through the body, allowing the transport of nutrients from the blood to be dispersed throughout the body.

If you are starting an exercise routine, remember to break the activity into manageable amounts so it does not seem so overwhelming. For example, take a walk or jog for 15 minutes, 2 times a day 5 days a week that will help you achieve 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week.

Sources: World Health Organization, the CDC, the American Council on Exercise, the American Medical Association, NIH National Library of Medicine, American Psychological Association , HealthDay, Reuters Health information, American Heart Association, the Mayo Clinic, the American Academy of family physicians, American Diabetes Association, USA Today, MedicineNet, President's Council on physical fitness and sports, and Washington and GroveAdventistHospitals Shady . For more information, consult your doctor.

In a surprise decision, a federal judge ruled today in favor of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in a legal battle on the legality of human research embryonic stem cells (hESC). Chief Justice Royce Lamberth of the US District Court in Washington, DC, last August briefly stop the research funded by the federal government because he agreed that it was probably illegal, a decision which was subsequently reversed this morning rejected the original complaint. This lawsuit was filed by two scientists opposed to hESC research.

"Having carefully considered the motions, objections, answers, additional briefing, the entire record in this case and the applicable law, the Court grants the Motion for summary judgment and denied the plaintiffs defendants in the motion for summary judgment, "said the 38-page opinion.

Science Insider will have more on the decision and order soon.

What should my cholesterol Be?

From the top of your head, you can recite your total cholesterol, HDL and LDL numbers? In the heart of America Month this February, consider how you know your stats and health risks and how you use that information to make healthy decisions. Take steps to improve your numbers can be critical in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that our bodies need and occur naturally. We also get cholesterol from foods (animal products only) we can eat. Too much cholesterol is dangerous people, many inherit genes from their mother, father or even grandparents that cause their bodies to do more than necessary. Eating saturated fat, trans fat and dietary cholesterol also increases how much you have of this substance. . Excess cholesterol in the blood is deposited in arteries, where it contributes to the narrowing and blockages that can cause heart disease

A simple blood test called a lipoprotein profile fasting show the four results

1. total cholesterol - consisting of low density (LDL), high density (HDL) and very low density (VLDL) lipoprotein
2. LDL ( "bad" cholesterol ) - too much LDL can clog arteries
3. HDL ( "good") cholesterol - helps keep LDL cholesterol from building up in the arteries
4. triglycerides - another form of fat in your blood . High triglycerides are a risk factor related to lifestyle for heart disease; However, underlying diseases or genetic disorders can cause

The following table will help you understand what the different numbers for each result means :.

Note: All levels in units of mg / dL

Some tips for cholesterol management are:

• know your numbers! High cholesterol may not produce any symptoms at all or until significant damage has been done and you can take steps to prevent and reduce damage.
• Discuss your personal risk for heart disease, including your family health history with your doctor and find out how you can improve your heart health.
• Take time to read food labels: choose foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol.
• To improve your heart health and cholesterol, do not use tobacco, maintain a healthy weight and get at least 30-60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
  

Become your own "health advocate" knowing what your numbers are and create a plan of action. Schedule an annual physical with your doctor

Sources :. Washington and Shady Grove Adventist hospitals. For more information, consult your doctor.

What if a cheap sold on the counter medication proved to be a cure against cancer or another deadly disease? Scientists have developed a new way to predict such unexpected benefits of existing drugs, and they confirmed two potential new therapies just to prove the point. "This promises new uses for drugs that have already been tested for their safety and provides a faster and cheaper way for new drugs," said Atul Butte, an expert in bioinformatics at Stanford University School of Medicine in California, who conducted the study

There are many examples of drugs originally developed to treat a disease that has proven to help another. acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is not only a pain killer, but is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack. And when a blood pressure drug called sildenafil was found to have an unexpected side effect, it has become erectile dysfunction blockbuster now known as Viagra . These crosses can save drug developers a lot of time and money. to develop one new drug takes on average more than a decade and cost about $ 800 million. existing drugs have experienced safety profiles and are approved for human use, so they can be quickly evaluated for new indications.

"But most reformatting of drugs is still due to casual observations or guesses," said Butte. In today's issue of Science Translational Medicine , it and colleagues present a more efficient way to find new uses for old drugs. gathering data on how diseases and drugs affect gene activity about 30,000 in a human cell researchers collected information on genes that are activated or silenced in certain diseases and certain medications for many years. "Our hypothesis was, if a disease is characterized by certain changes in gene expression and if a drug causes inverse changes, then that the drug may have a therapeutic effect on the disease, "he said.

To find such opposite pairs, Butte and his colleagues used public databases and compared the data with 100 diseases for 164 drug molecules. They found 53 candidate therapeutic agents for diseases. Many games have already been discovered and turned into therapies, but others were completely unexpected. For example, the analysis predicted that the epilepsy drug topiramate would be called active against inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease. And cimetidine over-the-counter drug, which inhibits the production of acid in the stomach and is used to treat heartburn, corresponded to some type of lung cancer.

To confirm this last link, the researchers studied the compound in a mouse model of lung cancer. They showed that the slowdown of cell growth of human lung cancer, but not cancer cells in these mice kidney. Similarly, giving topiramate at colitis rats reduces swelling and ulceration in animals.

John Overington, a computer chemical biologist at the European Institute of Bioinformatics in Hinxton, U.K., is not convinced that these two particular drugs go very far. "Topiramate hitting many targets and has side effects complexes, while the doses needed for functional effects cimetidine seemed high," he warns. But he praises the main idea of ​​the paper. "This is a very important concept, it is almost like they are looking for an antidote to a disease." Stefan Schreiber, an expert on the genetics of inflammatory bowel diseases at the University of Kiel in Germany, acknowledges that the idea behind the paper is more important than the two drug candidates. "This is a proof of principle," he said. "The main point is that someone took all the genomic data available and shown what you can do with it."

The possibilities are growing rapidly, said Butte. "When we started the project 5 years ago, we had data for a hundred diseases and 164 compounds, he said." Today it would be about 1,400 illnesses and 300 molecules. "Butte hope that scientists and pharmaceutical companies continue to make public data available. Unknown to many more drugs benefits waiting to be discovered, he said.

Spring Forward!

The Sunday, March 10, we "spring ahead" that we adjust our clocks an hour ahead in honor of the summer time ( DST). With this change, we lose an hour of sleep, causing a disturbance in our 24 hours "biological clock" or circadian rhythm, which controls sleep and wakefulness.

Konrad Bakker, MD, director of the Sleep Disorders Center at the Adventist Hospital in Shady Grove, offers the following tips to beat DST drowsiness :.

• transition towards change gradually going to bed earlier every night before summer time
• Get a full night sleep the night before change clocks.
• Avoid naps and drinks containing caffeine.
• Keep your routine. Go to bed and wake up at the time you usually do.

If you continuously experience daytime sleepiness, you may have a sleep disorder. Sleep disorders center hospital diagnoses Shady Grove Adventist and treats a variety of sleep-related problems, including insomnia, sleep apnea and narcolepsy.

For more information about the Center, visit ShadyGroveAdventistHospital.com/Sleep or call 301-294 -5580 to schedule a personal consultation.

Build your support system

Almost everyone has been through a stressful event in his life, ranging from a personal and family issue or a medical crisis, a tragedy of the community or a natural disaster. During times of emotional difficulties and physical, a support system is invaluable. Relieved, we experience the tender care of people, such as a relative, friend, church member, colleague or neighbor to help us "get through" a difficult time simply because they are concerned about our welfare.

time to build a healthy support network expenses is a wise investment. Being with others helps protect against loneliness, and increases the sense of security and positive self-esteem. Research shows that those who enjoy high levels of social support are healthier, live longer.

Can you think of a person who has the patience to listen, and motivation to encourage you when you need it, in good times and bad? Positive people who can provide practical advice and emotional nourishment are essential to have in your life.

If you currently have limited friendships or difficult family relationships, do not be discouraged. To improve your support system, consider ways that you can meet and communicate with others, such as:

• Volunteer Choose a cause that has meaning for you and you. probably meet other people who share similar values.
• involved a committee at work or in the community. Contribute your knowledge and skills to a greater purpose. A realization team promotes a lasting bond.
• develop a variety of interests. The world has to offer! Join a book club to your library or
  church. Take a picture or category of art. Some local grocers and restaurants offer cooking classes.
• Join a fitness class, walking / running group or recreational team sport. exercise with others and to work towards a common goal are good for your body and mind.
• Get online. social networking provides opportunities to connect with new people or meet with friends from your past. Choose online groups that allow you to share and express ideas.

Relationships are a two-way street and requires a variety of experiences and emotions to prosper and grow. Caring people in your support network and those that look at you

• Stay in touch. Do not let too much time pass between chats with friends. Answer or return phone calls, answering emails and responding to invitations that people know that you care.
• Be a good listener. Advice is not always necessary; sometimes people just need to express themselves and make their voices heard.
• See appreciation. Take time to say "thank you" and to express how a person is to you.
• Try to be positive. There are times when you need to express frustration or anger, but to fight for the most positive interactions. Avoid gossip, complain less, and forgive the faults of others
  

Be aware of people who seem to deplete your energy. spend time with people who do not favor can add stress and take valuable time

Sources :. Mayo Clinic LifeWork Strategies EAP and Adventist Behavioral Health, and Washington Adventist Hospital and Shady Grove. For more information, consult your doctor.

Another laboratory acquired infection may have occurred in a University of Chicago building where there are 2 years a researcher contracted the plague and died later. Last month, a researcher who worked in the same general area of ​​the laboratory was hospitalized with a skin infection caused by a common bacterium to study in his lab.

The researcher became infected Bacillus cereus , which can cause foodborne infections, while working on a project led by microbiologist Olaf Schneewind, according to the university. She was hospitalized on August 27; after receiving surgery and antibiotics, she was released. In his laboratory, where B. cereus was investigated in biosafety level 2 conditions (at the lower end of four levels of biosafety), the university suspended the search for decontaminating the area as a precautionary measure (it was planned to open later this week).

The researcher was probably exposed through an open wound. The university is still investigating if it acquired the infection in the laboratory, said the spokesman for the University of Chicago Medical Center Lorna Wong. B. cereus is not contagious as long as the standard procedures as good hand washing hygiene are followed, but the family members and colleagues were screened for the risk of infection and some were offered precautionary antibiotics.

Two years, a researcher who worked in the same area in the Cummings Life Science Center, geneticist Malcolm Casadaban, a co-principal investigator with Schneewind, died after being infected with a weakened strain of Yersinia pestis bacterium that was not thought to infect healthy adults. According to a report in the Centers for Disease Control Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report Prevention Casadaban may have become ill because he had hemochromatosis, or iron overload in the body. The Y. pestis strain had been weakened by making it less able to acquire iron, and excess iron in the body of Casadaban would have to have become more virulent, the MMWR report.

The report said Casadaban, who was known to use gloves inconsistently, may have been infected by skin exposure, perhaps the same route of exposure that the researcher infected B. cereus . The university said the Public Health Service of Chicago visited the campus and reviewed the lab safety procedures.

Neither case concerned a pathogen of a selection on the CDC list of potential agents in a biological attack. (Although Y. Pestis is on the list, the Casadaban strain studied was excluded.) But Schneewind also heads the Regional Center of the Great Lakes of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research, a consortium funded by the National Institute of allergy and infectious diseases (NIAID) to study some agents and natural threats. The center is part of his work at a large laboratory biosafety level 3 on the campus of the Argonne National Laboratory, one of a dozen such regional biocontainment laboratories, built in part with funding from NIAID after the anthrax attacks of 01.

Schneewind did not respond to e-mail this morning seeking comment.

Update September 13: Today Science Insider discussed the incident with Conrad Gilliam, University of Chicago dean for research and higher education in the division of biological sciences. Gilliam said the group was studying Olaf Schneewind B. cereus in a BSL-2 facility, using BSL-3 practices, such as a biological safety cabinet, as a precaution. The infected researcher did not work on B. cereus but may have touched her gloved hand of a drop of inoculant overthrown by another researcher, then hit a sore on her skin that was not properly covered, Gilliam said. The university is to have B. cereus samples sequenced to verify that the strain she was infected with was acquired in the laboratory.

The university is concerned that the B. cereus accident following the 09 plague infection, Gilliam said. "The fact that there have been two serious incidents [involving] individuals, we take very seriously. It does not matter if it was a random or not random. "As a precaution during the decontamination and the university investigation, Schneewind moves on work B. cereus BSL-2 and some other pathogens that his team had investigated using BSL-3 practices Cummings building outside the campus Ricketts BSL-3 facility.

once the motion and laboratory decontamination Cummings is complete, "We will seriously sit down for recycling, retooling, rethinking" biosecurity procedures, Gilliam said. He added that he answers questions about the incident that Schneewind can concentrate on moving four researchers and their projects off-site laboratory.

are cancer researchers Brian Druker, Nicholas Lydon, and Charles Sawyers become the Jon Hamms the world of science? Hamm, the suave star of the hit TV Mad Men is a perennial favorite to win the first prize Emmy award-TV act. Now, according to forecasts published today Druker, Lydon and Sawyers are among the best paris to win the most prestigious award-the Nobel months following science. But prognosticators note: despite its popularity among bettors this year, Hamm did not get his long awaited Emmy.

The predictions of Nobel Prize come from David Pendlebury, analyst with the scientific editor of Thomson Reuters, which operates the Web-based academic knowledge data. And he is not alone: ​​A number of scientific blogs, including ChemBark and daily-Scientist have also thrown their favorite home medallions, which will be announced from October 3.

"This is the Oscars for nerds," says Paul Bracher, a chemist at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, which maintains the blog ChemBark chemistry on the subject.

Pendlebury began its tradition of picking the Nobel prize in 1989. He wrote an article for the magazine the Scientist detailing 20 probable peaks for future award in the category of physiology or medicine . it expanded to make the annual strokes in 02 in three other categories. chemistry, physics and economics "Since I wrote this article in 1989, there was only 2 years when we did not had at least one Nobel prize, "he said

predictions of Thomson Reuters team revolve around one thing.. citations Traversing Web of Knowledge, Pendlebury and his scientific colleagues Tally in key areas whose papers were returned most often by peers with some slaughter-locate scientists who still live and have made fundamental discoveries, for example-Pendlebury wrote a short catalog of "Citation Laureates". the men and women with a portfolio less the title winner.

Pendlebury would put his money on three cancer, particularly leukemia, researchers of winning the prize in physiology or medicine this year or in the coming years: Druker, the Health & Science University Portland Oregon; Lydon, formerly of Novartis Healthcare Company; and Sawyers of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City.

The trio was integral to the development of the drug imatinib and dasatinib, which closed some proteins that are responsible for the rapid division of cancer cells. Each also won a Lasker Award, often seen as the precursor to a win Nobel in 09.

But Bracher, who recently made similar predictions, suggests that only quotes may not be a good predictor. Nobel committees tend to watch science with simple, great discoveries to their names, he said-not necessarily researchers with the wider body of work. Bracher strews its own list of outstanding chemists with tongue-in-cheek ratings "Las Vegas style". It is betting that Stanford University chemist W. E. Moerner his favorite-6-1 that is missing from the list of Pendlebury will nab-physics or chemistry honor this year. Moerner pioneer an influential technique for studying single molecules such as proteins known as single molecule spectroscopy name.

Come October 5 Bracher said he hopes to live-blog the chemistry advertisements as it did last year. If that sounds a bit like the type of coverage the Oscars or Emmys get, the irony is not lost on him. "There is an element of ridicule that"

Yet forecasts n ' add suspense. "It makes it more exciting because you have written things, people made comments, and the fighting started," said all the days Scientific Sam Lord, a chemist at the University of California, Berkeley.

scientists at the top prediction charts, however, something in common with the smooth riding actors Emmy buzz. They try to stay humble Thomson Reuters provides biomedical engineer Robert Langer of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge could win for his work in regenerative medicine but Langer says simply.. "It is an honor to even be mentioned for something like that, but I would be very, very surprised to be selected"

Anger Management The Seven R

Anger is an emotional state that can vary a mild irritation to intense fury and rage. It is a natural human emotion and how to give us the means to "ward off" our perception of an attack or threat to our well-being of nature. The problem is not anger, the problem is the mismanagement of anger, because anger can be one of the most frightening and complicated emotions that we know.

• Anger can be caused by internal and external events. Emotions such as stress, sadness or fear can cause someone to feel upset and angry feelings produce physical changes in the body, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and the 'adrenaline.
• There is evidence that some children are born irritable, touchy, and easily angered, and that these signs are present from a very early age. Also, anger is often regarded as negative; we are taught that it is all right to express anxiety, depression, or other emotions but not to express anger. Consequently, many do not learn how to handle it or channel it constructively.
• anger responses can become habitual. You can automatically respond to a situation that makes you angry, with little pause to reflect on your reactions.
  

anger is mismanaged the main cause of conflict in relationships. You can not get rid of or avoid the things or the people that enrage you, and you can change them, but you can learn to channel your anger and how to behave when you are angry.

of Anger Management

1. [TheSevenR Recognize that you are angry.
2. Release stress.
3. Relax.
4. Remember to take care of you.
5. Recharge you being around people who are positive and loving.
6. Reshape your perception of the situation that is causing anger.
7. Correct your mistakes and forgive the mistakes of others.
   

Other tips

• of simple relaxation tools such as deep breathing and relaxing imagery can help calm angry feelings. Also, change the scene. Sometimes it is our immediate surroundings that give us cause for irritation and fury.
• Angry people tend to jump and act on the findings, and some of those conclusions can be very inaccurate. Slow down and think about what you mean. Logic defeats anger, because anger, even when justified, can quickly become irrational.
• Also, humor can help you get a more balanced perspective.
• One of the most effective ways to provide immediate relief from the anger in our personal relationships is to forgive others. People who imagine forgiving their offender noted immediate improvement in their cardiovascular, muscular and nervous.
• Managing anger can actually improve health, heal relationships, and improve self-esteem
  

Sources :. American Psychological Association, Mayo Clinic, Forgive Good by Dr. Fred Luskin, the national prevention of youth violence, Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, managing anger Leonard Ingram, fatal Emotions by Dr. Don Colbert, American Association of anger management providers, and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist hospitals. For more information, consult your doctor.

CAMBRIDGE, UK- If you lived in Shakespeare's time and wanted to know if your sick child was going to do, you might to have paid a visit to the offices of shady doctor-cum-astrologer Simon Forman, who with his student Richard Napier, advised more than 30,000 patients and customers during their career. Forman listen to your description of symptoms, write them meticulously as you mentioned, consult the stars, and give you a prognosis or suggest treatment. Although his physician colleagues considered him a charlatan, Forman's bad reputation may be about to get a boost; his collections between 1596 and 1634 years have now turned out to be all the more extensive and systematic medical records known from this period. Historians put these documents online for all to read and study the medical trends in Elizabethan England.

medical historian Flurin Condrau of the University of Zurich in Switzerland, which is not involved in the project, said the notes are a great resource for historians, with a dream cohort of tens of thousands more patients nearly 4 decades. "We know very little about what was going on between the doctor and the patient," even in more recent times, he said. "All we have is medical writing, which is partisan" as these practitioners tend to "write on their expertise."

"No one else stood records like this, or if they were, they did not survive," said Lauren Kassell, a historian of science at the University of Cambridge, who heads the project. The 64 heavy volumes in which Forman and Napier recorded more than 50,000 cases are now housed at the University of Oxford Bodleian Library, illegible to the untrained eye. The project Forman Casebooks Simon, which was officially announced last week on the 400th anniversary of Forman, is to transcribe into a readable format and post them online in a searchable database. Kassell believes that this task is a million words, but the end result will allow researchers to track individual patients or for decades to study conditions, historical dates, and other variables to learn about trends.

First, Forman seems an unlikely source for serious researchers. In addition to astrology, he dabbled in alchemy and alleged devil worship. He was also self-centered, a notorious sexual predator, and the whole "not a nice man," said Kassell. But these defects had a head for history. Because Forman, unlike his contemporaries, needed to track objects movements in the solar system to make its predictions, his notes are extraordinarily systematic and comprehensive medical records. They contain the names, ages, addresses, family members, and patient symptoms to him and even the time of day during which he saw them visited. He also noted factors such as family and legal problems, providing "a very vivid picture in this world," says Kassell.

Kassell does not expect that researchers will discover treatments or medical practices previously unknown in the files. Condrau and warns that people diagnosed who lived long ago is a "minefield" because the modern bias is so strong. But he said he was surprised that astrology was discussed openly between doctors and customers, since a healthy competition happened between astrologers, doctors, herbalists and other healers of time. "If you were pregnant, you have various options as to where you can go," he said. Apparently, "an astrologer was one of the most reliable."

get rid of belly fat

Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight is important to reduce your risk serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. Even a small weight loss (5-10% of your current weight) will help reduce your risk of developing diseases related to obesity.

In addition to body weight, the distribution of body fat is a major risk factor for weight-related illnesses. Fat that accumulates in the hips / lower body (also known as "pear-shaped") is subcutaneous, whereas fat in the abdominal region (also known as the "apple shape") is mainly visceral and directly related with higher total cholesterol and LDL ( "bad") cholesterol, lower HDL ( "good") cholesterol, and insulin resistance.

Check your home toolbox tape measure. the waist, also known as waist circumference, can be used to estimate the mass of abdominal fat. to measure your waist, stand and place a tape measure around your middle, just above your hips. Measure your turn to right size after you exhale. men who have a 40-inch waist or over and women whose waist measures 35 inches or more are considered at increased risk for conditions linked to weight . You can also evaluate your weight and risk for eHealth.

Once you know your numbers, you can set a goal. Fortunately, visceral fat responds well to exercise and diet, with benefits ranging from improved self-image more favorable cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure, as well. To reduce visceral fat consider the following lifestyle changes:

• Build a healthy plate : Pay attention to portion size, and focus on carbohydrates complex (fruits, vegetables and whole grains) and lean protein on simple carbohydrates like white bread, refined grain pasta, and sugary drinks.
• strength training . weight lifting and exercise spot, such as sit-ups and Pilates, can tighten abdominal and lower back muscles. Tonic, with cardiovascular work will make your body more efficient to reduce body fat.
• Aerobic Exercise . Sit-ups alone can not solve the problem! Try to get at least 30 minutes a day of physical activity of moderate intensity for regular weight control. Any activity that causes your heart rate to 50-70% of your maximum heart rate, and maintained for at least twenty minutes, has the heart and burns fat
• Staying motivated .: each step and lighter book is success! A modest amount of weight loss will reduce your visceral fat stores and other medical complications you may have. Stay positive, using your support system, and reward you (non-food way), will help you meet your healthy eating and exercise program.

Lowering your risk of weight-related disease a priority -improve your health and quality of life. If you are already under the care of a doctor for a medical condition, talk to your doctor about your specific dietary needs and the ability to start an exercise routine

Sources :. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harvard Health, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, LifeWork EAP strategies and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist hospitals. For more information, consult your doctor.

The accumulation of old cells, the stagnation in the body is to blame for diseases related to age, a new study has found. When researchers removed these mouse cells, they were able to delay the onset of cataracts and slow muscle loss related to age.

"This really is a technical tour de force," says geneticist Norman Sharpless of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, who was not involved in the study. "And then they went beyond this technical feat and made findings that are really important to understand the basic science of aging."

Most cells of the body can not continue to divide forever. After a cell itself duplicated a number of times around 50 is the average genetic switch disables division program. A cell that is better known under the division name is senescent; he continues to live, but no longer works as it once did. While most senescent cells continue to behave as any cell type, they started as they also begin to secrete immune proteins that scientists have speculated could cause changes related to age in the surrounding tissues . In elderly humans, at least 5% of total cells in the body are thought to be senescent. The cells accumulate in areas particularly affected by aging-eyes and muscles, for example.

"It has been hypothesized, since these cells are on pathologies of the sites associated with age, they are linked to the development of these diseases," says biologist Jan van Deursen of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, lead author of the new paper. But the connection has not been fully expanded, he said.

Van Deursen and colleagues have developed a way to kill the senescent cells in mice, delete them from the body. They designed mice so that when the cells returned to a known gene p16 ^Ink4a , a marker of senescence, the cell would also turn on the production of inactive cell death genes, not normally produced by senescent cells. Then, when the researchers gave the mice a drug, the way of death would be activated in all senescent cells. "Our method allowed us to look at the consequences of the removal of senescent cells at different stages of mouse life cycle, "said van Deursen. "We are not simply block senescence altogether."

First, the researchers cleared senescent cells of all mice throughout their lives, giving the drug every 3 days beginning when the animals were weaned. Although the mouse does not have a longer life, the appearance of the cataract has been delayed for about 100 days, the treated mice had muscle fiber twice as wide, and their curvature and fat deposits of the spine similar to those of juvenile mice. Then the researchers gave the drug to aged mice that have already shown signs of aging, such as muscle loss. After 5 months, the treated mice showed better improvement of treadmill tests than the untreated mice. Their muscle and fat cells do not show signs of aging, although the treatment did not reverse the aging that has already occurred, the team announced today online Nature .

"I think the results are quite striking," said Sharpless. But he warns that further research is needed to understand the effects of the removal of senescent cells. Although they may favor certain disorders related to age, they could prevent other. "Let there be unexpected results of this should be studied further," he said. "Yes, we could do better cataracts, but it will come with the risk of cancer or infections?"

Since the work based on genetically modified mice, it is not directly translatable to humans, said van Deursen. However, researchers can now detect drugs to find compounds that could activate cell death in senescent cells, he said, or could turn the immune system against senescent cells.

prevention, Recognizing and treating Lyme disease

The warm weather presents more opportunities for activities outdoor such as hiking, biking and picnicking. When planning your next outing, keep in mind that during the summer months, you're more likely to come into contact with ticks and other biting insects; most cases of Lyme disease are reported during the months of June, July and August.

Clear brush and leaves where ticks commonly live and stacking woodpiles in dry, sunny areas of the ground.

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted mainly by the bites of deer ticks. Ticks join anywhere on the body but prefer body folds such as the armpits, groin, and back of the knee. The bacteria circulating in the blood, binds in various tissues of the body, and can cause a number of symptoms, some of which are serious

Prevention :.

• Clear brush and leaves where ticks commonly live. Stack woodpiles in dry, sunny areas of the ground. Treat the environment and your pets with products specifically designed for the prevention of ticks.
• Wear long pants tucked into socks, long sleeves, closed shoes, hat and gloves. Tie back long hair. Avoid sitting directly on the ground or on stone walls. Apply repellent with a concentration of 10 to 30 percent DEET.
• Check yourself, your children and your pets for ticks, especially after walking through tall grass or wooded areas. Shower as soon as you get inside. Deer ticks are often no bigger than the head of a pin. Put clothes in the dryer for 20 minutes to kill any unseen ticks

The symptoms of Lyme disease include :.

• The first sign of infection is usually a circular rash with the appearance of the eyes of a bull. This rash occurs in about 80-0 percent of those infected and begins at the site of a tick bite after a delay of 3 to 30 days and gradually develops.
• The general symptoms include fatigue, chills, fever, headache, muscle / joint pain and swollen lymph nodes.
• vision changes, difficulty breathing, kidney problems, gastrointestinal disorders, sleep disorders, seizures, behavioral changes, involvement of the cranial nerves and psychiatric manifestations some of other symptoms that were reported.
• If untreated or not diagnosed, the infection can spread causing paralysis, severe headache Bell, a stiff neck, heart palpitations, pains shooting, and dizziness. After several months, about 60 percent of patients with untreated infection can begin to have intermittent episodes of arthritis. Up to five percent may develop chronic neurological complaints months to years after infection

Treatment :.

• When a tick bites, it is fixed firmly to the skin. To remove, grasp the head of the tick as close to the skin as possible with tweezers or a tick removal tool. Pull up with a slow and constant movement. Disinfect the bite site and tongs after removal. If parts of the tick remains in the skin, seek medical attention.
• Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated with oral antibiotics, especially if treatment is started early. If the disease has progressed, your doctor may recommend treatment with intravenous antibiotics.
• After the treatment, a small percentage of people may experience symptoms such as muscle aches and fatigue. The cause of these ongoing symptoms is unknown, but a prolonged antibiotic treatment does not make them disappear

Sources :. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Safety and Health Institute, the Mayo Clinic Foundation American Lyme disease, and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist hospitals. For medical advice, consult your doctor.

After police in Ventura County, California, arrested and imprisoned Judy Mikovits November 18, they gave some details on criminal charges against chronic fatigue syndrome researcher well known (CFS). According to the Ventura County Sheriff, she was a fugitive from justice arrested on a warrant from Washoe County, Nevada, and was "not Bailable."

Now Science Insider learned that his crime warrant was issued by the Reno justice Court in Washoe County. district Attorney, he accused Mikovits with "possession of stolen property," according to a document filed with the court, and "illegal taking of computer data, equipment, supplies or other computer assets. " Mikovits's former employer, the Whittemore Peterson Institute (WPI) for Neuro-Immune Disease in Reno, also filed court papers yesterday that shed more light on the arrest.

WPI fired Mikovits September 29 because she said she refused to share a cell line with another researcher there.

On November 4, WPI has filed a civil suit against Mikovits the second court of the judicial district of Washoe County in Reno. This violation of cases of alleged contract Mikovits was mistaken laboratory notebooks and other data from his laboratory after WPI fired her.

WPI is housed on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno, and the chief of campus police, Adam Garcia, said Science Insider that the arrest warrant is linked to a breakthrough and theft reported to the ministry on November 9. Garcia would not specify the alleged burglary date occurred. Garcia also would not specify who reported the alleged crime beyond saying it was WPI "staff." He noted that there was an ongoing investigation and would neither confirm nor deny the participation of other law enforcement agencies. "This is a University of Nevada police case," he said. Garcia said that contrary to information on the Ventura County Sheriff website. Mikovits could be released on bail of $ 100,000. Mikovits has an appearance in the criminal case scheduled for today at the Ventura Superior Court at 13:30

A preliminary injunction on the civil case is, coincidentally, also to be held today the same exact time in Second judicial district court in Reno, which Mikovits lawyers filed a motion in opposition. In a response to their request, the lawyers yesterday WPI filed documents with the second court in Reno accusing Mikovits of having "orchestrated the theft of the embezzled property." WPI's lawyers allege that Mikovits "loaded" a research assistant who worked with her to "take irreplaceable patient samples and laboratory notebooks." According to their court filing and an affidavit from the research assistant, he followed his instructions and hid the notebook in a "Happy Birthday" bag, first in his condo and later in the garage of his mother. The filing of the court said Mikovits retrieve October 17. Garcia said he is yet to determine whether others will be arrested.

Call for civilian lawyers Mikovits lead were not returned, and when the press earlier today, it was unclear who would represent it at the criminal hearing.

Mikovits entered international scene in October 09 when she led a team that published a study in Science a revolutionary discovery possibly linked to CFS. Mikovits and colleagues reported that 67% of CFS patients they tested harbored XMRV a mouse retrovirus called recently discovered. Other laboratories soon reported that they had difficulty to confirm the finding, which has led the CFS community to split into different camps. WPI firmly standing by the Working Mikovits, even after one of the laboratories, she collaborated with the Science study withdrew its contribution to the paper because contamination had contaminated the data it provided. The quarrel between WPI and Mikovits came after a second paper Science she co-author reported that nine laboratories, including WPI's-could not reliably find XMRV or related viruses in samples blind patients.

Mikovits lives in Ventura County and one of his friends there, Lilly Meehan's house was searched on November 18 in relation to the case. "They sat me down in my chair, and they would not let me up or get water," says Meehan, who said three police officers Ventura County showed him a search warrant and combed through his house for half an hour.

Meehan, who has two daughters with CFS, believes she was dragged into the investigation because of his blog posts defending Mikovits. On a blog for CFS patients and advocates, Meehan criticized a letter to "friends and patients," the president of WPI, Annette Whittemore, who explained why the institute had continued Mikovits. "I am beyond outraged the shameful accusations veiled by Annette Whittemore in his letter today, "says Meehan.

Meehan now manages a legal defense fund for Mikovits.

Annette Whittemore, president of 'Whittemore Peterson Institute, issued the following statement on November 19:

the Whittemore Peterson Institute was required to report the theft of his laboratory materials to law enforcement authorities. those authorities shall take the measures they deem necessary.

Ask the Dietitian: Summer Grilling Tips

Masha Fox-Rabinovich, MA, RD , LDN, CDE, outpatient dietitian at Washington Adventist Hospital

Summer is right around the corner, qui means clustering it's time to keep it cool inside and turn up the heat on your grill! Barbeque is the trademark of summer, and while it can be fun to indulge, we've put together Some tips to help you keep it safe and healthy

. Q: How do I grill ? Safely

A: From Masha Fox-Rabinovich, MA, RD, LDN, CDE , outpatient dietitian at Washington Adventist Hospital, and Nicole Garafalo, dietetic intern:

• Before cooking, clean the grill with hot, soapy water Each time to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
• Allow the grill to heat up to the proper temperature to Avoid potential bacterial issues.
• Keep a food thermometer on hand to check the temperature of the meats to prevent prevention Any foodborne illness. Burgers shoulds be cooked up to 0 ° F, chicken shoulds reach 165 ° F, and steak shoulds be about 145 ° F and let it rest for three minutes before cutting or eating.

Q: What are Some healthy barbeque options

A: From Masha Fox-Rabinovich , MA, RD, LDN, CDE, outpatient dietitian at Washington Adventist Hospital, and Phillip McGloin , student volunteer

• Try leaner meats Such as turkey burgers, grilled fish or chicken breasts (remove the skin before eating, Ideally). If you are going to eat pork, hamburgers, gold --other meats, sure make They are lean and trimmed of fat, and eat 'em was whole wheat bun as Opposed to with white bread.
• Add Some flavor to your food! Adding spices to the meat is a great way to pack in flavor without extra calories Adding or fat.
• Season Some cut up vegetables and add water, Then wrap in heavy-duty aluminum foil and grill up to tender. Hearty vegetables That can take the heat of the grill include eggplant, peppers, mushrooms, and onions.
• Potato and macaroni salads can Often-have a lot of calories and unhealthy fats. Leave the potato skins on and Avoid the creamy toppings. Use whole wheat pasta and mix in plenty of fresh vegetables.
• Make sour to Avoid the sugary drinks like sweetened teas, fruit punches and sodas. Try iced water, water with fruit mixed in, or unsweetened tea.
• Dessert can come from the grill too! Soak wooden or bamboo skewers in water for at least an hour And Then add pineapple, peaches, or pears to the grill to use as a tasty topping for angel food cake low-fat ice cream gold.

look out for more healthy tips from our expert dietitian, coming soon! Do you have a question about food or nutrition? We'd like to hear from you! Post your question in the comments section below and It Could Be featured in a future Ask the Dietitian post.

Thirteen Democrats and one independent in the United States Senate questioned the announcement last week by the Secretary of the health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius it would not allow to overcome the-counter sales of Plan B, the emergency contraceptive, girls under 17

Sebelius's decision went against the recommendation of the Food and Drug administration, whose chief Margaret Hamburg said scientific evidence supported making Plan B available without a prescription. "We firmly believe that FDA regulation should be based on science," wrote Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and others in a letter sent yesterday to Sebelius. They ask the secretary to "share with your specific reason and the scientific data you relied on the decision to overrule the FDA recommendation. "

This month the National Institutes of Health (NIH) began to implement the largest reorganization of the sprawling company $ 30.6 billion in a decade. He launched a new $ 575 million National Centre for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) which aims to fight against bottlenecks in drug development and accelerate the translation of basic discoveries in treatment.

The NCATS plan has sparked much debate when it was proposed last year. Some industry scientists said they feared that the NIH was moving away from basic research in drug development. Many researchers were also concerned about the loss of programs within another NIH center that was to be dismantled, the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR). Ultimately, Congress has to change, but set certain conditions. For example, the draft law on costs last month that established NCATS request several reports and studies outside the center's activities and states that it can not support, clinical trials in expensive final stage of the kind usually made by the industry.

In an interview with Science Insider last week, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Director Thomas Insel, acting director of NCATS, rejected reports that industry is skeptical. Industry leaders said NIH they "love to get help" improve their R & D efforts, Insel said. NCATS continue initiatives launched last year to find new uses for old drugs, develop a chip of drug toxicity, and work with industry to validate "targets", the structure of the protein or the cell that drugs designed to modulate. NIH Director Francis Collins described other possible directions from the design of the virtual drug research on marketed drugs, in an article Science Translational medicine last summer.

As NCATS takes shape, perhaps the most uncertain about the future are directors of programs funded by the Price of clinical and translational sciences (CTSAs), part of NCRR. These grants support large translational research at 60 academic medical centers. The program of $ 487 million represents the bulk of the budget NCATS (the only new money is Congress approved $ 10 million for Cures Acceleration Network Centre). Some managers fear that CSEC components that do not relate to the development of therapeutic products, such as behavioral research and community engagement will be trimmed.

Insel said NIH wants to preserve the range of CSEC activities, but adds that the program should expect to "evolve".

According Insel, the CTSAs in the new center will be supervised by a clinical innovation division headed by Acting Director Josephine Briggs, who will also remain in his current position as director of the National Center for Complementary and alternative Medicine. A division of preclinical innovation will house a collection of programs mostly intramural, including small molecule screening and development of drugs for rare diseases to $ 44 million. So far, these programs have been managed by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) led by Christopher Austin; it will serve as director of the Preclinical Division NCATS. (NCATS Some programs also have funding from the Common Fund for NIH, a pot of money in the office of the NIH.)

Insel edited remarks follow.

Q: Why NIH need NCATS when many NIH Institutes are already translational research

TI: I will answer this question with NIMH my hat because I'm a good amount of translational science in NIMH. But NCATS will do is not what we do at NIMH.

We need a place to really look at the whole translation process in a way that can consider how it might be restructured, consider how we can make a difference in partnership with both advocacy groups and industry. Consider where the opportunities are great for innovation that are not only related to schizophrenia or autism or bipolar disorder but who are really generic. They will in all of medicine.

And rather than do that 27 times, it might be good to have a place where we say, "We will solve this problem. Let us really look at this in a very careful way and actually do something we have never been as an institute that is doing experiments on the translation itself. "This is a really exciting time to start looking for it first time

. Q: Why do you think NCATS was so controversial last year when it was proposed

TI: I 'm not even going to Va there I was not part of this fight and I will not even begin to contemplate what the questions were

Q:... Some scientists of industry expressed skepticism about NCATS. They are worried that this will attract scientists away from basic research. They are also worried that the NIH will make drug development.

IT :. There was a lot of concern about it at some point in the past. We brought a lot of people from outside. We had this working group of the Advisory Committee of the NIH Director; Maria Freire [president of the Lasker Foundation] chaired it. I do not think these are the questions we heard most often. It was actually the opposite. What we heard was that nobody was particularly happy with the way that R & D is going on, whether in the public or private sector.

We never heard anyone come forward and say, "You know what, we understand how to do this, it works very well" Actually what we heard was, this works. not very well everywhere, we would like to help

. Q: the prices in translational academic medical centers make up the bulk of the budget of NCATS, but much of what they do seem to fit with the mission of NCATS Should they be ready to change

iT.? I think if there is a change, it will be able that will not move all CSEC will be exactly the same whether in community engagement, or is first in man trial. We will look at power, to the extent possible, they cultivate do best

. Q: How will you pay for something new

TI: well, it is actually near $ 500 million here [for the existing CTSA program], so there is indeed some funding for an exciting science. I do not think there is a question of not being able to do new things. But I think part of what we're going to have these centers is to help develop the flexibility they do not feel they have right now. I was there at the beginning of the roadmap [former NIH Director Elias Zerhouni's set of cross-NIH initiatives] when we establish this and we have always understood that the CTSAs was a fantastic opportunity to restructure clinical research in academic health centers and provide a new home for it .

But I do not think anyone believes it was a year 3 or 5 year project and it would be done and finished. It has always been considered as an evolving program.

Q: Do NCATS clinical trials of funds

T.I :. The CTSAs lacks the funds to carry out large-scale clinical trials. This is not to how they are supported. They are supporting infrastructure.

Q: But are not there components NCATS that can fund the testing

TI: This could happen, but that is on a very small scale. You're talking about relatively small amounts of dollars for both TRND [Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases] and now also for the CAN.

Q: Do NCATS have an intramural program

T.I :. There are two answers to this question. The first answer is yes. The division of preclinical innovation in large intramural portion. But having said that, one of the things I'm most excited to play this interim role is that it is a chance to try some experiments. One of the issues that we now struggling with is, "Can we get out of this rigid separation between intramural and extramural?"

It gets really interesting when you think of something like [the rare diseases program] is technically an intramural program, but 0% of what they do is done with extramural collaborations. they do not have a large intramural faculty which is on a busy track they do not have a large number of FTEs [staff positions]; it is a very different way to work for the NIH

so we try to NCATS as a place to raise questions about. relationship between intramural and extramural to how we can get them to cross talk and provide a much more dynamic kind of relationship that we have had until now

. Q: Is this search for a permanent director moving along

TI:. is. I co-chair this search with [NHGRI Director] Eric Green. Eric and I were assisted by a special search committee that includes both NIH and non-NIH. We had an excellent response to various advertisements and solicitations that we put there. We look forward to interviewing candidates in the near future.

Q :. On someone's blog had speculated that you might be a candidate

T.I :. I can answer very clearly. I have a job that keeps me busy NIMH and I am very attached to it and I am not a candidate for director of NCATS.

* January 11: An earlier version of this article stated that Christopher Austin will be the acting director of NCATS division of preclinical innovation; he will be the director.

3 ways you exercise

Finding time to exercise can be difficult, but find motivation for you to exercise is a common challenge. More than half of us do not get the recommended daily amount of exercise, even if not doing so is detrimental to our health.

You deserve to exercise and reap the benefits of good health! Until you begin to feel and see the positive results of the exercise, you need to find a personal reason for you to exercise. What force you to walk, bike, yoga or swimming tomorrow? And, what could stop you? Make yourself exercise requires a regular habit to strengthen your desire to achieve certain results. Here are some tips to find the motivation for the first time or the tenth time, and stay the course.

Write result of the exercise and to view the results you want.

• Fill in the blanks with a benefit of exercise: If I exercise, I'll ______________________
• Among other benefits, exercise can improve strength, flexibility, energy and self-confidence .. exercise can help reduce stress and the risk of diseases, such as osteoporosis and heart disease.
• Exercise can help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise brings you closer to others. Enjoy physical activity with your children or neighbors.
• Whatever the reason, it should matter to you. It helps to write down why you are doing something, but also to visualize the experience and outcome.

You do not have to join a gym to stay in shape!

Set realistic fitness goal. A gym is not necessary.

• Maybe your goal is to increase the amount of steps you take each day 3,000 to 10,000 over a period of 8 weeks. Wear a pedometer to make a fun game.
• Work up to 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, every week.
• also include muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days a week. Examples of activities include push-ups, yoga, or heavy gardening. Resistance bands are also useful.
• If you are just starting or have a medical condition, get help from your doctor to set a goal.

Consider what holds you back and prepare to win.

• Share your goal for the year with your family. Let them know why it is important for you. Establish a routine for others who depend on you know what to expect.
• Just as we are in other priorities, it is time for exercise in your day. For some people, 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week might suit their schedule. Others may find that less time on everyday work better. Ten minutes at a time is fine. Add exercise to your list of things to do.
• If you see an activity to be painful, you'll be less likely to do so. If you have had an injury in the past year, you may be more reluctant to try again. Exercise can be done safely; it should be difficult, but should not hurt. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes and clothing, as well as heat, gradually increasing the pace and distance. Eat healthy and drink plenty of water
• Ask a colleague to help you out of your office for a quick walk around the building. Perhaps the two of you will be inspired to join a walking club and invite others.
• Do not let a shower of rain stop you from making yourself exercise. There are many places within exercise, like your local community center or mall or climb stairs to your office.
• Keeping a journal or use an online tool for assistance in tracking your progress.
• Honor your achievements. Feeling and looking great are the rewards for themselves, but sometimes it is useful to have additional incentives, such as a new pair of jeans or a massage.

In developing a habit of exercise, remember that consistency is more important than content. Do not worry if a meeting ends late one day and cuts into your scheduled time of year. Even a little activity can go a long way to strengthen your desire to live a healthy life. Sources: American College of Sports Medicine, American Heart Association, Strategies and LifeWork Washington and Shady Grove Adventist hospitals. For more information, consult your doctor.

The summer to fall transition Season

As children return to school, we we realize the summer is almost over. The nights are starting to get cold; we need that extra blanket on the bed Children to the bus stop need light jackets or sweaters. The summer to fall transition can mean many things, but for some doctor's offices, it means the beginning of a busy season with colds, flu, asthma and allergies.

Dr. Rachel Schreiber, an allergist with Adventist Hospital Shady Grove says September is prime time for respiratory diseases. In fact, many doctors in the region see a spike in respiratory illness this week. The Adventist Medical Group Germantown doctors see patients experiencing sinusitis, bronchitis and allergy symptoms like congestion and sore throat.

According to Dr. Avni Jain, a primary care physician with the Adventist Medical Group, those asthma are especially vulnerable this time of year because of the fall allergy season and fluctuations temperature. For prevent asthma attacks, make sure you take your medication regularly as directed and your rescue inhaler is ready for emergencies. You must also have an asthma management plan ready.

There are ways for us all to be prepared this autumn wear a light jacket season, frequent hand washing, covering your cough and always. But, Dr. Jain said the "most important way for us to be prepared is to get your vaccine against influenza." This will help you to be protected against some of the most common strains of the flu virus this year.

influenza vaccines are recommended for everyone, with some exceptions, from six months of age. Talk with your health care provider today to see to get your vaccine against influenza

Sources :. Centers for Allergy Foundation of America Adventist Medical Group Disease Control and Prevention, asthma, and Shady Grove and Washington Adventist Hospital, an affiliate of GW Medical Faculty Associates.

Bill Gates announced yesterday that by 2016, its foundation will pump $ 750 million into the Global Fund against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

Gates, who made the announcement at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, noted that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has already committed $ 650 million to the Global Fund, making it the most largest nongovernmental donor. "I am convinced that this is one of the most effective ways we invest our money every year, and I always ask other donors to join us to get so much for our money," writes Gates in a letter published in the Davos forum yesterday. Donor countries contributed $ 20.7 billion to date and pledged $ 8.2 billion more.

The new grant from the Gates Foundation in the form of a "promissory note" account which is legally binding and that the money in the bank to cover signed grants, although the money does not need to be submitted to the global Fund immediately. the global Fund plans to pay $ 10 billion in aid between 2011 and 2013, although Gates noted in his letter, this is "not nearly $ 12- $ 14 billion is needed and hoped for. "

Following financial problems of the fund, its executive director, Michel Kazatchkine, announced earlier this week that he will leave in mid-March. His decision follows the appointment of a general manager who will assume many of the responsibilities Kazatchkine board.

National Diabetes Month: healthy eating habits

November is National Diabetes Month !

Nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and other lifestyle factors play a crucial role in the prevention and management of diabetes. This week we would like to draw attention to the importance of a healthy diet.

Diabetes is characterized by high levels of sugar or glucose in the blood. There are many factors that influence the glucose levels in the blood, and nutrition plays a key role. A healthy diet can be considered as three separate components: 1) What to eat; 2) How to eat; and 3) When eating. Let's look at each one individually.

What to eat

All foods are composed of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, or a combination thereof . Our bodies need all three of these nutrients. Carbohydrates include starches (bread, rice, pasta, cereals, etc.) and starchy vegetables (potatoes, peas, corn, beans, etc.), fruit, milk and yogurt, and sweets / desserts. There are also many sources of hidden carbs, such as sauces and dressings. Proteins include meats, fish, dairy products, beans / lentils and nuts / seeds. Fat sources include butter, oils, dressings, avocados, nuts / seeds, and others.

Carbohydrates (carbs) are broken down into sugars, and have a direct impact on blood sugar. Carbohydrates are needed to provide energy to our brains and muscles. But not all carbohydrates are created equal. Consider the following tips for choosing healthy carbohydrates.

• Go slow carb, not low-carb. slow carbohydrates are foods with high amounts of fiber, including any grains, beans and lentils, and vegetables. fiber-rich foods are slower to digest, thereby avoiding blood glucose peaks. board Lunch :. enjoy a salad with kidney beans added, black beans, chickpeas, and other legumes

• limits sweets and desserts (fast carbs). fast carbohydrates are digested quickly and cause blood sugar to rise rapidly. They include items such as candy, cookies, cakes, other dessert foods and sugary drinks (sodas, fruit juice, fruit punch, etc.) board Beverages: choose water or unsweetened tea instead of sodas, juice or other sugary drinks.

• Eat carbohydrates beside protein or healthy fats. This helps slow the digestion of carbohydrates, and help you feel full longer. Quick Tip :. Add healthy fats to your morning by mixing one tablespoon of ground flax seeds, chia seeds or a handful of nuts in a cup of oatmeal

how to eat

Even making healthy food choices, it is possible to have a poor diet by eating too much. For example, whole fruit is an excellent choice of food, but eat more than one or two servings of fruit at one time can lead to high levels of glucose in the blood.

• Eat meals that are roughly the same size throughout the day. If you're used to having breakfast and a big dinner, set goals to break this pattern! Consistent meal sizes help prevent glucose levels in the blood are too high or too low. portion control tip: include a consistent amount of carbohydrates at each meal. Avoid meals that have too few or too many carbohydrates.

• Follow the "plate method" for lunch and dinner. The plate method using control portions and achieve balance . nutrients the plate method is to fill half the plate with non-starchy vegetables (broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.); a quarter of the plate with starches, and a quarter of the plate with healthy proteins method of plate board :. aim of parts of starch (rice, pasta, potatoes, etc.) that are the size of your fist, or nearly a cup.

When eating

We've all heard, it is important to eat three meals a day, but many people still skip meals or wait too long between meals. Many of us find ourselves too busy during the day to enjoy a healthy breakfast or lunch, or we skip meals because we're just not hungry. However, our bodies like routine, and after a hearty meal scheme can improve glucose levels in the blood and increase metabolism.

• Eat three meals each day. And try to eat around the same time each day. Action Step: Plan meals and snacks in advance and schedule time to eat. Make healthy eating a priority!

• Do not hesitate to add healthy snacks between meals and after dinner. Some people need snacks, while others do not. If you are hungry before lunch or dinner, it is a good idea to add a snack between meals. When you're hungry at mealtime, you are more likely to eat more meals that you would otherwise. Snack tip: take healthy snacks readily available, and keep unhealthy snacks out of sight. Quick and easy snack option? Whole fruit with a slice of cheese or a small handful of nuts.

For more information on outpatient advice on nutrition and diabetes education at Washington Adventist Hospital, please call 301-891 -6105

Join us on diabetes Day: Thursday, November 14 ^e 11: 00-to-02: 00 pm at Washington Adventist hospital cafeteria and halls conference for FREE. Education event on diabetes, including free health screenings, table, or information on diabetes, activities, presentations and prices for all! Call 301-891-6105 for more information.