Daily Archives: September 4, 2013

Whole genome sequencing provides researchers with a better understanding of bovine TB outbreaks

Posted: September 4, 2013 at 12:47 pm

Public release date: 3-Sep-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Benjamin Thompson b.thompson@sgm.ac.uk 44-758-468-9611 Society for General Microbiology

The use of whole bacterial genome sequencing will allow scientists to inexpensively track how bovine tuberculosis (TB) is transmitted from farm to farm, according to research presented this week at the Society of General Microbiology Autumn Conference.

Bovine TB is primarily a disease of cattle, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis. The disease is hugely expensive, costing the Government over 91 million in England in 2010/11.

Researchers from the University of Glasgow, working in collaboration with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Northern Ireland, sequenced the genomes of 147 M. bovis samples, collected over a decade of outbreaks in Northern Ireland. By combining the genomic sequences of the bacteria with information about when and where the sample was isolated, in addition to data on the movement of cattle from farm to farm, the researchers were able to build a detailed forensic map of bovine TB spread.

The results showed that, even on a scale of few kilometres, M. bovis samples from neighbouring farms were more closely genetically related than geographically distant farms that had had cattle moved between them. This finding confirms that, while long distance spread via cattle movements plays a role, local transmission mechanisms appear to drive the spread of the disease, although the researchers are unable to determine what these are at the present time.

Hannah Trewby, who is presenting this work says, "The inclusion of whole genome information in our data will give us unprecedented insight into how bovine TB spreads, and will help us to develop better control methods for the disease."

The role of infected wild badgers in spreading bovine TB remains controversial. This work will help to clarify the role that badgers may have in spreading the disease and continue to build a sound scientific evidence base on which control measures can be built.

Professor Rowland Kao, the Principle Investigator of the project, explains, "Our results suggests that the establishment and local persistence of the pathogen in cattle has a distinct spatial signature -- we believe that explaining this signature is the key to quantifying the role that badgers play in the persistence of bovine TB in Britain and Ireland. While we do not yet have sufficient data to be definitive, it is clear that whole genome sequencing of the bacterium will play an important part in solving this puzzle. Given the extensive collection of samples already collected from cattle and badgers, we are optimistic that this approach will help accumulating the right scientific evidence over the coming years to tackle this important problem."

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First study to investigate the human genome in multiple sclerosis

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Public release date: 4-Sep-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Kay Branz kbranz@benaroyaresearch.org 206-342-6903 Immune Tolerance Network

SeattleSep. 4, 2013

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI) a $1.9 million grant to find marks in the human genome which can explain why some white blood cells cause damage to the spinal cord and brain in multiple sclerosis (MS). This is the first study to look for molecular changes in the genome of specific immune cells responsible for the devastation caused by MS. The broad-based study will determine the function of these cells, how they are generated and how they can be regulated in system models of MS and in humans.

"We want to understand the factors that make these cells target the spinal cord and brain to cause disease," says Estelle Bettelli, PhD, BRI Assistant Member and co-principal investigator of the study. Dr. Bettelli and other scientists have identified different types of T cells which they believe are potent inducers of MS and other autoimmune diseases. She has also developed system models to study different forms of multiple sclerosis.

"With Dr. Bettelli's research advances and with the new technological innovations in genome research, we can look at specific marks present in the genome of these cells and understand how they are generated and how they can be controlled," says co-principal investigator Steven Ziegler, PhD, Director of the BRI Immunology Research Program. Dr. Ziegler has used whole genome studies to investigate these cell types in healthy individuals. "We can then see how the genomic marks affect the cells in model systems of MS and how they operate in humans cells with and without the disease. We can also see how these cells behave once the patient receives treatment and if various treatments make the cells act differently."

"It is important to know how and when these cells are formed in the body to determine how to inhibit their harmful function," says Dr. Bettelli. "It is becoming clear that MS is not a unique disease entity but can present itself in different clinical forms and variants. Several factors, including the cell types involved, are believed to dictate the clinical progression of MS. The understanding of how and which cell populations of the immune system participate in the autoimmune attack is very important for determining current treatments and designing new therapeutics tailored to the different forms of MS. We hope to find ways to significantly inhibit these dangerous cells with new targeted medicines with fewer side effects.

"This work highlights a key mechanism for understanding and modifying the immune cells that cause autoimmune diseases like MS," says BRI Director Gerald Nepom, MD, PhD. "It is an exciting example of the power of merging new genomic technologies with state-of-the-art immunology research to address a major clinical need."

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Other scientists collaborating in this effort are Jane Buckner, MD, BRI Associate Director, Damien Chaussabel, PhD, BRI Director of Systems Immunology, Mariko Kita, MD, BRI Affiliate Investigator and Director of the Virginia Mason Multiple Sclerosis Center, and John Stamatoyannopoulos, MD, Associate Professor of Genome Sciences and Medicine, University of Washington.

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First study to investigate the human genome in multiple sclerosis

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My Sister Reviews Skin/Scalp Products for Eczema/Dermatitis + others – Video

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My Sister Reviews Skin/Scalp Products for Eczema/Dermatitis + others
Hi, Everyone, My sister Michelle wanted to do this video of all the toiletries she #39;s used up and her thoughts on them. Thanks for watching! Like, Comment, ...

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Rain Soul Testimonial 10 Eczema – Video

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Rain Soul Testimonial 10 Eczema

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Eczema and Halite! (Himalayan rock salt) – Video

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Eczema and Halite! (Himalayan rock salt)
A bit about how I think this has cured eczema, and may help yours too!

By: Victoria Melia

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Swimming During Pregnancy Could Increase Child's Asthma, Eczema Risk

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September 2, 2013

redOrbit Staff & Wire Reports Your Universe Online

Expectant mothers who swim during pregnancy could increase the chance their child will develop asthma or eczema later in life, according to research appearing in the British Journal of Dermatology.

According to the researchers, airborne chemicals from chlorine (which is used to keep pools clean) could alter the immune system of an unborn child, increasing his or her risk of developing those conditions, Rebecca Seales of the Daily Mail reported on Sunday.

The same is true for some cleaning products and cosmetics, scientists from the St. Johns Institute of Dermatology in London and the University of Manchester warn in their study. Their research sought to investigate potential causes of a fivefold increase in asthma, eczema and hay fever cases in the UK over the past five years.

The increase has already been linked to a number of factors including the fact that people wash themselves more often, so have lower resistance, and have less exposure than before to vitamin D, noted Claire Duffin of The Telegraph.

However, the study authors reviewed existing evidence and the results of previous tests and have concluded that exposure to certain airborne chemicals during pregnancy and in early life may play a contributory role in influencing susceptibility to atopic allergy, she added.

Dr. John McFadden, consultant dermatologist at St Johns Institute of Dermatology, told The Telegraph additional research into the potential link between the chemicals and the increase in disease risk should be analyzed. He said the scientific community was still searching for the exact cause, and that he and his colleagues have developed another potential source, and people are using far more chemicals than they did five decades ago.

Research has found that people with atopic allergies tend to have an immune system in which the element which fights parasites is more dominant than that which combats bacteria, Duffin said. During a womans pregnancy, her immune system skews the same way to protect against miscarriage and premature labor. It means her babys immune system is also biased when it is born.

Normally, the babys immune system would rebalance within a year. However, the scientists believe that environmental factors, such as airborne chemicals, may result in a permanent skewing of the immune system, which then leaves children predisposed to allergies, she added. Currently, health experts encourage pregnant women to maintain their health by doing low-intensity exercise such as swimming, added Seales.

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Probiotic Action, a Probiotics for Eczema Pioneer Shares New Insight On Eczema Triggers and How to Treat Them

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Miami, FL (PRWEB) September 02, 2013

A recent article posted on the Dailymail.com in the UK shared information surrounding the connection between common personal care items, and eczema. As the article states, recent reports of allergic reactions, lung illnesses, and eczema have been associated with the use of spray deodorant, and other aerosol items. While the associated effects of aerosol sprays have been known to cause coughing and sneezing, sources are now claiming the use of aerosol propellants is largely associated with eczema breakouts in men, and women. As a leader in eczema awareness and education Probiotic Action shares the new industry insight on eczema triggers and how to treat them.

Most studies have proven that eczema is often a reaction from external catalysts, similar to allergies, causing the skin to react in breakouts. Although many individuals have not classified the entirety of their triggers, common reactors are perfume, soaps, clothing materials, and even food. Aside from items that may come in direct contact with skin, certain sprays, containing aerosol propellant chemicals are now being classified as a breakout catalyst. For those who have experienced allergic reactions to common beauty items, industry experts are suggesting that users look more closely into the ingredients of their care items. Items containing alcohols, aluminums, and perfumes have been known to dehydrate the skin, making it more susceptible to a reaction. While some look to topical ointments to reduce the after breakout effects, recent findings are claiming the use of probiotics may aide in the reduction of skin irritation from allergens, or irritants as they are known to reduce inflammation in certain body systems.

When asked about the recent development of using probiotics for eczema, Fernando Perez, a spokesman for Probiotic Action added his advice, Rather than trying to react to breakouts, those with eczema should do further research into what is causing their breakouts. While studies are still being conducted, many are finding that using probiotics on a regular basis may help reduce inflammation, and allergic reactions on the skin. For those with eczema, using a product that reduces redness, inflammation, and promotes healthy bacteria on the skin should be considered as a treatment option.

For more information on using probiotics for eczema, psoriasis, acne, and other skin conditions, visit ProbioticAction.com and like them on Facebook for reviews and product updates.

Probiotic Action is an advanced acne treatment that uses Probiotics for acne containing the good bacteria that is naturally found on healthy human skin. By using probiotics, Probiotic Action is an effective treatment that restores the normal bacteria content on skin, while battling what causes acne. Probiotic Action will successfully clear skin when used as an adult acne treatment while protecting skin against bad bacteria, free radicals, and pollutants.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Probiotic Action is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Probiotic Action, a Probiotics for Eczema Pioneer Shares New Insight On Eczema Triggers and How to Treat Them

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Research and Markets: Eczema – Pipeline Review, H2 2013

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/8m599v/eczema_pipeline) has announced the addition of the "Eczema - Pipeline Review, H2 2013" report to their offering.

'Eczema - Pipeline Review, H2 2013', provides an overview of the indication's therapeutic pipeline. This report provides information on the therapeutic development for Eczema, complete with latest updates, and special features on late-stage and discontinued projects. It also reviews key players involved in the therapeutic development for Eczema.

Scope

- A snapshot of the global therapeutic scenario for Eczema.

- A review of the Eczema products under development by companies and universities/research institutes based on information derived from company and industry-specific sources.

- Coverage of products based on various stages of development ranging from discovery till registration stages.

- A feature on pipeline projects on the basis of monotherapy and combined therapeutics.

- Coverage of the Eczema pipeline on the basis of route of administration and molecule type.

- Key discontinued pipeline projects.

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Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis – Video

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Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis
Browse Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis on Video MD. See more from Arthritis.

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How To Cure Psoriasis – Discover The Latest Best Cure For Psoriasis Revealed – Video

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How To Cure Psoriasis - Discover The Latest Best Cure For Psoriasis Revealed
http://go1.in/curepsoriasis how to cure psoriasis first understand that psoriasis is a function of the body being unable to healthily reproduce skin cells it...

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How To Cure Psoriasis - Discover The Latest Best Cure For Psoriasis Revealed - Video

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