Monthly Archives: March 2012

Diminished Ovarian Reserve Expert Releases Tip Sheet for Timely Infertility Diagnosis for Young Women

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Young women may also be affected by a number of infertility problems, such as diminished ovarian reserve and high FSH.

New York, NY (PRWEB) March 07, 2012

Detecting DOR is not difficult, says Dr. Gleicher, Medical Director and Chief Scientist of CHR. He continues: Ovarian reserve can be easily measured by simple blood tests, like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and anti-Mllerian hormone (AMH). High FSH and/or low AMH suggest a diagnosis of DOR but both need to be assessed in an age-specific way.

However, many fertility centers, unused to treating younger women with premature ovarian aging (POA; a term coined by CHR to describe younger women with DOR), often overlook this condition. They overlook the diagnosis, explains Dr. Gleicher, because they do not utilize age-specific cut off values for FSH and AMH.

Normal FSH ranges increase and normal AMH ranges decrease as women age. If all women of all ages are assessed with universal cutoff values, younger women will never be diagnosed in a timely fashion. Unfortunately, says Dr. Gleicher, this is what is still done in many fertility centers.

Once diagnosed with POA, like older women, women with POA have little time to lose since there is no telling how quickly their POA will progress. Though very rapid progression is rare, according to Dr. Gleicher, CHR physicians have seen women go into full menopause in a few short months after diagnosis.

Dr. Gleicher continues: There isnt a day when we dont hear our patients say doctor, I wish Id known about your center months ago, when I was doing such and such... The earlier we can start treatment, the better, of course, our chances of helping our patients with POA!

CHRs tips for younger women with POA to receive timely diagnosis and treatment include the following:

About Center for Human Reproduction

Center for Human Reproduction, or CHR (http://www.centerforhumanreprod.com), is a leading fertility center in the United States with a worldwide reputation as a "fertility center of last resort," specializing in treatment of infertility in women with diminished ovarian reserve, including younger women with premature ovarian aging (POA) and older women with physiological ovarian aging. Dr. Gleicher is available for additional comments.

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Diminished Ovarian Reserve Expert Releases Tip Sheet for Timely Infertility Diagnosis for Young Women

DNA – The Human Race – Video

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18-02-2012 11:56 (episode 3 of 5 - Human Genome Project) DNA - The Secret Of Life (episode 1 of 5 - Discovery of DNA Structure) http://www.youtube.com DNA - Playing God (episode 2 of 5 - Genetic Engineering) http://www.youtube.com DNA - Curing Cancer (episode 4 of 5 - In search of cancer treatment) http://www.youtube.com DNA - Pandora's Box (episode 5 of 5 - Enormous possibilities and moral limits) http://www.youtube.com

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DNA - The Human Race - Video

Newly Published Meta-Analysis Study Finds that IL-1 Gene Variations Contained in Interleukin Genetics’ PST Test are …

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WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (OTCQB: ILIU.PK - News) announced today the publication of a peer-reviewed study which found that Interleukin-1 (IL-1) gene variations are associated with increased risk of periodontal disease. The study, which appears on the Journal of Periodontologys website, in advance of appearing in the print edition, was led by Nadeem Y. Karimbux, D.M.D., Associate Professor of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

The study assessed the potential value of IL-1 genetic variations in the risk for developing severe periodontal disease. The IL-1 genetic variations in the published study are included in Interleukin Genetics PST Genetic Test, the first genetic test to analyze genes for variations that identify an individuals predisposition for over-expression of inflammation and risk for periodontal disease. Researchers reviewed 27 published studies on IL-1 genetics and periodontal disease from 1997 through June 2011 which examined Caucasian adults, 35 years or older with adult periodontal disease, to determine whether there was a significant association between the presence of the IL-1 gene variations and the severity and progression of periodontal disease. Thirteen studies qualified for the quantitative meta-analysis, which found significant effects for the two individual gene variations (IL1A OR=1.48; and IL1B OR= 1.54) and for a composite genotype that combines minor alleles at each locus (OR= 1.51). Some heterogeneity was evident, but there was no indication of publication bias.

This review and meta-analysis show that IL1A and IL1B genetic variations are significant contributors to chronic periodontitis in Caucasians, said Dr. Karimbux. Having this actionable information can assist dentists in establishing more aggressive treatment protocols for patients at increased risk.

Periodontal disease is caused by a chronic bacterial infection that activates inflammation which destroys the gums and bone supporting the teeth. If left untreated, periodontitis leads to tooth loss. Studies have shown that people with chronic and prolonged inflammatory periodontal disease are at an increased risk of several systemic conditions, such as heart disease, strokes, rheumatoid arthritis and certain chronic pulmonary diseases.

Periodontal disease is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide, but fortunately most individuals develop only a mild form of periodontitis that when caught early, can be easily treated. We now know that approximately 8 to 13 percent of the adult population will develop more destructive forms of periodontitis, and most of those at risk can be identified early based on smoking, IL-1 genetics and diabetes, said Kenneth Kornman D.D.S., PhD., study author and Chief Scientific Officer of Interleukin Genetics. While additional studies should be undertaken to look at specific periodontal conditions and additional ethnicities, this study reaffirms the role genetics plays in adult oral and overall health.

About Interleukin Genetics, Inc. Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (OTCQB: ILIU.PK - News) develops and markets a line of genetic tests under the Inherent Health and PST brands.The products empower individuals to prevent certain chronic conditions and manage their existing health and wellness through genetic-based insights with actionable guidance. Interleukin Genetics leverages its research, intellectual property and genetic panel development expertise in metabolism and inflammation to facilitate the emerging personalized healthcare market. The Company markets its tests through partnerships with health and wellness companies, healthcare professionals and other distribution channels. Interleukin Genetics flagship products include its proprietary PST genetic risk panel for periodontal disease and tooth loss susceptibility sold through dentists and the Inherent Health Weight Management Genetic Test that identifies the most effective diet and exercise program for an individual based on genetics. Interleukin Genetics is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. and operates an on-site, state-of-the-art DNA testing laboratory certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). For more information, please visit http://www.ilgenetics.com.

About PST The PST Genetic Test identifies individuals with increased risk for severe and progressive periodontal disease and significant tooth loss based on a proprietary panel of genetic variations that predispose an individual to over-express inflammation. In August 2010, Interleukin Genetics announced the initiation of a landmark clinical study on risk factors predictive of periodontal disease progression to tooth loss using a new version of the PST Genetic Test. This clinical studybeing conducted at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and led by Dr. William Giannobile, Director of the Michigan Center for Oral Health Researchis designed to test whether risk factors, including genetic information, can guide more successful intervention and thus reduce the adverse outcomes of periodontal disease, such as tooth loss.

Certain statements contained herein are forward-looking statements, including statements that the clinical studies have the potential to expand the use of the PST Genetic Test. Because such statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those risks and uncertainties described in the Interleukin Genetics annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Interleukin Genetics disclaims any obligation or intention to update these forward-looking statements.

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Newly Published Meta-Analysis Study Finds that IL-1 Gene Variations Contained in Interleukin Genetics’ PST Test are ...

PBT: 'Melo and the Knicks are failing chemistry

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Jeremy Lin has not solved the problem.

All season long we kept saying, the Knicks just need a point guard to organize this offense and push the tempo and theyll be fine. Well, they found one in Jeremy Lin, then they added a new piece to help their bench scoring in J.R. Smith.

And the result is they have lost five of eight games since everyone came together. The Knicks look disorganized and unsure of how to work togheter. At a time when Philadelphia is slumping and suddenly up for grabs, the Knicks are letting the opportunity go to waste.

With all their new pieces, they cant find a groove. Tom Haberstroh of ESPN passes along these notes on twitter:

Carmelo Anthonys PER with Jeremy Lin off court this season: 21.8. Carmelos PER with Lin ON court? 12.2. Knicks offensive efficiency (pts per 100 trips): Lin on/Carmelo off? 105.0. Lin off/Carmelo on? 98.8. Both on? 97.9.

Carmelo Anthony admitted as much after the game, as reported by Howard Beck at the New York Times.

I think anytime you go from the early part of the season, just having the ball and me just having the ball and being the distributor, and now just running the wings and waiting for the ball to come to me, thats quite an adjustment for myself.

It is, but its what he has to do. We keep saying the Knicks just need time but right now we are not seeing any progress toward the goal of an integrated offense. They still just seem like parts. And Lin is not blameless in this he is a point guard whose job is to get guys the ball in a place they like it and he is struggling to do that consistently. But the problems are deeper than just one person.

Its going to come back to coach Mike DAntoni as much as he wants a less structured, more improvised offense he needs to come up with a framework where Lin and Anthony and Amare Stoudemire and everyone else can feel comfortable. Maybe that is to play faster, maybe that is specific half-court sets that use Anthony on the ball not off it.

If he doesnt find an answer, his seat is going to start to warm up again as he sits there in the last year of his contract.

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PBT: 'Melo and the Knicks are failing chemistry

Build Chemistry in Your Leadership Team

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Sometimes, being a CEO is a lot like being a major-league coach. That means you need the right mix of playmakers in your locker room. Here's how I do it.

shutterstock images

Any sports-franchise owner will tell you that just because a certain set of players got you to a certain level of success, your team still has weaknesses. Without some adjustments, you probably won't make it to the big winner's circle anytime soon.

The same goes for business leaders. The leadership team that got you to $10 million probably won't be the team to get you to $50 million. Doug Tatum talked about this in his book No Mans Land: Companies too Big to be Small and too Small to be Big. True, you might have some of the same key players from those early winning teams. However, to get to that next level and the tickertape parade that goes with it, you're going to need to add some playmakers to the locker room. And that comes with a big elephant of an issue:

Locker. Room. Chemistry.

As coachI mean CEOgetting the chemistry right is my responsibility. From integrating run-'n'-gun style players into the already tight-knit team to redefining what success means for everyoneit all comes down to me. These are the four things I have on my clipboard to help make sure my roster is playing nice and we all have a much better chance at winning that ring:

Create a Hybrid Game Plan

We know that we aren't a company that's going to sell our services at the cost of our culture. We also realize that we have opportunities to focus on moving into the open spots in the market where in the past we may have been content in playing at a certain level. That's why I look to find the right mix of existing team members and new talent. I wasn't shy about adding new members of the team that had a sales focus and could help get our company to the next level. But that didn't necessarily jive with a very deliberate culture with longstanding traditions. So how would I balance the opportunity for growth and those that felt we should do things the way they've always been done? I realized that the answer was somewhere in-between. We needed a balance of keeping and respecting some of the old and embracing and accepting some of the new.

The Coach is the Chief Reminder Officer

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Build Chemistry in Your Leadership Team

New Materials and Organic Chemistry Resources Published at ScienceIndex.com

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The Materials Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Sciences are two new key categories covered by the Sciences Social Network ScienceIndex.com. The users of the website monitor over 230 scientific Materials Chemistry and Organic Chemistry journals and submit the most significant scientific results of these journals for inclusion in ScienceIndex.com. ScienceIndex.com was established in 1998 to index the very latest news, headlines, references and resources from science journals, books and websites worldwide. The site covers news in all fields of biology, business, chemistry, engineering, geography, health, mathematics and society.

Mannheim, Germany (PRWEB) March 07, 2012

ScienceIndex.com's Chemistry Sciences Category covers the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of substances. Its seven subsections include Biochemistry, Food, Inorganics, Materials, Organics, Physics and Toxicology. Users can receive alerts if new content has been posted in this category by subscribing to ScienceIndex.com's Chemistry Sciences RSS feed.

ScienceIndex.com's Materials Chemistry category covers characteristics and uses of the various materials. It currently contains over 73,300 articles partly derived from nearly 200 scientific journals. One of the latest additions covers simulations and experimental verification of pressure dependence of space charge deposition in piezoelectric polymer foams. The authors measured the piezoelectric activity of PQ-50 cellular polypropylene (PP) foam (an example of a so-called ferroelectret) after repeated charging in a nitrogen atmosphere at a range of pressures. They conclude that the Paschen curve for electric breakdown in gases needs to be modified for dielectric barrier discharges in microcavities and for previously uncharged PP foam, they predict an optimal charging pressure of 186 kPa. The highest d33 coefficients were, however, achieved for pressures above 251 kPa. Another newly included story investigates the magnetic structure of almandine. For a more detailed understanding of the magnetic structure and the exchange pathways, the authors conducted electronic structure calculations in the local spin density approximation. Their study reveals that the almandine structure contains two identical interpenetrative sublattices of Fe dodecahedra connected via Al octahedra and Si tetrahedra, and they conclude that their results have scientific importance since almandine belongs to most abundant crystallized silicates that are main constituents of the earth and main components of cosmic dust.

ScienceIndex.com's Organic Chemistry category covers the chemistry of carbon compounds. It currently contains nearly 6,800 articles partly derived from over 40 scientific journals. One recently included article in this category describes the current status and future perspectives of thermophilic hydrogen production from renewable resources. Hydrogen (H2) is regarded an alternative fuel of the future due to its high energy density and non-polluting nature. H2 energy provides many advantages over fossil fuels in that it is renewable, eco-friendly, and efficient. This article summarizes recent research in carbon utilization for H2 production and developing gene manipulation techniques to enhance the H2 production capabilities in thermophilic bacteria. It also reviews the current status, future directions and opportunities that thermophiles can offer to enable a cost-competitive and environmentally benign H2 production bioprocess.

ScienceIndex.com currently contains over 1.39 million stories distributed among 75 categories. 75,334 users monitor nearly 8,400 journals covering the broad spectrum of sciences. They share circa 2,500 new articles every day. Since new science content is discovered in real-time, the delay between original publication and appearance at ScienceIndex.com is no more than two days. ScienceIndex.com provides an advanced search feature which suggests up to ten closely related articles for a search and also for a selected story. Other features include a "Life Traffic Feed", a "Top Content" sidebar, Google Translate functionality, and RSS feeds for every category. ScienceIndex.com also maintains the new Twitter account @ScienceIndex_.

George Maine ScienceIndex.com +49-180-35518-59433 Email Information

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New Materials and Organic Chemistry Resources Published at ScienceIndex.com

Biotechnology Companies Will Increase R&D Outsourcing and Shift It Overseas, Finds Booz & Company Study

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire -03/07/12)- As biopharmaceutical companies look to cut costs and improve speed-to-market, more of them plan to outsource R&D and clinical trials and shift this work overseas to places such as China and India, finds a survey released today by global consulting firm Booz & Company.

This study confirms that outsourcing will become an increasingly important part of the competitive landscape and provides key insights into why and how the outsourcing process will radically evolve in the next two to three years. For example, many biopharmaceutical companies will begin outsourcing formerly core activities such as clinical trial monitoring and protocol development to contract research organizations (CROs). This shift will be driven by new service offerings in real-time data processing and virtual platforms that allow people around the world to securely access clinical data in real time. Outsourcing more of these critical activities along the entire R&D spectrum will transform the nature of outsourcing relationships.

"There is a sea change happening in the biopharmaceutical industry," says Matthew Le Merle, a partner at Booz & Company. "Companies first started to outsource to CROs to get R&D done faster and cheaper. However, this study clearly signals that biotech executives are now looking for more -- more value, more expertise, and more innovation. This means we will see outsourcing relationships evolve from transactional to strategic, which will require new capabilities on both sides."

In mid-2011, Booz & Company partnered with BayBio to conduct a survey and interviews with 32 executives in biopharmaceutical companies. BayBio is Northern California's bioscience association, representing more than 450 companies.

Key findings of the study, called Outsourcing in Life Sciences: A Survey of BayBio Members, include:

"The survey results clearly show that outsourcing is here to stay," says Charley Beever, a partner at Booz & Company. "The key question that biopharma companies must address is which capabilities to outsource and which to maintain in-house. Making strategic, coherent decisions about what work is outsourced and why, and how CRO relationships are structured and managed, will help companies build a winning business model that adds value, innovation, and competitive advantage."

To see a full copy of the study, visit: http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-BayBio-Outsourcing-Life-Sciences.pdf

About Booz & CompanyBooz & Company is a leading global consulting firm, helping the world's top businesses, governments, and organizations. With more than 3,300 people in 60 offices around the world, we bring foresight and knowledge, deep functional expertise, and a practical approach to building capabilities and delivering real impact. We work closely with our clients to create and deliver essential advantage. Visit booz.com to learn more.

About BayBioBayBio is Northern California's life science association (www.baybio.org). We support the regional bioscience community through advocacy, enterprise support, and enhancement of research collaboration. We maintain Northern California's leadership in life science innovation by supporting entrepreneurship, science education, and life science career development through the BayBio Institute. Our members include organizations engaged in, or supportive of, research, development, and commercialization of life science technologies. With the support of more than 450 member organizations, BayBio brings the world's greatest life science community to your fingertips.

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Biotechnology Companies Will Increase R&D Outsourcing and Shift It Overseas, Finds Booz & Company Study

Anatomy of a thriller in Davidson's double OT win

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ASHEVILLE -- Davidson's 93-91 double-overtime victory Monday against Western Carolina for the Southern Conference basketball tournament championship will go down as one of the most compelling games in league history.

Here's a closer look at the final minutes of regulation and the two overtimes:

Regulation

2:47: Forward Jake Cohen hits a jumper that gives the Wildcats a 74-61 lead, their biggest of the game. Davidson has rallied from a 12-point deficit in the first half - a 25-point swing. "For us to have come back from that far back was remarkable," Cohen would say later.

2:00: The Wildcats make it to the 2-minute mark with a double-digit lead, although Western Carolina's Tawaski King hits two free throws to cut it to 76-66.

1:14: After Davidson's JP Kuhlman, misses a 3-pointer, the Catamounts' James Sinclair quickly hits a 3-pointer and it is 76-69. The crowd of 6,049 - about two-thirds pro-Western - has come to life.

40 seconds: Western gets the ball back after Kuhlman misses a free throw. Trey Sumler makes a 3-pointer, making it 76-72. Catamounts coach Larry Hunter calls timeout.

20 seconds: Western's Harouna Mutombo steals the ball from Cohen and gets it to Sumler. He hits another 3-pointer, cutting the lead to 76-75.

19 seconds: Cole immediately fouls Davidson's Nik Cochran, who gives the Wildcats their first points in two minutes by making both free throws. Wildcats lead 78-75.

11 seconds: Cochran can't get out of the way of Cole and fouls him as Cole launches a shot from the corner. It misses, but there is a question about whether it was a 2- or 3-pointer. Referee Ted Valentine indicates it was a 3. Cole makes all three free throws and it's tied 78-78.

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Anatomy of a thriller in Davidson's double OT win

Nuvilex Forecasts Vast Partnership Opportunities Using Breakthrough Stem Cell Technology

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SILVER SPRING, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX), an emerging biotechnology provider of cell and gene therapy solutions, today pointed out the potential for substantial partnership and licensing opportunities using the companys cell encapsulation technology for applications in stem cell research and medicine. Migration of implanted cells away from the target site and host rejection have been recognized as fundamental challenges faced by the stem cell community regarding their use in therapy, which the companys technology overcomes.

The technology being acquired from associate SG Austria is used to place live stem cells into strong, flexible and permeable capsules. These capsules can then be implanted into animals or humans for specific therapies. Stem cells can then exist at the desired location inside the capsules, prevented from migrating and protected from the immune system that aims to eliminate such foreign cells from the body.

Stem cell therapy is being used by clinicians throughout the world for treating such diverse diseases as spinal cord injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, burns, glioma, multiple myeloma, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy, and age-related macular degeneration, among others, most of which can be found at ClinicalTrials.gov.

Historically, researchers have faced numerous difficulties in succeeding with certain stem cell treatments, because of the problems associated with keeping stem cells alive for significant periods of time, stopping rejection and destruction by the recipients immune system, and keeping stem cells from migrating away from the desired sites. Cells encapsulated in SG Austrias porous beads have been shown to remain alive for long periods of time in humans, surviving intact for at least two years. Once encapsulated, cells are protected from the bodys immune system. Furthermore, encapsulated cells remain within the beads and are unable to migrate to other sites in the body.

In the February 29, 2012 research report, Goldman Small Cap Research stated, The Cell-in-a-Box approach could significantly advance the implementation and utilization of stem cells for a host of debilitating diseases and conditions, making it a uniquely valuable commodity. We believe that by partnering with leading players in the field, Nuvilex could find that companies with deep pockets would be happy to collaborate or license the delivery system and engage in further research which could result in meaningful development and licensing revenue.

Dr. Robert Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Nuvilex, discussed the value for licensing the companys stem cell therapy, adding, By overcoming traditional barriers to effective stem cell therapy, namely viability, migration, and host rejection, we believe these new advances in medical science utilizing stem cells and encapsulation will enable us to take quantum leaps forward now and in the future. As a result of challenges SG Austria has overcome, new advances will be surprisingly close at hand and are part of the driving force behind our desire to work with a number of companies in this endeavor. Our primary goal has been and remains to use our technology to bring life changing treatments to patients on an expedited basis.

About Nuvilex

Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX) is an emerging international biotechnology provider of clinically useful therapeutic live encapsulated cells and services for encapsulating live cells for the research and medical communities. Through our effort, all aspects of our corporate activities alone, and especially in concert with SG Austria, are rapidly moving toward completion, including closing our agreement. One of our planned offerings will include cancer treatments using the companys industry-leading live-cell encapsulation technology.

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Nuvilex Forecasts Vast Partnership Opportunities Using Breakthrough Stem Cell Technology

Olympic legacy will make kids scientists

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Olympic legacy will make kids scientists

1:00pm Tuesday 6th March 2012 in News By Wendy Brading

A SENIOR Essex University lecturer has been involved in a nationwide initiative to create an Olympic legacy.

Dr Valerie Gladwell, a senior lecturer in physiology, has been advising the Wellcome Trust on the In the Zone project.

It will see every school in the country receiving a free experiment kit to allow students to learn how their bodies work during exercise, movement and rest.

The 5million project aims to create an Olympic legacy of an interest in science and movement. The kits, which are now being distributed to schools, contain equipment and resources needed to carry out scientific experiments related to human physiology.

They will help pupils explore questions such as whether having longer legs helps you jump further and what happens inside a persons body and mind when they take part in sport.

Dr Gladwell, who is based in the universitys school of biological sciences, worked with the Wellcome Trust project team as a sports science expert, advising them on the experiments for secondary school students.

She features in the Ive Got The Power zone for 16 to 19-year-olds, which explores how the body is powered during exercise.

She also helped to create the projects live data zone, where pupils will go online to enter their data, which can then be used by pupils and scientists in research.

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UH, Methodist team up to prepare surgeons for the operating room

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Public release date: 6-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Lisa Merkl lkmerkl@uh.edu 713-743-8192 University of Houston

George Kovacik ggkovacik@tmhs.org 832-667-5844

HOUSTON, March 6, 2012 Measure twice and cut once is a well-known phrase among surgeons, but this is not always what happens. To better prepare new surgeons for the operating room, University of Houston (UH) computer scientists are working with medical researchers at the Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation and Education (MITIE) to improve existing training processes. At the core of their effort is understanding the role of stress on a surgeon's path to competency.

Ioannis Pavlidis, director of the Computational Physiology Laboratory at UH, Dr. Barbara Bass, chair of the department of surgery at The Methodist Hospital, and their colleagues describe their findings in a paper titled "Fast by Nature How Stress Patterns Define Human Experience and Performance in Dexterous Tasks." The article appears in Scientific Reports, the new open-access research publication from the Nature Publishing Group.

The group recently completed a three-year study funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) that measured the stress levels of physicians during surgical training. In addition to the $500,000 from NSF, the researchers received a $200,000 grant from the John F. and Carolyn Bookout Fund to supplement the study.

Pavlidis and his colleagues developed a non-contact method of measuring stress and the body's response to threats or challenges. This new thermal imaging method is capable of quantifying performance and physiological stress indicators by measuring facial perspiration, revealing how a person reacts to a threatening situation. This is called a sympathetic response. Pavlidis, Bass and their teams were able to monitor these sympathetic responses of 17 surgeons 10 experienced and 7 novices while engaged in laparoscopic surgical training over the course of several months.

Bass, an authority in surgical education and director of MITIE, had long recognized that surgeons in training exhibit stress as they learn to perform surgical procedures. The team hypothesized this stress could be measured using the thermal facial mapping technology developed by the Pavlidis research laboratory and set out to determine if facial thermal stress would correlate with surgical skill performance.

"We found that regardless of experience level, surgeons attempt to perform tasks at the same speed," Pavlidis said. "This is counterintuitive, because you would expect common sense to tell a novice to be more careful and slow down in an effort to reduce errors. This was not the case in our study. Instead, the novices attempted the tool transferring, cutting and suturing tasks as fast as the experienced surgeons, thereby making many more errors due to their lack of experience to accommodate such speed."

This led Pavlidis and his colleagues to question why this was the case, and they discovered that high stress levels in novices were the likely trigger of fast behavior. When presented with a challenging task, he said, the basic human instinct of survival mode kicked in precipitating action, even if the speed of that action was counterproductive for the desired result.

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UH, Methodist team up to prepare surgeons for the operating room

GenoVive Expands Scientific Advisory Board, Adds Prominent Experts in Nutrigenomics and Exercise Physiology

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NEW ORLEANS, LA--(Marketwire -03/06/12)- GenoVive, a pioneer in DNA-based, all-natural weight management solutions, today announced that Dr. Ruth DeBusk, PhD, RD, and Dr. Barbara E. Ainsworth, PhD, MPH, FACSM, FNAK, have joined the company's Scientific Advisory Board, advising on the integration of nutrition and exercise into the innovative and all-natural weight management program based on genetic science.

Dr. Ainsworth is a professor in the Exercise and Wellness Program within the School of Nutrition and Health Promotion at Arizona State University, and a fellow in the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Academy of Kinesiology, the Research Consortium of American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, and the North American Society of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Professionals. Dr. Ainsworth holds an honorary academic appointment at the Akershus University College in Oslo, Norway, has served as President for the ACSM and was a 2006 ACSM Citation Award recipient. Her ongoing research relates to physical activity and public health with a focus on the assessment of physical activity in populations. She has authored more than 250 publications and is the lead author for the Compendium of Physical Activities.

Dr. DeBusk is a geneticist and clinical dietician in practice in Tallahassee, Florida. Trained first as a food and nutrition professional and subsequently as a geneticist and molecular biologist, Dr. DeBusk has been a member of the genetics faculty at Florida State University for many years. Her research combines nutrition and genetics, focusing on genetic regulation of nutrient absorption in response to environmental signals. She has served on local, state, national and international committees and advisory boards related to nutrition, genetics and biotechnology, is an author of several books, including the American Dietetic Association's Genetics: The Nutrition Connection. Her many awards include the Florida Dietetic Association's 2009 Outstanding Dietician Award, and the 2007 Harold Harper Award for Science and Practice by the American College for the Advancement in Medicine.

Drs. Ainsworth and DeBusk join Scientific Advisory Board Chairman, Dr. Steven H. Zeisel, MD, PhD, and board members Dr. David Katz, MD, MPH, FACPM, FACP, and Dr. Daniel Pomp, MS, PhD.

"Dr. Ainsworth and Dr. DeBusk are both exceedingly respected in their fields for their deep expertise and practical experience, and their membership on the GenoVive Scientific Advisory Board is an outstanding addition to our team of leaders in the fields of genetics, nutrition and exercise physiology," said Vic Castellon, founder and CEO, GenoVive LLC. "As Americans continue to battle the overweight and obesity epidemic, GenoVive remains committed to the continued development of a long-term and comprehensive solution to weight management based on individual genetics and personalized nutrition and exercise through collaboration with our Scientific Advisory Board members," Castellon added.

The GenoVive Scientific Advisory Board was established to guide the company's research activities, seeking out the most innovative and promising research projects for continuing validation of the emerging field of nutrigenomics, which is the study of the effects of foods on gene expression and the role certain genes play in weight gain.

"Combining gene-informed diets and physical activity protocols to address weight management and metabolic health is the scientific foundation for personalized lifestyle medicine," said Dr. Ainsworth. "Not only does the application of nutrigenomics inform dietary choices, understanding individual differences in responsiveness to exercise protocols provide a roadmap for metabolic health and effective weight control."

"Our personal health continuum is influenced by our daily diet and lifestyle choices and those choices interact with our genes throughout our lifetime," said Dr. DeBusk. "Advances in understanding the role of genes in health and disease and that food is powerful information for our genes has made us keenly aware of the importance of knowing what's in our genetic makeup and being able to match our diet and lifestyle choices to our genetic potential."

About GenoVive LLC

Founded in 2008, GenoVive, a division of Genvis Bio Group, LLC, based in New Orleans, LA, represents a new approach to weight loss and sustained healthy eating. GenoVive's geneticists and food scientists developed customized, all-natural meal and exercise programs, featuring ideal combinations of macronutrients based on individual DNA. GenoVive is sold directly to the consumer at GenoVive.com and by phone with convenient home delivery. Follow GenoVive on Twitter @myGenovive, Facebook, and YouTube.

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GenoVive Expands Scientific Advisory Board, Adds Prominent Experts in Nutrigenomics and Exercise Physiology

Pathology jobs gone as service closes

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SOUTH West Pathology Services will close its Albury laboratory on Monday resulting in the loss of 14 jobs.

The Lavington collection centre will also close.

The publicly funded service which began 64 years ago has faced an uncertain future since the merger of the Albury and Wodonga hospitals in 2010.

South West serviced Albury Base Hospital until Albury Wodonga Health called for tenders for pathology services at both hospitals.

Private operator Dorevitch won the tender in October 2010.

That saw South West lose up to 70per cent of its business, said Albury-based service unit manager Eugene Butkowski, who has worked at the Smollett Street laboratory for nearly 40 years.

As you would expect it is not a pleasant time to be shutting a facility which has been a major part of a lot of peoples lives over the years, Mr Butkowski said.

The laboratory employed more than 30 staff in 2010 and last year those remaining at South West were offered redundancies or relocation opportunities.

All staff have accepted the latest redundancy packages with limited positions at present on offer at Dorevitch or the other local provider, Border Pathology.

Dorevitch recently advertised for a scientist, but has yet to fill the position.

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Pathology jobs gone as service closes

Practical Nutrition: For a healthier you, get your plate in shape

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By: MARY-JO SAWYER | Special Correspondent Published: March 07, 2012 Updated: March 07, 2012 - 12:00 AM

Is your plate in shape? The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) wants it to be so you'll be healthier. That's why it has based its National Nutrition Month theme on the USDA's new MyPlate plan.

Get your plate in shape by following the academy's four simple suggestions.

If you don't have veggies at each meal yet, try something simple, such as baby carrots or celery sticks, then move up to a salad. Cook some frozen veggies in the microwave, or steam fresh ones on the stove.

For easy fruits at lunch, include whole fresh fruits, such as apples, bananas, pears or oranges. For dinner, add grapes, berries or fruit cups. To save money, buy fresh produce in season, and check for sales.

Animal protein sources include beef, pork, poultry, fish and eggs. A healthful meat portion is 3 ounces, which is about the size of a deck of cards. If that's smaller than what you currently eat, cut back gradually, while increasing your produce portions.

Nonmeat sources of protein include peanut butter, soy products, dried beans and peas, and tofu. Try the Lentil Chili recipe, which marries meat and nonmeat protein sources. The lentils provide an excellent source of fiber, too.

Try a little stealth nutrition by using white wheat bread for sandwiches, or hiding the whole-grain pasta under the red spaghetti sauce. Or mix the white rice or pasta with their brown varieties, and gradually increase the ratio until you're eating the whole grains most of the time.

After the holidays, many people went to the gym to get in shape. Why not use March as a time to get your plate in shape? Start by making one new change at meals each day.

Lentil Chili

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Practical Nutrition: For a healthier you, get your plate in shape

Give your snack a national nutrition month makeover with pistachios

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Public release date: 6-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Kelly Plowe, M.S., R.D. kplowe@pistachiohealth.com 310-966-8316 Paramount Farms

March is National Nutrition Month and as the spotlight shines on all things healthy, celebrate with a mindful snack that loves you backCalifornia pistachios.

The theme of this year's "National Nutrition Month" is "Get your Plate in Shape." The annual campaign, created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association), highlights the importance of healthy meals as well as snacks.

With U.S. children and adults consuming food more frequently than they did 30 years ago, three meals a day is no longer the norm. Instead, snacks play a predominant role in the U.S. diet and there are now more opportunities than ever before to eat, so it is important what you choose packs a nutritional punch.

Once regarded as a high-fat food that health-conscious dieters should seek to avoid, nuts are now touted as nutritional powerhouses and are an ideal healthy snack. New research, supported by the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research and Education Foundation, adds to the growing number of studies that have consistently found that those who regularly consume nuts, like pistachios, tend to weigh less and have lower odds of developing certain chronic diseases.

Tree Nut Consumers May Have Lower Weight and Reduced Risk Factors for Certain Diseases

The study, recently published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, suggests that tree nut consumers are less likely to have certain risk factors associated with heart disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The researchers examined the diets of more than 13,000 adults participating in the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and found that tree nut consumption was associated with a lower prevalence rate of four risk factors for metabolic syndromeabdominal obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), low HDL-C (good cholesterol) and elevated fasting glucoseas well as a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome in general, as compared to non-nut consumers. Metabolic syndrome occurs when you have a cluster of conditions that together increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. In addition, tree nut consumers had higher levels of HDL-C and folate and lower levels of C-reactive protein and homocysteine, all of which are important indicators of heart health.

The researchers also discovered that, on average, tree nut consumers had significantly lower weight, waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) compared to non-tree nut consumers. The average weight, BMI and waist circumference of tree-nut consumers were about 4 pounds, 1 kg/m2, and an inch lower, respectively, than non-consumers.

"We found that in addition to lower body weight, tree nut consumers also had a 22 percent lower risk of becoming overweight or obese and 17 percent lower risk of developing abdominal obesity than non-tree nut consumers," stated Carol O'Neil, PhD, MPH, RD, lead author of the study and Professor at Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. This data confirms similar results found by researchers at Harvard University in 2011 which found that consumption of nuts was inversely associated with weight gain.

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Give your snack a national nutrition month makeover with pistachios

Research and Markets: Discover the World of Microbes: Bacteria, Archaea, and Viruses

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/154bc3/discover_the_world) has announced the addition of John Wiley and Sons Ltd's new book "Discover the World of Microbes: Bacteria, Archaea, and Viruses" to their offering.

This title is an essential primer for all students who need some background in microbiology and want to become familiar with the universal importance of bacteria for all forms of life.

Written by Gerhard Gottschalk, Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and one of the most prominent microbiologists in our time, this text covers the topic in its whole breadth and does not only focus on bacteria as pathogens.

The book is written in an easy-to-read, entertaining style but each chapter also contains a `facts' section with compact text and diagrams for easy learning. In addition, more than 40 famous scientists, including several Nobel Prize winners, contributed sections, written specifically for this title. The book comes with color figures and a companion website with questions and answers.

Key Features:

Author:

Gerhard Gottschalk studied Chemistry at the Humboldt-University in Berlin. He finished his Ph.D. in Gottingen in 1963 and worked as a Post-Doc from 1964 - 1966 at the Department of Biochemistry at University of California, Berkeley (USA). He became full professor for microbiology in Gottingen in 1970, where he worked until 2003. He was visting professor in UC Davis in 1973 und UC Berkeley in 1979, and was head of the laboratory for Genome analysis at the Institute for Microbiology and Genetics in Gottingen from 1999 to 2007.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/154bc3/discover_the_world

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Research and Markets: Discover the World of Microbes: Bacteria, Archaea, and Viruses

There's no secret formula to Sun City's centenarians' longevity

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A healthy diet and getting enough rest is good advice for people of all ages. For two Sun City residents who are beginning their second century of living, they're just part of what keeps them ticking.

Amelia Krapfs Williams and Hazel Burger also include playing the piano, taking tennis and tap dance lessons, working puzzles, painting, dancing and reading.

Williams lives with her daughter and son-in-law, Janet and John Garnjost. She will be 101 in September.

"I don't feel 100," Williams said. "I don't act it."

The former Latin andGerman language teacher said her mother taught her to do all things in moderation.

"I think I'm still going because of my diet, keeping active, enjoying life. I did play tennis. I would say that's pretty good," she said. She enjoys fruit and milk. "I like variety. I like my sweets."

The daughter of a Lutheran minister who moved his family to serve at different churches, Williams enjoyed living by the seashore when they lived inAtlantic City. By the time she was in high school, the family had moved to Pittston,Pa., not far from Hershey where she was born.

That neighbor boy

The one thing that stood out in her memory was being able to see the home of a neighbor boy outside her back door across the cemetery. Soon they began dating.

"My mother didn't like that so much,"Williams said with a twinkle. "He worked at the Vulcan IronWorks. My mother sent me off to Susquehanna College to become a teacher."

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There's no secret formula to Sun City's centenarians' longevity

Minus Branden Dawson, Michigan State's NCAA tournament longevity in doubt

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EAST LANSING Tom Izzo said so himself this week: "The one thing about the NCAAs, it's all about matchups."

Through the span of six Final Four runs at Michigan State, perhaps no coach in college basketball has utilized this understanding more effectively.

If there's a seventh such NCAA tournament run this month, it'll be done without the Spartans' primary athletic mismatch.

When freshman Branden Dawson tore the ACL in his left knee midway through the first half against Ohio State on Sunday, it cost the Spartans the game from the 15-point lead that dissipated, to the Buckeyes' final shot, which was taken by the player Dawson would have been defending.

The same could be argued for when Dawson tweaked his other knee slipping on the midcourt logo on the USS Carl Vinson in the season opener against North Carolina.

Two games bookending the regular season, both against elite competition, both beginning with a confident and healthy Dawson and either ending without him or without him trusting his legs.

In both cases, Michigan State looked like the better team and the scoreboard read like it until Dawson went down.

Matchups are the reason the Spartans outscored Ohio State by 25 points through the 50 minutes this season with a healthy Dawson.

The Buckeyes' three usual offensive mismatches center Jared Sullinger, 4-man Deshaun Thomas and wing William Buford found themselves with no real advantage at all.

Michigan State centers Adreian Payne and Derrick Nix bothered Sullinger with either length or the pounds to push him off the block. All-American Draymond Green abused Thomas, especially in the first meeting.

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Minus Branden Dawson, Michigan State's NCAA tournament longevity in doubt

Home Care Assistance Launches ElderAdult.com

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ElderAdult.com provides aging adults and anyone interested in healthy longevity with practical advice about living a longer and more productive life.

Palo Alto, CA (PRWEB) March 06, 2012

Happy to 102, authored by Drs. Kathy and Jim Johnson and Lily Sarafan, is a unique publication that approaches the question of aging from both a scientific and a psychological approach. Drawing heavily from the results of the well-established Okinawa Centenarian Study, which examines the lifestyle factors that contribute to an exceptionally long lifespan for seniors in Okinawa, Japan, the book addresses the lifestyle and personal factors that contribute to longevity and quality of life. In addition to the scientific backdrop of the Okinawa study, the book also draws heavily from the authors decades of experience in psychology and senior wellness. Their experience with seniors has helped them to frame aging in a psychological and mental wellness lens, in addition to the physical factors that contribute to a long and healthy life. From active minds to fulfilling social lives, Drs. Johnson and Ms. Sarafan look beyond the physical needs of older adults; the result is an engaging and highly informative collection of practical lifestyle advice to promote healthy longevity.

ElderAdult.com is one of many educational initiatives we are developing to inspire aging adults to be active partners in their health, said Kathryn Zakskorn, Public Relations and Marketing Manager of Home Care Assistance. We are excited to provide seniors and their loved ones with resources on a variety of topics that we know to be of interest to them, including aging in place, healthy longevity and senior care options.

Home Care Assistance has positioned itself as a leader among in-home agencies in advocating for a positive, balanced approach to aging centered on the evolving needs of older adults. The suite of educational materials that Home Care Assistance is developing are aimed at both seniors and their loved ones. The overarching goal of all the publications and resources is to provide the community with information and resources to support their needs as families begin to deal with the challenges of aging.

Our mission at Home Care Assistance is to change the way the world ages, said Shadi Gholizadeh, Business Operations Manager of Home Care Assistance. We recognize the specific challenges that aging can present to families that become increasingly responsible for the wellness of their senior loved ones. We hope that by providing educational resources on the types of issues most pertinent to aging adults and their loved ones, we can help families make better care decisions and inspire older adults to be active partners in embracing healthy lifestyles that promote healthy longevity.

For more information about Home Care Assistance please visit http://www.homecareassistance.com or call 1-866-454-8346.

ABOUT HOME CARE ASSISTANCE

Home Care Assistance is the leading provider of home care for seniors across the United States and Canada. Our mission is to change the way the world ages. We provide older adults with quality care that enables them to live happier, healthier lives at home. Our services are distinguished by the caliber of our caregivers, the responsiveness of our staff and our expertise in Live-In care. We embrace a positive, balanced approach to aging centered on the evolving needs of older adults. A 2012 Franchise500 Company, Home Care Assistance has received numerous industry awards including Entrepreneurs Fastest-Growing Franchises and Franchise Business Reviews Top 50. For more information about Home Care Assistance, our services and franchise opportunities, visit homecareassistance.com or franchise.homecareassistance.com.

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Home Care Assistance Launches ElderAdult.com

APP OF THE DAY: Trend Micro Longevity

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Trend Micro Longevity Cost: Free | Developer: Trend Micro | Platform: Android | Version 1.0 | 4.4 MB | 2.2+

Trend Micro has released a beta version of the Trend Micro Longevity for Android app that leverages the Cloud to warn you when a newly downloaded app is threatening to drain the battery.

It makes it easy to recognise when the battery is being overused, and enables you to set up the device to protect against it.

Longevity allows you to identify and stop high power consuming apps and tasks, with three key functions.

The Just-a-Phone mode enables you to turn off the majority of battery draining functions and run the device as a phone only extending the battery life by several hours.

The Fast Drain alert function warns you when the phone has started to consume battery faster than normal, providing you with the opportunity to take immediate action by disabling these apps or changing the settings.

The Power Hog App alert mode uses Cloud intelligence to alert you when a new app you just downloaded consumes a great deal of battery power or negatively impacts the battery life of the smartphone.

It is only available on beta for a limited period.

This app was reviewed on a Samsung Galaxy S II. Pros: It has a good user interface that even provides you with the time remaining for battery life.

Cons: Everytime you update an app, it gives you all kinds of notifications which you have to delete one by one. Function can be disabled, but applies to all notifications not for updates only. Verdict: Extends your battery life with a detailed review of the apps that consume the most power. Get it here: Got a favourite app? Email our appmeister, Patrick Budmar, your review or the name of the app you would like to see reviewed.

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APP OF THE DAY: Trend Micro Longevity