A network of chemists at the University of Konstanz has developed an innovative method to study protein structures by means of magnetic labels. The ingenious thing about it is that the magnetic labels are directly incorporated inside the cell when the protein is naturally biosynthesized. The research results, that might have an impact on many areas of structural biology, have been published in the current issue of the renowned scientific journal Journal of the American Chemical Society.
"Unnatural amino acids with special chemical or biophysical functions that are directly incorporated into proteins in the cell have been known for years. However, despite all efforts it has been impossible so far to develop a magnetic unnatural amino acid. Now we have achieved a real breakthrough", says the Konstanz-based chemist Dr. Daniel Summerer about the research project, which has been conducted in collaboration with the working group of the physical chemist Dr. Malte Drescher from Konstanz. "This has brought us a significant step closer to the final objective of measuring the structure and dynamics of proteins directly in the cell with high precision", Summerer explains.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102913432323563044867/102913432323563044867/posts
Proteins that have been modified with the unnatural amino acids from Konstanz can be measured by means of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR-spectroscopy). Interacting magnetic labels are introduced into strategically selected protein sites. "Measuring the strength of the magnetic interaction enables us to deduce the distance", explains Malte Drescher. "The structure of the protein can be determined by measuring several distances on the nanometer-scale", Drescher reveals the key principle.
In further steps the scientists intend to implement their method, for which they have filed a patent, for the study of protein structures in cells: "Our vision is that we will use our method to investigate biologically relevant systems that play a role in e.g. the Parkinson's disease or in regulating the expression of disease-relevant genes", Malte Drescher provides an outlook for the continuation of the research works.
The research was carried out in close collaboration with the Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology. "I am particularly pleased that with this success the valuable work of our two doctoral students, Moritz Schmidt and Julia Borbas, is recognized", says Summerer. For Moritz Schmidt, who has begun his doctoral programme as a Hoechst scholarship holder of the Aventis Foundation less than two years ago, this study is already the second publication as lead author in a particularly prestigious chemical journal.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Caffeine: how does it really affect our health?
When we wake up in the morning, many of us reach for a coffee to kick-start our day. According to the International Coffee Organization, approximately 1.6 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide every day.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) state that the average amount of caffeine consumed in the US is approximately 300 mg per person per day - the equivalent to between two and four cups of coffee. This is considered to be a moderate caffeine intake, which according to many studies, can promote a variety of health benefits. http://www.mediafire.com/view/5sp3e211e6b1dxl/Truth
But some studies claim otherwise, even suggesting that one or two cups of coffee a day may negatively impact our health. So, what are we to believe?
We analyze the potential health benefits, as well as the negative side effects of caffeine consumption.
A natural stimulant
The main ingredient in coffee is caffeine - a compound that naturally derives from over 60 different plant sources, including coffee beans, tea leaves, cacao seeds and cola nut seeds.
Caffeine acts as a stimulant by activating the central nervous system. It can combat tiredness and improve concentration and focus.
According to the University of Michigan Health Service, the stimulating effects of caffeine can start as early as 15 minutes after consumption and last up to 6 hours.
Other than coffee, caffeine is commonly consumed through tea, soft drinks - particularly energy drinks - and chocolate. It is also found in some prescription and non-prescription drugs, such as cold, allergy and pain medication.
The potential health benefits
As well as its stimulating effects, caffeine has been heralded for providing an array of health benefits.
A cup of coffee surrounded by coffee beans
Some studies have suggested that drinking three or four cups of coffee a day may reduce the risk of liver, mouth and throat cancer.
Last year, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that consuming three cups of coffee a day may reduce the risk of liver cancer by 50%, while another study suggests that drinking four cups a day could halve the risk of mouth and throat cancer.
Caffeine consumption has also been associated with positive effects on the brain.
Last year, a study from the Harvard School of Public Health suggested that drinking between two and four cups of coffee a day may reduce suicide risk in adults, while more recent research found that ingesting 200 mg of caffeine each day may boost long-term memory.
Other studies have also suggested that caffeine intake may protect against type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Caffeine: the 'socially acceptable psychoactive drug'
With so much research claiming that caffeine consumption can benefit our health, and considering the number of products that contain the stimulant, it is no wonder caffeine consumption is so widespread.
But Steven E. Meredith, postdoctoral research fellow at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, told Medical News Today that, perhaps due to widespread consumption, many of us forget that caffeine is a psychoactive substance - a drug that crosses the blood-brain barrier to stimulate the central nervous system.
He said:
"Unlike most other psychoactive substances, caffeine use is socially acceptable, and the drug is widely used. In fact, caffeine is the most commonly used psychoactive substance in the world.
Moreover, the vast majority of caffeine consumers use the substance regularly without apparent harm. These factors likely contribute to the perspective that caffeine is a benign substance that everyone can use without suffering any negative consequences."
The negative effects of caffeine consumption
But of course, there can be negative consequences from caffeine consumption, particularly if ingested in high doses.
The Mayo Clinic state that consuming more than 500-600 mg of caffeine a day may lead to insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, an upset stomach, a fast heartbeat and even muscle tremors.
However, previous research has linked even moderate amounts of caffeine to negative health effects.
Last year, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that consuming 300 mg of caffeine a day during pregnancy may increase the risk of low birth weight babies, while other research suggests that drinking four cups of coffee a day may increase the risk of early death.
Effects of caffeine vary from person to person
But Meredith told us that the effects of caffeine can vary in each individual, which may explain why there are mixed messages surrounding whether caffeine is good or bad for us.
For example, he said that individuals with anxiety disorders are more susceptible to the anxiogenic effects of the compound.
Silhouette of person smoking a cigarette and holding a cup of coffee.
Cigarette smokers can metabolize caffeine twice as fast as non-smokers.
"Caffeine can also metabolize at different rates among individuals for various reasons. For example, cigarette smokers metabolize caffeine twice as fast as non-smokers," he added.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) state that the average amount of caffeine consumed in the US is approximately 300 mg per person per day - the equivalent to between two and four cups of coffee. This is considered to be a moderate caffeine intake, which according to many studies, can promote a variety of health benefits. http://www.mediafire.com/view/5sp3e211e6b1dxl/Truth
But some studies claim otherwise, even suggesting that one or two cups of coffee a day may negatively impact our health. So, what are we to believe?
We analyze the potential health benefits, as well as the negative side effects of caffeine consumption.
A natural stimulant
The main ingredient in coffee is caffeine - a compound that naturally derives from over 60 different plant sources, including coffee beans, tea leaves, cacao seeds and cola nut seeds.
Caffeine acts as a stimulant by activating the central nervous system. It can combat tiredness and improve concentration and focus.
According to the University of Michigan Health Service, the stimulating effects of caffeine can start as early as 15 minutes after consumption and last up to 6 hours.
Other than coffee, caffeine is commonly consumed through tea, soft drinks - particularly energy drinks - and chocolate. It is also found in some prescription and non-prescription drugs, such as cold, allergy and pain medication.
The potential health benefits
As well as its stimulating effects, caffeine has been heralded for providing an array of health benefits.
A cup of coffee surrounded by coffee beans
Some studies have suggested that drinking three or four cups of coffee a day may reduce the risk of liver, mouth and throat cancer.
Last year, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that consuming three cups of coffee a day may reduce the risk of liver cancer by 50%, while another study suggests that drinking four cups a day could halve the risk of mouth and throat cancer.
Caffeine consumption has also been associated with positive effects on the brain.
Last year, a study from the Harvard School of Public Health suggested that drinking between two and four cups of coffee a day may reduce suicide risk in adults, while more recent research found that ingesting 200 mg of caffeine each day may boost long-term memory.
Other studies have also suggested that caffeine intake may protect against type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Caffeine: the 'socially acceptable psychoactive drug'
With so much research claiming that caffeine consumption can benefit our health, and considering the number of products that contain the stimulant, it is no wonder caffeine consumption is so widespread.
But Steven E. Meredith, postdoctoral research fellow at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, told Medical News Today that, perhaps due to widespread consumption, many of us forget that caffeine is a psychoactive substance - a drug that crosses the blood-brain barrier to stimulate the central nervous system.
He said:
"Unlike most other psychoactive substances, caffeine use is socially acceptable, and the drug is widely used. In fact, caffeine is the most commonly used psychoactive substance in the world.
Moreover, the vast majority of caffeine consumers use the substance regularly without apparent harm. These factors likely contribute to the perspective that caffeine is a benign substance that everyone can use without suffering any negative consequences."
The negative effects of caffeine consumption
But of course, there can be negative consequences from caffeine consumption, particularly if ingested in high doses.
The Mayo Clinic state that consuming more than 500-600 mg of caffeine a day may lead to insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, an upset stomach, a fast heartbeat and even muscle tremors.
However, previous research has linked even moderate amounts of caffeine to negative health effects.
Last year, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that consuming 300 mg of caffeine a day during pregnancy may increase the risk of low birth weight babies, while other research suggests that drinking four cups of coffee a day may increase the risk of early death.
Effects of caffeine vary from person to person
But Meredith told us that the effects of caffeine can vary in each individual, which may explain why there are mixed messages surrounding whether caffeine is good or bad for us.
For example, he said that individuals with anxiety disorders are more susceptible to the anxiogenic effects of the compound.
Silhouette of person smoking a cigarette and holding a cup of coffee.
Cigarette smokers can metabolize caffeine twice as fast as non-smokers.
"Caffeine can also metabolize at different rates among individuals for various reasons. For example, cigarette smokers metabolize caffeine twice as fast as non-smokers," he added.
Eye movement speed linked to impulsive decision making
One of the most frustrating things about shopping in a grocery store can be the long lines at the cash register. Do you stand there and wait for the line to go down? Or do you join another line that looks quicker? According to new research, decisions such as this may be dependent on the speed of our eye movements.
In a study published in The Journal of Neuroscience, researchers from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland found that people who are less patient are more likely to have faster eye movements.
The investigators say their findings may provide insight into why abnormalities in certain areas of the brain make decision making more challenging for people who have suffered brain injuries or who have neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia.https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102913432323563044867/102913432323563044867/posts
According to the investigators, previous research from the team suggested that how a person moves may be an indicator of how the brain works out the time frame in which to reduce the value of a reward. For example, when a person determines how long they should stand in line to get their groceries.
For this study, the researchers wanted to see whether differences in eye movements, in place of other body movements, could reflect differences in how a person assesses time and reward.
Saccade speed 'varies from person to person'
The research team monitored eye movements, known as saccades, of healthy volunteers.
close-up view of an eye
Researchers say the speed of our eye movements may determine our level of patience.
Reza Shadmehr, professor of biomedical engineering and neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University and lead researcher, explains that saccades are the motions the eye makes when we switch focus between objects.
He notes that saccades are the fastest movements in the body, occurring in milliseconds. Saccades are at their fastest during teenage years, but they slow down as a person ages.
The volunteers were asked to look at a screen, where a series of dots appeared one at a time. They first appeared on one side of the screen, then the other, before flicking back and forth to each side.
Using a camera to record the participants' saccades, the investigators found that over all participants, saccade speed varied significantly. However, in each individual participant, saccade speed appeared to be consistent - leading the team to believe that the speed of eye movement varies from person to person.
Testing the participants' patience
The research team then conducted another experiment to determine whether saccade speed is associated with impulsivity and decision making.
This also involved the volunteers viewing the screen with the dots. For this experiment, they were instructed to look left or right. A buzzer sounded if they failed a command.
Once the participants were used to this part of the experiment, they were told that if they followed the first commands in the next testing round, they would be incorrect 25% of the time.
They were also told that in the instances they were wrong, after an undisclosed amount of time, the first command would be taken over by a second command to look in the opposite direction.
The investigators changed the length of time between these two commands in order to identify the length of time participants would be willing to wait to improve their test accuracy.
In a study published in The Journal of Neuroscience, researchers from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland found that people who are less patient are more likely to have faster eye movements.
The investigators say their findings may provide insight into why abnormalities in certain areas of the brain make decision making more challenging for people who have suffered brain injuries or who have neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia.https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102913432323563044867/102913432323563044867/posts
According to the investigators, previous research from the team suggested that how a person moves may be an indicator of how the brain works out the time frame in which to reduce the value of a reward. For example, when a person determines how long they should stand in line to get their groceries.
For this study, the researchers wanted to see whether differences in eye movements, in place of other body movements, could reflect differences in how a person assesses time and reward.
Saccade speed 'varies from person to person'
The research team monitored eye movements, known as saccades, of healthy volunteers.
close-up view of an eye
Researchers say the speed of our eye movements may determine our level of patience.
Reza Shadmehr, professor of biomedical engineering and neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University and lead researcher, explains that saccades are the motions the eye makes when we switch focus between objects.
He notes that saccades are the fastest movements in the body, occurring in milliseconds. Saccades are at their fastest during teenage years, but they slow down as a person ages.
The volunteers were asked to look at a screen, where a series of dots appeared one at a time. They first appeared on one side of the screen, then the other, before flicking back and forth to each side.
Using a camera to record the participants' saccades, the investigators found that over all participants, saccade speed varied significantly. However, in each individual participant, saccade speed appeared to be consistent - leading the team to believe that the speed of eye movement varies from person to person.
Testing the participants' patience
The research team then conducted another experiment to determine whether saccade speed is associated with impulsivity and decision making.
This also involved the volunteers viewing the screen with the dots. For this experiment, they were instructed to look left or right. A buzzer sounded if they failed a command.
Once the participants were used to this part of the experiment, they were told that if they followed the first commands in the next testing round, they would be incorrect 25% of the time.
They were also told that in the instances they were wrong, after an undisclosed amount of time, the first command would be taken over by a second command to look in the opposite direction.
The investigators changed the length of time between these two commands in order to identify the length of time participants would be willing to wait to improve their test accuracy.
Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy 'increases preeclampsia risk'
Research led by investigators from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health suggests that women who have a vitamin D deficiency in the first 26 weeks of pregnancy are more likely to develop severe preeclampsia. This is according to a study recently published in the journal Epidemiology.
Preeclampsia is a potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication that usually occurs after the first 20 weeks of gestation or shortly after birth. According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, around 5-8% of pregnancies are affected by the condition.
Early signs of the condition include high blood pressure and albuminuria - excess protein that leaks into the urine.https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102913432323563044867/102913432323563044867/posts
Some women may also experience swelling of the feet, ankles, face and hands - caused by fluid retention - as well as severe headaches, problems with vision and pain just below the ribs.
Vitamin D and pregnancy
Vitamin D is known to be important for regulating and absorbing calcium and phosphorus in the body.
The majority of people are able to get all the vitamin D they need from the sun and various foods, such as oily fish, eggs and fortified fat spreads.
However, according to the Vitamin D Council, pregnancy is a known risk factor for vitamin D deficiency.
Previous research has suggested that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy may lead to gestational diabetes, increased risk of infections and cesarean section, and low offspring birth weight.
To determine whether there is an association between vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and risk of preeclampsia, the research team analyzed the blood samples of 700 pregnant women who later developed preeclampsia, alongside the blood samples of 3,000 pregnant women who did not develop the condition.
All samples were collected between 1959 and 1965 from 12 US institutions. The researchers note that the blood samples were well-preserved and they were able to test the samples for vitamin D levels decades after they were collected.
Vitamin D deficiency linked to 40% increased preeclampsia risk
The analysis revealed that women who had insufficient levels of vitamin D during the first 26 weeks of pregnancy were 40% more likely to develop severe preeclampsia, compared with women who had adequate levels of the vitamin in the first 26 weeks' gestation.
However, the researchers did not find any association between vitamin D and mild preeclampsia.
These results were apparent after taking other factors into consideration that could impact a woman's vitamin D levels, such as pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), race, smoking, diet, the number of previous pregnancies, physical activity and sunlight exposure.
Commenting on the findings, senior study author Dr. Mark A. Klebanoff, of the Center for Perinatal Research at The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, says:
"Scientists believe that severe preeclampsia and mild preeclampsia have different root causes.
Severe preeclampsia poses much higher health risks to the mother and child, so linking it with a factor that we can easily treat, like vitamin D deficiency, holds great potential."
Dr. Lisa Bodner, of the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and lead author of the study, says that if similar results are found in a modern sample of pregnant women, then the role of vitamin D in reducing preeclampsia should be explored further.
"Until then," she adds, "women shouldn't automatically take vitamin D supplements during pregnancy as a result of these findings."
Preeclampsia is a potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication that usually occurs after the first 20 weeks of gestation or shortly after birth. According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, around 5-8% of pregnancies are affected by the condition.
Early signs of the condition include high blood pressure and albuminuria - excess protein that leaks into the urine.https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102913432323563044867/102913432323563044867/posts
Some women may also experience swelling of the feet, ankles, face and hands - caused by fluid retention - as well as severe headaches, problems with vision and pain just below the ribs.
Vitamin D and pregnancy
Vitamin D is known to be important for regulating and absorbing calcium and phosphorus in the body.
The majority of people are able to get all the vitamin D they need from the sun and various foods, such as oily fish, eggs and fortified fat spreads.
However, according to the Vitamin D Council, pregnancy is a known risk factor for vitamin D deficiency.
Previous research has suggested that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy may lead to gestational diabetes, increased risk of infections and cesarean section, and low offspring birth weight.
To determine whether there is an association between vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and risk of preeclampsia, the research team analyzed the blood samples of 700 pregnant women who later developed preeclampsia, alongside the blood samples of 3,000 pregnant women who did not develop the condition.
All samples were collected between 1959 and 1965 from 12 US institutions. The researchers note that the blood samples were well-preserved and they were able to test the samples for vitamin D levels decades after they were collected.
Vitamin D deficiency linked to 40% increased preeclampsia risk
The analysis revealed that women who had insufficient levels of vitamin D during the first 26 weeks of pregnancy were 40% more likely to develop severe preeclampsia, compared with women who had adequate levels of the vitamin in the first 26 weeks' gestation.
However, the researchers did not find any association between vitamin D and mild preeclampsia.
These results were apparent after taking other factors into consideration that could impact a woman's vitamin D levels, such as pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), race, smoking, diet, the number of previous pregnancies, physical activity and sunlight exposure.
Commenting on the findings, senior study author Dr. Mark A. Klebanoff, of the Center for Perinatal Research at The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, says:
"Scientists believe that severe preeclampsia and mild preeclampsia have different root causes.
Severe preeclampsia poses much higher health risks to the mother and child, so linking it with a factor that we can easily treat, like vitamin D deficiency, holds great potential."
Dr. Lisa Bodner, of the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and lead author of the study, says that if similar results are found in a modern sample of pregnant women, then the role of vitamin D in reducing preeclampsia should be explored further.
"Until then," she adds, "women shouldn't automatically take vitamin D supplements during pregnancy as a result of these findings."
Scientists find neuron that controls how much we eat
By activating a neuron in the prefrontal cortex of a mouse's brain, scientists are able to make the mouse eat more. But what could this mean for humans?
The influence that different areas of the brain may have over eating behaviors is a contentious debate in neurobiology.
"Researchers tend to be either in a camp that believes the control of eating is all regulated from the top down, or from the bottom up," says Ralph DiLeone, senior author of the paper, referring to whether it is "higher" decision-making areas of the brain or more "primitive" brain functions that regulate eating behaviors.
"Both are important and this paper brings a little more neurobiological clarity to the question," DiLeone claims.https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
In 2012, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that fructose increases activity in the hypothalamus, insula and striatum - areas of the brain responsible for processing motivation and reward. Fructose prevented certain brain cells that instruct us to eat from telling us we are full, and so seemed to increase "food-seeking behavior."
Another 2012 study suggested that a brain receptor called Gpr17 has a role in controlling appetite, and that this could form the basis of potential new anti-obesity medications.
The new study, published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, focuses on the prefrontal cortex - a decision-making area of the brain, which some scientists had suspected may play a role in the eating behaviors of mammals.
Scientists have so far been unable to account for how this relationship between the prefrontal cortex and appetite regulation might work, though.
Switching off neurons prompted mice to eat less
Dopamine, the neurotransmitter that controls the reward and pleasure centers of the brain, is also known to have an important function in food intake.
an overweight mouse eating a leaf
Activating the D1 dopamine-receptor neurons caused the mice to eat more.
Dopamine allows our brain to perceive rewards and to take steps to move toward them. When animals have low levels of dopamine in their brain, they stop eating and eventually die from starvation.
The researchers activated the D1 dopamine-receptor neurons in the prefrontal cortex of mice. They found that this caused the mice to eat more, while inhibiting - or "switching off" - the same neurons caused the mice to eat less.
The dopamine pathway toggled on and off by the scientists in this study also intersects with areas of the brain, such as the amygdala, which process emotional responses.
The researchers think that this could mean eating behavior is regulated at the junction between the decision-making and more primitive emotion centers of the brain.
The authors think that this region of brain circuitry could provide the key to new medication for regulating eating behavior:
The influence that different areas of the brain may have over eating behaviors is a contentious debate in neurobiology.
"Researchers tend to be either in a camp that believes the control of eating is all regulated from the top down, or from the bottom up," says Ralph DiLeone, senior author of the paper, referring to whether it is "higher" decision-making areas of the brain or more "primitive" brain functions that regulate eating behaviors.
"Both are important and this paper brings a little more neurobiological clarity to the question," DiLeone claims.https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
In 2012, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that fructose increases activity in the hypothalamus, insula and striatum - areas of the brain responsible for processing motivation and reward. Fructose prevented certain brain cells that instruct us to eat from telling us we are full, and so seemed to increase "food-seeking behavior."
Another 2012 study suggested that a brain receptor called Gpr17 has a role in controlling appetite, and that this could form the basis of potential new anti-obesity medications.
The new study, published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, focuses on the prefrontal cortex - a decision-making area of the brain, which some scientists had suspected may play a role in the eating behaviors of mammals.
Scientists have so far been unable to account for how this relationship between the prefrontal cortex and appetite regulation might work, though.
Switching off neurons prompted mice to eat less
Dopamine, the neurotransmitter that controls the reward and pleasure centers of the brain, is also known to have an important function in food intake.
an overweight mouse eating a leaf
Activating the D1 dopamine-receptor neurons caused the mice to eat more.
Dopamine allows our brain to perceive rewards and to take steps to move toward them. When animals have low levels of dopamine in their brain, they stop eating and eventually die from starvation.
The researchers activated the D1 dopamine-receptor neurons in the prefrontal cortex of mice. They found that this caused the mice to eat more, while inhibiting - or "switching off" - the same neurons caused the mice to eat less.
The dopamine pathway toggled on and off by the scientists in this study also intersects with areas of the brain, such as the amygdala, which process emotional responses.
The researchers think that this could mean eating behavior is regulated at the junction between the decision-making and more primitive emotion centers of the brain.
The authors think that this region of brain circuitry could provide the key to new medication for regulating eating behavior:
Stimulating spinal cord protects against Parkinson's symptoms
Long-term treatment that involves electrically stimulating the spinal cord has improved symptoms of Parkinson's disease in rats. Publishing the results of their study in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers from Duke Medicine are hopeful their findings could help human Parkinson's patients.
The team, led by Dr. Miguel Nicolelis, professor of neurobiology at Duke University, built on their own previous research, which showed that stimulating rats' spinal cords with electrical signals temporarily eased symptoms of the disease. https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102913432323563044867/102913432323563044867/posts
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition, which is caused by the loss of neurons that produce dopamine in the brain. It affects movement, control of muscles and balance, and it can also cause stiffness, eye problems and sleep problems, among many other symptoms.
"Finding novel treatments that address both the symptoms and progressive nature of Parkinson's disease is a major priority," says Dr. Nicolelis.
The current treatment for Parkinson's is a drug called L-dopa, and it works by replacing dopamine. However, the researchers say it can cause side effects and, over time, lose its effectiveness.
Another emerging therapy is deep brain stimulation. This works through an implant in the brain, which emits electrical signals. But the downside of this technique is that less than 5% of Parkinson's patients qualify for it because it is so invasive.
"We need options that are safe, affordable, effective and can last a long time," says Dr. Nicolelis. He adds that spinal cord stimulation could be the key.
Treatment could protect against loss, damage of neurons
Back in 2009, the Duke University team developed a device that they attached to the spinal cords of rodents that had depleted levels of dopamine.
Chronic Spinal Cord Electrical Stimulation Protects Against 6-hydroxydopamine Lesions
By electrically stimulating the dorsal columns of rats' spinal cords, the researchers found motor skills improved.
Image credit: Duke University School of Medicine
The researchers showed that by sending electrical stimulation to the dorsal column - a sensory pathway that carries information from the body to the brain - the mice and rats no longer had slow, stiff movements, but rather, they appeared as healthy, active animals.
However, because research on this type of stimulation in animals has focused on short-term effects, the team wanted to look at the long-term effects this kind of treatment might yield in rats with Parkinson's symptoms.
So, for 6 weeks, the team applied electrical stimulation to the spinal cord dorsal columns in rats twice a week for 30 minutes.
During this longer-term study, the team saw a "significant improvement" in symptoms. These included improved motor skills and an about-face in severe weight loss.
Additionally, the stimulation was linked to better neuron survival and higher density of "dopaminergic innervation" in two brain regions controlling movement. The loss of this causes Parkinson's disease in humans, the researchers note.
They say their findings suggest that this electrical stimulation may protect against the loss or damage of neurons.
Other uses for dorsal column stimulation
A similar use of dorsal column stimulation is currently being used to lessen chronic pain syndromes in humans, says the team.
They find hope in other small-scale studies in humans that have shown how dorsal column stimulation may also help restore motor function in Parkinson's patients.
However, there is more work to be done, Dr. Nicolelis says:
"This is still a limited number of cases, so studies like ours are important in examining the basic science behind the treatment and the potential mechanisms of why it is effective."
The team, led by Dr. Miguel Nicolelis, professor of neurobiology at Duke University, built on their own previous research, which showed that stimulating rats' spinal cords with electrical signals temporarily eased symptoms of the disease. https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102913432323563044867/102913432323563044867/posts
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition, which is caused by the loss of neurons that produce dopamine in the brain. It affects movement, control of muscles and balance, and it can also cause stiffness, eye problems and sleep problems, among many other symptoms.
"Finding novel treatments that address both the symptoms and progressive nature of Parkinson's disease is a major priority," says Dr. Nicolelis.
The current treatment for Parkinson's is a drug called L-dopa, and it works by replacing dopamine. However, the researchers say it can cause side effects and, over time, lose its effectiveness.
Another emerging therapy is deep brain stimulation. This works through an implant in the brain, which emits electrical signals. But the downside of this technique is that less than 5% of Parkinson's patients qualify for it because it is so invasive.
"We need options that are safe, affordable, effective and can last a long time," says Dr. Nicolelis. He adds that spinal cord stimulation could be the key.
Treatment could protect against loss, damage of neurons
Back in 2009, the Duke University team developed a device that they attached to the spinal cords of rodents that had depleted levels of dopamine.
Chronic Spinal Cord Electrical Stimulation Protects Against 6-hydroxydopamine Lesions
By electrically stimulating the dorsal columns of rats' spinal cords, the researchers found motor skills improved.
Image credit: Duke University School of Medicine
The researchers showed that by sending electrical stimulation to the dorsal column - a sensory pathway that carries information from the body to the brain - the mice and rats no longer had slow, stiff movements, but rather, they appeared as healthy, active animals.
However, because research on this type of stimulation in animals has focused on short-term effects, the team wanted to look at the long-term effects this kind of treatment might yield in rats with Parkinson's symptoms.
So, for 6 weeks, the team applied electrical stimulation to the spinal cord dorsal columns in rats twice a week for 30 minutes.
During this longer-term study, the team saw a "significant improvement" in symptoms. These included improved motor skills and an about-face in severe weight loss.
Additionally, the stimulation was linked to better neuron survival and higher density of "dopaminergic innervation" in two brain regions controlling movement. The loss of this causes Parkinson's disease in humans, the researchers note.
They say their findings suggest that this electrical stimulation may protect against the loss or damage of neurons.
Other uses for dorsal column stimulation
A similar use of dorsal column stimulation is currently being used to lessen chronic pain syndromes in humans, says the team.
They find hope in other small-scale studies in humans that have shown how dorsal column stimulation may also help restore motor function in Parkinson's patients.
However, there is more work to be done, Dr. Nicolelis says:
"This is still a limited number of cases, so studies like ours are important in examining the basic science behind the treatment and the potential mechanisms of why it is effective."
Greater experience causes older brains to slow down, study shows
We are all familiar with the saying "older but wiser." And new research may prove this to be true. A new study published in the journal Topics in Cognitive Science suggests that as we age, our brain functions slow down as a result of greater experience, not because of cognitive decline.
According to the research team, led by Dr. Michael Ramscar of the University of Tuebingen in Germany, the reason why brains of older adults slow down is because they take longer to process constantly increasing amounts of knowledge. https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
They argue that this process is frequently confused with cognitive decline.
To reach their findings, the investigators programmed computers to act like humans.
Each day, the computers "read" a certain amount of data while processing new information.
The computers then carried out a series of tests using measures that are traditionally used to determine cognitive abilities. These included word recall tests.
Increased knowledge, not cognitive decline
The researchers found that when they limited the computers to reading a set amount, the cognitive performance of the computers was similar to the cognitive performance expected from a young adult.
However, the investigators discovered that when the same computers read unlimited data - the equivalent to a lifetime of experiences - their cognitive performance resembled that of an older adult.
The researchers say that the cognitive performance of the computers slowed down, not because of a decline in processing capacity, but because the unlimited data increased their database, meaning they needed more time to process the information.
Explaining what their findings mean, the study authors write:
"The results reported here indicate that in older and younger adults, performance in psychometric testing are the product of the same cognitive mechanisms processing different quantities of information. Older adults' performance reflects increased knowledge, not cognitive decline."
'False assumptions' about the aging mind
The investigators say that their findings suggest that society needs to rethink what is meant by the "aging mind," as "false assumptions" may deprecate the aging population and lead to wastage of public resources on problems that do not exist.
According to the research team, led by Dr. Michael Ramscar of the University of Tuebingen in Germany, the reason why brains of older adults slow down is because they take longer to process constantly increasing amounts of knowledge. https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
They argue that this process is frequently confused with cognitive decline.
To reach their findings, the investigators programmed computers to act like humans.
Each day, the computers "read" a certain amount of data while processing new information.
The computers then carried out a series of tests using measures that are traditionally used to determine cognitive abilities. These included word recall tests.
Increased knowledge, not cognitive decline
The researchers found that when they limited the computers to reading a set amount, the cognitive performance of the computers was similar to the cognitive performance expected from a young adult.
However, the investigators discovered that when the same computers read unlimited data - the equivalent to a lifetime of experiences - their cognitive performance resembled that of an older adult.
The researchers say that the cognitive performance of the computers slowed down, not because of a decline in processing capacity, but because the unlimited data increased their database, meaning they needed more time to process the information.
Explaining what their findings mean, the study authors write:
"The results reported here indicate that in older and younger adults, performance in psychometric testing are the product of the same cognitive mechanisms processing different quantities of information. Older adults' performance reflects increased knowledge, not cognitive decline."
'False assumptions' about the aging mind
The investigators say that their findings suggest that society needs to rethink what is meant by the "aging mind," as "false assumptions" may deprecate the aging population and lead to wastage of public resources on problems that do not exist.
Men are more forgetful than women, study shows
Men are frequently accused of forgetting birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and even something as simple as taking the trash out. But they have developed this stigma for a reason, a new study suggest - it found that men are more forgetful than women, regardless of their age.
The research team, led by Prof. Jostein Holmen of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, published the study findings in the journal BMC Psychology.https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
To reach their conclusion, the investigators analyzed 37,405 men and women aged 30 years and older who were a part of a longitudinal population health study in Norway, called Hunt3.
The study participants were asked nine questions about their memory. These included questions regarding whether their memory has changed since they were younger, and whether they have problems remembering dates or what events happened a few days or years ago.
Men 'just as forgetful whether aged 30 or 60'
The results revealed that approximately half of the participants reported memory problems. Of these, 1.2% were women, while 1.6% were men. For eight out of nine questions, men reported the most problems.
Overall, the researchers found that memory problems increased with age. But in all age groups, men reported more memory problems than women.
Furthermore, the investigators were surprised to find that younger men forget just as much as older men.
Commenting on the findings, Prof. Holmen says:
"It was surprising to see that men forget more than women. This has not been documented before. It was also surprising to see that men are just as forgetful whether they are 30 or 60 years old. The results were unambiguous."
Reason for gender differences in memory 'a mystery'
The researchers hypothesize that gender differences in memory may be down to a number of reasons.
Man offering a woman a bunch of flowers as an apology.
Forgotten anniversary? Researchers say men are more forgetful than women, regardless of their age.
For example, they may be linked to risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure or high body mass index (BMI).
These risk factors, which are more prevalent in men, may trigger forms of neurodegeneration - explaining why men have more memory problems than women.
But the researchers note that their study found no evidence pointing to this as the reason. Therefore, the gender differences in memory are still unclear.
"We have speculated a lot about why men report more frequent problems with remembering than women do, but have not been able to find an explanation. This is still an unsolved mystery," adds Prof. Holmen.
Early signs of dementia
The researchers say they plan to carry out further studies to determine whether individuals who report having memory problems at a younger age may have an increased risk of developing dementia.
"Several studies have indicated that SMI (subjective memory impairment) might be a precursor of aMCI (amnestic mild cognitive impairment) and eventually dementia, suggesting that SMI might be of importance in recognizing early cognitive impairment," the study authors write.
"The findings in the present study should therefore be tested in other populations, and prospective studies might also reveal how important the recorded memory complaints are as precursors of impaired cognition."
The research team, led by Prof. Jostein Holmen of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, published the study findings in the journal BMC Psychology.https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
To reach their conclusion, the investigators analyzed 37,405 men and women aged 30 years and older who were a part of a longitudinal population health study in Norway, called Hunt3.
The study participants were asked nine questions about their memory. These included questions regarding whether their memory has changed since they were younger, and whether they have problems remembering dates or what events happened a few days or years ago.
Men 'just as forgetful whether aged 30 or 60'
The results revealed that approximately half of the participants reported memory problems. Of these, 1.2% were women, while 1.6% were men. For eight out of nine questions, men reported the most problems.
Overall, the researchers found that memory problems increased with age. But in all age groups, men reported more memory problems than women.
Furthermore, the investigators were surprised to find that younger men forget just as much as older men.
Commenting on the findings, Prof. Holmen says:
"It was surprising to see that men forget more than women. This has not been documented before. It was also surprising to see that men are just as forgetful whether they are 30 or 60 years old. The results were unambiguous."
Reason for gender differences in memory 'a mystery'
The researchers hypothesize that gender differences in memory may be down to a number of reasons.
Man offering a woman a bunch of flowers as an apology.
Forgotten anniversary? Researchers say men are more forgetful than women, regardless of their age.
For example, they may be linked to risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure or high body mass index (BMI).
These risk factors, which are more prevalent in men, may trigger forms of neurodegeneration - explaining why men have more memory problems than women.
But the researchers note that their study found no evidence pointing to this as the reason. Therefore, the gender differences in memory are still unclear.
"We have speculated a lot about why men report more frequent problems with remembering than women do, but have not been able to find an explanation. This is still an unsolved mystery," adds Prof. Holmen.
Early signs of dementia
The researchers say they plan to carry out further studies to determine whether individuals who report having memory problems at a younger age may have an increased risk of developing dementia.
"Several studies have indicated that SMI (subjective memory impairment) might be a precursor of aMCI (amnestic mild cognitive impairment) and eventually dementia, suggesting that SMI might be of importance in recognizing early cognitive impairment," the study authors write.
"The findings in the present study should therefore be tested in other populations, and prospective studies might also reveal how important the recorded memory complaints are as precursors of impaired cognition."
High-protein diets may increase risk of kidney disease
High-protein diets, such as the Dukan diet, are currently a popular alternative to the traditional calorie-counting forms of dieting. But scientists at the University of Granada in Spain have shown through tests in rats that a high-protein diet increases the risk of kidney stones and other renal diseases.
Dr. Pierre Dukan's high-protein diet has received a boost in popularity in recent years, due to reports that the diet helped the Duchess of Cambridge get thin enough to fit into her wedding dress and allegedly restored the postpartum figure of Jennifer Lopez. https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
In Dukan's native France, approximately 2 million people are believed to follow the diet.
But the diet has been controversial. The British Dietary Association ranked the diet at number 1 in their annual rundown of diets to avoid in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
They point out that even Dr. Dukan himself - who was banned from practicing as a GP in France in 2013 - has warned of health issues associated with the diet, including lack of energy, constipation, vitamin and mineral deficiencies and bad breath.
In 2012, Medical News Today reported on a study finding that four-fifths of Dukan followers had put all their lost weight back on within 36 months. This kind of of body weight fluctuation can put dieters at increased risk of hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.
What did the new study find?
In the new study, the scientists fed 10 rats a diet with a 45% protein level, while a control group of another 10 rats were fed a diet of normal protein levels. The rats were placed on their respective diets for 12 weeks - the equivalent of 9 years in human terms.
woman measuring her waist
Anyone on a high-protein diet should exercise regularly and make sure to eat enough fruit and vegetables.
Over the 12 weeks, rats on the high-protein diet lost 10% of their body weight. But the weight of the kidneys in these rats increased by 22%, the capillaries filtering blood to the kidneys increased in size by 13%, and the collagen around the capillaries by 32%.
The citrate levels in the rats' urine was 88% lower and their urinary pH was 15% more acidic.
A low amount of citrate in the urine and swollen kidneys are risk factors for kidney stone formation. High urinary pH is also a symptom of kidney failure and kidney tubular acidosis, among other conditions.
What does this mean for humans?
Medical News Today spoke to Dr. Virginia A. Aparicio, one of the study's authors. Dr. Aparicio said that "when experimental designs are done in rats, despite their great physiological and metabolic similarity to humans, all results should be taken with caution."
"Studies developed in humans have also observed very similar results in plasma and urine to what we observed in rats. However, the important thing is not to alarm the population. We just showed a less favorable renal profile, which could bring long-term renal complications in some individuals most prone to or at increased risk of renal disease."
"Eating large amounts of fruit and vegetables reduces the risk of kidney stones forming," advises Dr. Aparicio. "Probably due to their high potassium and magnesium content, which compensates for the acidity of the high-protein diet."
Aparicio also recommends that anyone on a high-protein diet should exercise regularly to increase active tissue, which will reduce the "rebound" effect of putting on weight once the diet is completed.
Dr. Pierre Dukan's high-protein diet has received a boost in popularity in recent years, due to reports that the diet helped the Duchess of Cambridge get thin enough to fit into her wedding dress and allegedly restored the postpartum figure of Jennifer Lopez. https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
In Dukan's native France, approximately 2 million people are believed to follow the diet.
But the diet has been controversial. The British Dietary Association ranked the diet at number 1 in their annual rundown of diets to avoid in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
They point out that even Dr. Dukan himself - who was banned from practicing as a GP in France in 2013 - has warned of health issues associated with the diet, including lack of energy, constipation, vitamin and mineral deficiencies and bad breath.
In 2012, Medical News Today reported on a study finding that four-fifths of Dukan followers had put all their lost weight back on within 36 months. This kind of of body weight fluctuation can put dieters at increased risk of hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.
What did the new study find?
In the new study, the scientists fed 10 rats a diet with a 45% protein level, while a control group of another 10 rats were fed a diet of normal protein levels. The rats were placed on their respective diets for 12 weeks - the equivalent of 9 years in human terms.
woman measuring her waist
Anyone on a high-protein diet should exercise regularly and make sure to eat enough fruit and vegetables.
Over the 12 weeks, rats on the high-protein diet lost 10% of their body weight. But the weight of the kidneys in these rats increased by 22%, the capillaries filtering blood to the kidneys increased in size by 13%, and the collagen around the capillaries by 32%.
The citrate levels in the rats' urine was 88% lower and their urinary pH was 15% more acidic.
A low amount of citrate in the urine and swollen kidneys are risk factors for kidney stone formation. High urinary pH is also a symptom of kidney failure and kidney tubular acidosis, among other conditions.
What does this mean for humans?
Medical News Today spoke to Dr. Virginia A. Aparicio, one of the study's authors. Dr. Aparicio said that "when experimental designs are done in rats, despite their great physiological and metabolic similarity to humans, all results should be taken with caution."
"Studies developed in humans have also observed very similar results in plasma and urine to what we observed in rats. However, the important thing is not to alarm the population. We just showed a less favorable renal profile, which could bring long-term renal complications in some individuals most prone to or at increased risk of renal disease."
"Eating large amounts of fruit and vegetables reduces the risk of kidney stones forming," advises Dr. Aparicio. "Probably due to their high potassium and magnesium content, which compensates for the acidity of the high-protein diet."
Aparicio also recommends that anyone on a high-protein diet should exercise regularly to increase active tissue, which will reduce the "rebound" effect of putting on weight once the diet is completed.
What are the health benefits of grapes?
Red grapes, green grapes, purple grapes, seedless grapes, grape jelly, grape jam, grape juice... the ways to consume grapes are endless! And don't forget wine and raisins! This popular fruit's history goes back as far as 8,000 years, when grape vines were first cultivated in what is now the Middle East.
It may surprise you to hear that the humble grape is actually considered to be a berry. Seventy-two million tons of these berries are grown each year worldwide, with most of them being used to produce wine - 7.2 trillion gallons of wine per year, to be exact.7 http://twitdoc.com/view.asp?id=121927&sid=2M2V&ext=DOCX&lcl=Truth-About-Celluite-Joey-
The portability, texture, flavor and variety of grapes have made them a popular finger food in countries all over the world. The potential health benefits of consuming grapes are numerous, with past studies associating them with prevention of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and constipation.
This Medical News Today article on grapes provides a nutritional breakdown of the fruit and an in-depth look at their possible health benefits, how to incorporate more grapes into your diet, as well as any potential health risks associated with their consumption.
Nutritional breakdown of grapes
The average serving size for grapes is about one cup, or 32 grapes. As a useful measure, you can use the size of your fist to estimate the proper portion size for grapes.
A selection of grapes
One cup of red or green grapes contains 104 calories, 1.09 grams of protein, 0.24 grams of fat, 1.4 grams of fiber, 4.8 milligrams of vitamin C, 10 micrograms of vitamin A, 288 milligrams of potassium, 0.54 milligrams of iron and 3 micrograms of folate.3
Grapes are high in water content and good for hydration. High water-content fruits and vegetables are nutrient dense, meaning they provide a large amount of essential nutrients while containing few calories. Grapes contain 70 milliliters of fluid per cup.2
Grapes are high in antioxidants important for eye health such as lutein and zeaxanthin, and red grapes contain the phytochemical resveratrol in their skins, the antioxidant synonymous with wine known to lend protection from several chronic diseases and conditions. Grapes also boast the power of the flavonoids myricetin and quercetin which help the body to counter-act harmful free radical formation.
It may surprise you to hear that the humble grape is actually considered to be a berry. Seventy-two million tons of these berries are grown each year worldwide, with most of them being used to produce wine - 7.2 trillion gallons of wine per year, to be exact.7 http://twitdoc.com/view.asp?id=121927&sid=2M2V&ext=DOCX&lcl=Truth-About-Celluite-Joey-
The portability, texture, flavor and variety of grapes have made them a popular finger food in countries all over the world. The potential health benefits of consuming grapes are numerous, with past studies associating them with prevention of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and constipation.
This Medical News Today article on grapes provides a nutritional breakdown of the fruit and an in-depth look at their possible health benefits, how to incorporate more grapes into your diet, as well as any potential health risks associated with their consumption.
Nutritional breakdown of grapes
The average serving size for grapes is about one cup, or 32 grapes. As a useful measure, you can use the size of your fist to estimate the proper portion size for grapes.
A selection of grapes
One cup of red or green grapes contains 104 calories, 1.09 grams of protein, 0.24 grams of fat, 1.4 grams of fiber, 4.8 milligrams of vitamin C, 10 micrograms of vitamin A, 288 milligrams of potassium, 0.54 milligrams of iron and 3 micrograms of folate.3
Grapes are high in water content and good for hydration. High water-content fruits and vegetables are nutrient dense, meaning they provide a large amount of essential nutrients while containing few calories. Grapes contain 70 milliliters of fluid per cup.2
Grapes are high in antioxidants important for eye health such as lutein and zeaxanthin, and red grapes contain the phytochemical resveratrol in their skins, the antioxidant synonymous with wine known to lend protection from several chronic diseases and conditions. Grapes also boast the power of the flavonoids myricetin and quercetin which help the body to counter-act harmful free radical formation.
Leukemia pill 'can melt away' cancer cells
According to the National Cancer Institute, there were an estimated 48,610 new cases of leukemia last year, with 23,720 deaths from the condition. Now, new research suggests that a pill taken twice daily could turn the blood cancer into a treatable disease and allow patients to avoid chemotherapy.
The team, led by researchers from Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, focused their research on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) - the second most common form of the disease among adults.
https://plus.google.com/b/117096478591416616884/117096478591416616884/posts
CLL is a blood and bone marrow disease that can occur when the bone marrow makes an excessive amount of lymphocytes - a type of white blood cell.
These lymphocytes become abnormal and are unable to effectively stave off infection. The increased number of these blood cells also leaves limited room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. This can cause anemia, infection and easy bleeding.
CLL is usually treated with chemotherapy drugs. Although the majority of patients respond to these drugs, the researchers say most patients relapse and need repeated cycles of the treatments.
With each cycle, the remission periods tend to decrease. The researchers say that as a result, patients often stop responding to treatment or are forced to stop because of severe side effects.
According to the investigators, these side effects are a result of the chemotherapy medication being unable to distinguish between healthy cells and cancer cells.
With this in mind, the research team set out to find an alternative treatment.
'Remarkable' results for idelalsib
For their study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the researchers tested a combination of two targeted medications - drugs that can attack cancer cells without damaging healthy cells - on 220 patients with CLL who were not able to undergo chemotherapy.
The combination treatments were:
Rituximab and idelalsib, or
Rituximab and a placebo pill.
The team, led by researchers from Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, focused their research on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) - the second most common form of the disease among adults.
https://plus.google.com/b/117096478591416616884/117096478591416616884/posts
CLL is a blood and bone marrow disease that can occur when the bone marrow makes an excessive amount of lymphocytes - a type of white blood cell.
These lymphocytes become abnormal and are unable to effectively stave off infection. The increased number of these blood cells also leaves limited room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. This can cause anemia, infection and easy bleeding.
CLL is usually treated with chemotherapy drugs. Although the majority of patients respond to these drugs, the researchers say most patients relapse and need repeated cycles of the treatments.
With each cycle, the remission periods tend to decrease. The researchers say that as a result, patients often stop responding to treatment or are forced to stop because of severe side effects.
According to the investigators, these side effects are a result of the chemotherapy medication being unable to distinguish between healthy cells and cancer cells.
With this in mind, the research team set out to find an alternative treatment.
'Remarkable' results for idelalsib
For their study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the researchers tested a combination of two targeted medications - drugs that can attack cancer cells without damaging healthy cells - on 220 patients with CLL who were not able to undergo chemotherapy.
The combination treatments were:
Rituximab and idelalsib, or
Rituximab and a placebo pill.
Music therapy improves coping skills in young cancer patients
A new study has found that a form of music therapy, which involves writing song lyrics and producing videos, is beneficial in helping young cancer patients develop coping skills.
Being diagnosed with and undergoing treatment for cancer can be a very traumatic experience, especially for young people. But fighting to maintain a positive outlook and having strong family and social relationships is known to have a beneficial effect on treatment. https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
So it is important that distressed adolescents and young adults are able to access support that can promote coping strategies and enhance social interactions while undergoing cancer treatment.
The type of music therapy examined in this study - called Therapeutic Music Video - is designed to help patients reflect on their experiences.
The patients are encouraged to identify what is important to them - whether that be their family, their religion or the relationships they have with friends and the medical professionals treating them.
This reflection occurs through a series of phases in the project, during which patients will make sound and video recordings, and storyboard ideas. The patients are also able to involve their health care providers, friends and family in each step of the process.
At the end of the therapy, the videos made by the patients are shared through video premieres. The therapists think this allows other people - such as their parents and health care providers - to get a better understanding of how the patient feels about their treatments and illness, and also how they feel about the future.
What does the new study say?
The study - which is published in the American Cancer Society's journal, Cancer - looked at 113 patients undergoing stem cell transplant treatments for cancer, who were aged between 11 and 24. The patients were randomized into either the Therapeutic Music Video group, or a control group that received audiobooks.
A child playing a recorder
Young people who completed the music therapy program coped significantly better during their cancer treatment than patients in a control group.
The researchers found that the young people who had completed the Therapeutic Music Video course were reporting significantly better results for coping. The study also evaluated family environment 100 days after treatment and found that the music therapy group was reporting significantly better results for social interaction.
From the results, the researchers identified several protective factors that promote resilience in young people undergoing cancer treatment. These included spiritual beliefs and practices, a positive and adaptable family environment, and feeling supported by peers and health care providers.
Dr. Joan E. Haase, one of the authors of the study, says that these protective factors influence how young people "cope, gain hope and find meaning in the midst of their cancer journey."
"Adolescents and young adults who are resilient have the ability to rise above their illness, gain a sense of mastery and confidence in how they have dealt with their cancer, and demonstrate a desire to reach out and help others," she adds.
Being diagnosed with and undergoing treatment for cancer can be a very traumatic experience, especially for young people. But fighting to maintain a positive outlook and having strong family and social relationships is known to have a beneficial effect on treatment. https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
So it is important that distressed adolescents and young adults are able to access support that can promote coping strategies and enhance social interactions while undergoing cancer treatment.
The type of music therapy examined in this study - called Therapeutic Music Video - is designed to help patients reflect on their experiences.
The patients are encouraged to identify what is important to them - whether that be their family, their religion or the relationships they have with friends and the medical professionals treating them.
This reflection occurs through a series of phases in the project, during which patients will make sound and video recordings, and storyboard ideas. The patients are also able to involve their health care providers, friends and family in each step of the process.
At the end of the therapy, the videos made by the patients are shared through video premieres. The therapists think this allows other people - such as their parents and health care providers - to get a better understanding of how the patient feels about their treatments and illness, and also how they feel about the future.
What does the new study say?
The study - which is published in the American Cancer Society's journal, Cancer - looked at 113 patients undergoing stem cell transplant treatments for cancer, who were aged between 11 and 24. The patients were randomized into either the Therapeutic Music Video group, or a control group that received audiobooks.
A child playing a recorder
Young people who completed the music therapy program coped significantly better during their cancer treatment than patients in a control group.
The researchers found that the young people who had completed the Therapeutic Music Video course were reporting significantly better results for coping. The study also evaluated family environment 100 days after treatment and found that the music therapy group was reporting significantly better results for social interaction.
From the results, the researchers identified several protective factors that promote resilience in young people undergoing cancer treatment. These included spiritual beliefs and practices, a positive and adaptable family environment, and feeling supported by peers and health care providers.
Dr. Joan E. Haase, one of the authors of the study, says that these protective factors influence how young people "cope, gain hope and find meaning in the midst of their cancer journey."
"Adolescents and young adults who are resilient have the ability to rise above their illness, gain a sense of mastery and confidence in how they have dealt with their cancer, and demonstrate a desire to reach out and help others," she adds.
Researchers analyse microbes found in neonatal intensive care unit
They are one of the cleanest environments in a hospital, but neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) still contain microbes, according to a study published in the open access journal Microbiome. The authors of this pilot study speculate that these non-pathogenic microbes then go on to populate the guts of premature babies, who do not have gut microflora due to antibiotic treatment.
When babies are delivered, their guts are normally populated with non-pathogenic microbes through the delivery process. Premature babies are administered broad spectrum antibiotics in the first week after birth to prevent infections, which removes many of these microbes. NICUs are therefore kept extremely clean to protect the premature babies, who often have weakened immune systems, from infection by pathogenic microbes. https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59schaTo investigate microbes present in a NICU, researchers from the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Pittsburgh swabbed the most touched surfaces of the unit as well as collecting fecal samples from two premature babies in a small pilot study. The surfaces swabbed included the sink, feeding and breathing tubes, hands of healthcare staff and parents, access knobs on the incubator and electronic devices at the nurses' station, such as keyboard, mouse and cell phone.
The researchers then carried out a genetic analysis to identify any microbes and their abundance. They identified microbes living in the NICU with most microbes on electronic devices and sinks, and less on hands and tubes. When looking at the two infants fecal samples, to identify microbes living in their guts, they found that there was similarity with microbes identified from the NICU surfaces, with the most abundant similar to that those found on tubes.
Lead author of the study, Brandon Brooks, University of California, Berkeley, says: "The most common species found in our study (Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Bacteroides fragilis) all have been associated with disease in preterm infants, but can also be commonly isolated from healthy infants and adults. The strains found here are largely opportunistic, lacking many of the really nasty genes found in 'outbreak' versions of their respective strains, and would need to be further tested to fully understand their pathogenicity in vivo. Ultimately, both infants were discharged with a healthy status."
Some of the bacteria contained resistance genes, known as efflux pumps, for pumping out the disinfectant used to clean the unit, which gives clues as to why they are present in the NICU despite being subject to regular cleaning and sterilization. The microbes in the guts of premature babies also had these resistance genes.
Brandon Brooks also said: "Hospital acquired infections are an obvious concern, and have been well studied, but the acquisition of non-pathogenic microbes from hospitals is less understood. We hypothesized that infants housed in the NICU over the first month of life are likely to acquire microbes from their immediate surroundings, however, this would need to confirmed by a larger cohort study."
When babies are delivered, their guts are normally populated with non-pathogenic microbes through the delivery process. Premature babies are administered broad spectrum antibiotics in the first week after birth to prevent infections, which removes many of these microbes. NICUs are therefore kept extremely clean to protect the premature babies, who often have weakened immune systems, from infection by pathogenic microbes. https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59schaTo investigate microbes present in a NICU, researchers from the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Pittsburgh swabbed the most touched surfaces of the unit as well as collecting fecal samples from two premature babies in a small pilot study. The surfaces swabbed included the sink, feeding and breathing tubes, hands of healthcare staff and parents, access knobs on the incubator and electronic devices at the nurses' station, such as keyboard, mouse and cell phone.
The researchers then carried out a genetic analysis to identify any microbes and their abundance. They identified microbes living in the NICU with most microbes on electronic devices and sinks, and less on hands and tubes. When looking at the two infants fecal samples, to identify microbes living in their guts, they found that there was similarity with microbes identified from the NICU surfaces, with the most abundant similar to that those found on tubes.
Lead author of the study, Brandon Brooks, University of California, Berkeley, says: "The most common species found in our study (Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Bacteroides fragilis) all have been associated with disease in preterm infants, but can also be commonly isolated from healthy infants and adults. The strains found here are largely opportunistic, lacking many of the really nasty genes found in 'outbreak' versions of their respective strains, and would need to be further tested to fully understand their pathogenicity in vivo. Ultimately, both infants were discharged with a healthy status."
Some of the bacteria contained resistance genes, known as efflux pumps, for pumping out the disinfectant used to clean the unit, which gives clues as to why they are present in the NICU despite being subject to regular cleaning and sterilization. The microbes in the guts of premature babies also had these resistance genes.
Brandon Brooks also said: "Hospital acquired infections are an obvious concern, and have been well studied, but the acquisition of non-pathogenic microbes from hospitals is less understood. We hypothesized that infants housed in the NICU over the first month of life are likely to acquire microbes from their immediate surroundings, however, this would need to confirmed by a larger cohort study."
Developing heart valves may be sensitive to environmental chemicals
Exposure to environmental endocrine disrupters, such as bisphenol A, which mimic estrogen, is associated with adverse health effects. Bisphenol A is commonly found in plastic bottles and plastic food containers. New research from a team including Carnegie's Daniel Gorelick and Marnie Halpern on the effects of these chemicals on zebrafish shows that embryonic heart valves could be particularly in danger. It is published by Environmental Health Perspectives.
Estrogen hormones are important in all stages of life. They work by binding to receptors inside a cell, which then travel to the nucleus and act on the DNA by turning select genes on and off. But some synthetic chemicals mimic these estrogen hormones by also binding to the receptors. Exposure to them during early development is associated with increased risk of cancers and abnormal formation of the reproductive tract. So detecting such chemicals and identifying their mechanisms of action is of great importance for developmental scientists.http://www.zippyshare.com/johnsons10000
Gorelick, the lead author, Halpern and Alice Hung of Carnegie, along with Luke Iwanowicz and Vicki Blazer of the Fish Health Branch of the U.S. Geological Survey, used genetically modified zebrafish that show estrogen receptor activity on a cell's DNA.
Their findings indicate that these specially developed zebrafish are great tools not only for detecting environmental endocrine disruptors from river water, but also for identifying which tissues are targeted by these endocrine disruptors
Unexpectedly, estrogen receptors in the developing heart valves were activated by some water samples, which had not been observed previously. This raises interesting questions about the role of estrogen in valve formation and whether environmental chemicals could contribute to valve abnormalities.
Estrogen hormones are important in all stages of life. They work by binding to receptors inside a cell, which then travel to the nucleus and act on the DNA by turning select genes on and off. But some synthetic chemicals mimic these estrogen hormones by also binding to the receptors. Exposure to them during early development is associated with increased risk of cancers and abnormal formation of the reproductive tract. So detecting such chemicals and identifying their mechanisms of action is of great importance for developmental scientists.http://www.zippyshare.com/johnsons10000
Gorelick, the lead author, Halpern and Alice Hung of Carnegie, along with Luke Iwanowicz and Vicki Blazer of the Fish Health Branch of the U.S. Geological Survey, used genetically modified zebrafish that show estrogen receptor activity on a cell's DNA.
Their findings indicate that these specially developed zebrafish are great tools not only for detecting environmental endocrine disruptors from river water, but also for identifying which tissues are targeted by these endocrine disruptors
Unexpectedly, estrogen receptors in the developing heart valves were activated by some water samples, which had not been observed previously. This raises interesting questions about the role of estrogen in valve formation and whether environmental chemicals could contribute to valve abnormalities.
Focused ultrasound exam could accurately identify athletes at-risk for sudden cardiac death
A young athlete in seemingly excellent health dies suddenly from a previously undetected cardiovascular condition such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in nearly every U.S. state annually. Although these conditions can be detected using electrocardiography (ECG) during a screening exam, the American Heart Association recommends against routine use of ECG, because it has a high false-positive rate. Limiting screening to a history and physical, however, usually fails to identify at-risk athletes. "The sports medicine physical lacks an effective way of ferreting out these heart problems," says Gianmichel Corrado, MD, from Boston Children's Hospital Division of Sports Medicine. Until now. https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
Adding a simple, inexpensive ultrasound exam to the sports medicine physical could help identify athletes with these conditions.
Corrado and colleagues devised the Early Screening for Cardiovascular Abnormalities With Preparticipation Echocardiography (ESCAPE) protocol, which adds a two-minute focused ultrasound exam to the sports medicine physical. They designed a study which showed the protocol reduces the false-positive rate and demonstrated that the exam may detect cardiovascular conditions responsible for sudden cardiac death in this population. The original research was published in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine.
The researchers enrolled 65 male collegiate athletes, aged 18-25 years, in their study. Sports medicine physicians screened participants with a history and physical exam, ECG and focused echocardiography. ECGs were positive in three athletes, but the focused ultrasound exams were normal. Another three athletes screened positive during the history and physical but were cleared both by ECG and focused ultrasound.
The findings indicate that focused ultrasound could address the false-positive issue without adding significant time or cost to the sports medicine physical.
ECG false-positives are problematic from multiple perspectives. Athletes who screen positive, approximately 10 percent of the population, must be held out of sports and referred to a cardiologist for additional tests to assess any possible underlying condition. Yet sudden cardiac death among athletes is miniscule among athletes, with estimates of incidence ranging from 1 per 23,000 to 1 per 300,000 worldwide.
"The ESCAPE protocol provides peace of mind. We've shown it can easily be part of the preparticipation physical. It could be the sports medicine physical of the future," says Corrado.
The next step is to launch a multi-center study with the goal of actually finding the needle in the haystack - the athlete with an undetected cardiovascular condition.
Adding a simple, inexpensive ultrasound exam to the sports medicine physical could help identify athletes with these conditions.
Corrado and colleagues devised the Early Screening for Cardiovascular Abnormalities With Preparticipation Echocardiography (ESCAPE) protocol, which adds a two-minute focused ultrasound exam to the sports medicine physical. They designed a study which showed the protocol reduces the false-positive rate and demonstrated that the exam may detect cardiovascular conditions responsible for sudden cardiac death in this population. The original research was published in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine.
The researchers enrolled 65 male collegiate athletes, aged 18-25 years, in their study. Sports medicine physicians screened participants with a history and physical exam, ECG and focused echocardiography. ECGs were positive in three athletes, but the focused ultrasound exams were normal. Another three athletes screened positive during the history and physical but were cleared both by ECG and focused ultrasound.
The findings indicate that focused ultrasound could address the false-positive issue without adding significant time or cost to the sports medicine physical.
ECG false-positives are problematic from multiple perspectives. Athletes who screen positive, approximately 10 percent of the population, must be held out of sports and referred to a cardiologist for additional tests to assess any possible underlying condition. Yet sudden cardiac death among athletes is miniscule among athletes, with estimates of incidence ranging from 1 per 23,000 to 1 per 300,000 worldwide.
"The ESCAPE protocol provides peace of mind. We've shown it can easily be part of the preparticipation physical. It could be the sports medicine physical of the future," says Corrado.
The next step is to launch a multi-center study with the goal of actually finding the needle in the haystack - the athlete with an undetected cardiovascular condition.
PTSD treatment progress impacted by depression symptoms and emotional support
Many individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also experience depression. Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that during PTSD treatments, rapid improvements in depression symptoms are associated with better outcomes.
Often while undergoing treatment, those suffering PTSD typically count on family and friends to help them through it. But advising individuals with PTSD to "toughen up" or "just get over it" can actually negatively impact these individuals and lead to a transient increase in depression, according to a new Case Western Reserve University psychology study. https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102913432323563044867/102913432323563044867/posts
The findings are reported in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology online article, "Depression Sudden Gains and Transient Depression Spikes During Treatment for PTSD." This is one of the first studies to shed light on how depression symptoms impact progress during PTSD treatment.
Funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, the study examined 84 PTSD patients treated only with medication, and another 116 involved in 10 therapy sessions designed to help them revisit their trauma and better cope with their fears.
Participants received either an evidence-based psychotherapy (Prolonged Exposure therapy) or an antidepressant (Zoloft), which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat PTSD.
Specifically, this study tracked sudden depression spikes or reductions in depression symptoms during PTSD treatment. Also examined were how social support from family and friends impacted sudden depression changes and how those changes affected the overall treatment outcome.
Negative social support from family or friends (for example, blaming the victim) was associated with experiencing a worsening in depression symptoms for individuals receiving medication or therapy for PTSD, explained Stephanie Keller, a Case Western Reserve doctoral student and the study's lead author.
Participants rated their depression symptoms (such as sadness, loss of interest in daily activities or hobbies, concentration problems, sleep or appetite issues, and suicidal thoughts) before starting each of the 10 treatment sessions, and finally at the end of treatment.
These survey scores allowed researchers to systematically track and analyze any changes in the depression levels.
Researchers found that patients experience ups and downs in depression whether treated only with medication or only therapy. Individuals who had rapid decreases in depression symptoms actually improved more during PTSD treatment than those who had gradual change, Keller said.
However, as transient depression symptoms worsened, it did not negatively impact treatment outcome. Overall, this study suggests that therapists should help PTSD patients to improve the quality of their social relationships, Keller said.
She also said for those patients who do have a temporary increase or worsening in their symptoms, clinicians may want to provide encouragement to stick with therapy and remind patients that a temporary spike in depression does not necessarily mean that they will benefit less from treatment.
Often while undergoing treatment, those suffering PTSD typically count on family and friends to help them through it. But advising individuals with PTSD to "toughen up" or "just get over it" can actually negatively impact these individuals and lead to a transient increase in depression, according to a new Case Western Reserve University psychology study. https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102913432323563044867/102913432323563044867/posts
The findings are reported in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology online article, "Depression Sudden Gains and Transient Depression Spikes During Treatment for PTSD." This is one of the first studies to shed light on how depression symptoms impact progress during PTSD treatment.
Funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, the study examined 84 PTSD patients treated only with medication, and another 116 involved in 10 therapy sessions designed to help them revisit their trauma and better cope with their fears.
Participants received either an evidence-based psychotherapy (Prolonged Exposure therapy) or an antidepressant (Zoloft), which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat PTSD.
Specifically, this study tracked sudden depression spikes or reductions in depression symptoms during PTSD treatment. Also examined were how social support from family and friends impacted sudden depression changes and how those changes affected the overall treatment outcome.
Negative social support from family or friends (for example, blaming the victim) was associated with experiencing a worsening in depression symptoms for individuals receiving medication or therapy for PTSD, explained Stephanie Keller, a Case Western Reserve doctoral student and the study's lead author.
Participants rated their depression symptoms (such as sadness, loss of interest in daily activities or hobbies, concentration problems, sleep or appetite issues, and suicidal thoughts) before starting each of the 10 treatment sessions, and finally at the end of treatment.
These survey scores allowed researchers to systematically track and analyze any changes in the depression levels.
Researchers found that patients experience ups and downs in depression whether treated only with medication or only therapy. Individuals who had rapid decreases in depression symptoms actually improved more during PTSD treatment than those who had gradual change, Keller said.
However, as transient depression symptoms worsened, it did not negatively impact treatment outcome. Overall, this study suggests that therapists should help PTSD patients to improve the quality of their social relationships, Keller said.
She also said for those patients who do have a temporary increase or worsening in their symptoms, clinicians may want to provide encouragement to stick with therapy and remind patients that a temporary spike in depression does not necessarily mean that they will benefit less from treatment.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
He said it himself: thanks to Liagos came «The Voice» in Greece
Dear friend what I hear and not collapse; That through him came the «The Voice» in Greek-TV revealed indirectly than clearly-George Liagkas, which took ... rightful position presenter!
" We went with Fay Easter last year in New York. I put a TV in the hotel we were staying and I see "The Voice". I was shocked! So when the Summer was chatting with John Lazio, I told him that there is a show abroad, the "Ôhe Voice" and I said "I know, it's too expensive rights" and told him that I would love to do "George says in the first episode of the talent show which will be aired tonight. Indeed, he adds, when it was closed by the committee, took the phone and the psilodedomeno thought it would take .
Gosh the Liagkas! saw the show in America , said in Lazio and ... brought it to Greece !
not comment To that waited until the summer to discuss with the Director of ANT1, as if he knew in advance he was going to channel Maroussi and waited, or as if he could not immediately tell the makers of Mega which worked that time ... http://www.myplick.com/user/johnsons10000
What did you say? And you have seen «The Voice» and, indeed, at home you?
And why bre foolish not hastened to say in Lazio?
may be the presents you now!
PS: Do you think because they are expensive to rights given to George "classic" microphone and not any high-tech «louse" as those of the judges?
" We went with Fay Easter last year in New York. I put a TV in the hotel we were staying and I see "The Voice". I was shocked! So when the Summer was chatting with John Lazio, I told him that there is a show abroad, the "Ôhe Voice" and I said "I know, it's too expensive rights" and told him that I would love to do "George says in the first episode of the talent show which will be aired tonight. Indeed, he adds, when it was closed by the committee, took the phone and the psilodedomeno thought it would take .
Gosh the Liagkas! saw the show in America , said in Lazio and ... brought it to Greece !
not comment To that waited until the summer to discuss with the Director of ANT1, as if he knew in advance he was going to channel Maroussi and waited, or as if he could not immediately tell the makers of Mega which worked that time ... http://www.myplick.com/user/johnsons10000
What did you say? And you have seen «The Voice» and, indeed, at home you?
And why bre foolish not hastened to say in Lazio?
may be the presents you now!
PS: Do you think because they are expensive to rights given to George "classic" microphone and not any high-tech «louse" as those of the judges?
Confuse curry with ... Carrie the Spyropoulou!
Treme Eleni Menegaki: your best girlfriend, Constantine Spyropoulos, I'll steal the glory queries: If it's the curry or the curry asked the blonde on air and burst into loud laughter!
Soup with chicken green curry they made the "Mes in good spirits" and Paul Stamatopoulos -who acted as cook- he remembered that he had been in Laos and had eaten this dish.
The dialogue unedited, to laugh with your soul:
Paul (meaning soup): " I order the green curry . "
Constantine " is the curry? "
Paul " curry "
Constantine " and why you order the green curry? "
Paul: " Why is soup " https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
Katerina Karavatou and frolics Zisakis had already solved the laughter and happily-telling-Constantina realized that is curry and nothing has with Carrie , who is ... role in «Sex & The City»!
See the video wondering Konstantina Spyropoulos
Soup with chicken green curry they made the "Mes in good spirits" and Paul Stamatopoulos -who acted as cook- he remembered that he had been in Laos and had eaten this dish.
The dialogue unedited, to laugh with your soul:
Paul (meaning soup): " I order the green curry . "
Constantine " is the curry? "
Paul " curry "
Constantine " and why you order the green curry? "
Paul: " Why is soup " https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
Katerina Karavatou and frolics Zisakis had already solved the laughter and happily-telling-Constantina realized that is curry and nothing has with Carrie , who is ... role in «Sex & The City»!
See the video wondering Konstantina Spyropoulos
Someone help: shopped the many Menegaki and can not ... to carry her!
The piiires oooola and eeefyges-known in the folk-song had to sing shopkeepers to Eleni Menegaki, who visited shopping and had ... porters to carry her you bought!
To see that the Maldives does not have good purchase , so the always-tanned presenter of Christmas parties at exotic-went a few days ago in a shopping center in the northern suburbs, and, literally, the "lifted".
8973_ELENI_MENEGAKI_31122014.jpg http://www.myplick.com/user/johnsons10000Besides the bags had been loaded the same , followed close behind official carrying the rest !
8989_ELENI_MENEGAKI_31122014.jpg
Could it be well, however, the Lenio: nor can a third of those who can not buy you and I, Stournaras, however, of who owes the Greek economy supports with pride! VRE do you think contributes to the primary surplus Menegaki?
Caution! The former of Denisi has big ... and lurking!
You live in the Peloponnese and over? Wall, wall because ... circulate the former Mimi Denisi Sotiris Polyzos, for which George Liagkas revealed that ... has abundant mercies!
Citing friendship with former wife of actor , George Liagkas responded to "nail" Lakis Lazopoulos and Taki Zacharatou on sexual orientation. https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
" Believe me, as Tatsopoulos went with half of Athens, so the Polyzos has gone to the Peloponnese and half over! Not only handsome man, has ... fuck not say what has been raising issues of large, nationwide , do not even know the world , "said the presenter.
To say, knows something or has seen Liagkas ...
beware only the former Mimi, because part of its range coincides with that of the former MP of SYRIZA
Citing friendship with former wife of actor , George Liagkas responded to "nail" Lakis Lazopoulos and Taki Zacharatou on sexual orientation. https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
" Believe me, as Tatsopoulos went with half of Athens, so the Polyzos has gone to the Peloponnese and half over! Not only handsome man, has ... fuck not say what has been raising issues of large, nationwide , do not even know the world , "said the presenter.
To say, knows something or has seen Liagkas ...
beware only the former Mimi, because part of its range coincides with that of the former MP of SYRIZA
More "spontaneous" photo ... "die"!
And suddenly, there he made the carefree shopping mall in the northern suburbs, to your nose popped and the paparazzi caught her in the act!
9435_XRISTINA_ALOYPI_1112014.jpg9500_XRISTINA_ALOYPI_1112014.jpg
For Christina Aloupi speech, which was seen enjoying itself as the anemone go of.
9683_XRISTINA_ALOYPI_1112014.jpg9739_XRISTINA_ALOYPI_1112014.jpg
Wind of you say the photographer did not get the girl, but was set in all possible poses, so to have it in all poses the paparazzi: https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
Coming down the stairs, to read books, to smell flowers, staring windows, sitting in the garden carefree, talking on mobile phone, drinking her coffee, and taking photos.
9435_XRISTINA_ALOYPI_1112014.jpg9500_XRISTINA_ALOYPI_1112014.jpg
For Christina Aloupi speech, which was seen enjoying itself as the anemone go of.
9683_XRISTINA_ALOYPI_1112014.jpg9739_XRISTINA_ALOYPI_1112014.jpg
Wind of you say the photographer did not get the girl, but was set in all possible poses, so to have it in all poses the paparazzi: https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
Coming down the stairs, to read books, to smell flowers, staring windows, sitting in the garden carefree, talking on mobile phone, drinking her coffee, and taking photos.
OCHCHCH: The Hungarian and walked to the kitchen!
The most beautiful Sunday spent Dimitris Hungarian ... The reason? Because cooked for his friends!
As you now entered the kitchen at home ... and you get on set! http://uploadingit.com/forum/thread/360
Even took a picture with the "author" and the "staged" on his personal page on Instagram writing:
"There is no more stress buster AP'TO thing to cook for your buddies. 4 hours factory. The best Sunday. Treme Petretziki " wrote Dimitri Hungarian.
As you now entered the kitchen at home ... and you get on set! http://uploadingit.com/forum/thread/360
Even took a picture with the "author" and the "staged" on his personal page on Instagram writing:
"There is no more stress buster AP'TO thing to cook for your buddies. 4 hours factory. The best Sunday. Treme Petretziki " wrote Dimitri Hungarian.
Exclusive: inconsolable because ... Kostopoulos is Mariah Carey!
Good week a friend and I have exclusive: crying in the howl has plantaxei the Mariah Carey, who learned that the 'adorned' Kostopoulos and "buckled"!
" clogs "and" pop into dressing "said world-renowned singer presenter
and Mariah said she locked herself in her room and wants to be seen.
https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
The "decoration" completed wife Jenny, saying " we have seen at minus 20 degrees without tights, mini "
even the husband of Mariah, I tell you, he almost ... Stay!
These girlfriend heard the Mariah and inconsolable crying!
What'd you say? Slowly not learned?
Calais there in LA, everyone Kostopoulos monitor says ...
PS: In case you did not understand, the above is the product of imagination and would happen only in a parallel universe! Another concept was not from the Carey's comments Kostopoulos ..
" clogs "and" pop into dressing "said world-renowned singer presenter
and Mariah said she locked herself in her room and wants to be seen.
https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
The "decoration" completed wife Jenny, saying " we have seen at minus 20 degrees without tights, mini "
even the husband of Mariah, I tell you, he almost ... Stay!
These girlfriend heard the Mariah and inconsolable crying!
What'd you say? Slowly not learned?
Calais there in LA, everyone Kostopoulos monitor says ...
PS: In case you did not understand, the above is the product of imagination and would happen only in a parallel universe! Another concept was not from the Carey's comments Kostopoulos ..
Do not send sms in Papadakis ... I'll swear to leptaki!
Years Giorgos Papadakis at breakfast the bastion, but who said this allows and swearing?
" Vlaka "George called a viewer, who sent him a message on air on the show.
Telling the news and do not review, asked the man from the presenter, who, after being handed a mini lesson journalism, the 'adorned' with one: " He thinks he is smart, but is a common moron! Ha ha ... Morning Greece! "said the presenter, not only know whether laughed the same and the viewer ...
https://plus.google.com/102034633390759433578/about
PS: Nice opinion has for his audience George! And then you tell me to stop loving friend to be showbitch become the prospectus ... Am not!
" Vlaka "George called a viewer, who sent him a message on air on the show.
Telling the news and do not review, asked the man from the presenter, who, after being handed a mini lesson journalism, the 'adorned' with one: " He thinks he is smart, but is a common moron! Ha ha ... Morning Greece! "said the presenter, not only know whether laughed the same and the viewer ...
https://plus.google.com/102034633390759433578/about
PS: Nice opinion has for his audience George! And then you tell me to stop loving friend to be showbitch become the prospectus ... Am not!
By Vandi or ... the voice has trouble Vissi?
Anna Vissi love it, appreciate it, but what I did yesterday ... seemed sour! But to leave the good of the blue because I asked for «The Voice»;
I remember Anna smiling, saying he returned from New York , to confirm that they made the proposal for the position of judge and appointment with Lazio will do and think about.
No relationship, ie, with Anna the day before yesterday , who asked why he did not go to the committee and she was ... "sour" ! http://www.myplick.com/user/johnsons10000
Anna, my love, you got star quality! What was this thing?
did not say to give a reference on how and why you did not go to committee, but a shame not to form the impression that some people have a problem with Vandi ?
Unless, mercy marketing, some suits them to think that this year holds the Contras 'cologne' ...
I remember Anna smiling, saying he returned from New York , to confirm that they made the proposal for the position of judge and appointment with Lazio will do and think about.
No relationship, ie, with Anna the day before yesterday , who asked why he did not go to the committee and she was ... "sour" ! http://www.myplick.com/user/johnsons10000
Anna, my love, you got star quality! What was this thing?
did not say to give a reference on how and why you did not go to committee, but a shame not to form the impression that some people have a problem with Vandi ?
Unless, mercy marketing, some suits them to think that this year holds the Contras 'cologne' ...
He saw the Marilyn Menegaki and forgot that makes TV
Okay ... we're used to seeing Notis Sfakianakis to us about aliens who built the Acropolis and the children spontaneously ... the Golden Dawn, a permanently chewing gum in her mouth, but to see and Helen go too.
Forget the girl rather that the chewing gum at the time of emission is incredibly ugly , not to say anything else and with the started, began to chew and not talking ...! http://www.zippyshare.com/johnsons10000
But do not blame her Helen. was the whole look that lifted the ... the gum . Just bomb the wool, just the jumpsuit in pink sugarplum , fit and bubblegum in this frenetic to say? lighthearted to say? For not say nothing mood!
The ... skylotragouda Mrs Spyropoulos
Okay, found new koskinaki Constantina Spyropoulos and do not know where to hang it. For dog Bruno say dear, where to go takes him by emphasizing that the ... mommy will do all a favor.
What he thought So ... genius mind Spyropoulos?'ll Send you drive says only the dog, since it is the most perfect and sweet dog world! https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
What do you say? Another job we did and we deal with Spyropoulou?'re Right, but you said we can not waste the overexertion to emerging through the show.
What he thought So ... genius mind Spyropoulos?'ll Send you drive says only the dog, since it is the most perfect and sweet dog world! https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
What do you say? Another job we did and we deal with Spyropoulou?'re Right, but you said we can not waste the overexertion to emerging through the show.
Memos and ghosts ...
Skiachtika the Showbitch, reading the interview Memos Begni Subject to People. Anna Vissi heard ... voices, he sees shadows ...!!
Yes dear you say. boyfriend confided that she feels the existence of spirits in the house . It is so intense that feeling has not happen to turn straight to the empty house to see who the looks!
https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
Ghosts, however, has not seen ... Just some shadows as he did not scare me at all.
Let not that as he has done ... and astral trip of five or six times in a month and decided to search for life elsewhere ...!
However, an acquaintance of mine who said that talking with Saint George, he was locked in Dromokaiteio .
Yes dear you say. boyfriend confided that she feels the existence of spirits in the house . It is so intense that feeling has not happen to turn straight to the empty house to see who the looks!
https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
Ghosts, however, has not seen ... Just some shadows as he did not scare me at all.
Let not that as he has done ... and astral trip of five or six times in a month and decided to search for life elsewhere ...!
However, an acquaintance of mine who said that talking with Saint George, he was locked in Dromokaiteio .
Kolotoumpa the Mpogdanos "not blackmailed Notis Sfakianakis"
Other Dala koutrouvala, Friday the milk ... Asynartisies say the showbitch; reasonably find, after what I heard him say Constantine Mpogdanos the emission of Tatiana Stefanidou!
Sky reporter did kolotoumpa of the few, as in 'Speak' denied blackmailed Notis Sfakianakis , when he made his famous declarations in favor of the Golden Dawn, upsetting what he had said about a month ago , in another show!
" In no case blackmailed Notis. But I am a man who wants to go to journalism differently than we are used to , "said Constantine the show Star. https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
With ... kolotoumpes her to do differently journalism!
PS: for the record, I quote what he had told Mr. Mpogdanos in December , the show Brass Anastasiadis, for ... blackmail to Notis Sfakianakis to go to the show and conclusions ... yours!
" For the first time in my life I realized that sometimes the only way to find the right you are bullying. After the first interview, seemed to have a good chemistry, I heave Mobile "Come Noti, because in the fall right?", "What to say ..." he tells me. I tell him "No you come to say?" He says "I'm coming. When?". I reply "next Wednesday". "
No problem. Though the company is OK, I'm in." he replied. I'm talking to my company and say "If Notis OK we have no complaints." I speak with him again on Monday for the final OK and tells me again, "yes, I have no problem." My pops a message late Monday by a manager of the company that wrote to me: "In principle,
Notis did not understand and secondly, we believe we and the shop is very important that the interview be done after the premiere." Did I do something too simple ... After logoferame gone with the manager, told him that "I charge it personally and what will you do to remember" because I say liar . "
Sky reporter did kolotoumpa of the few, as in 'Speak' denied blackmailed Notis Sfakianakis , when he made his famous declarations in favor of the Golden Dawn, upsetting what he had said about a month ago , in another show!
" In no case blackmailed Notis. But I am a man who wants to go to journalism differently than we are used to , "said Constantine the show Star. https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
With ... kolotoumpes her to do differently journalism!
PS: for the record, I quote what he had told Mr. Mpogdanos in December , the show Brass Anastasiadis, for ... blackmail to Notis Sfakianakis to go to the show and conclusions ... yours!
" For the first time in my life I realized that sometimes the only way to find the right you are bullying. After the first interview, seemed to have a good chemistry, I heave Mobile "Come Noti, because in the fall right?", "What to say ..." he tells me. I tell him "No you come to say?" He says "I'm coming. When?". I reply "next Wednesday". "
No problem. Though the company is OK, I'm in." he replied. I'm talking to my company and say "If Notis OK we have no complaints." I speak with him again on Monday for the final OK and tells me again, "yes, I have no problem." My pops a message late Monday by a manager of the company that wrote to me: "In principle,
Notis did not understand and secondly, we believe we and the shop is very important that the interview be done after the premiere." Did I do something too simple ... After logoferame gone with the manager, told him that "I charge it personally and what will you do to remember" because I say liar . "
Alarms in bowel complaints
Alarms in bowel complaints
Buick jpg
Please note that these alarms:
• Severe abdominal pain before or after the meal (s);
• Bloating or flatulence, it does not disappear;
• Unexplained nausea or vomiting;
• Heartburn or indigestion;
• Pain or difficulty swallowing;
• Loss of appetite;
• Persistent unexplained weight loss;
• Digestive problems (for older people);
• Persistent diarrhea, constipation or altered toilet
habits;
• A change in stool: black, dark red, pale or slimy;
• Blood in the stool; https://app.box.com/s/qm8ewbt0o855yr59scha
• Pain when you go to the toilet;
• feel that you do not get completely empty your bowels;
• Constant fatigue or discomfort which seems to be connected
with your digestion.
Has a whole experience any of these symptoms? Definitely go
to the doctor.
Woman week school
Healthy eating means that you get all the nutrients you
need. But there is also the amount of calories that you eat a significant role.
If you consume more calories than you consume, your body will store the extra
energy in the form of fat. Your weight can increase and affect your health. A
too high weight, for example, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease or
diabetes. As long as your weight stays within certain limits, there is not much
going on.
Maintain a healthy weight (BMI calculator
I have almost every day after dinner and in bed heartburn.
Why this is and what can I do?
Heartburn, "reflux" in medical terms, is due to
the backflow of acid stomach contents into the esophagus. Between the stomach
and the esophagus is a sphincter (LES) which prevents backflow. Because of these
acidic gastric contents, the esophageal mucosal damage, which provides the
typical pain? Basically everybody has heartburn, but should this happen almost
daily may change to chronic mucosal Barrett's mucosa.
This change may be a
slight increase in esophageal give. Are you experiencing a lot of heartburn
symptoms, visit your doctor to help you with possible further medication. , you
can do some things to reduce the heartburn itself: https://plus.google.com/102913432323563044867/about
Maintain a healthy weight (BMI calculator)
If you need to bend down, try to bags instead of bending
your knees
Avoid tight clothing, the height of the stomach
Avoid large meals and fatty;
rather eat smaller portions
throughout the day
Eat plenty of fiber, drink plenty and exercise regularly to
keep the stool well underway
Eat and drink as little as possible, alcohol, coffee,
chocolate, and peppermint, citrus and crisp herbs
Eat and drink no more three hours before going to bed
Raise the head of your bed by about 10 cm
Stop smoking
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